Cue the drummer!!!

I think sometimes we underestimate the musicality of drums and what they can offer to the overall arrangement of a song, particularly when it comes to 'building' a song from the beginning. I mean, how often do you actually tell the drummer when to come in?  Do you constantly fall into the '1 2 3 4-everybody-in-from-the-top' type of playing? Or is there some creative arranging happening?

I guess what I'm saying is that the drums are really important to the musical impact of a song. Don't just think of them as 'keeping the beat' but rather as another instrument in your orchestra. Just like in an orchestra, a flute shouldn't play every measure of the song, or a trumpet, or strings or ANYthing...neither should the drums. Use them musically.

This past Sunday we sang "How Great Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves as our Song of Gathering. The following video segment shows how we began with just piano, then added guitar, then bass, and finally drums on verse 2. That's right...only hi-hat and cymbals at first. The full drums came in after the first refrain.

The song sounded fine...great actually, without the drums playing. In fact, no one probably even noticed they weren't there. Everyone was singing and (hopefully) engaged. Then, when the drums did come in...it was even more powerful and added even more to the song. It kept building!!!

Notice, also, how all of the vocals are in unison until later in the song. I like to think of the assembly as the primary voice in a song like this. Notice how you can hear their voices.

Here's another example of a song by Rita Baloche called "Flowing River." We played the whole first part of the song with just guitar, piano, and vocals. (I probably would've used a synth pad, too, if we had one.) The drums come in on the repeat of the verse. Again, they are not just 'keeping time,' but rather adding a nice 'feel' to the rhythm of the song.

This is a useful tool because a lot of times we are beginning a song from a quiet moment in the liturgy. It's a great invitation to start a song softly, then build. It also makes the times you start a song 'loud and strong' a nice contrast. I think the assembly responds to this.

Please consider using both of these songs in your liturgies. To me, they are both classics and I've found that they fit well both lyrically and musically. Our assembly has responded extremely well to these songs.

Next week I'd like to talk about 'recording' your assembly and getting a sense of what it sounds like from the pews!
 

 

February 10, 2013 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Change Me by Tom Booth & Israel Houghton (spiritandsong.com) - one of my favorite Tom Booth songs. This unique song has a very memorable refrain with a powerful message: "Change me, Lord, and I will change my world."  This would serve as a great Song of Preparation or Dismissal. (From the CD Change Me)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

Come and Follow Me by John Angotti (WLP) – right out of today's gospel, a classic John Angotti tune. (From the CD Common Ground.)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion

Fish With Me by Ken Canedo (spiritandsong.com) - though I've never personally ever performed this song, I've heard it sung many, many times at various events. To me, the tempo works well as a Song of Preparation/Offertory or Dismissal/Sending Forth. (From the CD Love Never Fails)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

I See the Lord by Paul Baloche (Integrity's Hosanna!) - the verse describes the vision of the Lord "seated on the throne; the train of his robe is filling the heavens." The refrain declares "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!" Great as a Gathering song or Offertory. (From the CD First Love)

Suggested use: Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory

 

Make Us Your Own by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - a nice, lilting 6/8 with unison verses and simple harmonies on the refrain. "And though we can't see what is meant to be, be with us Bread of Life, Lord of all." (From the CD Awake to the Day)

Suggested use: Communion

 

We Fall Down by Chris Tomlin (worshiptogether.com) - this classic, wonderfully simple song says it all in a few words: "...we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus." A humble worship song that works so well in so many places in the liturgy.

Suggested use: Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion

 

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - Matt's classic song that has been covered and even re-arranged/re-written by Chris Tomlin. Check out both versions.

Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

If you do what I do, don't do what I did...

Week after week I hope to share some ideas with you that have worked in my parish in our music program.  We, of course, have tried them as well. Most of the time I'm happy to report that things go well! 

Well...a few weeks back I talked about using loops to help set tempos and even add some 'missing' elements to your live performances. We had only done a little of that up to that point, though it's done a lot by other contemporary groups. Over the past month, however, we've used at least 3 different loops...with 3 different experiences that I thought I'd share.  Hopefully, you can avoide some of the pitfalls we've had.  :-)
 
Monumental loop failure #1. We were starting Mass with "Awake to the Day" (WLP).  In my studio I created a loop similar to the one on the recording. (I don't have those original studio tracks.)  It was 6 beats long and just kept repeating (or 'looping.')  We practiced with it and everything felt great. When it came time to start the song, I looked over at our drummer to let him know I was ready for him to press 'play.' He did, but I forgot to turn up the loop in my monitor, so I missed the first part of it. Then, as I listened to it, I had no earthly idea where beat '1' was!  So, I just started...halfway through it. That made the whole thing just seem 'off,' especially to the rest of the band.
My bad...

