Who is singing here???

Among all of the various pieces of music we use in our parish there are a lot of different ways publishers try to tell you who is supposed to be singing or leading.  For example:
 
Cantor
Soloist
Song leader
Worship leader
Worship team
Choir
Assembly
All

There could be a few other terms used. There’s not much consistency in the music, but I think we all get the general idea or intent of the composer, arranger, or publisher.

I've often struggled with this when we are working on some of my music for publication. When editors ask me, “Who is singing here?” my initial gut response is usually, “Well, I don’t know...I guess it depends!”  (That’s not a popular answer, by the way.) Here’s what I mean by that...

When I look at a piece of music and it says “Assembly” or “All” it depends on how well the  assembly knows the song as to whether or not I will follow that directive.  If it’s a new song, I might initially just ignore the All or Assembly directive on the Verses and let a soloist sing those. I’d focus on the Refrain with the assembly, inviting them to sing and bringing in the choir at the same time to give them even more support. I may add a few more refrains...or even begin with one...to get them engaged sooner.

If it says “Soloist” or “Cantor”  it depends on the song. If the assembly knows it well, I may just invite them to sing the whole thing, ignoring a ‘Soloist’ or ‘Cantor’ directive.  Or, perhaps we would use a soloist or cantor on the first verse, then invite the assembly to sing on subsequent verses.

You’ll notice I said that I “might” do these things, or I “may” do these things. That’s just the point!  Don’t feel like you have to abide by those directives every time! Sometimes the printed music is written in a way that reflects the recording exactly. Remember, that is just one version of the song.  Be creative. You are the music director...direct the music!

Keep in mind, of course, that ‘mixing it up’ or having a good combination of group and solo voices is simply good music.  Look for those opportunities to let a soloist take a verse and really make it special...even if it says “Choir” or “All.”  Change it up from verse to verse.  It’s okay to listen and enjoy sometimes, just not all the time. (not even most of the time!) 

All in all, the printed page is, in many ways, a ‘suggestion’ of how the music should or can be performed. As long as we stay true to the melodies, lyrics, and chords (for the most part!) we can take certain liberties with the performance of these songs, and be creative in our own, unique music programs.  We all have different abilities and different strengths. We should lean on those strengths and use them to engage the assembly as best we can.

April 14, 2013 – 3rd Sunday of Easter

(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.)

Christ Is Risen by Matt Maher and Mia Fields (CCLI) from the CD Alive Again.

Suggested use: Gathering, Offertory, Dismissal

Follow Me by Danielle Rose (WLP) from the CD Pursue Me, and the new collection More Voices As One vol. 1

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

I Love You, Lord by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Welcome to Life

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Salvation Belongs to Our God by Adrian Howard and Pat Turner (CCLI) Available in Voices As One vol. 2. Instrumental parts available.

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Second Communion

Worthy Is the Lamb by Ricky Manalo (spiritandsong.com) from the CD/collection Never Too Young.

Suggested use: Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Worthy is the Lamb by John Angotti (WLP) from the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

April 21, 2013 – 4th Sunday of Easter

Come, Worship the Lord by John Michael Talbot (CCLI) Instrumental parts are available in the Voices As One vol. 1 collection.
Suggested use: Gathering, Offertory, Second Communion

Follow Me by Danielle Rose (WLP) from the CD Pursue Me, and the new collection More Voices As One vol. 1

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

I Received the Living God by Brett Ballard (WLP) from the collection Voices As One vol. 2.  Instrumental parts available. (see verse 7)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion Meditation

I Will Follow by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) from the CD Everyday. 
Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Psalm 23 by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word.

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Revelation Song by Jennie Lee Riddle (CCLI)

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Salvation Belongs to Our God by Adrian Howard and Pat Turner (CCLI) Available in Voices As One vol. 2. Instrumental parts available.

Suggested use: Gathering, Offertory, Second Communion

Sweet Redeemer by Steve Angrisano and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Set Free.

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion, Dismissal

The Lord is My Shepherd by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong) from the CD Immersed.

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Soundman and Singer - are you on the same page?

