Underscoring...

A few things for this week:



My original blog post here spoke about underscoring the Opening Prayer of the Mass.  Well, as my good friend Craig Colson pointed out to me (!), the GIRM asks that all instruments "should be silent" during any presidential prayer...which includes the Opening Prayer in the Gathering Rite. So, as I do not wish to be in violation of the GIRM I respectfully have removed that portion of this blog. I will create a later, different post about underscoring with a video example in the near future.

I will say that any and all underscoring (playing music underneath), whether during a prayer, liturgy, movie, film, etc., is intended to focus the listener ON the spoken word or event that is taking place and not distract from it. The music is not the focus; rather it is meant to direct one's attention to and enhance something more important. In this case, I was referring to the Opening Prayer. 

In other news...

"Advent Alleluia" - I posted the music for this piece last week and I promised a demo. You can hear that below on the YouTube link. (Thanks to my 5 year old son Caden for providing the percussion for this demo! It was fun...his first time in a 'studio' setting. Sorry he didn't quite catch the meter change to 3/8.  :-)  )
Feel free to alter the melody a little in the second half of the verse if it's too high for the cantor/soloist.



"Advent Holy, Holy" - here is a setting of the new translation based on the melody of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."  Advent is a nice time to make a change to some different Mass settings. We've been using Mass of Saint Ann for the past year, so we will be doing some new things for the change in the liturgical calendar.  Using something like this enables a 'quick learn' of a new setting, plus it helps create that sense of longing for Christmas by using the melody of a familiar Christmas hymn.





Feel free to use both of these settings.

DECEMBER 16, 2012 – THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

(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.)

Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – "Awake, O sleeper, arise from slumber!" A good medium-tempo song that works great at entrance, offertory, or closing. (From the CD We are the Beggars.)

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

Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – "We prepare for you, Lord." Be careful not to play the 6/8 time signature like a waltz! Listen to the recording. This song can be used throughout Advent. (From the CD Awake to the Day.)

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

Come, Emmanuel by Deanna Light and Paul Tate (WLP) – This song has a recurring melody that ties the verses in with the refrain. Your assembly will love this piece and sing it! There are four verses for the various weeks in Advent, and verse 4 refers to the "baptist's cry." (From the CD Hope in the Lord.)

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

Cry Out with Joy and Gladness by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - a new setting for this week's Psalm response. Though it is more designed for a traditional choir setting, you could adapt it for a contemporary ensemble.

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm

Emmanuel by Steve Angrisano (OCP) - Steve uses the traditional verses of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and adds a nice, uplifting refrain. I will slow down the tempo a bit when we sing this in comparison to the recorded version. Since the traditional setting of this song is in a minor mode, this major key setting is a much different approach to the same text. (From the CD Never Too Young)

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



Emmanuel, Come to Set Us Free by Jolanda Robertson (WLP) – a nice gospel-style advent song. The refrain can easily be sung by the assembly, while the verses offer the opportunity for some solo interpretations. The repetitive "Watching and waiting for you, O Lord," is a powerful build up to the last Refrain. This piece can be found in the new More Voices As One vol. 1. published by WLP.

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional) – We only get to sing this song four Sundays out of the year! Your assembly will know it and they will treasure singing it. Consider D minor as an alternative to the typical E minor. Also, be careful not to get too creative with this one, particulary with the melody and the rhythms of the melody. The band can do some interesting things around it, but keep it pretty traditional.

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

Prepare the Way by Tom Booth (OCP) – Based on a simple chord progression this song has an instantly memorable refrain that really sets the tone as a gathering song for Advent.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Prepare the Way by Charlie Hall (worshiptogether.com) – A simple melody with a simple chord progression...the repetitive nature of this song enables easy singing by the assembly. It can start simple with a single instrument and build to a full band, and back down again.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) – Beautiful assembly-friendly song that works well in almost every part of the mass. Strip it down to just piano or guitar, or play with a full band...it works great! (From the CD Amid Passing Things)

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

We Await You, O Lord by John Angotti (WLP) – Check out this song by John Angotti, written to be performed with a band or choir...or both. "We await you, O Lord. We keep watching the darkness. You have promised the dawn." Again, the choir or soloists can lead the verses while the assembly comes in strong on the refrain. (From the CD Welcome Home for Christmas)

Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second 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.

