and adjusting EQ . Reference the modern piano tones of Michael Buble ’ s big band Christmas work or the classic score to ‘ A Charlie Brown Christmas ’ by the Vince Guaraldi Trio .
PADS TURN ORCHESTRAL
Most worship keys players are used to liberally layering pads underneath their pianos , leads , and other sounds . For Christmas tunes you can strategically swap or supplement those pad sounds out for subtle , sustained orchestral sounds and play them the exact same way .
A mellow , legato string ensemble or a warm brass section can serve the same functional purpose in your arrangement , holding down the changes and gluing together the rest of your band , while bringing a subtle orchestral lift to your overall sound that will feel just a touch more ‘ Christmassy ’ without veering into Hallmark movie territory . of reverb on these instruments to ensure you ’ re able to smooth out your chord changes in a way that feels useful to your context .
JINGLE , JINGLE , JINGLE
It ’ s well past cliche to use sleigh bells in your Christmas worship services , but let ’ s be honest , you ’ re still probably going to do it for at least one song , right ? Past just using sleigh bells , though , there are several other types of bell sounds that we often associate with Christmas music .
Glockenspiel , celeste , toy pianos , and music box sounds can be a nice addition when layered into your right-hand lead parts , especially if you already have a piano and synth layer or two in place . They ’ ll add a touch of sparkle and harmonic density and their clangy overtones will be instantly noticeable in the attack of your leads . careful , especially as you extend up and down the keyboard . But when you find the right range on the keyboard to place these tones , they can evoke a powerful musical idea that can harken back to ancient choirs and somehow Mannheim Steamroller at the exact same time . It ’ s worth giving a try !
GETTING PREPARED
As worship musicians we have a unique role to play in the rhythms and seasons of the church . I want to encourage you that taking the time to think ahead towards these moments of reflection , celebration , and sacred time together will help prepare you and your ministry all the more to inspire your congregation in song .
As we get closer to those first Christmas tunes , I pray that this Advent and Christmas season would be a sweet time of refreshing for you , your family , and your church . Merry preparation !
For moments where you need to go epic , swapping out a bright pad for a big , brash pipe organ can be a bold but instantly familiar statement to make and the same can be said for more aggressive horn or woodwind instruments . Just make sure you have a touch
Many modern Christmas worship songs also feature tubular or church bell sounds . These can be a bit more challenging to find a home for from the live keyboard position , due to their harsh and dissonant overtones can quickly overpower your fundamentals if you ’ re not
David Pfaltzgraff Founder and Lead Sound Designer at SundaySounds . com , a site that resources worship keys players and guitarists around the world . David currently resides in Des Moines , IA with his wife and two boys . He enjoys volunteering in his church ’ s worship ministry , old synthesizers , and a good super-hero movie .
SundaySounds . com
82 November 2023 Subscribe for Free ...