"Is It Worth It All?"

Have you ever sung or played a special and felt a little down after it was over?  I have to tell you that I have.  Sometimes you may have thoughts like: "What was that all about?", "That song lasted 2 1/2 minutes, it took me five hours to write out the parts, six weeks of rehearsal, and several hours of other types of preparation.", "Did anyone even hear the song?", "Why did we even work that hard for that result?"
These are natural and human thoughts but, as Christian musicians, we have to learn to ignore those types of feelings.  It is easy to feel that way if you're tired or have had a demanding schedule.  Holidays, revivals, programs can often make you feel like a Baptist jukebox, just push a button and expect ten or twelve specials to pop out perfectly.
But that is not what we're about.  Music is a service ministry to serve the people of your church and to serve the Lord. Each note and word you sing is for the glory of the Lord, not for the glory of man.  It is not about us.   We should be willing to be anonymous as musicians.  We should not be concerned about getting our names out there in the recording industries, publishing, etc. If that's the will of the Lord, great, if not, we have a place of service and should be content with the opportunity to use our work for the Lord.
Your ability, opportunity, and ministry are gifts and must be treasured. They could be affected so quickly, changed, or removed completely.  Enjoy your usability and forget about instant results, gratification, or recognition.

I Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

"Group Personalities"

Have you noticed that every group rehearsal is different?  Every group member is individual and so every group personality will be its own.  It's been over ten years since we've started a mixed adult ensemble.  We've had Voice of Triumph ensemble for thirty plus years and Strength and Beauty Ensemble for almost fifteen years.  I had the privilege of starting a brand new adult ensemble just a few months ago and I can tell that this group will have its own sound and learning style.  As a matter of fact, I'm having to be very flexible with the song selections.  I had five songs chosen for the first month of rehearsals and only two seemed to fit their likes and learning style.
I think it also goes the other way.  They are learning my directing style.  I hope they will be patient with me as I "get the feel" of this groups' personality.
The group has sixteen members (eight couples) and is very talented.  They are also very faithful and prompt to rehearsals.  We practice in the fellowship hall because of the size of group and also because there are nineteen children who attend with their parents!  All together there are thirty-six of us in the room! So, I've learned that we need to get right to the point in rehearsal, not wasting time, because the longer we practice the louder the room tends to get!  No problem, just the stage of the families in the group.  I'm sure in the next few years this number will grow!
I'm looking forward to a great first year with this group.  This group has reminded me of what makes groups work, regardless of personalities.
1. Plan rehearsals at a convenient time for all who attend
2. Have a clean and comfortable room to practice
3. Have music prepared and organized in individual folders.  Group members may leave them with you or take them home to practice.
4. Add a new song every few weeks.
5. Be willing to make practice recordings for group members to practice at home.
6. Arrive before the group members and get the room ready and music laid out for distribution.
7. Start on time, even if all of the group members have not arrived.
8. Finish on time.
9. Announce to the group when they will be singing next, several weeks beforehand.
10. If the group is struggling with a song, hold off on it and find one that "clicks" for the group.
11. Try to make eye contact and greet each member of the group at each rehearsal.  Thank them for their faithfulness.:)

"When You Lose Your Piano"

What has Jesus commanded us to do?  

Matthew 22:36-40
³⁶Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Musicians, there may come when your ministry as a musician changes or even disappears.  I know a wonderful Christian lady who has served faithfully as the pianist of her church for many years.  She no longer is physically able to fulfill that position.  Has her role at the church changed? Yes.  Has her value as a servant of God changed? Absolutely not!  As a matter of fact, she may be able to be a blessing in a more crucial and life-changing part of the ministry.  She might have more time for: prayer, spending time with the Lord on behalf of others, encouraging missionaries, loving her family, writing books, writing music, etc. 

My role as a musician has changed drastically since I first began playing in church thirty-three years ago.  Being the only pianist left at the church (for a few months) meant that I had my "finger in every pie".  I played for the congregational songs, choir, jr. choir, music groups and soloists, and for the offertory every single service.  Did I feel needed? Yes.  Was I good at every position? Not really.  Would I last long doing that? Probably not.

