as saying “ Let ’ s stand and sing together ”. Or I might say a little more if I feel like it ’ ll help . I might give the same message but in different ways several times throughout the service . In any case , the congregation should not be left guessing . Sound too obvious ? You might be surprised by how many leaders of sung worship don ’ t do this and how much it helps when we do .
• Right at the moment I want the congregation to start singing ( at the end of a song ’ s intro or any other extended instrumental passage ) I ’ ll often give another signal . It might be a conductor ’ s arm gesture , or a slightly exaggerated inward breath on the microphone . Or right before we sing together , I might say the first two or three words we ’ re about to sing . Musicians tend to have a sense of when the singing should start . Many in our congregation do not . It makes a big difference if the congregation are absolutely sure of where that first note - that first word – lands .
• My facial expression and even my posture have an impact here too . While it can be good to close my eyes and focus on my own vertical connection from time to time , generally speaking , I ’ ll keep my eyes open and allow the meaning of the song to show . way . If we value having our congregations singing together as an expression of worship , we will sit up and take notice .
If you ’ re unfamiliar with what Pub Choir is all about , check out their website and YouTube channel .
My recent articles have been unpacking a few of the things that we who lead sung worship can learn from Pub Choir . Read my earlier articles in this PUB CHOIR vs CHURCH series here :
• A COMPARISON
• LESS IS MORE
The genius behind Pub Choir is Choir Master and YouTuber Astrid Jorgensen . I don ’ t know if she ’ s much about vertical connection , but she sure is a master of the horizontal ! Check out these Pub Choir examples and watch how
Astrid works the room .
While we may not need the same over-the-top level of animated energy of Astrid Jorgensen ( the Pub Choir leader ) I do believe we need to be at least a few parts Choir Director and work to engage and establish horizontal connection to better facilitate vertical connection for everyone in our congregation .
Grant Norsworthy founder of MoreThanMusicMentor . com
MoreThanMusicMentor . com
Individually and corporately , it must always be clear that we are expressing ourselves vertically . We are worshipping Almighty God through our songs . But , at the same time , I am “ reading ” the room . Projecting and engaging horizontally . Warmly inviting the heartfelt participation of the people . For me , the vertical and the horizontal should blend into one wonderful sense of connection .
Pub Choir sings “ The Winner Takes It All ” ( ABBA )
While my observations suggest that many churches are struggling , failing , or perhaps even giving up on the idea of having their congregation actually singing , the Pub Choir movement is showing not only how it can be done , but how wonderful it is when they do ! Pub Choir clearly demonstrates that a crowd of regular people will sing together if the conditions are right - if they are invited to do so in the right Epic 6500-person Pub Choir sings “ I Want To Break Free ” ( Queen )
May 2023 Subscribe for Free ... 45