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Defense of Artistic Excellence in church musicAllen,
Jim Feiszli ask that I forward this to you. Subject: Worship excellence Compilation of responses to the following query: For those of you who are worship leaders in your respective churches, here is a query for you... How do you convince your pastoral staff or even inquisitive members of your congregations that musical excellence is actually a good standard to practice in church. Many folks believe that because it is church and much of it is volunteer, we should not "inhibit" folks from participating in music and/or worship, regardless of their abilites and/or selections. I think we should strive for a healthy balance, but the leadership doesn't want to put any verbage in our upcoming fall mission statement that hints toward "musical excellence" thoughts? Jarrod Beckman Director of Music, VRCC I believe it is St. Paul who said we are "to grow in perfection" (NOT "we are already perfect.") A healthy attitude would be to meet the choir members where they are, but to take them a step beyond. maybe we should not just ask how, but WHY, we have music in church to begin with--it is not mandatory, but optional (what an option) for worship itself. Many musicians, and pastors, have not struggled with this question ... or a theology of music and liturgy ("the WORK of the people") in church ... Donald Freed dcfreed@inetnebr.com My philosophy is that music should enhance the service. When music is dumbed down to the lowest common denominator, it usually isn't very good music and the better musicians are frustrated. I've found that most people rise to a challenge if it's not too big. The congregation seems to appreciate good music well done. As far as mission statements go, our last one (before I was hired) talked about what great music we had. The tone was that his is one area we don't have to worry about. I have found enthusiastic singers of a wide range of classical music and support for major works. We have done Charpentier and Raminsh with equal satisfaction. On the other hand, I am worried about an element of the congregation that would prefer Christian Contemporary music as more inclusive. This music surely has its place, but in our situation I think it would dilute the musical excellence we have worked for. Another element of the church thinks that the harder we work on quality, the more we are concentrating on performance rather than worship. I would like our next mission statement (to) support the best possible music performed well as a crucial element to worship, and to recognize that this doesn't happen automatically. Frances Fowler Slade Director of Music All Saints' Episcopal Church Princeton, New Jersey ffslade@cs.com Perhaps they would assent to wording such as, "giving our best gifts back to God." The distinction between judging worship music as "artistic" and "sincere" should not exist. Regardless of the musical background of the group, they should strive to do and be their best, because their task in worship is the highest: giving glory to God and opening a window of insight into the holy for the congregation. Tom Porter thporter@gwmail.nodak.edu Perhaps you could ask whether we have any right to offer to God anything less than the very best we can produce. That does not mean in any way "inhibiting" people from participating, in fact you are obliged to encourage participation wherever appropriate. Nor does it imply any particular musical style: guitar groups should surely be aiming at excellence in their style as much as expert choirs in theirs. Also, excellence needs to be defined in each church situation - what is excellent in one place may not be in another, but the obligation to strive for it is surely at the heart of our vocation as church musicians. Peter Gilmour we have a music committee which meets every 3 mo ( more if necessary) with enough musicians and others on it to talk about the effectivenes of the worship team members.. it is a touchy issue sometimes because you don't want to turn anyone 'OFF' by not selecting them to participate.. yet... the smoothly flowing and excellent musicianship (seldom perfect but people truly doing their best for the Lord) ... is the best for leading folks to true worship... much prayer and tact... generally if surrounded by prayer those involved are sensitive to God's leading. Hope that helps. Dear Jarrod, If you receive ANY replies that offer viable suggestions or answers to your query - PLEASE forward them to me. Like many music ministers, I too have a problem convincing our pastoral staff, and unfortunately, other "musicians" that musical excellence should be paramount. I have used the passage from Psalms: "Play SKILLFULLY unto the Lord." But, it seems to fall on deaf ears. I have also said in response to: "We don't care if it's perfect, we just want to sing." "Fine," I say, "Then, sing WELL." Since we are making an offering to our Lord - the God Almighty - shouldn't it be the very BEST offering possible? Should we not strive for excellence in all that we offer Him? I am not questioning the fact that there are varying degrees of musical proficiency - however, whatever proficiency level - should it not be the best? I suppose I have answered questions with more questions - never the less, these are my thoughts. Best wishes, Tim ___________________________________________________________________ Timothy F. Hendrickson BM, MM, Director of Music Ministries Trinity Lutheran Church Midland, Michigan thendric@pop.journey.com http://users.journey.net/thendric It may not work for you, but it was awfully satisfying for me, when I said, "Of course, people with bad taste are just as entitled as anybody else to enjoy the music in church; but shouldn't we also be trying to make a wider range of music accessible to the whole congregation?" -- but it's imnportant not to say something like this until you've just done a bongo solo, or something like that.:-D ~Doreen in sumoland~ ~Why knock yourself out to gain the good opinion of people whose opinion is valueless?~ On reading the responses to "Musical Excellence," I wanted to add that when I became Director of Music last year, we had two adult choirs. One choir was dedicated to musical excellence. The other choir considered itself the "B" choir and had customarily sung simplified music with simplified standards. I decided not to treat them that way, and they steadily improved through the year. On the subject of "giving our gifts back to God..." That's the phraseology used in our old website, which I didn't change last year. I am changing it this year. There's truth in the words, but I think it means most to the choir members. This year, I want to emphasize that we are working to enhance the worship service through words and music. Frances Slade Director of Music All Saints' Episcopal Church Princeton,NJ I've directed church and school choirs for 35 years. Presently, after retiring from 30 years of large high school choral music in Texas, I'm directing music at Marbridge Ranch, just south of Austin, Texas. (http://www.marbridge.com/index.html) We "Make a Joyful Noise", although sometimes it's not perfect, intonation or tone-wise. As a matter of fact, sometimes