Does this sound a little 'off' to you? Cool.

It is very common to find syncopation in contemporary music: chord changes happening on off-beats, acoustic guitars playing rhythmic patterns apart from everyone else that set the song in motion, etc. Sometimes the whole band plays the off-beats together; sometimes only certain players do. That’s what makes the music so interesting and exciting.

The guitar is an integral part of contemporary worship music. I have found in my many years of playing at church that learning to ‘fake’ guitar rhythms on top of chord changes has been very helpful…when there is no guitar player!  Sometimes it’s a really important–almost crucial– part of the song.

But then I’ve found that when I DO have a guitar player, I need to simplify what I’m doing so I’m not playing the same thing, getting in the way of the other players.

That’s the challenge…and the fun…of playing with a band or contemporary ensemble. It’s an orchestra of sorts that needs to be arranged.

The following (brief) video clip will help explain what I’m talking about. The first part shows the beginnings of learning to ‘fake’ guitar parts on the piano, or on a synth with a guitar sound.  If you don’t have a guitar, this can help in creating some of these ‘grooves’ I am referring to. However, see how the keyboard plays a much simpler part when there is actually a guitar playing…NO NEED TO DOUBLE THE GUITAR PART. (I’m guilty of this…sometimes.)

The second part takes you through a simple chord progression played several different ways. Sometimes the ‘band’ is playing together. Sometimes only the bass (and kick drum) are on the off-beats while the keyboards and guitars play ‘on the beat’…or vice-versa. Watch and listen to the several examples. (The hi-hat is simply for reference...not necessary a part of the arrangement.)

 

 

The point is…depending on how you arrange syncopated chord changes for a band, or a piano and guitar (or even just the piano) it can have a different effect. Whatever song you’re playing, try out some different options with the rhythm section and see what works best.

Keep in mind, if everyone plays the off-beats at the same time all the time, it won't sound as syncopated or nearly as interesting as when someone is staying on the beat. There has to be contrast to show the syncopation. Different players doing different things at different times.

DECEMBER 9, 2012 – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

(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.)

Advent Gospel Acclamation by Ed Bolduc – this is a setting I wrote that 'borrows' a bit of the melody of "I Wonder as I Wander." I've always loved that melody. I will include an audio link next week, but for now, here is the sheet music. Feel free to use it. We've done it with a full band, or simply with guitar or piano. (not too fast!!!)

Suggested use: Gospel Acclamation - Advent

 

 

Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – this song starts simply, building from the beginning. "In the darkest times of life when our lights refuse to shine you are there." A good medium-tempo song that works great at entrance, offertory, or closing. (From the CD We are the Beggars.)

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

Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – as it says in the first reading from Baruch,  Jerusalem should put on the splendor of glory from God "wrapped in the cloak of justice..."  and see your children "gathered at the word of the Holy One." Be careful not to play the 6/8 time signature like a waltz! Listen to the recording. This song can be used throughout Advent. (From the CD Awake to the Day.)

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

Come, Emmanuel by Deanna Light and Paul Tate (WLP) – This song has a recurring melody that ties the verses in with the refrain. Your assembly will love this piece and sing it! There are four verses for the various weeks in Advent, and verse 4 refers to the "baptist's cry."  (From the CD Hope in the Lord.)

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

Emmanuel, Come to Set Us Free by Jolanda Robertson (WLP) – a nice gospel-style advent song. The refrain can easily be sung by the assembly, while the verses offer the opportunity for some solo interpretations. The repetitive "Watching and waiting for you, O Lord," is a powerful build up to the last Refrain. This piece can be found in the new More Voices As One vol. 1. published by WLP.

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

 

Homeward Bound by Ken Macek (WLP) – This song uses the text from today's Psalm 126 in the verses. The refrain repeats "Homeward bound are the captives," and is easily sung by the assembly. A simple, straightforward gospel approach is a nice touch. (From the CD Father, We Thank Thee (Voices As One vol. 2)

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

 

 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional) – We only get to sing this song four Sundays out of the year! Your assembly will know it and they will treasure singing it. Consider D minor as an alternative to the typical E minor. Also, be careful not to get too creative with this one, particulary with the melody and the rhythms of the melody. The band can do some interesting things around it, but keep it pretty traditional.