Monumental loop failure # 2. We were singing Paul Baloche's beautiful song "Christmas Offering" on Epiphany. I had purchased and downloaded a great loop from PraiseCharts.com.  We practiced with it...and it sounded great. It came time to play the song at Mass, I looked over at our drummer to let him know I was ready for him to press 'play.' He did, but I forgot to turn up the loop in my monitor, (sound familiar?)  so, I was listening to what was coming out of the house system. Well, there's a place in the song right before the chorus where everything...including the loop...drops out completely. I had no reference of tempo since I didn't turn up my monitor...so we got off. Just enough to screw everything up.  So, our drummer shut off the loop and we played the song without it.
My bad...again.

Monumental loop failure # 3. We were introducing Matt Redman's popular song "10,000 Reasons" as a song of praise after communion. Once again, I had purchased a great loop, we practiced...all was well. Then, it came time to do the song.  I looked over at our drummer to let him know I was ready for him to press 'play.' He did, but I forgot to turn up the loop in my monitor, (I'm not kidding.)  The loop played this really nice percussion pattern with a synth intro...very cool...and very 'all-by-itself!'  I totally missed the countoff. Luckily, it was the intro and there were no vocals requred, yet.  I simply joined in with the piano and all was well.  But...geez...3 times?  I forgot to turn up my monitor 3 times? 

Our verdict?  We really love what the loops add (percussion, synth, extra gtr parts, etc.) and we're going to continue to use them...and just get it right!  I'm happy to say that everyone has had no difficulty staying with the tempo of the loops. As long as we follow the chart and stay with it...AND I TURN UP MY MONITOR...it all works great.  It's definitely added a new dimension to a few songs- as well as a nice challenge!

I just wanted to share this with you to show that I am not afraid to admit when things go wrong. I ain't no expert!  :-)  It happens all the time. As long as we can learn from our mistakes (ahem...3 times?) then that's what matters.

February 3, 2013 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

 

I Will Sing by Craig & Kristen Colson (spiritandsong.com) – This is an upbeat setting of psalm 71. Listen to the recording for some arrangement/performance ideas. If you've got a sax player, this might be a good opportunity to feature them during the psalm. (From the CD Fill Us With Your Love.)
Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm


Love by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - a contemporary, ballad-style, duet setting of this exact text. (From the CD Word for Word.)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion


The Name of Jesus by Brian Flynn and Jeff Thomas (WLP) – a great, driving contemporary song which would be great as a closing song. (From the CD Born Again.)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal


He Has Anointed Me by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - we heard these words last Sunday (3OT) in the Gospel reading. Aaron has crafted this new piece for choir and piano, or playable by a band.
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion


Jesus, My Everything by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - Matt's signature melodies and chord changes are present here in one of his most beautiful songs. Keep it simple with just guitar or piano, or fill it out with a full band. Maintain a gentleness about the arrangement, though.

Help! My music stand isn't big enough for this song!

Last year at this time I wrote a post called "Chart Your Progress(ions)" which talked about making sure you had 'easy-to-read' or 'easy-to-follow' music for your musicians. Often times a piece of music is 3 or more pages long, even as a lead sheet. That is just plain difficult to work with, especially if you only have a single music stand. Guitarists and bassists have to stop playing just to turn the page or move sheets of paper around. Then there are the many various endings, D.S.'s, Codas, etc. You tell them "We're not going to play verse 3, but repeat the refrain after verse 2, then jump back to the intro and back to the Refrain" or something similar...and it's just asking for a train-wreck!

I'm always reminded of this when holidays come around, as it seems there are always quite a few 'subs' sitting in when your usual players go out of town. They're are often not familiar with a song and are planning to 'read-it-down' when it comes time to play. Having their music organized and in order is crucial to the success of the performance.

Here's an example of a song by the Jacob and Matthew Band: "Give Glory."  The lead sheet version of this song has 3 pages and is engraved in a way that the music spacing favors the lyrics AND the notes at the same time. Consequently, it is 3 pages long...not bad...but that can create a 'speed bump' for your players when trying to put a song together quickly and efficiently.  Here is page 1 (of 3) of the lead sheet:

For someone who just needs to be able to follow along quickly and easily, and know how each particular section should be played, a rhythm chart can be much more effective. Below, I've attached a sample rhythm chart of this song.  (This is a sample I've created of a song that is published by World Library Publications, which is currently developing it's own style for rhythm charts.)