I praise the Lord for the day that Mrs. Joyce Kiefer walked in the church.  I praise the Lord for the day that Mrs. Jo Hovind walked into the church.  After they arrived, I no longer played for the congregational singing, I no longer played for the choir, I no longer played for the offertories, specials or solos.  I only played for the jr. choirs and one singing group.  Wow, talk about a role change.  During those years I began the "C" Sunday School Teen ladies class, worked on the first bus routes to Tyler, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, started college, practiced until my arms dropped off, and began a real walk with God.  God used that time in my life to give me a heart for every ministry around the church.  I believe if I lost my "piano" today, I could find more ministries to keep me occupied! 

Eventually, I did again become the church pianist.  I did regain the position of playing for most all of the groups, but this was because of necessity, not design.  Church splits and staff changes can cause this responsibility shift.  Today, we have many great pianists who can stand alone as a primary church pianist, but that is not necessary in our ministry at this point.  We have a team and no one person is carrying the load. We are able to function in all of the ministries in the church and also have time to be wives and mothers, sisters, and friends.

What if you lost your "piano"?  Would you still love your church and love your God with all of your heart?  I sure hope so.  God might be giving you some space to know that there are so many ways to love and to serve Him.  Prepare yourself for any task and always be ready to be used wherever God wants to use you.

Christmas Music List for 2012

I sure hope you're right in the middle of practicing your Christmas music!  We had a goal of starting Christmas practices by the end of September, it actually worked this year.  I wanted to post a list of songs we will be using this Christmas, just in case you're still searching.

Teen Music
"From a Cradle to the Shadow of the Cross", Lillenas, Easy-to-Excel Collection
"Happy Birthday, Jesus" - Mike Speck, "The Heart of Christmas: God's Greatest Gift, Our Greatest Choice"
"All is Well", Majesty Music
"Wise Men Still Seek Him Today" - Word Music

Young Adult Ensemble
"A Manger Filled With Love', Sally DeFord, FREE pdf downloads for personal use (defordmusic.com).  She has several great Christmas songs that are arranged for SSA, SAB, and SATB, some include instrumental obligato
"Wonderful Name", Word Music, SATB, arr. Camp Kirkland
"Son of Man, Son of God" - arr. by Sonja Poorman, Triad Music/Bruce Cokecroft and Bill Galliford
"We Beheld His Glory" - Robert Sterling/Word music

Adult Ensemble or Choir
"Christmas Joy" - takes parts of "Joy to the World", "How Great Our Joy", and "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and puts them into an easy to learn arrangement.  Good for older choirs or groups who might take longer to learn words - they should know these!  Majesty Music, Christmas cantata, "Ten Thousand Hallelujahs."
"And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful" - defordmusic.com
"O Little Town of Bethlehem/Silent Night" - Triad Music
"Start at the Manger" - Robert Sterling/Word music - one of our favorites!

Ladies' Ensemble or Trio
"What Can I Give to the King?" - Word Music, Ladies' Christmas Collection
"How Deep the Father's Love for Us" - Stuart Townsend
"Lion of Judah" - Word Music, Ladies' trio collection
"Cherish That Name" - Word Music, Lanny Wolfe

Christmas Offertory Ideas
"A Quiet Christmas with Christ" published by Bible Truth Music
"Hymnworks Christmas" - Linda McKechnie, piano/organ duets
Alfred Publishing - Christmas Piano Solo/Piano Duet books by Melody Bober, Kevin Costly, etc.  Written for piano students but the late intermediate books have wonderful arrangements.

Men's Ensemble/Quartet
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" - hymnal
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Christmas carol book
"O Holy Night" - "Till the Storm Passes By" Book,  Two-part arrangements for men, Lillenas Publishing

I recommend purchasing the little Singspiration/Benson Christmas Favorites book.  There are many songs included in that book for all types of groups to help you have beautiful holiday music.  The Majesty and Rejoice Hymnals also have many Christmas specials.

