YOUTH WORSHIP TEAM
[ SOLOS IN WORSHIP | Vance & Michelle Shepherd ]
We were recently at a large instrumentalists that don’t
worship conference where sing, soloing can be a form
the headliner worship artist of expressing their individual
flew in by himself and opted worship to God. It’s their
to use one of the bands that voice, as it was for David.
was already there leading
worship. At one point in the When
worship set, at the high point situation at this particular
of the song, the worship worship
artist stepped back from to
the mic and nodded to the continue to teach all of my
guitar player (you know, the students how to solo on their
nod that means “dude, take instruments so that they can
a solo, have fun, worship!”). have freedom of expression
The
guitar
player
I
witnessed
event,
myself
that
I
this
vowed
I
would
looked in worship. When the worship
like a deer in headlights and leader gives them the nod,
didn’t know what to do. The they will be ready, willing, and
worship leader then gave him
able to express themselves
another bigger nod of the head (thinking that he is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey didn’t see the cue), and then it was even more loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a awkward. It was obvious that the guitarist did young goat and sent them with his son David If you’re a youth leader or music teacher,
not know how to improvise a solo, or how to to Saul. David came to Saul and entered his try giving your students this exercise while
freely express himself on his instrument. service. Saul liked him very much, and David practicing this week for Sunday’s service:
became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul While playing along with the songs, have them
As a musician, one of my favorite scripture sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to pick out the vocal melodies by ear with their
passages is 1 Samuel 16:14-23, which reads: remain in my service, for I am pleased with instrument. This will give them many ideas for
Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed him.” Whenever the spirit from God came on note choices, phrasing, etc. Once they know
from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. the notes, have them try doing an answer call
tormented him. Saul’s attendants said Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel (a repeat), after the singer sings a line. It’s a
to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is better, and the evil spirit would leave him. very cool effect. This will really open their minds
for God’s glory.
to soloing and will be an amazing, effective
tormenting you. Let our LORD command his
servants here to search for someone who Isn’t it interesting that Saul didn’t ask for training practice tool for developing melodic
can play the lyre. He will play when the evil a singer? He asked for a skilled musician; solos. Then they will be able to spontaneously
spirit from God comes on you, and you will someone who could play well; and it was express their hearts of worship on your worship
feel better.” So Saul said to his attendants, through an instrumentalist the evil spirit was team.
“Find someone who plays well and bring him cast out. I rarely see worship services where to me.” One of the servants answered, “I the musicians get a chance to express their May you be blessed as you pour into the next
have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who hearts of worship musically in a solo. I grew generation of worship leaders and musicians!
knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave up on Deep Purple, Kansas, Journey, Boston, man and a warrior. He speaks well and is etc., and solos for the most part were a melodic a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with musical statement, a language of themselves. him.” Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse Solos were like singing, and created intense and said, “Send me your son David, who emotion that would move people. For worship
March 2018
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.
www.ShepherdStudiosLV.com
WorshipMusician.com
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