there are more "wrong notes and words" than right ones! These precious angels sing in churches all around our community. Their music is honest and enthusiastic! "Quality" of performance is totally defined in its ability to communicate to a given audience at a given time and place. " God loves you when you sing!" - Mac Davis, Lubbock, Tx. philosopher. Fred Ratliff - Austin, Tx. Could you parallel "excellent music" with excellent preaching or excellent Christian Education? Do people expect excellence in those areas? To me, music in worship is both "preaching" and "Christian Education." A wise minister in a church where I once worked often said that music had the ability to reach people in ways that preaching couldn't. Wouldn't it be odd to make an offering of less than our best to God? Robert Keener, DMA keenrob@aol.com My wife had to deal with this question right after she took over the children's/youth choir at our church. Since the kids had responsibility for the Family Service each Sunday, she got a little more strict with them than the previous director had been. One of the mothers--who happened to be a very good friend and still is--called her on it, arguing that all gifts are equal in God's sight. Susie's response was that those who have been blessed with special talents or abilities denigrate those blessings if they do not give of their best. To clarify, Susie did not exclude anyone who wanted to participate, but did insist that they learn responsibility in things like notifying her in advance if they would miss a rehearsal or service. After a while the kids were acting much more responsibly than the members of the senior choir!! So yes, musical excellence has its place as a desirable goal and a high standard to reach for, but musical excellence in the service of God, the church, and the congregation. Music for music's sake should have no place--or rather should find its place in concert presentations and not in worship. For whatever it might be worth to you. John John & Susie Howell Virginia Tech Department of Music Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A. 24061-0240 Vox (540) 231-8411 Fax (540) 231-5034 I heard recently of a church choir director asking a member of his choir not to continue (in whatever "tactful" rhetoric possible, bottom line: because of inability to sing, carry a tune, blend, etc.) That seemed a little over the line to me - what do you folk think? My own humble opinion is that I think we (church musicians) are called to take whatever resources we have and make the most excellent music we can with them. I know with a children's or youth choir I would never take that step - do you think there's a difference with an adult choir? I guess I'm saying I don't. All God's creatures got a place in the choir...unless they sing low or unless they sing higher.... :) Best, Pam Well, my church uses a "blended" service format, wherein the pastor (who happens to be a good musician) plays and leads a small (2-3 players) guitar group for part of the congregational singing, while the organist plays for all hymns. My choir is responsible for an anthem each week, which is selected, of course, by me. The attitude of the pastor, and therefore pretty much the whole church, is that within those 3 "styles" of music, we do the very best literature we can find, and do it to the very best of our God-given abilities. Our congregation has been equally appreciative and enthusiastic of Ubi Caritas, Hospodi Pomilui, and Plenty Good Room. We are always singing to God the instant we drop our jaws, and the pursuit of perfection, as asymptotic as it is, in that setting, is not problematic. Dean M. Estabrook Director of Music St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Yuba City, CA desta@ycusd.k12.ca.us Well, my minimal goal is that the music should not detract from the service. I have sat through "musical offerings" during which I feared several unpleasant physical responses. The music should never be an ordeal to listen to. And, if worst came to worst, I would ask someone not to sing. In the event, I've never had to do that. I have moved sopranos to alto, and tenors to bass. When I took my present position, there were several difficult voices in the choir. Before I started, I was afraid I might have to deal drastically with one soprano. She actually turned out to be an asset, once she understood the kind of vocal production and blend required. Another singer, a bass, was famous for never singing any dynamic but forte, and it wasn't a voice you wished to hear above all others. He quieted down, and placement in the choir helped the blend problem a lot. I think he may have gotten softer either because the music was harder or because there were some other strong voices and he relaxed a little. I would work very hard to improve vocal production and musicianship before asking someone not to sing, but sometimes you do get those who sing lower and higher. Frances Slade I think a balanced approach is best. It is good for people to genuinely want to offer their best efforts to God because they love him (and know he loves them unconditionally). But producing very high quality music in order to somehow 'earn' his love, or more of it than less talented musicians 'deserve', would of course be less desirable. On the one hand, it is good to offer our music to God in praise and worship. However, even our best efforts are far from God's perfection. The difference between an 'average' choir and a 'good' one is probably tiny compared with the difference between our best efforts and God's perfection. So, while it is good to give God the best we can, we should make all our musical offerings with humility, not arrogance and pride. Also, if we are prepared to put our best efforts into the music in church, we should put even more effort into loving God and loving our neighbor (which may include musicians or non-musicians with whom we sometimes disagree). Tolerance, prayer and kindness are probably useful here! Nicola PLEASE!! Youth Choirs can and do routinely sing excellent music as an integral part of a church worship service.... and not as an "extra feature" to satisfy the need for "contemporary" music. In fact, it has been my observation that those youth choirs that are most active are the ones with directors that challenge them with really good scripture based music. A sample of the composers that we are singing this year.... Rutter, Handel, Benjamin Harlan, Ken Medema, Joseph Martin, Sandi Patti, etc. .... in other words a wide variety of styles and settings to reflect the diversity of our congregation and others to whom we sing. The more these kids are challenged to be excellent the more they respond with effort and delight. Just couldn't let that comment pass!!! Ken Avent Director, Celebration Singers (yes, a youth choir!) First, I want to wish the poster who posed the question "good luck" and Godspeed. I'm afraid you're going to need both! I want to speak to two issues: first, the matter of what to say to convince your priest, and second, on the issue of kicking someone out of a choir, which arose our of this discussion of "Musical Excellence." I don't believe you're going to be able to change your priest's mind. Many clergy, unfortunately, can