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

 

Prepare the Way by Tom Booth (OCP) – Based on a simple chord progression this song has an instantly memorable refrain that really sets the tone as a gathering song for Advent.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Prepare the Way by Charlie Hall (worshiptogether.com) – A simple melody with a simple chord progression...the repetitive nature of this song enables easy singing by the assembly. It can start simple with a single instrument and build to a full band, and back down again.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) – Beautiful assembly-friendly song that works well in almost every part of the mass. Strip it down to just piano or guitar, or play with a full band...it works great! (From the CD Amid Passing Things)

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

We Await You, O Lord by John Angotti (WLP) – Check out this song by John Angotti, written to be performed with a band or choir...or both. "We await you, O Lord. We keep watching the darkness. You have promised the dawn." Again, the choir or soloists can lead the verses while the assembly comes in strong on the refrain. (From the CD Welcome Home for Christmas)

 Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second 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.

Psalm - Fill Us With Your Love

The Responsorial Psalm this past Sunday was "Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy."  We sang a setting I had written a few years ago. It's ok. Not great, but nice enough, I think.  This week I thought I would share with you a typical way we arrange a Psalm for any Mass.

While I've tried many times to explain this in words, I thought I'd try something different this time. I've linked to a video of our 6:00 pm mass last Sunday night at Saint Ann's. As you watch the video (taken from a camera mounted under the balcony) a few of my comments will appear (text) describing what we are doing musically. Read the comments, but, more importantly...listen.  Listen to how the band waits to come in until the first verse. Listen to how the drums change feel from the verse to the Refrain. Listen how the vocals save the harmonies for the later refrains. And listen to how you can still hear the assembly singing over the band. You HAVE to be able to hear that.  If you don't, you're too loud. The assembly's voice is part of the band, choir, ensemble...CHURCH.

 

While I would have loved to have a flute or violin or trumpet that night, we didn't. It was a basic ensemble: drums, bass, guitar, piano, and 3 vocals. The key is that everyone played their instrument so that it complemented the others.  Little things can make a big difference. When you have a contemporary ensemble playing with you, it's so tempting to always start a song with everyone at once. However, as I've said before, it's much more effective to arrange creatively, sparingly...saving the full potential of the ensemble for the 'fuller' sections of the song.

So here is a simple, straightforward approach to presenting a simple song as the Responsorial Psalm.

Take note of the moment this occurs in liturgy: right after the first reading. There is…silence. Remember, you will introduce sound to this silence. Don’t jolt everyone out of their seats and scare them with a loud chord or drum fill!

 

I’ve also attached a portion of the music if you wish to follow along. (Feel free to use it as well. J)

DECEMBER 2, 2012 – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

(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.)

Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – this song starts simply, building from the beginning. "In the darkest times of life when our lights refuse to shine you are there."  A good medium-tempo song that works great at entrance, offertory, or closing. (From the CD We are the Beggars.)

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

Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – as it says in Luke's gospel this Sunday, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars."  The opening haunting piano figure sets a tone that draws the listener in. An assembly part in the verse helps make this a 'quick learn.' Be careful not to play the 6/8 time signature like a waltz! Listen to the recording. This song can be used throughout Advent. (From the CD Awake to the Day.)

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

Come, Emmanuel by Deanna Light and Paul Tate (WLP) – This song has a recurring melody that ties the verses in with the refrain. Your assembly will love this piece and sing it! There are four verses for the various weeks in Advent. (From the CD Hope in the Lord.)

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

Emmanuel, Come to Set Us Free by Jolanda Robertson (WLP) – a nice gospel-style advent song. The refrain can easily be sung by the assembly, while the verses offer the opportunity for some solo interpretations. The repetitive "Watching and waiting for you, O Lord," is a powerful build up to the last Refrain. This piece can be found in the new More Voices As One vol. 1. published by WLP.

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Find Us Ready by Tom Booth (OCP) – Verse one of this song states, "We must wait for the Lord for we know not the time." This assembly-friendly melody is set in a nice, steady gospel feel. As always with gospel style music, tempo is so important. Not too fast or too slow. Listen to Tom's recording. Start simply, building as you go. A single guitar or keyboard is all that is needed to draw people into singing. (From the CD Find Us Ready)

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional) – We only get to sing this song four Sundays out of the year! Your assembly will know it and they will treasure singing it. Consider D minor as an alternative to the typical E minor. Also, be careful not to get too creative with this one, particulary with the melody and the rhythms of the melody. The band can do some interesting things around it, but keep it pretty traditional.