Notice it's only 2 pages. Notice that the vocal line isn't there. It doesn't need to be. There are just lyric cues. The measures, however, do contain slash notation to indicate the beats. When a particular rhythm needs to be played, it's marked with slashes as quarter notes or eighth notes.  A few instructions help the drummer know what to do with the bass drum (BD) and snare drum (SD). The bass guitar (BG) can see when to play whole notes or eighth notes. The electric guitar (EG) sees the same. The section headings are bolded-faced and set inside a box. Those on the left margin are actually set outside the margin so they can be spotted quickly.

It's easier to follow for a rhythm player. They don't need to see vocal parts, slurs, lyrics, word extenders, multiple endings that incorporate a slightly different vocal rhythm, etc.  All of those things take up a lot of space on the page. This is more concise and crafted for just what they need to do.

So, where do you find these?  

Some publishers are starting to do this with some of their contemporary music. At voicesasone.com these are going to be a part of the new 'bundle' packages you can purchase. They will target contemporary songs that have lead sheets longer than two pages.

A really great resource is the website PraiseCharts.com. You can find ALL kinds of charts available for purchase for almost every contemporary worship song that has been successful. I, myself, have used their charts many times and have found them to be very useful and valuable. Check them out and look at some of their sample charts.

Or, if they are not available by any publisher, you could create your own for a bass player or a guitar player. I'm sure if you called and asked permission to do so a publisher would either grant it or charge a very, very nominal fee. We're talking about something for one or two players. And, we're talking about making the song successful!

Good luck, and make great music!

Have No Anxiety

Not much to say today...still in a fog over this horrific tragedy. I think it's always good for us to be reminded of these words:

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

How fitting for that to be our second reading this past Sunday.

Here's a recording of the song, "Have No Anxiety" from our 6:00pm Life Teen Mass last Sunday. It was just me and the piano. We didn't project the lyrics, but everyone who knew the song sang along. While the album recording is much more energetic and 'filled-out,' (here) I felt this arrangement was really a better fit for this past weekend.  Instead of having the band play on this song, it was just a stripped-down version...more prayerful, I think.



Let's all continue to pray for the peace that can only come from God...beyond all human understanding...to find a place there in Newtown.

God bless,

Ed

What was that song again...???

Choosing songs for Mass can be both exciting and daunting at times. Sometimes, when I read through the readings, songs will immediately pop into my head. I won't even need to look at a planner. Other times, I find it more difficult to find something that fits that particular Sunday, especially from our existing repertoire. I'm finding more and more that I need to come up with creative ways to remember songs (and lyrics) or to discover something new that would really fit our music ministry.

1. One thing I do is keep a running list of songs that, for whatever reason, I find interesting. It could be that a song has really powerful lyrics, or is a good call/response type song, or has a great melody that keeps running through my head, or is simply a great fast song! Other times, I might run across one or two titles where I think, "I want to do that song again sometime soon, but it won't really work for this week." Whenever that happens, I add that song to the list. I keep it on a dry-erase board near my desk. It's basically a list of songs I think we should try, use again soon, or check out for later. I've found in the past that I've missed the boat on something that would've been great simply because I forgot!  It's also good to refer to that list when I'm searching for a specific need in a liturgy. Often times it's right there on the board.

2. Another tool I've found helpful is keeping all of the lyrics for every song in a Word document or some other kind of searchable database. If I'm trying to find a song about "thanks" I might search that word in the document and see what lyrics pop up. If I still don't find what I need, I'll try different searches like "grateful," or "thankful," etc. Most of the time this will yield some good possibilities. Other times, even though the word is there, the song just isn't a good choice for that time.

3. I use every planner I can get my hands on and read through as many commentaries as I have time for, every week. It's helpful to see what songs are consistent from planner to planner, as well as other points of view on style, placement in the liturgy, etc. A comment, a suggestion, a footnote...whatever...might spark an idea in my own mind or lead me to another title I had forgotten about.

In case you were wondering, I use AIM (WLP), Today's Liturgy (OCP),  GIA Quarterly (GIA) , Liturgy Planning Guides (Life Teen).

January 27, 2013 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

He Lives In Us by Amelia Acosta (WLP) – The verses of this new song can be done by a cantor/soloist, bringing in the assembly on “He lives in us” each time, though the choir and assembly could sing it all. There is a nice pre-chorus as well, longer than usual, so it might be a good idea to begin with the Refrain when singing this song for the first time. That is a technique I often use when teaching a new song. The assembly sings the Refrain, the cantor sings verse 1, and then…they already know the Refrain! Beautiful song.

