Traditional Music Help

[KeyofB]

I need advice from everyone! The choir I'm playing for has people ages twenty-four to about sixty and they are stuck in the ice ages. I really want to take the choir to the next level but can't because of song selection differences. The older members of the choir want to sing those same old songs. How am I supposed to tell older peeps that don't nobody want to hear that? Anyboby got some advice or songs that may fit them and won't drive me crazy :?

Keep Cool
Brian

[Rashad]

I feel  you on what you are going through. I have been experiencing the same problems at the church that I am training under. The bible says "Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things!"   I have discovered that the only way to eliminate the problem or keep it from ever happening is to be stern and have songs that you feel are fit for the choir ready to present when they come to choir rehearsal. I have found that most ministers of music are effective because they don't negotiate with the choir.  You may also try, if your choir does perhaps two or three songs a Sunday, something old and something new or more contemporary---that way maybe everyone's views may be met. God Bless!

[jamaicanbaan]

I need advice from everyone! The choir I'm playing for has people ages twenty-four to about sixty and they are stuck in the ice ages. I really want to take the choir to the next level but can't because of song selection differences. The older members of the choir want to sing those same old songs. How am I supposed to tell older peeps that don't nobody want to hear that? Anyboby got some advice or songs that may fit them and won't drive me crazy :?

Keep Cool
Brian

 :lol: LOL, WOW.................... I'm a true lover of The Traditional Gospel music and I know that the Older members of the church may not want to sing or hear nothin' but the Original material.......

Anyway, Rashaad has a point. I've worked in a lot of music situations such as yours and I've often found myself re-making an Instrumental part of a traditional song in order to satisfy everyone......It's all about being able to compromise because having upset chior members or musicains can lead to departures fast.............

Also, if you take a listen to tradional Gospel songs and look at different versions done over the years, you will notice that Gospel artist have been reall sucssesful in making the same songs fit the current crowds....... I would be more then happy to post an example.....

[KeyofB]

PLEASE?

[Cavey]

Hi Brian,
You just need a nice variety of songs for the choir.  That way, everyone will be able to grow within the music ministry.  You can do some praise and worship songs, hymn songs, contemporary gospel songs as well as traditional gospel songs.  Within the music ministry, you have to be able to minister to people through the songs that God gives you.  You also have to realize that there's more than one way to sing a song.  Good luck with everything.     God bless.  I'll talk to you later.
                                    Sonja

[vwebster]

My home church (not the one I'm attending now, because I moved) I think solved this somewhat because we have more than 1 choir. However, it's probably much more work on the music department. But, they've done it for so long, I guess everyone is used to it. All of the musicians don't necessarily play each Sunday.

We have an Adult choir (mostly older ladies and a guy or two - traditional songs)
A Mass choir (Anyone that loves to sing - but the songs are more contemporary)
Youth Choir
Male Chorus

Now, this wouldn't work for the church I'm attending now. We have an adult choir and a youth choir. The youth choir is still looking for a musician.

Hey, and perhaps you guys can help me. What should I expect to pay a musician that plays 1 Sunday a month and practices perhaps twice a month?

Our church is small. We have approximately 100 members...maybe. Probably 50 truly dedicated. But, it is a tithing church, by and large. Just a small church.