 

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

 

Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) – Beautiful assembly-friendly song that works well in almost every part of the mass. Strip it down to just piano or guitar, or play with a full band...it works great! (From the CD Amid Passing Things)

 

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

 

We Await You, O Lord by John Angotti (WLP) – Check out this song by John Angotti, written to be performed with a band or choir...or both. "We await you, O Lord. We keep watching the darkness. You have promised the dawn." Again, the choir or soloists can lead the verses while the assembly comes in strong on the refrain. (From the CD Welcome Home for Christmas)

 

Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second 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.

 

 

Where does it say that???

Back in March of 2011 I wrote a post called "1+ 1=11" where I talked about taking a two-page lead sheet and creating a full arrangement out of it. Today, I want to break open that process with a piece of music by composer Brian Flynn: "We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar." This song is currently published as a two-page lead sheet by World Library Publications.

Upon examining this piece you will find that it is composed of four verses (no refrain) with essentially the same music, so it's in a hymn-style. Aside from the melody, lyrics, and chords there are really no other directives on how to play the piece, other than "Unhurried" at a tempo of 66. It is very common to see contemporary music published in this way. It leaves a lot of options.

There are cue notes indicating a line to be played by the piano, there are no harmonies written in, and it is intended to be played straight through from beginning to end.

On top of all of that, the recording is simply piano, solo voice, and cello. So how can we turn this into a piece for a contemporary ensemble at liturgy?

We sang and played this song this week at all of our Masses. By the 3rd time it had turned into the following arrangement. Look at the image below. I've indicated some ideas directly on the score.

As always, build the arrangement. Don't just start with everything all at once, otherwise there will be nowhere to go. This song would likely be used during the Offertory, so starting with just piano would work fine. Notice how we broke up the introduction melody between piano and a solo instrument. (Flute, Violin, Saxophone, etc.)  The solo instrument drops out and only comes back in during the interludes between verses, and again at the end. It does not need to play the whole time!

The bass player does not enter until the last word/note of verse 1 at measure 14. It then stays in throughout the piece...except to momentarily drop out where indicated by the brackets at measures 26, 39, and 49.  In those measures, the piano and guitar would 'strum' each chord one time and let them ring. This 'thinning out' at these measures creates a nice texture change that helps setup the next interlude.

We added a vocal harmony a sixth below during verse 2 on the 1st and 3rd phrases. (not indicated) We continued this in verses 3 and 4.

We saved the drumset until the interlude before verse 3. A nice, light pattern was played...nothing too heavy. I indicated on the music that the acoustic guitar and hi-hat should probably not play the same rhythm. If the guitar is strumming, the hi-hats should play quarters or eighths.  If the hi-hat is playing 16ths, the guitar should play quarter-note strums, otherwise they would be competing for the same part.

Finally, right before verse 4 we again dropped out everything except the piano, guitar, and vocal, then came in strong at measure 40 with a slight ritard and a big crescendo into the key change. Here, the drums came in full (snare) and everyone played out strong until measure 49 (as before).

This is just one example of how to play this song. It's written well, so there are lots of options. You don't need to mark up your score this way...we don't. I just did it for this post. Most of this can be decided ahead of time by just talking through it. Try different things. Practice different arrangements. Make music!

This song is in the new collection by World Library Publications called More Voices As One.

NOVEMBER 25, 2012

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (B)

(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.)

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

As It Is in Heaven by Ed Cash & Matt Maher (CCLI (EMI)) – Great as a gathering, offertory, or dismissal song. The Refrain is so singable and memorable: "Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Listen to the recording and see how Matt holds off on the drums until the second half of the verse...a great musical effect. I've done this song in G, mostly. It's very comfortable for the assembly in that range. (From the CD Empty and Beautiful)
Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

At the Name of Jesus by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – the text of this familiar hymn is set to new music in this arrangement from the CD Hymns. The recording starts out very strong, but no need to start it that way at Mass. Perhaps set up a nice rhythm with the acoustic guitar, or piano and light percussion. Build the song as you go, adding instruments and voices.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Communon