"The Singing Goes On"

Enduring Praise Teen Ensemble singing "The Meeting in the Air" during Homecoming Revival - Bro. and Mrs. John Robinson, group leaders

Isn't it amazing that in the Christian life the singing goes on no matter what the situation?  God gives His song when we are worried, when we are completely happy, or when we are so sad that we cannot think of taking our next step.

This past month has been one of concern and prayer for many that we know who are sick or going through the unknown in the lives.  People we love and are very ill are nearer to Heaven's gates with each passing day, but we still have a song.  I have worked with many musicians this month with heavy hearts, but they are still at rehearsals, still playing their instruments, still singing through the storms.  

Church musicians, the little role you play in the services and in rehearsals means more than you know.  You are helping individuals spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically with good music and great messages.  Sometimes we need to choose songs because we need the songs and our musicians need them, not because they are popular, pretty, or fun to do.

This past month was our Homecoming Revival.  So far this month we've had over forty-eight specials. That doesn't include college chapel or the next three services.  

The Lord has given us some great songs this past month and many that have helped do more than fill the space in the service.  I practiced with some of these groups and I was helped as they sang each song.

John and Amy Robinson - "Oh, How We Need the Touch of Jesus", written by Amy Robinson

Faithful Generation Ensemble - "What Faith Does"

LBT Choir and Orchestra - "His Way is Perfect", published by the Wilds in octavo format

TBC Chorale - "He's Still on the Throne", published by NVBC in More Songs and Hymns of Revival

PraiseHymn Ensemble - "Living by Faith/Faith of our Fathers/We've Come This Far By Faith", arr. by Amy Robinson

Strength and Beauty Ensemble - "Moment of Truth"

TBC Concert Choir - "Desire the Fire" by John Marshall Family

The music department has been very busy, but we've also been very blessed because our mind has had to be focused on the God's music.  Amazing, that even when we're exhausted, the singing still goes on!

Job 35:8 - But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

Psalm 42:8 - Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night 
his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

The offertory

Sometimes musicians can think of the offertory time as the only opportunity to showcase their talents and skill set.  Although the offertory should give glory to God and be our best, it should not be ostentatious or distracting from the message of the song.  It is not "concert" time for the pianist, organist, or instrumentalist.

The purpose of the offertory is a time to take up tithes and offerings and also to prepare the hearts for the message to come.
Just last week we had an offertory instrumentalist cancel a solo.  I chose a piano duet of "Sunlight" that we hadn't played in several years.  As we were going through the beginning of the service and listening to the prayer requests and announcements, the Lord impressed another song on my heart.  I looked over at our wonderful organist and told her the hymnal page number and the plan - (chorus, verse, chorus, tag.  Organ melody, first verse.)  As soon as we started the song we knew it was the right choice.  The message of the song prevailed over the simplicity of the arrangement.
Here are a few guidelines when you choose offertory music:
1. The song should be recognizable to most of the congregation.
2. The melody should dominate.
3. Simplicity can be more beautiful than a bunch of "high-fallutin mumbo jumbo."
4. Variety is needed between offertories and within the offertory itself.  Some parts should be loud, some soft.  Some parts should be low, some high, some slow, and some more up tempo.
5. The length should be timed to coincide with the ushers leaving the auditorium.  There might be a few exceptions if the verse and chorus cannot be played because this time is too short.
6. The offertory could become a contest between musicians.  One musician could play a song, the next one could have the attitude of outdoing the other one in volume and speed.  If this attitude becomes apparent, a change needs to be made.
7. A good barometer to know if you're on the right track could be the response to the offertory.  "That song was a blessing to me. Wow! I needed that message.  I love that hymn" are all better responses than "You are a tremendous musician!"

If you can play an offertory that impresses the congregation with thoughts of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit or spiritual encouragement for people's hearts, you have succeeded in planning a great offertory.

Back to Basics Part B

This is a continuation of the blog titled "Back to Basics" for the church pianist.  Part one discussed the major keys of most of hymns and the primary chords of each key.