become very orthodox or ultra-conservative in their views and practices. They don't see it or think their way is the "right" or only way. It sounds as if he is afraid it might sound "elitist" or too prideful or something. From what I've heard and experienced singing in Catholic churches, and speaking with Catholic musicians, I think this is a trend in the Catholic faith, i.e., to keep things more simple, more folksy. I know that is a generalization, and not true for every parish, but I think it is true for many. While I agree with the poster(s) who responded that we should serve humbly and not let pride get in the way, we also have a responsibility, to do our best, both as Christians and as professional musicians (the Music Director or Director of Music Ministry or whatever it is called in your parish) to serve God, our parish, our congregation and our other choir members. We were hired to bring our expertise, our experience and our knowledge to create a beautiful work (enhanced, improved, inspired worship) for God. We owe God our best. He didn't give us second best, He gave us His only Son. Thus God set the standard. I think it is up to us to live up to that standard. Some congregations, priests, faiths don't follow that line of reasoning. I wouldn't want to work for/with them. I believe in balance above all. While I always strive for as close to perfection as can be obtained, that is balanced with generous amounts of praise, support, and steps on my part to insure my choirs succeed. I plan according to their ability levels, and not to my ego or the level of rep I might want to do or am capable of. I've never asked a singer to leave a group, and am not sure I would, but I might. Once I was working in a small choir and a man joined the choir who had always wanted to sing in a choir, but never had. He had a lovely tone quality, but one major problem...he had a hard time matching pitch!!! Invariably, he would either sing in the cracks somewhere or would double the sopranos and octave or two lower. It was a small choir and so there was no hiding his voice. I asked him if he would be willing to come and work privately with me for 30-45 minutes each week before rehearsal. He agreed. I began with helping him recognize the pitch of his speaking voice and began helping him to identify the basic intervals and sing them back. It was a bit frustrating at times, but also a blessing. He worked very hard and improved a great deal within 3-6 months. I moved to another church at that time, so don't know how he eventually made out, but it meant a great deal to him to sing in the choir. At another church, I had a couple of older gentlemen who sang with can only be called a very raucous tone. Their vowels spread, they were loud (too loud) and no matter how I approached the situation (both privately and corporately in choir) they just didn't get it. They were nice men and I guess were doing their best, but felt they were too old to change. It became a bit of a problem as the choir grew and improved. We had several singers of a much higher caliber and they became frustrated with what these men were doing to the quality of our results. That's the danger. While it isn't a performance, per se, I still believe the music we provide for worship and for God should be the best we can possibly make it. We owe just as much an obligation to the choir members who are there every week, work hard, follow direction, and strive to create a beautiful result, as we do to those who, while they may be doing their best, just don't meet the caliber of the rest of the group. Luckily, in this last situation, the two men who were creating the blend and balance problems dropped out of the choir. I urged them to stay, but they knew they were creating morale problems in the choir. I honestly don't know what I would have done if they hadn't. I think now if that were to happen, it would depend on the quality of the choir I had. If the choir were only average, then I might say ok, or I might ask them to come and work with me privately first for a period of time, at which point we'll evaluate their progress and see if they're ready to join the choir. If the choir were excellent and I thought it wouldn't be fair to the choir or to those newcomers who wouldn't be able to keep up, then I would either work with them privately or perhaps found a choir that performed only occasionally, and it would do much simpler repertoire, and my expectations would be lower in accordance with their lower talent/skill level. Whatever I did, I wouldn't turn them away cold. I would find some way to make use of their interest, energy, talents and love for God and music. Perhaps I might utilize them as a chaperone or helper with children's or youth choirs, or as a music librarian or to be responsible for cleaning the robes, or driving on outings. I would find some way that he/she could participate. If the choir were superior and doing difficult music, and there weren't enough others to form a small alternative choir, then perhaps that person or persons would only sing on Sundays where we were doing simpler music, and I would make sure at least once a month to do music that he/she/they could take part in and feel comfortable and successful with. While I think that God expects our best efforts, I believe even more that He expects us to treat each other with consideration, love and respect. All too often, people who have given of their time and energies for years singing in the choir or playing the organ are unceremoniously "dumped" when they get older and their skills diminish. I believe it is our responsibility in the music ministry to recognize and show our appreciation for those members, and find creative ways to still utilize their skills and talents in which they can still be successful. It is not being kind to allow them to embarass themselves or to ask them to do things they aren't capable of, however. It is a difficult thing to deal with, and must be done in love and with respect and humility. Craig Collins ccoll67202@aol.com Well said Craig! As one who has taken a lot of flak for enunciating the need to offer the best and most beautiful we have to God, I echo everything you say. And your thoughts on handling the aging or unsuitable chorister are excellent. Unfortunately in my country as in yours, the simple, folksy, easy-listening, musical candy-floss approach is all too prevalent in Catholic churches. I'm very grateful for a pastor who is supportive of our endeavours to do good music at the "non-guitar" Masses. I don't know what the answer is because the lowest common denominator is always going to have a big, perhaps majority, following. I guess we must just continue trying to gently nudge those that will listen towards something more beautiful and more suitable for the liturgy. If you find the answer let me know! Thanks and regards Peter Gilmour Our Lady Star of the Sea Howick New Zealand. Hi Everyone! I've been watching this thread of conversation with much interest, since I've just been hired for a Church choir directing job after being in school choir and community choir settings for the past eight years. Before that, I was music director at a church that was redefining itself in every way and