VOCALS
TO RIFF OR NOT TO RIFF : VOCAL ORNAMENTATION IN WORSHIP MUSIC | Renée Maranan
Worship music covers a wide array of musical styles , reflecting the many cultures represented in congregations all over the world . Because of this , there is no single stylization standard that singers can apply to all genres of worship music . While some stylization elements are fairly straightforward and almost built into the music itself , others can be up for debate . One example of this is vocal ornamentation , more commonly known as riffs and runs .
WHAT IS ORNAMENTATION ? In music , ornamentation refers to a series of notes that are typically sung quickly and are strategically added to emphasize or embellish a word or phrase , sometimes even acting as a main feature within a song . Ornamentation is used in a lot of Western classical music , but the riffs and runs we hear in pop music have roots in blues and gospel , trickling down to R & B , soul , and many other genres of contemporary commercial music . Riffs are typically shorter and serve to embellish a single word or syllable , while runs tend to be lengthier and are generally meant to be a main feature .
WHY DO WE USE RIFFS AND RUNS ? There is a cultural component to the use of riffs and runs . In gospel music , for example , riffs and runs aren ’ t just an expression of style , but also of culture and history . It is a way of honoring and representing traditions of prayer , worship , and community that have been in existence for generations .
Riffs and runs are also tools for adding emotion and beauty . They can express power , joy , and energy ; longing , sorrow , or proclamation . Singers can use ornamentation to give listeners a sense of dimension or texture , suspense or tension , wholeness or completion .
Here ’ s another simple reason why singers use riffs and runs : they ’ re impressive and fun ! They showcase musicality , precision , agility , and power . And when audiences hear a singer performing them with ease , it ’ s hard not to be in awe .
SHOULD WORSHIP SINGERS USE RIFFS AND RUNS ? Here are some questions that singers can think about when considering whether or not to use ornamentation when singing for worship .
What is the culture and worship tradition in your congregation ? If you belong to a church that traditionally uses music that features riffs and runs , it ’ s probably safe to continue doing so . But if you serve a community where vocal ornamentation is rarely used , or where the songs typically sung during worship don ’ t lend themselves to ornamentation , it might be wise to reflect , pray , and consult with leadership prior to making any changes to your singing style , to ensure that your vocal performance choices best serve your ministry .
How equipped are you to successfully perform the riffs and runs that you have in mind ? Most of us just want to offer our best when singing for worship . But sometimes , our ambitions might exceed our abilities , in which case the attempt might actually become more of a distraction rather than an addition to worship . If you are considering using riffs and runs in worship music but you ’ re still building your vocal abilities , start small . Allow your expression to grow with your skills .
How well does vocal ornamentation fit in with the musical style of your team as a whole ? If you are singing as part of a team , it ’ s important to make choices that support the team as a whole . How well do your extended runs blend in with the instrumentation ? How would riffs impact your fellow vocalists as they sing their own parts ?
What is the goal of this specific song , worship set , or service , and how does vocal ornamentation support that goal ? These are services or events that are more performative in nature , and these might be perfect opportunities to try more elaborate vocal choices . There might also be some songs that require a heightened level of energy and intensity , wherein powerful runs can take worship to the next level . But some songs are meant purely for participation and engagement , where the goal is to empower and uplift the praise of the congregation as a whole . In any case , worship singers would do well to understand the goal of each vocal task , and to discern the value of ornamentation in pursuit of that goal .
IT ’ S NOT JUST ABOUT BEING A GOOD SINGER – IT ’ S ABOUT BEING A GOOD SERVANT Riffs and runs are some of the best ways to display our vocal skills . But singing for worship is about so much more than being a good singer . It ’ s about being a good servant – surrendering ourselves to the work of glorifying God and empowering our church communities to give praise .
Got a singing question ? Send an email to hello @ reneemaranan . com with “ WM Vocals Question ” in the subject line !
Renée Maranan Renee Maranan is a vocal instructor , voice teacher trainer , and life coach , with over 20 years of experience working with singers , vocal instructors , and performers from all over the world . For more vocal help , go to ... www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
24 August 2024 Subscribe for Free ...