Come, Let Us Worship the King by Patrick Bradley (WLP) –  Listen to the recording on Cliff Petty's Touch Jesus CD. (FREE DOWNLOAD for this song) There's an easy-to-sing refrain with some nice chord changes and plenty of room for solo singing on the verses, or the choir can lead those as well.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

Give Glory by Jacob Villalobos, Matthew Leon, Michael Paul Leon (WLP) – a driving, upbeat song of praise. Recorded in B-flat the sheet music is down a third in the key of G. The Refrain sings "Give glory to our God who is and always was." The Bridge goes to half-time, powerfully setting the text "Holy, holy we proclaim Jesus Christ Lord and King!" (From the CD Every Day)

Suggested Use: Dismissal/Song of Thanksgiving

O Salutaris Hostia/O Saving Lamb by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) – you just need to learn this one and sing it with your assembly.  :-)  The verses are O Salutaris Hostia. Tom added a beautiful, fitting refrain. This song can be found on the CD, Captured.

Suggested Use: Communion, Second Communion

Salvation Belongs To Our God  by Howard/Turner (CCLI) – a beautiful, powerful setting of this scripture. This song can start simply and build in intensity, letting the Refrain echo over and over: "...be to our God for ever and ever." Check out the instrumental parts in the Voices As One C, B-flat, and Saxophones & Brass book.  The lead sheet and keyboard scores can be found in Voices As One vol. 2.
Suggested Use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Sing Hosanna by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) – from the CD Free, consider starting with the refrain to engage the assembly immediately, especially if it's a new song for your church. Check out the available instrumental parts if you've added some instruments for this day.
Suggested Use: Entrance/Gathering, Dismissal/Sending Forth

Worthy Is the Lamb by John Angotti (WLP) – The text is from the Entrance Antiphon: "How worthy is the Lamb who was slain." This song from John's liturgical collection Joy Beyond Our Dreams is in a comfortable range for the assembly. Let a cantor/soloist carry the verses if desired. Though the recording is very full, with lots of vocal parts and instruments, it can easily be done in a 'stripped down' style.
Suggested use: Preparation/Offertory, Second 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.

Let there be no fifth-wheels...

A line from one of my favorite movies, Aliens, is when Ripley says to the marine sergeant aboard the Sulaco, “I feel like sort of a fifth wheel around here. Is there anything I can do?”  Smiling, he looks at her and asks, “I don’t know, is there anything you can do?”

This past weekend we completed a three week series about Time, Talent, and Treasure at St. Ann’s.  It caused me to once again reflect upon the many people who help make our Music and Audio/Visual ministry what it has become. I’m amazed when I think about the number of people who add so many different talents to the 8 liturgies every Saturday and Sunday at our large parish:  44 singers, 3 drummers, 8 guitarists, 4 keyboardists, 3 flautists, horn players, etc. Then there are 7 who run Pro-Presenter for the lyrics and videos, 5 audio operators, 6 setup and teardown…the list goes on. Everyone pitching in. Everyone sharing their talents.  Everyone doing something. Of those 80+ people, we have one full-time, one part-time, and only 2 remunerated musicians (2 masses) ‘on staff.’  Everyone simply gives of their time and talent. This is one of St. Ann’s greatest treasures!

Just as Ripley wanted to do something to help out, there are, without a doubt, countless others in the pews who feel the same way. Maybe they don’t walk right up and ask outright if they can help. Maybe they hang around afterward and comment on how nice something was, or how ‘cool’ something sounded, or how much fun it must be to run AV for a liturgy. That might be their way of saying, “You know, I’d really like to get involved.”  Not everyone is as bold and fearless as Ripley!

Just like the sergeant, we need to seize the moment when someone approaches us. Often times, if someone says to me, “You know, music has always been one of the things that really draws me into the liturgy” I will follow that up with, “Me, too. Do you play or sing? Are you a musician, too?”  THEN the conversation gets started. I’ve met some wonderful musicians who are now some of my best friends this way.

Sometimes we just need to ask someone, “Is there anything you can do?”  I won’t lie…I almost always follow that up (smiling) with a very upbeat: “Are you good at it?” It shows them that you care about the job–that it’s an important responsibility.  I think you will almost always get an honest answer. It’s important that we don’t just fill vacancies, but rather seek out those who have the passions, gifts, and talents for specific needs. Invite them, encourage them, and support them along the way.