I kept pulling them and pulling them to think "out of the box"--just because your church is on the small side doesn't mean the music has to be on the small side! We did Mozart, Handel, Bach as well as Eugene Butler (one of my favs) Douglas Wagner and Allen Pote. I heard so much "we can't do that" and after working a while on "that", having choir members asking for more. I am proud to say, the quality of music improved because I was there. I left because my husband accepted a fellowship out of state and my musical career centered on teaching, grad school and making some (at least a little more!) money and our (very musical) kids. I am right back in the thick of it with accepting this new job. This was my voice teacher's former position and the quality of the music and singing was quite high--he was the chairman of the voice department at a well-known Midwestern school of music. The last few years, without his guidance, the quality has not been the same. It will be my task (and joy) to bring it back. I have a different perspective, perhaps because I am a Choral director AND a Music Educator and I am also the parent of someone with a disability who LOVES music. My true feelings about musical excellence center on the "self-fulfilling prophecy" that is so much a part of working with someone with a disability: if you believe you can do it, you can do it and if you believe you cannot do it, you cannot do it. We, as directors, have to instill in choirs the desire to succeed and the knowledge that they can--to the glory of God. My son , who has autism, loves music--to listen and move and to match pitches (he cannot speak). He also has music teachers in his life that encourage him to be the best he can and want him to participate in the school's music program--no matter what. My other two kids are musically gifted (and normal)--and participate fully in the high school music program--my other kid is so welcomed because our family is such a large part of the music program and his delight in the music for music sake is refreshing. As a choir director, I cannot in good conscience throw someone out of my choir when my son is so totally accepted by some of the best music teachers in the state! Excellence in Church Music is a matter of perspective and belief in the people you are leading--anyone who does their best for me is more than welcome. Marie Grass Amenta, Chancel Choir Director First Presbyterian Church of Homewood Hi, Nicola. I would tend to agree with you wholeheartedly. This was the point I was making on the subject when I first began following this thread. Even people who are not as musically gifted as others can give their best to God. It is true: God does not love us solely for our talents. We love Him because He first loved us. And we love Him because He is our maker, our Redeemer, and our friend. Intolerance solely based upon our own standards, I feel, would be displeasing to God, and, therefore, should not be practised. We are His, and His alone, and He values all that we have. So, let us remember this when we offer our praises, our music and our prayers to God. Lynn Bannister tom.lynn@sympatico.ca -----Original Message----- From: Nicola Edwards To: Choraltalk Date: Friday, August 27, 1999 4:34 PM Subject: Re: Musical Excellence My focus has always been on whether or not the musical group is achieving its intended purpose or not. Sacred music in the worship setting is primarily meant to inspire those listening or participating in it to a higher form of prayer. In order to succeed at this, one must ask themselves: is this music inspiring everyone as far as it is possible to do so, without being distracting (either because of poor sound or because of excessive performance) ? This, of course, covers different areas of music, in terms of style, performance, and member competence. However, I think it can be said that everyone appreciates music that is done well. In the sacred setting, poorly executed music will not inspire the good musician to prayer, while well-executed music will inspire everyone to prayer and lifting their hearts and minds to God. My experience with this is personal. I sat in the congregation of churches for umpteen years before I could no longer pray effectively because of the poor quality of music being produced. I worked my way into being an organist and choir director, and have received nothing but complements in terms of music appreciation and its contribution to the service, while at the same time expanding the choir from 5 members to 20 in just one year. My choir and music performs, but only to the extent that it inspires people to pray and reflect on God and his divinity. OK. I'll get off my soapbox now. :) Jim Meyers Organist, Choir Director Sacred Heart Church Ventura, CA In a message dated 99-09-05 01:06:54 EDT, you write: << It saddens me that our society has allowed its common denominator to slip so mournfully low. We simply have no standards, and what few we have we are afraid to enforce for fear of excluding someone. God forbid that we not be completely inclusive in every thing that we do. Hopefully this dreadful trend in sacred music will go the way of sackcloth pulpit robes and earth tone sanctuary decor. In the meantime, I intend to do everything in my limited power to save great music from this purgatory of pabulum. >> Dear Kevin, I think you hit the nail on the head! But it's not just feeling the need to be inclusive--it's feeling the need to please everyone, or not offend anyone. Same is true for education--music and otherwise. That's why I am (along with many other fine quality teachers) looking at getting out of public education. I also look at providing a quality choral experience for children outside the public school domain. It is sad! Best wishes! Eloise Porter Shelburne, VT. Listers, The last two responses on this topic have been from experienced directors who are ready to flee their respective church and school jobs, primarily out of frustration and exhaustion, after seeing the standards -- of their audiences, their staff, and society -- plummet over time. While I agree with most of what they both had to say, (Purgatory of pablum, and Spiritual masturbation, indeed!) I find their reaction disconcerting. Having returned to teaching this year after working in the private non-profit sector for 15 years, I'm a 42 year old first-year teacher. Frankly, it scares me to hear quality veterans running away screaming. With all due respect -- I have not walked a mile in your shoes -- Isn't it easier to change this system from within? Can anyone express some hope for the future? Mark Kloepper Seattle, WA Dear listers, You may remember me from last year this time as the Music Director who was having problems with "The Rev" (last name withheld, but I suggest "HeeHaw" to give you the right flavor) appointed from a 700 member church to our 2300 member church. To Mark, who asked if it isn't easier to change the system from within: No. In March, I was given an ultimatum by "The Rev". After months of covert to downright abusive behavior all the while denying that he had any problem with the music program, he finally divulged his agenda. Church music needs to be like top 40 so that it is IMMEDIATELY comfortable to the hundreds of unchurched who will soon be flocking to his retooled mega-church. (Funny, they haven't seen attendance go up, it's gone down. But "you just wait and see".) He semi-jokes about being called the C.E.O. at that point, not the Senior Minister. This in a traditional suburban United Methodist church. Six voice choirs, four bell choirs, adult and youth brass choirs. New building program only one-third funded. The Staff/Parish committee heaved a sigh of relief upon being told of this plan to rake in the dollars of these unchurched, thus solving all their anxieties and the church's financial uncertainty. The ultimatum was: I could stay if I could accept that: 1) I would no longer be "responsible" for choices of musical style or even specific pieces. 