I would like to piggy-back off of a couple of recent posts: Time for some ‘sound’ decisions and Using microphones effectively.  

In my (several) years of playing music at masses, weddings, funerals, etc., I, like many of you, have had both great and not-so-great experiences with sound systems.  Sometimes it has to do with the equipment, other times it has to do with the people using it…musicians and techs alike.

At my parish, we do not have the time in between services to sound-check everyone.  We have a digital board with separate presets for every liturgy. Every week we start out with the same settings on the board for that particular liturgy…exactly. This lets me know that we are starting with good, basic levels all around.

I’m no expert, but for me, I want to get a good vocal sound on my mic and then beg the soundman to leave it alone. J  Here is why:  I might be singing melody, or I might be singing a harmony part. That might change in the middle of a song. I will change my mic technique depending on what I’m singing. (See mic technique blog).

                If you are not on melody, the soundman might think they are doing you a favor by turning you up every time you back off of your microphone, but instead they are interfering with…rather than helping…the mix.  As singers, it starts with us. It’s OUR responsibility to know our place in the mix first.

                Let’s say you are singing a harmony part, so you back off of your mic.  The soundman mistakenly turns you up and you start backing off your mic even more.  As a result, the soundman turns you up again, and you back up even more. Now you’re a foot away from your mic and it sounds thin and feedback is creeping in. So, the soundman goes to the EQ to try and ‘fix’ it. (Dear God, no)  All the time, you were just trying to blend into the music. Now, however, we have a serious audio problem, and you’re in the middle of mass.

Obviously, everyone involved here, soundman and singer, are trying to do the right thing.  This exact scenario seems to happen a lot. (We, ourselves, resort to a lot of 'texting' from the piano to the soundbooth to resolve it. )

Yes, sometimes singers have poor mic technique and the slider needs to be pulled back occasionally- or pushed forward.  But it's really the singer’s responsibility, and it may fall on the shoulders of the director to guide them in knowing where their vocal part fits into the mix.

But soundfolks…relax and don’t feel like you need to jump right to the sliders right away.  Give the singers a chance to adjust. That mic might be plenty loud, they just need to lean in. THAT will solve the problem, not cranking it up to feedback levels.

While having a soundman is convenient, it is not always possible, or even necessary.  Countless times I have played masses, weddings, funerals, etc, with just a piano and a singer or two. There is no need for a sound person.  As long as the levels are good to start with, music will happen naturally by the performers. (If they make good musical decisions.)  This goes for larger groups as well. I have even played with full bands with no sound person. Again, as long as the levels are good to start with, everyone can play their instruments musically, and the singers can use good mic technique. Rest assured…this can work.

I’m not suggesting that we don’t use a soundperson. I’m saying that we have to make sure we are all on the same page. Bottom line: we don’t have time to rehearse and sound-check every measure of every song!  We all need to trust that we will make the right musical decisions.

Try a rehearsal where you just set the vocal levels evenly and let everyone sing without someone moving sliders. Learn how to make music and blend by using good microphone technique.  Convey this to your soundman…get them on the same page. Everyone will be happier in the end.

Especially the assembly. Don’t forget them. 

 

Completely unrelated sidenote:

Below is a video of our entrance procession song on Palm Sunday. I wanted to choose a song people knew really well in case, weather permitting, we began outside.  I really wanted something simple and easy to sing.  "He Is Exalted" (Paris) certainly fits that description. I simply added two "Hosanna's" at the end of the song, then reprised the last line.  I hope Twila doesn't mind, but it sure worked great!

April 28, 2013 – 5th Sunday of Easter

(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.)

 

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman (CCLI) – beautiful and popular song by Matt Redman. Take the time to choose the right key for you and your assembly.
Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Communion

All the Ends of the Earth by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – this familiar psalm text is the Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday. It might be an upbeat way to start the liturgy. Just make sure to sing the short refrain enough to engage the assembly.  From the CD Word for Word.  Also found in the new collection, More Voices As One, vol. 1.