Sometimes a person might be really interested in a certain aspect of music or AV, but it turns out that is not their strong point. Still, their willingness to serve and share their time is a gift in itself. In those cases meet with them and gently steer them toward another area that calls for their specific talent.

Sometimes we need to take the initiative and ask people if they would be willing to share their gifts and talents. Perhaps you know of a talented singer who could really add to the music at the liturgy, or someone who is tech-savvy to help with the AV team, or a really organized person that can help get the music library under control and send out emails to the choirs, or an early-riser who could help out on Sunday mornings to get the music room ready, or someone who works at a print company to help out with song sheets...there are countless ways to involve people.

God gave all of us...each of us...different gifts. It has to be this way, or we would all be good at the same thing and everything else would suffer!  Imagine a liturgy with just flutes, or just drummers, or just 25 guitars (wait, we’ve all seen that one...and we all suffered! J)   Different people…different gifts…all working together.

Time, Talent, and Treasure…all three… are so vital to the life of a parish. Perhaps, this week, we should all make a conscious effort to say a kind ‘thank you’ to those who have committed themselves to serving the church. At the same time, let’s be ready for the opportunity to invite someone into ministry when the opportunity arises and ask them, “Is there anything you can do?” or maybe, more appropriately, “What is it that you can do for our parish?”

NOVEMBER 18, 2012 – 33rd SUNDAY in OT (B)

(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.)

Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – as Mark says in today's gospel, "...the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky..." verse one of this song declares there will be "signs in the sun and the moon and the stars...we prepare for you, Lord." The opening haunting piano figure sets a tone that draws the listener in. An assembly part in the verse helps make this a 'quick learn.' Be careful not to play the 6/8 time signature like a waltz! Listen to the recording. This song can be used throughout the upcoming Advent season. (From the CD Awake to the Day) 

 

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

 

 

Everlasting God by Brenton Brown/Ken Riley (CCLI) – "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord." I find that this song works equally well as a gathering song, offertory song, or even sending forth. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to play it too fast. Allow the words to be singable. They are simple, but powerful. The refrain is so memorable and inviting that one can't help but sing and pray along. Find the right tempo, practice it, and stick to it.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

 

Find Us Ready  by Tom Booth (OCP) –  Today's gospel tells us that no one knows the day or the hour. Verse one of this song states, "We must wait for the Lord for we know not the time." This assembly-friendly melody is set in a nice, steady gospel feel.  As always with gospel style music, tempo is so important. Not too fast or too slow. Listen to Tom's recording. Start simply, building as you go. A single guitar or keyboard is all that is needed to draw people into singing. (From the CD Find Us Ready)

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Holy, Holy by Jacob Villalobos, Matthew Leon, Michael Paul Leon (WLP) – a simple, repeating motive in the verse makes this an easy song to learn almost immediately. The refrain has a different melody, but also uses its own recurring motive. Recorded in A-flat we have transposed this into a more assembly-friendly key. (F - with capos, of course) The whole church can sing the entire song- verses and refrain. The text lends itself to a powerful song of praise after communion. (From the CD Every Day)

 

Suggested Use: Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Jesus, Messiah  by Carson/Tomlin/Cash/Reeves (CCLI) – A beautiful, singable melody for the assembly. Let the song build. The recording is a great tool for reference, but really make it work for the liturgy.

 

Suggested Use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Soon and Very Soon by Andre Crouch (CCLI)– A classic hymn, often played in a gospel-style. If you usually play this song as an upbeat song of dismissal, consider changing it up this week: put down the instruments, slow down the tempo, dim the lights, and sing almost 'a cappella,' letting the voices carry the song without all of the added instruments. Most times a change such as this will bring new life to a song that is often song the same way over and over. 

 

Suggested use: Second Communion (slow), Dismissal/Sending Forth (upbeat gospel)

 

Worthy Is the Lamb by John Angotti (WLP) – The second reading today speaks of Jesus as the high priest who "offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God." This song from John's liturgical collection Joy Beyond Our Dreams is in a comfortable range for the assembly. Let a cantor/soloist carry the verses if desired. Though the recording is very full, with lots of vocal parts and instruments, it can easily be done in a 'stripped down' style. 

Suggested use: Preparation/Offertory, Second 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.