Ideals Needed for Sunday Worship Service (UMC)

[musicguyla]

I really need some ideals on worship planning when you are limited to, two or three singers and you only have a tenor, alto and a soft soprano you can barely hear. I'm trying to go the route of not depending on these singers but make sure that the service is taken care of.
I'm sure there are some MOM's out there that are going through the same thing I'm experiencing now. I look forward to the positive responses.


Thanks!

[sjonathan02]

I really need some ideals on worship planning when you are limited to, two or three singers and you only have a tenor, alto and a soft soprano you can barely hear. I'm trying to go the route of not depending on these singers but make sure that the service is taken care of.
I'm sure there are some MOM's out there that are going through the same thing I'm experiencing now. I look forward to the positive responses.


Thanks!

Is there a choir?

[musicguyla]

No they are the choir for now..... we are growing fast as a church, but I can't seem to recruit faithful, committed singers for the Music Ministry. And I think that they are getting tired and worn out.

[fretai03]

I really need some ideals on worship planning when you are limited to, two or three singers and you only have a tenor, alto and a soft soprano you can barely hear. I'm trying to go the route of not depending on these singers but make sure that the service is taken care of.
I'm sure there are some MOM's out there that are going through the same thing I'm experiencing now. I look forward to the positive responses.


Thanks!

No they are the choir for now..... we are growing fast as a church, but I can't seem to recruit faithful, committed singers for the Music Ministry. And I think that they are getting tired and worn out.

Have you rewarded them for their good efforts so far?

[betnich]

       Maybe you can sing melody w/the soprano while the alto and tenor sing parts. I work with a Praise group of similar size and often do unison on the verses and break into 3-part harmonies on the chorus of a song.

       A good strategy for small but growing churches is to get the people in the congregation to help on simple harmony parts - something like "Guys, sing this" or "ladies, let me hear you sing" then have the  worship singers lead each part in turn. This is done in gospel choirs all the time, often to great effect. Not all the people will follow your lead, but perhaps enough for you to eventually start your own choir...

 

[musicguyla]

I have rewarded them over and over. I have appreciated them and I have tried to be understanding, but I'm trying to go to a higher place in God. I'm sure we all have been through this or maybe even going through it now. What do you do when some folks are just not cut out for the Music Ministry? There is no zeal, no expression, just singing and wrong singing at that. Then you have the Pastor telling you that maybe you too hard on them and you should appreciate what you have. I do appreciate their effords but I'm trying to move higher in God. I take what I do as a Minister Of Music very serious, but how do you get them to take it serious and not run away people? Sometimes you have to weave out some things. Tell Me, I'm listening..................

[Angel4ever]

Maybe the three singers are not ready to go to a higher level. Praise and worship has to come from within. Have tried to explain to the singers about worshipping through singing? They also must have a joy in what they are doing. Since there are only three singers, rehearsal don't always have to be technical. Turn your rehearsals into a worship service, let the Lord have His way. Ask them about songs they would like to practice during rehearsals but you don't have to sing them on sunday morning. This will give them confidence in their singing and worship.

[musicguyla]

I will try that out Angel. Thanks for your reply.

[LaylaMonroe]

Dude, what time is your service? I might try to swing through.

Also, what songs have you guys been doing thusfar? Song choice is crucial.

Also, don't sleep on Betnich's advice; that was good stuff.

As for their enthusiasm and expression, that CAN be taught. You need to deal with that in your rehearsals. They need to know what they're singing about and feel it, believe it, and most importantly, minister it.

[sjonathan02]

Maybe the three singers are not ready to go to a higher level. Praise and worship has to come from within. Have tried to explain to the singers about worshipping through singing? They also must have a joy in what they are doing. Since there are only three singers, rehearsal don't always have to be technical. Turn your rehearsals into a worship service, let the Lord have His way. Ask them about songs they would like to practice during rehearsals but you don't have to sing them on sunday morning. This will give them confidence in their singing and worship.

This isn't a bad idea, at all. Asking your members what moves them can help move everyone.

Another thing you'll want to try to ascertain is what type (or style) of song really "moves" your congregation. I know, I know, we don't want to placate to emotionalism; but, one must start somewhere. Then, as they grow in God, you can introduce "higher" level music (although, I'd like someone to really explain to me exactly what "higher level" music is. Is it text that's supposed to move folks into a higher place, or deeper level in God?  ). Oh well....


Keep us posted. 

[Formuzik]

If your soprano is that soft, you might want to encourage her to take private vocal lessons, or even you give them to her to train her to sing the way you want her to sing.  Also, I would really work toward recruiting more people into the mix.  A second person singing with her on soprano may inspire her to take more vocal risks. 

How do you rehearse new material?

