from the celebrity “ worship artists ” and mega churches . That may work for them in their context . But their context is not our context . If we try to reproduce their sound , we are likely to drown our congregation ’ s “ voice ”.
To warmly invite the participation of your congregation , the list of required sonic elements from the accompaniment is actually quite short and relatively simple to produce : 1 ) Clear delivery of the vocal melody of the song ( I suggest , in both male and female registers ) for the congregation to follow . 2 ) A simple , unmistakable , solid presentation of the beat for the song . 3 ) The chord that supports the melody - especially the lowest note of that chord .
This is why an acoustic guitar or a piano ( in the right hands ) with a couple of singers can deliver all that ’ s required .
Sure , it ’ s nice to have more . When musically and thoughtfully arranged , other instruments and vocal harmonies can add a lot of interest and color to our overall sound and open up more possibilities for rises and falls in dynamics . But overuse - or misuse - of those other elements can quickly and easily overcrowd the midrange of the sound that should be left uncluttered for the “ voice ” of the congregation .
Here ’ s another Pub Choir example - “ Running Up That Hill ” that was originally a big hit for Kate Bush . This time Pub Choir uses a slightly larger ensemble - acoustic guitar , string quartet and electronic drum pads playing simple , repetitive rhythms - but still never overcrowding the choir .
I was recently one of about 500 people attending a two-day ” Worship Conference ”. The team engaged to lead sung worship was musically of a very high standard . On the first evening , they came out with all guns blazing . Drums , bass , electric guitar , acoustic guitar , two keyboards , backing tracks and five vocalists with almost constant use of vocal harmony . Big songs ! Big sound ! Low level of congregational participation .
The next morning , they went for more of an “ unplugged ” vibe . No drum kit . Just a cajon with some other light percussion . One acoustic
guitar , gentle keyboard , and simple bass . Fewer singers using harmony vocals less often . Significant increase in congregational participation .
The “ A / B ” comparison was unmistakable .
Less is ( almost always ) more .
Grant Norsworthy founder of MoreThanMusicMentor . com