2) I was there only to facilitate the Rev's every wish, offering opinion or God-forbid-opposing-opinion was not going to be tolerated. The numerous business people on committees totally bought this approach because "This is what bosses do. You are there to give the Boss what he wants." 3) After two years of "establishing a relationship" (read: "blind obedience") I MIGHT be allowed some small input into the music program that I had run for 22 years. After being in charge of a large, allegedly successful music department (four employees under me, three years of a Concert Series now totally in the black...), I found myself wanted as nothing more than a music technician. Shut up and wave those arms, sucker. Smile at the people, sell mediocrity, in short, manipulate the flock. Well, usually I am a sucker for Jesus, but I failed in this instance, God forgive me. I resigned in June. Enough congregation members either 1) didn't notice 2) didn't care enough to intervene or 3) actually wanted the changes so that I was left with no support. Of course post resignation, the Rev was aghast: "I don't know what's wrong with him." and "This is his choice, it has nothing to do with me.." Right, I guess, to a certain degree. A fine musician, band director from a local university, was hired to replace me. Never had a church job, no choral or handbell skills by his own admission. When questioned on this, the interview committee replied, and I kid you not: "Skills for this position were a NON-ISSUE. We just need a friendly person who can work with the Rev." (Read "who will do what he's told.") I assure you that I'm a friendly, enjoyable, and even funny person. (No, not just looks..) That hurt. At this point? The two adult bell choirs are in jeopardy due to too many open positions from no recruiting and dissatisfacton. One early service adult choir of twenty is down to three members. The two later service choirs are down from forty each (total 80) to a total of 12 people split between them. (At least from the sign-up for the start up dinner and rehearsal.) The new guy asked "How do we schedule the Concert Series, do we just put a sign-up sheet up at church and let people sign up if they want to give a Concert?" No Concert Series this year, I'm betting. The first purchase by the new regime from funds that we were hoping could go to a new Sanctuary Steinway: A very complete ROCK DRUM SET for use in worship. My point is: no, it is not easier to change from within. It is easier to get out so that I can have a happy life. Chuck Peery cpeery19@idt.net Cincinnati =================================== This has been an interesting and helpful thread. In fact, I've been compiling the comments in order to share them with my Church Music Committee. A couple of ideas I have not seen expressed: 1) We ought not confuse "excellence" with "holiness." It seems to me that one of the many things that Jesus drew attention to was the relationship of "holiness" to "specialness" (or ritual cleanliness) versus the relationship of "holiness" to compassion and generosity--the gracious attributes of God. 2) In the spirit of compassion and generosity we must recognize that there is a difference between "singers music" and "listeners music." That which feeds the soul of the musician does not always feed the soul of the listener. The musician, through study and exposure, has time to discover the inner message of artistic music. The listener, often, has only 4-5 minutes to get the point. Therefore, I tell my choir, "This piece is for us and if you do it well enough the listener may get the point." Then, in the spirit of generosity, I will say, "This piece is for them, the listener will understand it readily." I have found that the congregation will often remember and request anthems that the choir rather quickly tired of rehearsing. -- Dr. James Kempster, Professor of Music and Associate Dean Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 94508 James Kempster makes an interesting point contrasting "singers' music" with "listeners' music". Maybe we should make a point of repeating "singers' music" within a reasonably short time so the "listeners" have time to get the point after a couple of hearings. However, I'm a little uncomfortable in a church context with the concept of "singers' music" as if we are singing some pieces to indulge ourselves. Surely it's all "God's music" in two senses: (a) the best and most beautiful music we can make offered to God as the primary audience on behalf of our congregations and (b) music to help our people participate in the worship of God. Peter Gilmour Our Lady Star of the Sea Howick, New Zealand Oh my! Well now have hit upon the reason that I left church music. Here are my thoughts, which could fill a book. Today's alleged Christians are children of a self-serving and "me" oriented age of prosperity. The young adults in churches today (people in my own age group) are accustomed to instant gratification, complete disposability of nearly every product they use and a want for little to nothing. This is being reflected in church by the overwhelming trend toward the elimination of anything that stands for tradition, effort, commitment or discipleship. Instead, they want a worship experience that is based on the over stimulation of emotions. They want to "feel" the presence of God as opposed to "seek" His presence. I have a term for this: spiritual masturbation. That church governing bodies want to eliminate anything that could possibly inhibit a new member is a symptom of this self-serving, personal pronoun filled mess that we call worship. In the early church, there was but one day in the year that a newcomer could become a fully vested follower in the Way. It was Easter Sunday. It was the purpose of the season of Lent (the 40 days excluding Sundays prior to Easter) that the new members were to be trained (rigorously!) in the ways and teachings of Christ. In this day and age, we wouldn't dream of requiring anyone to actually explore and reflect on the meaning of service and discipleship. We certainly would not subject them to it for forty days! We want them in there "feeling" good about Je-a-sus-ah as fast as we can, so that we can sooner get our little hands on their wallets to fund our "Family life centers" our "gymatoria" and our billion dollar a year day care facilities. Consequently, we have done away with great choral singing in favor of rock bands. We have cut out the great hymns and anthem literature