PERCUSSION
CONSIDER THE LEVITES | Mark Shelton
All these (musicians) were under the hands of THE RIGHT THREADS remember the musicians who always arrive
their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with If your worship team has a prescribed dress early and they have a hard time forgetting those
cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for code, abide by it. If there are no formally who are habitually late.
the service of God’s house; Asaph, Jeduthun, stated rules, ask a leader for suggestions on and Heman being under the order of the king. appropriate attire. When in doubt, I recommend SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY
The number of them, with their brothers who dressing conservatively. Always respect the leader’s musical direction.
were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even
Voice your ideas and opinions politely, keeping in
all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty- BRING THE GEAR mind that the boss will have the final word. Proper
eight. 1 Chronicles 25:6-7 WEB As percussionists, we are often required to regard for those in authority demonstrates your
furnish certain instruments. If you agree to self-confidence and professionalism.
Wouldn’t you like to hear a recording of the provide a specific instrument, make sure that Levites playing music in the Temple? How you show up with it. The fact that you can play CUT THE NOODLING
about viewing a video of King David’s band and bring your Zarubian Flamaphone might Are you entertaining yourself at rehearsal by
bringing the Ark into Jerusalem as documented have been the deciding factor in scheduling you drumming at inappropriate moments? The
in 1 Chronicles 15:16-28? for the event. If challenges arise that prevent worst offense occurs when you’re noodling on a
delivery, inform the leader immediately. lick as the leader gives direction. Sure, it’s easy
Since the phonograph and video camera were to become detached waiting for ten minutes
several thousand years from invention, we have while a technical problem is addressed. Find
to rely on Scripture to surmise the sounds and
sights of the Old Testament worship teams.
When you read accounts of those ancient
worship musicians (including percussionists!),
do you imagine highly skilled and responsible
players - or a bunch of slackers? I'm thinking
Set a guard, O
a way to alleviate your boredom without being
audible.
Lord, over my
mouth; keep watch
they were proficient, well-prepared, and reliable. at the door of
As a modern-day Levite, are you approaching my lips.
your assignments with the right attitude
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps his soul from troubles.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep
watch at the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
and preparation? I have compiled eight
Proverbs 21:23 WEB
recommendations that will assist you in
Psalm 141:3 WEB
No need to elaborate.
achieving and maintaining high standards as a
PACK A PENCIL Whether you are an amateur or professional
Write it down. Mark your chart. Take notes. percussionist, have a strong commitment to
BE PREPARED Yeah, I know you have your smartphone and high standards of performance and behavior
In the Age of the Internet, it is much easier to give a stylus for the tablet. Sure, bring those - along when fulfilling your duties with your worship
musicians the materials necessary to practice with the pencil. Make sure it has an eraser. team.
before the rehearsal. Nowadays I am seldom Worship leaders have been known to change with excellence.
required to sight-read at a rehearsal. If you their minds. The pencil is your friend in a have access to charts and recordings within a rehearsal.
worship percussionist.
the
Levites
and
serve
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with
reasonable amount of time, there is little excuse
your might…Ecclesiastes 9:10a WEB
for showing up unprepared. Study and practice ARRIVE EARLY
so that you can play your part confidently at the Percussionists can’t arrive at the last minute.
rehearsal and make adjustments according to You have all that gear to set up and it probably
directions from the leader. won’t fit on that postage stamp piece of real
estate allocated for your set-up. Leaders
140
Consider
September 2019
Mark Shelton
Mark is a freelance musician and educational
consultant based in Dallas/Fort Worth. Performance
credits include North Carolina Symphony, Tin Roof
Tango, Daystar Singers & Band, Gateway Worship,
Dallas Wind Symphony, TALEA, and Strata Big
Band.
www.marksheltonmusic.com
percussionforworship.blogspot.com
Subscribe for Free...