The Importance of Teaching
Dec 9, 2009 Youth Worship
When working with my youth worship team I often find myself emphasizing rehearsing the songs. After all, we generally have one event or another to prepare for so that means creating a songlist, and working up that music to perform or lead with.
I have realized, however, that there is a huge benefit to teaching, and not just rehearsing. When I first started to teach guitar lessons I told myself that I wanted my students to learn why a chord was what it was, what the names of the notes they were paying etc… Instead of just “play this chord”
I believed by teaching them how to learn to play guitar, then they could continue to learn whether I was teaching them or not.
The same thing should be true for worship teams. We should work with them to teach the basics of chord structures, rhythms, balance, tone, song structure, etc… So that they begin to recognize these things.
What’s cool is that when your group starts to learn these things, they begin to play musically together. You don’t have to explain every part of every song, but they begin to feel it.
For us this has resulted in more productive rehearsals, and more enjoyable ones too.
So what basic lessons would you teach a beginning praise band?
Tags: band, Event, guitar, How To, lessons, Music, praise, rehearsal, sing, song, Songlist, Songs, Team, work, Worship, worship team, worship teams, youth, Youth Worship
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
Songwriting
Nov 11, 2009 Uncategorized
Sent from my iPhone
Instrumental Reflection #11- Veteran’s Day
Nov 9, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections
This past week we created a video of member of our church, who was in the military, sharing his thoughts on what veterans day means. This weeks instrumental reflection is the background music I composed for that video. Click here to see the whole video.
To listen click play!
Just a reminder.. Instrumental Reflections is now available as a podcast. Click here for the feed for the podcast or here to subscribe in itunes
Tags: Background, Church, Click, compose, Instrumental, mp3, Music, podcast, reflections, song, Songs, subscribe, Thoughts, video
Instrumental Reflections #10- Bridal Entrance and Podcast Test
Oct 28, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections, podcast
This past weekend I had the privilege of providing music for the wedding of one of my former youth. The really cool part is that I was given the challenge of providing original music for the ceremony. This is the original recording of what was chosen for the Bride’s Entrance.
Also, I am using this post to test out the podcasting of Instrumental Reflections. The podcast will include not only these instrumental reflections but also other items, thoughts, videos, interviews etc that I can capture and put up here. What do you think?
Oh.. and I haven’t forgotten about the Christmas Instrumental Reflections.. I promise they are coming soon.
To listen click play!
Click here for the feed for the podcast or here to subscribe in itunes
Tags: bride, capture, Christmas, Click, Instrumental, mp3, Music, piano, podcast, Recording, reflections, sing, song, Songs, subscribe, Thoughts, video, wedding entrance, youth
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
Christmas Reflections Week 1
Oct 20, 2009 Free Stuff, Instrumental Reflections
Last week I said I would be taking suggestions for Christmas hymns you would like to hear as instrumental reflections. So here is your chance. Leave the name of your song in the comments below. Also be sure to check back on Friday to hear the versions of the requested songs.
Tags: Carols, choose, Christmas, Free CD, help, Hymn, Instrumental, Music, reflections, Request, song, Songs
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
Worship Planning with Google Wave
Oct 14, 2009 Communication, Media and Technology, Worship Planning
I was invited to a google wave “post” or “blip” or whatever it is called, where my friend was writing a blog post, and wanted some fresh eyes to read over it. He posted his thoughts and what happened next was amazing. About ten other people started sharing thoughts, finding spelling mistakes and making corrections, giving alternate ideas and collaborating on the post.
After watching this for a few minutes I wondered if it could be used for planning worship services? What would happen if someone could start a wave with the sermon and scripture, then let people from all over comment, make song suggestions, give links to videos or tell about a skit they wrote that would fit the topic?
Well let’s find out. First let me say that I know not everyone has Google Wave, and I know this process won’t fully work until it is available everywhere, so hurry up Google! But I think there are enough to give this experiment a try.
I have created a wave for a service we are doing on November 8th. If you have wave add me to your contact list and I will invite you to the wave.
My contact is rgmmusic@googlewave.com
Tags: blog, Google, LInks, Music, people, planning, scripture, Service, song, Thoughts, video, Wave, work, Worship, Worship Planning
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
