YOUTH WORSHIP TEAM
WHAT ABOUT THAT SOLO ? | Vance & Michelle Shepherd
We were recently at a large worship conference where the headliner worship artist flew in by himself and opted to utilize one of the bands that was already there leading worship for the event . At one point in the worship set , at the high point of the song , the worship artist stepped back from the mic and nodded to the guitar player ( you know , the nod that means “ dude , take a solo , have fun , worship !”). The guitar player looked like a deer in headlights and didn ’ t know what to do . The worship leader then gave him another bigger nod of the head ( thinking that he didn ’ t see the cue ), and then … it was even more awkward . It was obvious that the guitarist did not know how to improvise a solo , or how to freely express himself on his instrument .
statement . Solos on guitars , keyboards , etc were like singing , and created intense emotion that would move people . And for worship instrumentalists that don ’ t sing , soloing can be a form of expressing their individual worship to God . Their instrument is their voice , so to speak , as it was for David .
When I witnessed the situation between the worship artist and the guitarist , I vowed to myself that I would continue to teach all of my students how to solo on their instruments , so they can have freedom of expression in worship . And when the worship leader someday gives them the “ nod ”, they will be ready , willing and able to express themselves for God ’ s glory .
As musicians , one of our favorite scripture passages is 1 Samuel 16:14-23 , which reads : 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul , and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him . 15 Saul ’ s attendants said to him , “ See , an evil spirit from God is tormenting you . 16 Let our LORD command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre . He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you , and you will feel better .” 17 So Saul said to his attendants , “ Find someone who plays well and bring him to me .” 18 One of the servants answered , “ I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre . He is a brave man and a warrior . He speaks well and is a fine-looking man . And the LORD is with him .” 19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said , “ Send me your son David , who is with the sheep .” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread , a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul . 21 David came to Saul and entered his service . Saul liked him very much , and David became one of his armorbearers . 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse , saying , “ Allow David to remain in my service , for I am pleased with him .” 23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul , David would take up his lyre and play . Then relief would come to Saul ; he would feel better , and the evil spirit would leave him .
Isn ’ t it interesting that Saul didn ’ t ask for a singer ? He asked for a skilled musician , someone who could play well , and it was through an instrumentalist the evil spirit was cast out . I rarely see worship services where the musicians get a chance to express their hearts of worship musically in a solo . Now as far as music goes , we grew up on Deep Purple , Kansas , Journey , Boston , etc ., and for the most part the songs made a melodic musical
If you ’ re a youth leader or music teacher , try giving your students this exercise while practicing this week for Sunday ’ s service : While playing along with the songs , have them pick out the vocal melodies by ear with their instrument . This will give them many ideas for note choices , phrasing , etc . Show them the 5 notes in the pentatonic scale , and how to find those 5 notes in each key . Once they know the notes , have them try doing an answer call ( a repeat ), after the singer sings a line . It ’ s a very cool effect . This will really open their minds to soloing and will be an amazing and effective training practice tool for developing melodic solos . Then they will be able to spontaneously express their own hearts of worship on your worship team .
May you be blessed as you pour into or become the next generation of worship leaders and musicians !
Vance & Michelle Shepherd Founders of The Shepherd School of Music in Las Vegas , NV , where they work with youth to raise up the next generation of worship leaders and musicians . facebook . com / shepherdschoolofmusiclasvegas www . ShepherdStudiosLV . com