of the last thousand years and replaced it with tepid, near meaningless, repetitive "praise choruses" that do nothing more than whip up a frenzy of emotion. Once we leave the building it is difficult to remember what all the excitement was all about because we have been given no spiritual food; only enough emotional candy to send us into insulin shock. What to do? My only thought is to persevere. I left church work to form a professional choir in the hope that I might reach some audience somewhere and convince them that there was more to life than entertainment. I don't know if I will succeed, but I can't not try. It saddens me that our society has allowed its common denominator to slip so mournfully low. We simply have no standards, and what few we have we are afraid to enforce for fear of excluding someone. God forbid that we not be completely inclusive in every thing that we do. Hopefully this dreadful trend in sacred music will go the way of sackcloth pulpit robes and earth tone sanctuary decor. In the meantime, I intend to do everything in my limited power to save great music from this purgatory of pabulum. Kevin Sutton Artistic Director The Helios Ensemble, Dallas, TX maestro2@gte.net ========================================== Kevin Sutton wrote: >Instead, they want a worship experience that is based on the over >stimulation of emotions. They want to "feel" the presence of God as >opposed to "seek" His presence. I have a term for this: spiritual >masturbation. Could this not also be said of some people who enjoy traditional church music? There are certainly many traditional pieces which also produce immediate emotional responses in many people. >Once we leave the building it is difficult to remember what all the >excitement was all about because we have been given no spiritual food; only enough >emotional candy to send us into insulin shock. Many contemporary Christian choruses are based on texts taken directly from the Bible. Just because you don't like their style and music doesn't mean that no-one can effectively worship God with them. What makes you think you know what's in the hearts of people who prefer a contemporary style of music? Do you really think that God isn't perfectly capable of taking these musical offerings and accepting them whenever they are genuinely meant? Nicola -- Dr. James Kempster, Professor of Music and Associate Dean Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 94508
on August 12, 2002 10:00pm
Nicola i'd like to elaborate on your posting...I was somewhat disheartened after reading several of the posts that ultimately ended up doing little more than belittling 'contemporary Christian' music or, I think it's safe to say, any music that is not strictly in the classical choral/orchestral tradition...if we're sincere about being a minister of music we have to constantly keep at bay any prideful, elitist and exclusionary thoughts or beliefs pertaining to our musical preferences that do not serve to edify Christ and minister to those who are already His and those who need to be led to Him. I've been extensively trained in band, choral and piano music and I love classical music as much as I love jazz, gospel, pop etc. However, in spite of my personal preferences, I have to keep in mind at all times that we were created to worship Him and I think it goes without saying that out of all the ethnicities, cultures, races etc. present on earth that God does not have a preference for a particular style of worship music. We are expected only to worship Him in spirit and in truth, praising Him by singing new songs to Him, on non specified stringed instruments and cymbals that may or may not be part of a drum set (not specified in the Bible), and other instruments of course. The absolute best musicians have always been open to and appreciative of various music styles-studying and incorporating them into their own works or just enjoying them period. Remember, Christ absolutely never looked down on anyone who earnestly sought him and of course we all know about Him constantly being in the company of the poor, diseased, sinsick, etc. It's unfortunate that as a church musician, or minister of music we can posess such a snobby, totally un-Christ like attitude when it comes to music styles when instead we should enhance the worship experience for every believer and win non believers by opening up to all types of music that has been soley created for worship and is appriopriate for our respective congregations. Keep in mind that artistic excellence only suffers if we allow it to-regardless of the style. Various artists enjoy their success because of excellence on their recordings and in their live performances-you won't hear any wrong notes, the ratio of wrong to right notes is probably the same across the board for all types of music. And sincere Christian artists of any style have a special additive-the blessing of God. So let's be a little more inclusive with this music issue-I know God would be. I'm sorry for not speaking on the subject but I really had to address the subtopic that crept into the postings. Thank you, from South Carolina
on October 4, 2002 10:00pm
I recently came aboard as the director of Music at a small church in the suburbs, which is recovering from declining attendance and other problems (the last full-time permanent pastor was dismissed for sexual misconduct). The groups (chancel choir and praise team) kept on going despite no director, but ultimately needed direction and focus. Based on experiences I've had over the years as both a paid employee and a volunteer, I decided to address this issue at the first rehearsal. I opined that the two main differences between performance groups and groups of music ministers (which I considered each of them to be) were these: 1. motivation -- while both seek to present the music to listeners in the best way we can, music ministry has the added motivation of sharing a belief in God via music. 2. effect -- again, the main difference was that music ministers would share and, hopefully, encourage others towards belief. Both groups are obligated (to both God and the music) to make the performance the best it can be. Sure, we come from varying levels of ability and experience. We can make a "joyful noise", but how much easier it is to listen to when it's a beautiful noise! And many members of the congregation won't be able to detect wrong notes. But they will be able to detect attitude and confidence levels. With Chancel Choir, I'm getting them into a schedule where we devote at least 3 rehearsals to the Sunday anthem. We also rehearse the hymns, so that they may sing them with confidence, and inspire the congregants to sing out. The praise team (which mostly sings in unison) has a core of songs that they know well -- their main problem has been vocal production and building a sense of ensemble. We may have a long way to go (Lord knows we're not perfect), but already we're getting results, and positve feedback from the congregation. Sure, the drive for excellence may be uncomfortable at times. But I also remind them that this is where growth occurs. I also remind them that their service as a volunteer is deeply appreciated by all. This is important. Good luck to all.