Suggested use: Entrance, Dismissal

Be Glorified by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Louie Giglio (CCLI) – we’ve had a lot of success with this song as a dismissal. It’s got some nice 3-part harmonies that are fun and easy to sing.  As always, be careful not to go too fast.  Break it down and let the assembly hear themselves sing a refrain.  You can find this song in Voices As One, vol.2.  Instrumental parts are available as well.

Suggested use: Dismissal

Give Glory by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) – a driving, high-energy song...great as a dismissal. Though the recorded key is high, a lower key is published.  Also found in the new collection, More Voices As One, vol. 1.(From the CD Every Day.)

Suggested use: Dismissal

Glorify Thy Name by Donna Adkins (CCLI) – a wonderful hymn-like song. Starts low and builds high. Easy to sing and very memorable.  The text incorporates the Trinity in the verse.  It works well in many places in liturgy. Also found in Voices As One, vol.2.  Instrumental parts are available as well.

Suggested use: Gathering, Offertory, Communion

I WIll Praise Your Name Forever by W. Clifford Petty (WLP) – I think your assembly will start singing and praying this psalm setting right away.  Practice the rhythm of the chord changes with the band. Note the ones that are 'on' the beat and which ones are ‘off.’  There is plenty of room for improv in the verses, soloists, just don’t get too carried away.  (From the CD Touch Jesus.) Also found in the new collection, More Voices As One, vol. 1.

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm, Offertory, Dismissal

Live In Me by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – fitting for today’s Communion antiphon. The verses switch from God’s perspective in verse one (“I am the vine”), to our perspective in verse 2 (“You are the vine”). The refrain still says “Live in me…”  (From the CD The Face of God) You can find this song in Voices As One, vol. 1.  Instrumental parts are available as well.

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

Love Unfolding by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) – very catchy refrain…simple and easy to sing.  The lyrics say “send us out” in the refrain, so obviously this is a good song for dismissal…upbeat and driving. (From the CD Free)

Suggested use: Dismissal

No Greater Love by Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, and Audrey Assad - bright, upbeat declaration: "we lift high the banner of the cross, there is no greater love than this..."
Suggested use: Dismissal

 

 

 

Time for some 'sound' decisions

This past week was a whirlwind of events at our parish. A good friend of mine, Tom Booth (OCP, spiritandsong) came to St. Ann’s to lead our parish mission. He arrived on Friday, spoke at 8 masses over the weekend, and led mission nights on Monday and Tuesday. The whole thing culminated in an amazing concert with his band on Wednesday night.  We had record attendance…almost a full house every night…and Tom’s words, insight, and prayer were inspiring. He is truly a gift to the church, and his music continues to inspire us all. (Tom, bring more “Best of Tom Booth” CD’s next time!)  If you’re looking for a powerful parish mission experience, for your parish give him a ring!  (contact OCP)

To cap off the week, the Life Teen spring retreat began on Friday and lasted through Sunday.  We brought the whole band and led music on Friday night and all through Saturday, returning Sunday to lead music at the Palm Sunday Masses!  Tired am I.

Stepping it up

Our AV team is really challenging itself to ‘raise the bar’ this year with everything we are doing. Last week was a prime example of the challenges of ‘setting the tone’ for a liturgy or an event like a mission or retreat.  In everything from lighting to cameras, we are making a concerted effort to ‘step up’ the production aspects of our events. It means more work for us, but if the end result is that people have a better, more positive experience, I’m all for it. We are just in the early stages of production meetings to discuss camera angles and operators, spotlight colors, sound, etc. It’s a lot of detail that hopefully creates a better visual experience for the gathered assembly.

How much sound is ‘too much?’

Question: How much is too much?

Answer: When a lot of people tell you they won’t be coming to the next concert because it was too loud.

One of the biggest challenges always seems to be with regard to sound. We’ve been blessed to have some great musicians and bands in concert at Saint Ann’s. Some have brought their own PA; for others we’ve hired professional companies to provide it. The end result always seemed to be that it was just simply ‘too loud!’  The musicianship was amazing; the singing incredible. But…it was either that you couldn’t hear the vocals over the band, or everything was blasting!  The bottom line is that the sound guys who brought all of that gear were not used to providing sound for our assembly.  They are not used to our ‘room,’ or ‘venue’ as they might refer to it. They’re not used to hearing what we hear on Sundays with a full church.