[LaylaMonroe]

If your soprano is that soft, you might want to encourage her to take private vocal lessons, or even you give them to her to train her to sing the way you want her to sing.  Also, I would really work toward recruiting more people into the mix.  A second person singing with her on soprano may inspire her to take more vocal risks. 
How do you rehearse new material?

That is very true, Formuzik.

I happen to be one of those folks who can't (or won't) sing soprano by myself.  I'm just confident enough in my ability to hold down the part by myself.  But, when I'm singing with another soprano, I'm much more likely to take risks and I reach notes I would never even attempt by myself.

(Just for the record, I'm not a real soprano... or a real singer, for that matter... lol  ; I just do soprano when it's absolutely necessary).

This isn't a bad idea, at all. Asking your members what moves them can help move everyone.

Another thing you'll want to try to ascertain is what type (or style) of song really "moves" your congregation. I know, I know, we don't want to placate to emotionalism; but, one must start somewhere. Then, as they grow in God, you can introduce "higher" level music (although, I'd like someone to really explain to me exactly what "higher level" music is. Is it text that's supposed to move folks into a higher place, or deeper level in God?  ). Oh well....


Keep us posted. 

Only problem I see with that is that it sounds like he's not dealing with real singers... and a lot of times non-singers can have some reeeeeally unrealistic suggestions for material.  Often, it takes an experienced musician/director to be able to select material that is appropriate for their skill level...

Maybe if he gave them a list of appropriate songs to choose from?

I dunno.  It is a good idea, but it could take a bad turn.

[Angel4ever]

That is very true, Formuzik.

I happen to be one of those folks who can't (or won't) sing soprano by myself.  I'm just confident enough in my ability to hold down the part by myself.  But, when I'm singing with another soprano, I'm much more likely to take risks and I reach notes I would never even attempt by myself.

(Just for the record, I'm not a real soprano... or a real singer, for that matter... lol  ; I just do soprano when it's absolutely necessary).

Only problem I see with that is that it sounds like he's not dealing with real singers... and a lot of times non-singers can have some reeeeeally unrealistic suggestions for material.  Often, it takes an experienced musician/director to be able to select material that is appropriate for their skill level...

Maybe if he gave them a list of appropriate songs to choose from?

I dunno.  It is a good idea, but it could take a bad turn.

The suggestion about singers choosing music is for rehearsals, it does not have to be sung on sundays. From my understanding, the promblem is the singers not having zeal and singing wrong. One thing about gospel music, you don't have to be a professional, its all about the heart and the anointing. I worked with non-singers (sometimes that can be fixed), but their hearts made a difference in the song. I use to have a similar problem with my church chior. I take it seriously but others didn't. When you are a director sometimes you forget everyone does not understand the music ministry.  Sometimes, I would ask my choir about song choices for rehearsals. I let them know it might not be sung in church service, but we can practice them anyway. It gave me an understanding, how they viewed gospel music. It gave them an understanding (about lyrics and music) and a joy for singing.

[Formuzik]

First of all, I don't give my choir choice in music.  I am responsible for the ministry.  That's like a senior pastor asking the congregants what do they want him/her to preach.  I am called to teach them regardless of what they think or thought the purpose of music ministry is.  I also don't believe in the concept of non-singers.  I do believe some have worked and tweaked their skills, but unless someone is truly deaf, he or she can learn to sing if they are willing to do the work.  They may never be a vocal "diva," and thank God for that, but they can sing on pitch and give praise to God in song. 

I have found that most music directors are too lazy to take the time to teach people vocal skill; we want those who have it "naturally" to come into our programs, but I still believe that we are called to teach and train, not just improve what already is.

[musicguyla]

Thank you guys for your replies. I have taken it all in consideration. I have prayed about it and asked God to direct me in this situation. God just did some changing this past week. Rehearsal Thursday was wonderful. One of my male bass singers quit this week, he's one of the ones I said that just had a wrong spirit about the praise singers and all. He said that he was tired, not happy and had alot of things going on in his life at this time. This person was really asked if they would come and help out with the PS. He was with us for about two years now. Well I don't need that kind of attitude. I need people who love this, who loves giving their time and voice to praise and worship God. I spoke with the young girl who attempts to sing soprano softly, I explained to them this is ministry, I take this very seriously. It is my passion and I've been doing it for a long time. I don't think that I know it all, but I know enough. You don't have to be the best singer, best musician or best preacher for God to use you. We are his vessels. If you have a heart to render your ability and gift or be willing to be taught how to use these things. I can work with you. The young girl is very sincere and humble and can sing, she just need some work. Needless to say, one of our members who has been with us for a min has finnally join in to help us out. She's a great soprano very humble spirit and a woman of God. So I moved miss soft spoken to Alto and you know the rest. So now I have enough to start going a little higher. Pray that more come. I felt so good at rehearsal Thursday, I had to give him the praise. God is working it out.