The Right Key is One Key to Stong Vocals
Nov 30, 2009 Worship Planning, Youth Worship
There are many ways you can help your worship team vocalists sing strong with confidence. One thing I discovered this past year is that the right key is the key!
Last year I would introduce a song usually by listening to the cd then having the band try it and vocals sing. Many times they would like the song, however the vocalist would be struggling trying to sing out of their range, or flipping octaves between verse and chorus. Since the music was printed and we had already worked on learning in the original key, it was hard to change keys and we usually just struggled through.
This year we tried something different. This year every new song we introduced to the vocals first. After they learned the basic tune we found the key that best suited their voices. I made a note of the key and then during the next week would print music accordingly.
I have really noticed a difference in a few key areas:
1. They enjoy it more- When they are comfortable with the key they don’t have to worry about how they will hit the notes, and less worry means more fun.
2. They are stronger- Since we chose a key that fits their range they are more confident and sing out.
3. They get more done- Since we no longer take time out in rehearsal searching for keys with the whole band, and transposing music 2-3 times we get more done, learn more music and get better as a band.
What tips do you have for developing vocalists?
Tags: band, CD, Difference, help, listen, Music, New Song, rehearsal, sing, song, Team, tips, vocals, voices, work, Worship, worship team, youth, Youth Worship
Creative Artists or Praise and Worship Cover Band?
Oct 28, 2009 How To, Worship Planning
I was reading through various friends facebook updates when this one by Chuck Harris caught my attention:
“The church does not prize originality, but rather cloning, it does not prize freedom, but control.” Leonard Sweet.
It got me to thinking about how we approach worship music in the church. Do we foster an atmosphere of creativity and unleash our members to use their talent in unique and creative ways, or do we throttle creativity by insisting on playing a piece just as it was recorded by the latest worship band? I admit it is much easier to do the second. I also think that we are encouraged to do so by artists and publishing companies because they make it so easy. You can find now an extensive library of resources where the worship tunes have been charted out to mimic their recording. It is easier to learn the music when CD’s can be listened to and are available for easy reference. I wonder though if it has not just made us a praise and worship cover band. Although it is easier, is it best?
I had been thinking on this topic even before I read the quote above. One of our band members, who had been thinking along the same lines, asked if we could try an experiment. He said that we should pass out a chord chart to a song, and let us come up with the arrangement before listening to it on the CD.
I really want to get your thoughts.
What are the benefits of using CDs and pre-written charts?
What are the benefits of doing your own thing?
Which do you use more often? Why?
What are other ways you can foster creativity with your band?
Tags: band, CD, charts, chord chart, Church, facebook, Free, late, listen, Music, praise, praise and worship, Reading, Recording, Resource, resources, sing, song, Thoughts, Worship
Criticism and Praise
Oct 26, 2009 Communication, Devotions and Thoughts, What I'm Reading
I was reading through the google shared items of Michael Hyatt, and ran across an entry he had shared called False Praise and Distorted Criticism by Pete Wilson. Read the whole post, but I wanted to share one thing that the Pete said.
Don’t waste your time listening to false praise or distorted criticism. The praise will go straight to your head and the criticism will go directly to your heart. Both will lead you astray and both will damage the work God is doing in you and through you.
Wow, how true that is. I can point to many times in my life when false praise has blown my head up. I also look back at times where I let criticism crush me. At both points I was worrying about, or basking in what others said about me, and took my focus off of Christ and his work through me.
As Christians, we need to remember that our purpose and our worth comes from Christ.
Tags: asking, Criticism, Google, listen, praise, Reading, Share, Thoughts, work
Suggest Your Favorite Podcasts
Oct 22, 2009 Communication
I was listening to music on my iPhone the other day and I noticed that there was one category empty…. Podcasts. I really hadn’t given much thought to podcasts until I took a trip down to Houston recently. On the way down I was tired of listening to music, but there was nothing on the radio. I stopped for dinner and began to browse through the podcasts in itunes. I downloaded several and had plenty to listen to the rest of the trip down, and back up.
The ones I started with were:
Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast- I really enjoy listening to Andy’s thoughts on leadership. The only thing I do not like is that this one only comes out once per month.