on October 18, 2002 10:00pm
Music in worship is not a performance. The only purpose of music in worship is to "bust open" the Word. That is the reason why we were given the gift of language and music, so that we can praise God rightly with the Word in song. When we love someone we want to give them the best that we can: small as the best flower, big as the best boat... Then we should give God the best we can be in worship also. Especially when worship is about praising God only. What is our best then... Different church and choir has different abilities. God gave us talents according to our own abilities. A small church in the country side would not have the same abilities or resources as the National Cathedral. Even a choir that has wonderful potential, yet has never been challenged, would need time to step up gradually. The process is long and hard, we need to educate them as well as love them. And sometimes, this education also include educate the Pastor. Blessings my colleagues Ray
on December 27, 2003 10:00pm
Hogwash! Every church should strive for excellence in music. Every church should strive for excellene in everything! Think about it this way... If one day my wife received a phone call from the United Kingdom syaing that the Queen of England wanted to dine with us in 6 weeks, you'd bet there'd be much preparation. We'd spend a lot of time cleaning our home and making it presentable. We'd probably purchase some new clothing and spare no expense. We'd invest in lessons on how to eat properly, the proper way to greet the Queen, the proper way to speak in her presence, etc. We would do this because of her title/position; she's royalty. So I ask you this, why should it be any less different for the King of Kings? This "relaxed" attitude is the wrong attitude. We should work just as hard, if not harder, for the Lord our God. I hope this brings in some light. Musically Yours, CJ
on January 20, 2004 10:00pm
I feel you get what you expect. My own church choir has grown to around 30 members from the original 5 when I took over the position. It was when they started winging as a group and working on tone and intonation, etc. that more people started to join. Who wants to sing with a bunch of out of tune singers? I'd be had pressed to pray with music like that myself, so why should we allow the congregation to? Just my humble opinion. First time here at this sight. Tomorrow is the first day of the Chinese year of the monkey! Hee Hee Hoo Hoo!
on April 1, 2004 10:00pm
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina or Michael W. Smith; only a fool would say that the latter is as musically gifted as the former. Musicals and praise choruses that stretch on forever bring in piles of money. This is the new den of thieves; the contemporary "Christian" market.
on April 10, 2004 10:00pm
My apologies in advance for a long post to come... I have loved reading the articulate defenses of artistic excellence in the church. I too, grieve over the "anything goes" attitudes so prevalent not only in the laity but also in the pulpit. Our society has grown standardless and there are those in the Church, too, who would emulate that generic turn. I have actually heard pastors saying that the reason they want to go to the contemporary worship style is that they believe the traditional stuff "will turn people away from the church, or fail to bring them in". EXCUSE ME, but what is it that grows the Church? The Church is the Body of BELIEVERS in Christ, not merely "satisfied customers". Is it not the WORD of God that brings people to faith? "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" we read in the Epistles. I am sure many of us would agree that music carries its own meanings, even music without text or literary allusion: there is a language that is music itself. Certainly music chosen for worship should not be reminiscent of worldliness or banality or music that is heard day in day out on the media or on the street. Its intervals, phrasing, and harmonies should be so much better crafted than the "top 40" mentioned by an earlier poster. Additionally, in the argument of style, I observe that in the majority of contemporary songs, one finds a deplorable substitution of quantity for quality. What I mean is that the WORDS are often poorly chosen, based on experiential language rather than Scriptural concepts, and those with words/music repeated, mantra-like. These songs usually include the litany of "me, me, me" rather than on the praise of CHRIST and what He has done. Very often they contain very foggy theology. I leave it to the readers to come up with their own (myriad) examples of this watered-down, synergistic type of text. Surely pastors, musicians, and lay people alike ought to be VERY sure that anything sung in the Church is at least SCRIPTURAL and in keeping with the teachings of its own denomination! Those of you in traditionally liturgical churches may also agree with me regarding the troubling practice of summarily ditching portions of the Ordinary and Propers in past years. I have been very bothered by the substitution of "praise choruses" for liturgical responses. A well-composed contemporary hymn states in one of its verses "Our liturgies sum up the hope we have in Him". Judging from some of the poor quality "praise choruses" used instead of well-composed musical responses, I think a very small hope is expressed! I too, am trying to raise the standard of our church from within. I am an unpaid volunteer musical director in our church (with a Master's degree in Music. I am grateful for the small amount of respect towards my opinion that this affords me with some in our congregation). Still, I am discouraged with the way many in the congregations seem to be bent towards only that music which does not offend their personal comfort zone, but I am unwilling to substitute theological orthodoxy in vocal music for "crowd-pleasin'". I try to remain open to works unknown by me but which have evidence of outstanding craft in both music and text. I thank the other posters for their insights: it is good to know one is not totally alone "crying in the wilderness"! I think perhaps our continued, humble, tireless work and submission to the Lord, as well as our prayers, are probably the only way changes for the better can be made. (The Holy Spirit is the great Convincer, after all.) I for one will continue to work to do music the way the Lord has taught me, to "worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness", through the opportunities He has given me in my education and in my own singing. God's blessings to you all as you seek to serve Him with the best of your abilities.