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion

 

 

Lord, You Have the Words by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – with a very simple refrain, this song revolves around 2 chords all the way until verse 3. The colorful vocal harmonies can really fill out the verses nicely. (From the CD The Face of God. Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion

 

Thy Word by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith (CCLI) – this timeless classic always invokes singing from the assembly. Start simply and build. Then, drop out everything and let the assembly hear themselves sing these words. Check out the instrumental parts available in the Voices As One C Instrument Books. Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion

We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar by Brian Flynn (WLP) – this is a new, contemporary song in a hymn-style format. Four verses with the same music (and a key change) make it easy to learn and sing quickly. As the name indicates, this is a great song for the Offertory/Preparation of the gifts. (From the CD Born Again.)  Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion

Word of God Speak by Bart Millard (CCLI) – "Word of God, speak, would you pour down like rain!" beautiful, powerful song recorded by the group Mercy Me. I find the key of A works well. Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion.

Lotsa parts...

There are many instrumental parts available by various publishers. Some sell them individually (example); some in larger collections containing many titles. (VAO C Instrument Books). It's important to understand how the arranger INTENDED these parts to be played or used.

First, let's look at octavos. In general, the instrumental part in an octavo follows the keyboard/choral part measure for measure. It is an arrangement. It is intended to be played as written with virtually no improvisation needed. You should be able to put the music in front of an experienced player and, if you perform the octavo as written, they will stay with you the whole time, playing just what the composer or arranger intended.

Separately published C or B-flat instrument parts usually need to be approached differently. Most often these are written AFTER the song has been recorded and published. They are designed to offer some 'enhancement' to the song. They are designed to offer your solo instrumentalists SOMETHING to play! Usually you will see three staves: the top staff has the melody, the second staff has a simple instrument part, and the third a similar, sometimes more advanced part. They are intended to be 3 different options for the song. If played together it would probably be 'too much.' Probably. It depends on the arrangement. (Some arrangements intend for C1 and C2 to be played together.)

As the director, your job is to give some direction to your players when they are given one of these multiple-option pieces of music.

Here's an example of some instrumental parts written after the song was recorded. The song is "Awake to the Day" and the instrumental parts were arranged by Brian Fife. This is from the VAO C Instrument Books. I've indicated some instructions that I would give 2 players, either verbally or written-in. I've actually highlighted the sections I would have them play.

Sure, if you had three different C instruments, once could play the melody, one could play C1, and one could play C2. They wouldn't clash, but it might just be too much to have them all the whole time!  Brian's intent here (as is explained in the Preface) is for you to 'pick and choose' what to do based on your ensemble.

The beauty of these type of parts is that they offer lots of flexibility. You just need to be careful to explain to your instrumentalists what the intent is. Chances are, if left unguided, they will play from measure one to the end, note-for-note, unless you tell them what you would like to do.


In other news: we played Joshua Blakesley's "Let Your Love Come Down" this past week as our Dismissal song. Great song! Everyone seemed to really enjoy singing it. We'll be doing it again this week.

January 20, 2013 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

All the Ends of the Earth by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - upbeat setting of this Psalm with a short, repetitive refrain. Though the recording begins with the verse, in a liturgical setting it would be better to begin with the refrain. (from the CD Word for Word.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Sending Forth/Dismissal

Come, Holy Spirit by Tom Booth and Robert Feduccia (spiritandsong.com) - beautifully simple song. Keep it light. Brushes for the drummer!  (from the CD Captured.)

Suggested use: Second Communion

Come to Jesus by Joshua Blakesley and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong.com) - works beautifully as a song for Gathering, Offertory, or Communion. Lyrics inviting all to come to the Lord, set to beautiful music. One of my favorites. (from the CD Waiting.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, 

Offertory/Song of Preparation, Communion

Flowing River by Rita Baloche (CCLI) - this quickly became a favorite prayer for our assembly to sing. Set up a nice rhythm with the piano or guitar (or percussion if you have it) and practice singing over it. Listen to the recording by Paul Baloche, or the one from Voices As One.

Suggested use: Offertory/Song of Preparation, Communion

Go Out, Go Out (Psalm 117) by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) - get the horn section ready for this tune. A fun song to play and sing that sends us all forth to "tell the world." (from the CD Amid Passing Things)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Sending Forth/Dismissal

We Bring Our Gifts To Your Altar by Brian Flynn (WLP) - Wonderful hymn-style song. See an earlier post about playing this piece. "Where does it say that?" (from the CD Born Again.)

Suggested use: Offertory/Song of Preparation, Communion

Wedding at Cana by Danielle Rose (WLP) - I had the opportunity to actually play this song for Danielle years ago. We only had a piano and a set of congas, but we made it work. :-)  Perhaps consider using this song for the Offertory, or possibly as a communion meditation. (from the CD Mysteries.)

Suggested use: 

Offertory/Song of Preparation, Communion

Please share your song ideas with me and I will post as many as I can so we can all share our knowledge of resources. Remember, what works for one parish might not work for another. We should be open-minded to all styles and preferences of music. As long as the music serves the liturgy, it may be listed here.