A LOT to consider

Each weekend I am responsible for choosing the music for many different liturgies. For me, it’s always a lot more involved than simply selecting music where the lyrics match the theme of the readings. There are a LOT of factors to consider:

The readings of the day, of course.
This could be an entire blog alone. Suffice it to say that the main thrust of the readings should be reflected in the song choices. Other factors are holidays, parish celebrations, etc.

What have we sung recently at that time slot?
Did we recently introduce a new song that could be repeated? Have we overused a song?

Is there a good flow to the music? Are there too many songs of the same tempo? Too many of the same style? A good variety always seems best. Would one of the song choices work better at a different point of the Mass?

Who are the musicians for that Mass?
Will the players and singers at that particular liturgy perform these songs well? Are there other songs better suited for their style of playing and singing?

Who is in the assembly for that Mass? Mostly children? teens? adults?
A good variety is always good, but who are we leading in song? Are we choosing age-appropriate music for the assembly?

I typically spend a lot of my time considering all of these factors when choosing music. I like to write the list down on a board and stare at it a bit until I feel that I’ve gotten it as right as I can make it. I’ve been known to make some last minute changes when something doesn’t seem right, or when something doesn’t go over well in a rehearsal. Or...I might write something if it seems like there’s a need in a particular spot!

Feel free to share your comments and ideas.