All About Worship Podcast- Wisdom Moon and the guys do a great job making an entertaining podcast. It contains artist interviews, reviews and just some good fun and conversation. Great for worship leaders.
Mars Hill Bible Church Podcast- Since hearing Rob Bell at a National Youth Workers Convention many years ago I have been challenged by what he has to say. Nice to be introduced to other great preachers from time to time.
Those are the podcasts that I started listening to but I know there are other great ones out there. So let me know! What do you listen to? Which ones inspire you, challenge you, or make you laugh?
Tags: Church, iphone, listen, Music, National Youth Workers Convention, podcast, Thoughts, work, Worship, Worship Leader, youth
Help Me Choose Christmas Instrumental Reflection
Oct 15, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections
I have very much enjoyed composing and posting the first 9 instrumental reflections I have shared with you. If you have been listening you know that some of the songs are original compositions, and some are original takes on old hymns. Most were chosen because they are my favorites, or say something to me, as I hope they have to you.
I thought it might be a good change though, to give you a chance to choose the instrumental reflections for Christmas. Over the next 6 weeks I plan to record 8-10 Christmas Hymn variations. I plan on writing them on Friday, so each week, from Monday-Thursday I’ll be taking suggestions. I will write a post on Monday asking for your ideas. Leave a comment on that post as to which hymn you think should be that weeks reflection and why. On Friday I’ll choose two and record them. If your’s is not chosen the first week be sure and suggest it the second week and so forth.
Each week I will also draw one name at random from those who entered. At the end of the recordings I will make a CD with the recordings and send them out to those winners.
Rule: Only one suggestion per person, per week. That way one person doesn’t just list all the Christmas songs ever written.
Ok.. sound good?
Tags: asking, Carols, CD, choose, Christmas, Free CD, help, Hymn, Instrumental, listen, Recording, reflections, Share, sing, song, Songs, Win
Instrumental Reflection #9- It Is Well With My Soul
Oct 7, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections
Sometimes these reflections are hard to come up with. Unfortunately this weeks came too easy, but for a difficult reason .
My sister’s best friend was supposed to be married in a few weeks. A few days ago her fiancee went to sleep and never woke up. I cannot even begin to imagine what she and the family are going through. I cannot think of any words to say. When I found out the news this one song rushed into my head and has not gone away.
This reflection is not only for her, but for all who are going through tough times.
Click to listen. Right click and choose “Save as” or “save target as” to save to your computer.
- It is Well With My Soul
by Horatio G Spafford - When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.- Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
- Refrain:
- Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul. - My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! - For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. - But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! - And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
If you would be interested the family has set up a pay pal account which will be used to defray funeral expenses and to pay bills, etc. that may need to be covered. Any gift would be appreciated.
Also I will pass on any comments or words of encouragement you leave in the comments.
1. Go to paypal.com
2. Press Send (to send money)
3. Enter davidrosbrough@gmail.com in the to box and then enter your email address in the from box
4. Enter amount desired.
5. Scroll down and click on “personal” and “gift”
6. Press continue and follow instructions
Did you enjoy this Instrumental Reflection? Check out the other instrumental reflections in the suggested sites below. To get them delivered to your inbox Subscribe to forkintheroad by Email
To listen click play!
Tags: angel, Appreciate, choose, Click, computer, email, encouragement, Family, Google, Grief, help, Hymn, Instrumental, listen, mp3, Music, peace, piano, praise, reflections, song, Songs, Sorrow, subscribe
Instrumental Reflection #8- Lazy
Sep 30, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections
The 8th installment of Instrumental Reflections brings a piece that is perfect to play behind a prayer time, prayer walk or even to help you relax and go to sleep. I called it “Lazy” and it sound just like that. The song is about 3 minutes long but I looped it once. You should be able to loop it and have it play continuously in your MP3 player, or on the computer.
I hope you enjoy
Click to listen. Right click and choose “Save as” or “save target as” to save to your computer.
Did you enjoy this Instrumental Reflection? Check out the other instrumental reflections in the suggested sites below. To get them delivered to your inbox Subscribe to forkintheroad by Email
To listen click play!
Tags: choose, Click, computer, email, Google, help, Instrumental, listen, mp3, Music, Prayer, reflections, song, Songs, subscribe, walk