Talk to your parishioners

Last year we surveyed the parish about our past concerts. We really wanted to get their opinions on what we were doing…on what we were presenting. It is, after all, for the parish.  The resounding comment was that it was just too loud. It wasn’t presenting the music well.  So, for the next big concert…Tom Booth and his band…I wanted to try something different. We used our house PA and brought in a professional sound man to mix ‘front of house.’  He and I had a good discussion about the goals for the night. I explained that we didn’t want to emulate a rock concert, but rather create as full a sound as possible that was still enjoyable and musical.  I stressed this over and over.

Of course, it was a concert, not a Mass.  We could push the envelope a little. It could be louder, edgier…but still enjoyable. 

The result was good. The band was great. Tom was awesome.  Everyone enjoyed it…and it wasn’t blasting!  It was a little louder than a usual Mass with a full band, but that’s good. It set it apart as something different.

It’s still all about the music…

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that the musicians were exceptional. They knew how to play musically. They knew how to leave space in the music so it wasn’t always a loud, unrelenting wall of sound.  

It was a great experience overall, and a lot of what we learned can carry over into our liturgies. There is ‘production’ there, too, you know.  We use lighting, video (screens, ‘live’ cameras for baptisms, processions, etc.) and sound. So ask the questions:

Is our music too loud at mass? 

Is it it time to bring in a professional to set some levels and get it right? 

Are we making people NOT want to come back because we're blasting them with sound?

Are we making music, or just creating a lot of volume?

Take some time and assess these things. It'll be worth the effort.

 

I hope we all have a blessed Triduum.

Okay, back to work I go!

Mass of a New Era, MVAO...it just keeps comin...

Today, I had the privilege of working with a new and upcoming young artist, Rachel Frazier, recording a new Mass setting she has written: Mass of a New Era. It is being published by World Library Publications and will be featured in the WLP showcase at NPM. I am excited to say that this is a fresh-sounding, easy to sing collection of acclamations. In a nutshell, I'm pretty sure this is like nothing you've ever heard in a Mass setting!  The chord changes are not typical, but not foreign or too unusual. The melodies are simple, but not overly so...an important aspect of assembly-friendly melodies. The arrangements are fresh, easy, and sound great! Guitarists and drummers are gonna love this one!  (Don't worry keyboardists...I gotcha covered...there are piano parts.  :-)  )

A really cool feature is that almost every acclamation is call and response. (Kyrie, Alleluia, Holy, When We Eat..., We Proclaim..., Save Us..., and Amen)  Recently, we've all come to share the task of teaching new mass parts to our assemblies. With Mass of a New Era they will be singing immediately with either a soloist or a section intoning the parts. This is a great opportunity to feature some cantors who can capture the style.

This is also helpful when leading music for a Mass at a parish or a retreat where not everyone is familiar with the same Mass setting. Even if they've never heard Mass of a New Era before, they'll be able to sing right away.

And, of course, the Glory to God moves right along without a lot of unnecessary pauses, and the Refrain is so easy.

While you will be lending your own voices to the music in your parishes, Rachel's singing on the recording is very unique, original, and impressive. (Actually, while the band recorded the tracks, she was supposed to be singing a scratch vocal for reference, which we would replace later. Well, after hearing the first, almost 'flawless' take, we decided to change our setup and she sang every vocal live with the band. No scratch vocals!)

So, keep an eye out for this one. It's cool. It's different. It's good.

I will post some samples when I get them. The music is in editing!

ALSO...

I was so excited to receive my copies of the More Voices As One guitar and keyboard books along with the 2-Disc CD set. There is some great music in here! I personally had the privilege of working closely with this collection.  Please, please take the some to visit www.voicesasone.com and check out some samples.  CLICK THIS LINK!!!  Find out what treasures are inside this ongoing collection: songs by Danielle Rose, John Angotti, Jacob and Matthew Band, Brian Flynn, Aaron Thompson, Cliff Petty..and more. (me, too.)  Just get the CD's and the keyboard book, listen, and flip through the pages. Mark the ones that you think will work for you and try them out when you get a chance.  I think you will find some wonderful things you have been missing.

