Wear your concert clothes

We’re at that time of year when we start seriously looking at what we’re going to do in terms of a Christmas program or concert at our parish. For many of us, rehearsals may already be well under way! Traditionally, most churches will present a concert by the parish choir. Here’s another idea that takes much, much less preparation and can be really effective: a sing-along.

Last year we were unable to present a music ministry concert in our parish. We still wanted to offer something, so we went this route. We rolled the piano out front, had a trumpet player on one side, a flute on the other, and my wife, Karen, and I led the assembly in traditional and contemporary carols and songs that our assembly knew well. We dimmed the lights, lit a few candles, and really tried to set the tone for an evening celebrating Advent and Christmas. To mix it up I would throw in a piano solo, Karen and I would sing (perform) a song, we'd have instrumental interludes, etc. The feedback we received was incredible! The church was full.

People kept telling me that this was one thing that really got them into the spirit of the season. We’re always going around from party to party, from store to store, etc. Sure, it helps to hear Christmas music on the radio, but this was very different. We all paused in our place of worship, our church, and took some time to appreciate the beautiful melodies and lyrics that mark this most glorious of events in our world. I’ve heard our church sing before...but even this was different. It truly was inspiring, moving, and beautiful...especially when all of the adults went silent as the children sang “Away in a Manger” by themselves!  (Not a dry eye in the house.)

Karen and I kept sharing with everyone how this truly was the most enjoyable ‘concert’ we had ever been a part of. We would start a song, then step back from our mics and let the assembly carry it. That was the goal of the night. It wasn’t about us performing; it was about the assembly...all of us...singing these songs together. They will. They want to. Just give them a chance.

I mentioned that we had both a trumpet and flute player as well. If you are in need of any parts or descants for the Christmas/Advent seasons, (or any other time) you should check out the C Instrument Companion from World Library Publications. This is why this was created. Most songs in this collection have melody and two descants for instruments. All of the work is done for you. (You would need to transpose to B-flat for those instruments.) There are more than 500 titles in this 2-book collection from various publishers (including OCP and GIA). (www.wlpmusic.com,  002475, $95.00)