When I was a young piano student I memorized the I-V-IV-V7 chord cadences.  I didn't understand the "why" or "how" of each chord.  It was beyond my grasp for some reason.  For the traditionally trained classical pianist it was knowledge that was required, but it was not a skill that was measured or really "needed" for the note-reading-only musician.  For the church pianist, however, it is the basis of all of our hymnplaying and of our accompaniment.

This is basic, let each point soak in and make sure you thoroughly understand each one before proceeding to the next.

1. Learn and practice the major scales regularly.  Buy Alfred's Complete Scale, Chord, Arpeggio Book for beginners.  One octave scales in the following order - C major, G major, F major, Bb major, Eb major, Ab major, Db major, D major.  Practice them until you can play them with your metronome set at 120 = beat.  (when you hear the click, you play two eighth notes)

2. Play the major chords for each key all over the keyboard in as many ways and combinations as possible.  Play strongly, don't be a wimp.

3. After you feel very confident with the C scale and chords, practice three songs in your hymnal in the key of C and try to incorporate the chord movements you practiced.  Don't stay in one place the entire hymn.  This is just a practice technique to get you away from the center of your keyboard.

4. After the key of C, do the same thing with each scale and its major chords.

5. Hymn playing for the church service is important.  If you are the pianist, you are the pianist.  Fear and feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness must be put aside.  You must be confident and know that the Lord with help you to improve each week.

6. Don't spread out your practice time so thinly that you don't improve.  Focus on this Sunday's music.  As you improve, you can begin thinking further ahead.

7. There are textbooks that are very helpful and give details for hymn playing.  Sometimes they can seem overwhelming because they are very thorough.  They are written for those who have four years to prepare for their ministries, you might have four days!  You can still apply one principle at a time and try not to overwhelm yourself.  The books I recommend to start with are: the Hymnproviser Work Text Level 1 (Majesty Music), Hymn playing by Mike Zachary (NVBC publications), You Can Teach Yourself to Play Gospel Piano by Mel Bay Publishing, Creative Hymnplaying by Lillenas (oop but on Amazon).  You don't need all of these, one will do.

8. For you who have mastered these points but still feel like there must be more, there is.  Practice classical music.  Yes, there I said it.  Classical music will help you with your technique, confidence, and accompanying skills.  You will be able to incorporate scales and motions that you never dreamed possible when you add new techniques to your "tool box."  If you don't believe me, that's fine.  I don't play classical music because I worship it, but because I want to better prepare my mind and fingers to perform the tasks they need to perform.  Play some of the Bach two-part inventions, then open your hymnal and play.  There will be an improvement in your hymn playing.

9. Hymn playing is a spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical activity.  When I get home from church on Sunday evening I feel like I have been running a marathon.  I am exhausted and I have to take a shower.  I put every thing I have into playing the piano for the service.  Hymn playing demands all of you from your toes to the top of your head.  Can you tell the difference between whole-hearted and half-hearted playing.  Never let it be said that you are the latter.

10. Listen to yourself play.  Make recordings of the church service or listen to your church service CDs or videos.  Do you sound the same all of the time?  Are you too soft?  Are you too loud?  Are you following the song leader?  Do you add interesting elements to each verse of each hymn?

Never settle for where you are musically.  Try to learn different songs and different ways to play them.  Rome wasn't built in a day and you won't be where you need to be by this Sunday, but there are fifty-two Sundays in a year and if you learn one new thing each Sunday...?
:)

"Making time for Music"