EASTER PLANNING

I just want to share a thought or two with you about music for Easter Sunday (and, perhaps, the Triduum.)  A lot of contemporary groups tend to usually stick to what they are used to- modern settings of hymn tunes, contemporary songs, etc.  Easter Sunday is one of those special times when we can, and maybe should, stretch a bit. Sometimes that might mean singing some treasured hymns. Sometimes it might mean cranking up the organ for the last tune (i.e. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today) before segueing into something more contemporary.

Last year, the band that plays at the 6:00 pm Life Teen Mass led the music for the Easter Vigil, but it wasn't just them. We also added a trumpet, clarinet, violin, and flute. A few more singers joined the usual three, and the repertoire consisted of everything from organ-led responsorial Psalms to Matt Maher's 'Christ Is Risen.' The last song was 'Jesus Christ Is Risen Today,' on organ, followed immediately by 'Lord, Reign In Me' by Brenton Brown. It was pretty cool.

All the visitors to your parish...and there will probably be a lot...may feel more welcomed if they hear some familiar music.  And since there is SO MUCH music from the Triduum through Easter Sunday, there is so much opportunity to mix it up!

STAY TUNED...

Over the next few months I am honored to share this blog space with some good friends of mine who will be contributing a post to "Setting the Tone."  Watch for future articles by Danielle Rose, Jacob Villalobos (Jacob and Matthew Band) and Aaron Thompson to name a few!

What are your “Amazing Graces?"

Planning music for liturgy is enjoyable, but it can also be a challenge.  Some weeks, it seems like everything just falls into place…we have the perfect song for everything!  Other weeks, we might read the readings and think, “Um…ok…I got nothin’.”

The goal of this post is NOT to get into the details of ‘how to plan music for liturgy.’  There are a lot of things to consider when doing so. Instead, for this post, I want to focus on those times when we might be at a loss for a song, or just need to add something the assembly knows well.  Most of us, I’m sure, have certain songs we consider our ‘go-to’ choices when we’re trying to fill a specific need in a liturgy. I think those songs share a few characteristics:

- They are highly accessible (fairly simple to learn/perform/sing) for most, if not ANY music group.

- The assembly sings these songs well and consistently embraces them wholeheartedly!

- The text fulfills a particularly common theme, or seems appropriate for most Sundays.

- They are songs that have stood the test of time, whether that be a few months for a newer song, or even years for songs we've known longer.

- They are songs we just simply couldn’t do without. Any music ministry would find them effective.

For example, when it comes to a Dismissal Song, what are some good ‘go-to’ choices if you can’t think of something specific?  I know, for us, we always have songs like As It Is in Heaven (Cash/Maher),  Blessed be Your Name (Redman), Everlasting God (Brown), For the Beauty of the Earth (Bolduc), I Send You Out (Angotti), or Your Grace Is Enough (Maher) in our ‘back pocket,’ ready to go.

For Gathering Songs, if nothing seems to jump out of the readings, we can always turn to Be Still for the Presence of the Lord (Evans), Come to Jesus (Blakesley), How Great Is Our God (Tomlin), Our God (Tomlin), Shout to the North (Smith), or At the Name of Jesus (Bolduc). 

For Offertory we can always rely on Christ in Me Arise (Thomson), Offering (Baloche), Prosper the Work of Our Hands (Booth/Jansen/Tomaszek), or We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar (Flynn).

For Communion, some of our favorites are Blessed Are You, Lord (Francois), I Am the Bread of Life (Kaczmarek),  O Saving Lamb (Booth), and We Come to You (Blakesley).

For Second Communion or Songs of Praise we might consider All Praise and Honor (Baloche), Behold the Lamb of God (Maher), Revelation Song (Jobe), or We Fall Down (Tomlin).

