From "A Lot to Consider" (January 2011)
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 text matches the theme of the readings. That is where I always begin...the scripture readings for that Sunday, but there are a LOT of other factors to consider as well:
What have we sung recently at that time slot?
Did we recently introduce a new song that could be repeated? Did the assembly really embrace it? Are they looking forward to singing it again?
Conversely, have we overused a song? Is it time to retire a particular title for a bit?
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, or their ability?
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?
Have we been introducing and singing too many new songs? While fresh and exciting for the music ministry, this could be intimidating to the assembly. Songs we, as musicians, might consider 'old' or 'overused' might be a welcome addition to the people in the pews, on any given Sunday. Don't be afraid to sing some old 'stand-by's.' The assembly will thank you by singing loudly!
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!
As we present and lead music week after week at our liturgies it’s important to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate our music and our musical performance. This is not to simply be critical of ourselves, but rather to be sure we are leading our assemblies the most effective way we can.
A good variety is always good, but who are we leading in song? Are we choosing age-appropriate music for the assembly?
Have we been introducing and singing too many new songs? While fresh and exciting for the music ministry, this could be intimidating to the assembly. Songs we, as musicians, might consider 'old' or 'overused' might be a welcome addition to the people in the pews, on any given Sunday. Don't be afraid to sing some old 'stand-by's.' The assembly will thank you by singing loudly!
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!
As we present and lead music week after week at our liturgies it’s important to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate our music and our musical performance. This is not to simply be critical of ourselves, but rather to be sure we are leading our assemblies the most effective way we can.
**CHANGE**
Music Suggestions will be posted every Thursday
(The next suggestions are for June 9th, 10th Sunday in OT)
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