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Musical Matters.

Handout notes by Jacki Thomas, Music Co-ordinator, and Paula Darrall, Worship Leader, prepared for the Oxford Diocesan Conference, held in September 2002.

The Minister

The Minister's role is to hold a safe place for people to come together to worship.

There should be no doubt about the minister's integrity - he or she will not try to lead people into places that he or she is not personally happy to go. Preferably they will already have been to these places , 'come with me to the throne of heavenly grace' (1662 Prayer book)

Selection criteria

Selection should be guided by the aim of the service. What is the objective or theme of the worship? But adherence to the theme should not be the objective!

You might want to change something at the last minute - in principle this should be OK because God's grace provides but be aware of sensitivities and politics. Not all musicians sight read and it is surprising how many very gifted musicians go into a blue funk when asked either to sight read or even play something that was not rehearsed or practised.

Balance

It is important to have a balance of songs for all to sing and songs which the congregation listen to. You can also invite them to listen the first time and join in the second time. That way they receive as well as participate.

It is also important to have a balance of new & old hymns and songs.

If you want people to really consider the words of a hymn or song use a different/new tune. Be prepared for the complaints but don't be deterrred.

If you have been led to write some words but are stuck for a tune use an existing one.

A balance of types of singing is also important:

Solos/duets/tutti
Unison/harmony

An instrumental interlude to give people time to reflect may be of use.

Key & pitch

Bear in mind that high notes, especially early in the morning are a recipe for poor singing. Therefore no top Es, at least not in first song.

However numbers will carry high notes, in a small group Eflat is max!

Type of song influences pitch - gentler needs to be lower

Using a block of songs

Linking songs together: you will need to identify a keyboard player or players (may not be the organist) who you can encourage to practise by self or with small group before going large. The idea is to practice linking songs in the same key, and then songs changing key.

You might then move on to linking songs which are in the same place spiritually (eg songs marvelling at the nature of God's love, songs of gratitude at what Jesus has done for us, songs honouring the Lamb).

Then you can move to linking a song marvelling at God's love to a song of gratitude for what Jesus has done to a song honouring the Lamb. (this is only an example - follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

How we sing

From heart not head. Practice singing out of your own faith experience. You cannot expect others to do it if you don't.

Consider the meaning of the words. Can you sing the words from your heart? Do you want the congregation to sing them from the heart? Are they able to? (You might know of some aspect of teaching of the gospel which has been overlooked recently which might cause a stumbling block)

Singing exposes the soul: people are vulnerable when they sing. Your pastoral knowledge of your congregation may cause you to think twice about a particular hymn or song.

Always use the Scripture as your guide for the soundness of the words. Use the Word as your Spirit-level.

Be aware of the benefit of singing words that are scriptural (compared with words that are not).

Be aware of the difference between hymns/ songs whose truth is not dependent on how I feel or what I believe today (My Lord what love is this?) and those which actually state 'I believe in Jesus' or 'Father we adore you'.

Singing in the Spirit

It does not have to be an alien tongue!

If you are nervous about this try singing with a tape or CD. Don't worry about the actual words, just allow yourself to be led to sing a sound.

Instrumentalists play in the Spirit too.

People who want to sing but apparently can't

You may have volunteer singers whose voices leave a great deal to be desired. In my experience even the tone-deaf can be helped to 'make a joyful noise unto the Lord.' But you may have to tactfully decline their offer to join the choir. Find out what gifts they have and offer them something else if possible.

Also, one of the best singers I know could not hold a note in tune, never mind sing a line of a hymn accurately when I first met her. But she wanted to sing to praise the Lord and as her relationship with Jesus flourished so did her singing voice!

Check licensing requirements

Your Church may already have a licence arrangement. Read the small print. Such arrangements do not include publishers like OUP. However such firms may come to a one-off arrangement with you for a specified number of photocopies for a small fee.