For Lent, some of our stand-by’s are Journey for Home (Bolduc), Return to God (Angotti), and Take Up Our Cross (Hart/Stephan/Byrd).

For Advent, Awake to the Day (Bolduc), Come, Emmanuel (Light/Tate),  Find Us Ready (Booth), Prepare the Way (Hall), and Ready the Way (Stephan) are always good choices.

For Marian feast days we seem to always turn to Blessed One (Thompson).

Maybe, after looking at this list we should really be asking: Why are these songs listed here? What makes them so accessible?

 
Here's a sample of our music ministry leading Trevor Thomson's "Christ in Me Arise" this past Sunday at our 6pm liturgy.

 

These are not exhaustive lists by any means, but these are some of our ‘go-to’ choices...our 'Amazing Graces'...when we need a song for some particular part of the liturgy.  They are, simply, songs that work well.

These are my ideas. What are yours?

March 17, 2013 – 5th Sunday of Lent

(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.)

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio (worshiptogether.com) - the classic, traditional song with some new text and an added powerful chorus. Be careful to choose a key that's not too high.
Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Be Merciful, O Lord by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong.com) - a great setting...be careful not to take this too fast. Just relax and play it...pray it... nice and easy. Great, singable refrain your assembly can sing. The verses allow for some solo singing.
Suggested use: Psalm, Second Communion/Meditation

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com) - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us." Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).
Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – "A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains..." Check out this song.
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Homeward Bound by Ken Macek (WLP) - Cliff Petty sings a powerful interpretation of this song on the Voices As One vol. 1 CD Father, We Thank Thee. Also found in the Voices As One vol. 1 collection.
Suggested Use: Psalm, Offertory, Second Communion/Meditation

Hosea by Gregory Norbet (OCP) – I love this song. We've done it 'as-written' as well as with a dotted-eighth, dotted-eighth, eighth rhythm on the first three notes in the verse. (each phrase)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – "we live and journey...journey for home." Easy to play, easy to sing. (From the CD The Face of God.)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).
Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

 

Using Microphones Effectively

As singers, the way we use our mic can make all the difference in the way we sound, and the way the overall music sounds.  Techniques applied when singing solo can (and most times should) differ from when we are singing in a group.

In most modern, contemporary music ensembles, we frequently see ‘each one on a mic,’ meaning everyone has their own dedicated microphone.  While this is an effective way of controlling volume from a sound-person point of view, it can create some blending issues if the singers are not careful or aware of how they are using the microphone.

In choirs, for instance, the blend of voices is controlled by the conductor.  Strategically placing certain voices next to one another (or behind someone else) can create the proper mix.  This way they can be sure that certain altos aren’t sticking out, or that the bass isn’t being overshadowed by the tenors, or that you can hear the melody that the sopranos are singing. The conductor creates a ‘wall of sound’ that is heard by the audience or assembly.  A couple of mics placed well in front of the entire group pick up the entire mix of voices.

When each singer has their own microphone, that ‘wall of sound’ isn’t as easily achieved without proper mic technique. An overzealous singer can destroy a blend by misusing their microphone. I’m talking about proximity.

‘Proximity’ has to do with how far away you are from your microphone while singing into it. Singing closer to the mic creates a rounder, warmer sound, ideally suited to solo singing. Singing ‘off the mic’ or a little back from it creates a thinner, less bass-y sound more suited for ensemble singing.

Here’s what I mean:

1. Let’s say you will be singing the opening verse of a song by yourself. You are the only one singing…so get ‘on’ the mic. Sing close to it. You are the only voice, so it needs to be warm and round. A close proximity will give the best result.

 

 

 

2. When it comes to the chorus, let's say you will be joined by two more singers on melody. Since there will be three of you, back off of the mic a little. (Maybe, since you are ‘leading’ the song, you could be a little closer than the other two singers.)

3. At the same time, 3 other singers will sing alto, and 3 more will sing tenor. All of these singers need to sing ‘off the mic,’ not right up close to it. Quite simply, it will be ‘too much.’  You will have to experiment a little to find the right blend, but the important thing is to find the right blend!!! Remember, not everyone is singing a solo!