on August 11, 2004 10:00pm
I don't know that I can add much to what has already been said, but I believe that we should always ask whether musical excellence is an end in itself, or a means to an end? IMO, it should ALWAYS be a means to the end of honoring and glorifying God. This means giving the best of what we have to this effort, and working to improve. The output will vary from church to church, but the goal should be the same. A 'good enough for God' effort might be adequate, but what does it say about our passion for who we are as God's people? This also implies selecting high quality music, regardless of style and/or difficulty level. On the other hand, if artistic, aesthetic, musical excellence is the end in itself, then we risk falling into the sin of idolatry. Artistic and musical excellence should grow out of our love for the creator of all good things.
on January 21, 2007 10:00pm
I am Music Director in an Anglican Church and have been for twelve years. The congregation used to drag the hymns something fierce and the Canticles, Te Deum, Benedictus es etc. were never pointed properly. To remedy the tempo situation, I would set the tempo from the Introduction and maintain it even though folks were left in the dust, sometimes a measure behind. I was always very careful to utilise an organ registration that was always supportive and not overbearing and through careful working with the choir, we now have an incredible singing church who appreciates excellence in music. Some of our Congregation are now trying to properly sing the minor propers and all sing with gusto the hymns and maintain the proper tempo from the very beginning. By religious preference, my wife and I are Roman Catholic and go to a beautiful church near our home. The Priest is outstanding, the Mass beautiful and spiritually uplifting but the music is deadly. The "choir"does not sing in parts, their entrances ragged and the music uninspiring and the whiny keyboard does nothing to uplift hearts. The Music Director is not trained as a Church Musician and with due respect is competent but not in Church. Church Music is a Ministry and along with Liturgy and Preaching form a spiritual whole.Hopefully, the clergy would not dumb down and simplify worship and neither should the the music. Musicians aspiring to be employed in Church Music, should have the training in Liturgy, choral conducting etc. as their counterparts, the Clergy.
on July 8, 2007 10:00pm
Guess I'm a little late for this discussion, but I if I stumbled upon it, someone is bound to stumble upon it after me. The bible says that God inhabits the praises of his people. So with our worship we are building his temple. How are we building it? What are we building it with? And what are the skills and right attitude needed to build it? Is there a biblical standard for these? And lastly, how does God expect this "temple" to function? Or, simply, what does God plan to do with it? These are some tough questions. But I really believe they are all answered in a particular passage of the Old Testament. The passage I'm refering to is the entire 29th chapter of 2 Chronicles. Here, the bible speaks of King Hezekiah as he reopens the temple of the Lord after years of disuse. If you can make a leap with me here to see the physical temple of the Lord (the one Hezekiah is reopening) as the one we create with our worship on Sunday, and our church musicians as the priests and levites Hezekiah commands to get it ready for use, what you will see, I hope, is a clear expression of... 1. the right attitude of a worship leader (or any other church musician - we don't all have the position of "leader"); 2. the function of worship within the context of corporate worship; 3. the exact duties of a worship leader or church musician; and finally, what I believe to be God's intention... 4. the result of having done all these things excellently (both, done with the right attitude AND simply done right, to the very best of everyone's ability. If any of this peaks your curiousity, please visit my blog. I go into full detail there. (Nothing wierd! I just didn't want to take up so much space here. :) Here's the URL http://www.excellenceinworship.blogspot.com The revelation I got from this passage put worship music and musicians into perspective. I hope it helps this discussion. Sincerely, Thomas Timphony Harvest Family Church Hammond, LA
on July 8, 2007 10:00pm
I'm sorry. I put the wrong URL in the last post. The one you need, if you're interested, of course, would be this one... http://www.worshipwithexcellence.blogspot.com Sorry about the confusion! Thomas Timphony
on June 28, 2008 10:00pm
Dear Colleagues, We are losing ground. Quality choral music is taking a back seat to schlock. In my Southern community of about 40K, only about 3 churches are still doing quality music. Most have sold out with praise teams and self-serving me-hymns. It can happen to even the best of churches when pastors start pandering to the least common denominator and succumb to the whim of select congregants who want "stuff like we here on the radio." I shudder. I totally understand the above posts of people who just finally gave up. It will break your heart. |
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The music director seems to believe that he is directing a cathedral choir somewhere in the Church of England (we're a 125-person parish in semi-rural California).
The congregation often can't sing what he selects for hymns, and never sings the service music.
The rector's excuse for all this? Hiring the university students might lead them to become members of the Episcopal Church. Uh-huh.
I think that music meant to be sung by the congregation should, first of all, be singable music of whatever genre is appropriate to that community. If the choir must sing complex pieces to keep themselves amused, they should be allowed to do so whenever an anthem is appropriate. Removing the congregation from participating in the music for the sake of "excellence" is inexcusable.