Sounds like an unbelievable title for church pianists and musicians, but it can be true.  Music can become work, like a chore.  When you get home from church or from rehearsals sometimes the last thing you want to do is to sit down and practice or look at new music, etc...  Been there, done that!  I've even gotten to the point that I don't want to listen to ANY music at all when I'm not doing church work or teaching lessons. That's pretty bad.
We need to remember that music is not just a duty, a job, or a way to help others - it helps us personally.  Remember the reason you chose music as your ministry in the first place.  Re-ignite the excitement of playing a heart-touching song or finally finding a piece of music you've been look for.  Make time for music that speaks to your heart!
Ideas on how to make time for music
1. Keep a stack of music that you are interested in next to your instrument of choice (or by the recliner) so you can look over it, play it, sing it, and be inspired.
2. Keep a favorite song/artist playlist on your mp3 or phone and update it every week.
3. If a verse really speaks to your heart try to write a tune to go with it so you can keep it in your mind.
4. Make singing and music part of your devotional and prayer time.  Songs of praise and thanksgiving should flood your mind while you think about the Lord.
5. Purchase or download a music writing program so you can typeset your songs, transcribe unpublished songs, or create your own piano arrangements.  It is difficult to learn at first, but like anything you get faster and better at it the more you repeat the process.
6. Ask the teens in your church what their favorite gospel songs and hymns are and try to incorporate them into the service.  Do the same with the senior saints in your church.  Music is very personal and this is a personal way to encourage people, and thus, you will encourage yourself!

Musicians, make time for music, not just the process and the rehearsals!
Praying for you and your ministry!

Are you Listening?

We announced that our young peoples' annual music recital will be held this weekend.  You would have thought that we announced that everyone would have to line up for shots after the service.  My question to those who complain is, "Are you listening?".  The teen choir, teen ensemble, and teen quartet sang tonight.  Many of them have benefitted from music lessons and recitals.  Over 95% of our pianists have had some training in our music program and they play the offertories, the congregational songs, and for the rehearsals. "Are you listening?"
I do understand that there are pains in having a recital featuring many new and unseasoned students.  In spite of the trouble, the inconvenience, and the criticism from the uneducated, students must be given an opportunity to perform.  If they have no goals they generally will not "rise to the occasion".  I remember a time when the older folks would come to the recital just to encourage the students.  I would thank them for taking their time and for their inconvenience and they would graciously tell me that it was an honor to hear the students play their pieces. I looked forward to seeing them each year.
God wants us to have encouraging words for those who are learning to serve Him.  When we fail to support our children with time, attendance, and encouraging words we are discouraging them and their mentors.
Let's don't discourage those who have stepped out to learn a skill.  Let's take time to listen and be encouraging!!!  "Are you listening?"

Praise the Lord in 2012

Did you have any resolutions for the new year?  Of course I have the standing ones: lose weight, be a better soul winner, lose more weight, be a better aunt to my nieces and nephews, lose weight, and be a better mom, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law and daughter.
Sometimes as musicians our resolutions might look like this: practice more, improve technique, start umpteen more music groups, practice more, buy more, more, more, more, etc...
For years I have had the same resolutions: practice more, improve more, start more, do more - but God doesn't want  just "more", He wants me.   If we do our singing, practicing, playing, and serving directly for the Lord it eliminates a lot of distractions and frustrations.  Of course, we want to please our pastor and music director but that will even come more easily when we keep our focus on serving Him.
My heart's theme for this year is "Praise the Lord".  We're working on finding at least one new or archived song for each group that comes right out and praises the Lord.  I believe that we are created for fellowship with God and praise is the starting point for our walk with Him.
The word "praise" and "praises" occurs over two-hundred times in the Bible.  We are told to praise the Lord dozens of times but this is sometimes the last concern we have, even as Christian musicians.
II Chronicles 20:21 - And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD,and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. ²²And when they began to sing and to praise,the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
When the musicians sang and praised the Lord then the Lord won the battle for them.  Songs can preach, teach, admonish, comfort, and convict but they should also praise.  When we praise the Lord He is pleased; it is for Him.  How exciting that we can do something for His glory alone.  We become a smaller part of the picture and His power and glory is primary.   That is when He does the work we cannot do.  
Here are some songs that are great for praising our great God:
To God Be the Glory
Glory To His Name
Blessed Be the Name
Praise Him!
Praise the Lord! (He can work through those who praise Him..)
I Was Made to Praise the Lord
Worthy of Worship
Bow the Knee
Almighty, Unchangeable God
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
He Is the King of Kings
Lord of All
Jesus, Lord to Me
The Praise Song
That's Him
No Wonder We Call Him Our Saviour


Now's a great time to practice for what we'll be doing in Heaven - praising the Lord!