This becomes even more crucial when there are fewer singers. If there is one per part, the melody needs to be out front­– closer to the mic, while the other voices sing back a little.

Really it comes down to listening.  Everyone listening!   Don’t just assume your vocal part is the most important, or has to be heard as loud as the melody or lead singer.  Complement the other voices. Make music!

March 10, 2013 – 4th Sunday of Lent

(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.)

 

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio (worshiptogether.com) - the classic, traditional song with some new text and an added powerful chorus. Be careful to choose a key that's not too high.

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

 

 

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com) - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us." Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation
 

 

Desert Song by Brooke Ligertwood (worshiptogether.com) - great song for Lent. We actually started this on the First Sunday, but I hadn't played it yet, and I didn't want to recommend something I'd never done before.  :-) (Mp3 download).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

 

 

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – "A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains..."  Check out this song.

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

Hosea by Gregory Norbet (OCP) – I love this song. We've done it 'as-written' as well as with a dotted-eighth, dotted-eighth, eighth rhythm on the first three notes in the verse. (each phrase)

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

 

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – "we live and journey...journey for home." Easy to play, easy to sing. (From the CD The Face of God.)

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

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. The verses by Alan Hommerding are beautiful and so appropriate for this season. John added a great refrain and...the whole thing just works well. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)

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

 

Taste and See by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong.com) - another nice setting of this Psalm text.

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm, Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).

Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

Using Technology Effectively in Worship

This week, guest blogger Craig Colson suggests ways we, as ministers, can benefit from modern technology in this week’s edition of Setting the Tone.

Let me first start by saying how honored I am to be writing this week’s Setting the Tone for mentor and friend Ed Bolduc. Thanks Ed for the opportunity!

"The Twitter"

About a month ago, the Associate Pastor at my parish, who is 79 years old, remarked in his homily about how Pope Benedict had "The Twitter." I had to laugh at the fact that he called it "The Twitter" instead of just "Twitter" and that others had told my priest that he should purchase "The Twitter" when, in reality, it's free! The reason I bring this up is because if my 79 year old Associate Pastor, as well as our 85 year old Pope, are using Twitter, or even just talking about it, certainly the use of technology plays a role in our Church today. Of course, most of us use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking sites on a daily basis, but how can modern technology help us in our music ministries?  Certainly communicating with others through social media is much easier than calling each individual choir member or musician to let them know about an upcoming Mass or rehearsal, but there are many other technologies and tools that can cut down tremendously on the amount of time and resources we expend in our daily ministry.

Making and Sending PDF’s

To cut down drastically on rehearsal times with our choirs, cantors and instrumentalists, consider putting together a PDF of the sheet music you will be using for a particular Mass or event, and send it out to your groups before your rehearsal. I know what you're thinking....that means I have to be organized. Well....yes! It's a new year...maybe you haven't made a resolution yet. :-) My challenge to you is to get organized! Many copy machines now have the capability to scan documents to PDF. A lot of sheet music is now purchased via digital download online in PDF format. So, why not either scan the songs together into one large PDF, or send individual PDF's out to your group a day or two before your rehearsal? Many people can learn and follow their part more quickly, having seen it ahead of time.

(Editor’s note: be sure you have purchased a REHEARSAL LICENSE from the publisher of the music you are sending. Though they all vary, most allow you to create or send ‘rehearsal’ copies to your musicians. Contact the individual publishers for details.)

Audio links

Another great tool to send along with the PDF is a 'listening link' of the song. Hearing the song before coming to practice will definitely speed up your rehearsal and help both your instrumentalists and singers learn the music faster. Most music publishing websites have links for listening online (including voicesasone.com, spiritandsong.com, giamusic.com, worshiptogether.com, ccli.com, etc.). Another great website that has links from WLP composers, as well as other publishers, is mycatholicvoice.com. Sending a link to a video on YouTube that contains a recording of the song is also helpful. To send a link in an email, just simply copy the internet address from the window at the top of the web page containing the link and paste that link under the title of the song. Here's an example of what it could look like in your email:

Salvation Belongs to our God:

http://www.wlp.jspaluch.com/download/017305-004.mp3

Journey for Home

http://www.mycatholicvoice.com/media/szPOd1

Even if you play the songs a little bit differently than the recording, at least your musicians have heard the song a few times and have a better idea of how the piece goes. I have found that this not only cuts down on rehearsal time, but also greatly improves the quality of the music.

Music on the iPad

The next thing I would like to touch on today will require having an iPad. iPads are amazing tools that can help us in so many different ways in our ministries. Today, there are many sheet music apps for iPad that will take our existing PDF's and compile them in one place that is portable to be with us at any funeral, wedding, retreat, etc.

I have been using an app called Forscore for over a year now and it has made my life infinitely less complicated. The app only costs $4.99.  Within it you can download PDF's directly from www.dropbox.com (free account). You can download PDF's from digital downloads you have purchased online or within the app itself, or by ‘scanning in’ your own PDF's.  There are also several wireless foot-switch pedals that use Bluetooth to seamlessly turn pages, or you can turn pages forward and back by touching the screen.

Some added benefits of using an ipad for music scores include:

1.    No need for music stand lights

2.    Take music anywhere...it’s always with you

3.    Bluetooth music wirelessly to other ipads (no internet needed)

4.    Write on music and mark it up within the app

5.    No need to carry around your music books

6.    Easily assemble playlists for different Masses or events

Here's a link to a quick video demonstrating the use of the ipad with the Forscore app:

You may be thinking that purchasing an iPad is a big investment for you or your church, but we've really only scratched the surface of their use in this blog. The iPad also has the capability to be a digital soundboard controller, as well as a remote control for certain lyric and video projection programs such as Pro Presenter 5. You can even use it as a credit card machine to sell different products for your ministry or church.

Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to explore some more technological uses that can enhance our ministries in the future, but whatever technologies you use, we always need to be sure that they do not distract from our prayer, but add to it. As we continue to live in this digital age, may we all use our best pastoral judgment to build up the body of Christ through the work that we do and use whatever means necessary to reach out to a new generation as we seek new ways to evangelize and minister to all people.

–Craig

Check out Craig's website at www.craigcolson.com.


Craig has a new CD (EP) coming out soon from WLP entitled "I Am the Way."  Click here for some audio samples.

(The song suggestions below are by Ed Bolduc)

March 3, 2013 – 3rd Sunday of Lent

(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.)

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com)  - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us."  Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

Can We Love? by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) – powerful song that challenges us by asking: can love like Jesus did?  I love the line: "It's more than raising our hands...it's more than singing his praise...it's saying "yes." Everything, from the lyrics to the melody to the rhythm section of this song just works!  Our assembly loves and comments on this song every time we sing it.

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

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – I can't count the number of times I've been asked to sing and play this song.  Our teens have been so moved by the lyrics and melody of this piece. Definitely check it out.

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

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – a very singable refrain and an assembly part in the verse. It also seems to work well at many places in the liturgy. (From the CD The Face of God.)

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

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. The verses by Alan Hommerding are beautiful and so appropriate for this season. John added a great refrain and...the whole thing just works well. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)

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

Take Up Your Cross by Curtis Stephan and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong.com) A great fresh sound with a powerful opening lyric: "Behold the wood that bears our name..." Beautiful...singable. (From the CD Amid Passing Things).

Suggested use: Song of Gathering, Offertory

1. The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - not really a contemporary 'worship-band' arrangement, but a usable, simple setting that could be nice for the season of lent. Bring in the choir/singers on the refrain and divide up the verses as individual solos. Play the verses simply, guitar/piano.  Add the bass and light percussion on the refrain. (From the CD Love One Another) 

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm

2. The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - call and response setting with a little calypso feel.  (From the CD The Face of God) 

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm

Tree of Life by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - listen to the moving lyrics of this song, set to a very a simple, almost repetitive melody.  A choral version is also available, as well as lead sheets (From the CD 10,000 Angels) 

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).

Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal