One of my readers recently asked some excellent questions and thought I’d share them with some answers that may help other church pianists in similar situations.
Question #1
Just wondering how often/how long your groups practice each week….
Answer:
The following answers are not intended to be the best answers for all churches. People and their abilities vary from church to church.
So many of our choir members are involved in various ministries which limits their availabity to practice.
The majority of our choir does not read music but are willing to sing for God’s glory:)
Our large ensembles (consisting of 6 or more people) practice at least five times before singing.
The practice sessions are usually no more than ten minutes each. Therefore, we learn easy arrangements (no more than two parts).
Question #2
Do you and the other pianists’ pick the music or the singers?
Answer:
Once again, every church has a different situation. At our church, we have not had a steady song leader for a great length of time.
It seems as though God has called our church to prepare young men going into full-time Christian service:) We are located a little over an hour from Ambassador Baptist College. Over the past several years, some of the college men have commuted to our church to help out in the various ministries.
But in time, each of them have been called into full time Christian service elsewhere. It’s hard to see them go but thankful we could play a part in preparing them for what lies ahead in their life.
The pastor is glad to have me and the other pianist work up small and large ensembles for specials. The pianists generally help choose the small and large ensemble music. Ocasionally, one of the ensemble members will suggest a song and we will use it… if it works well with the entire group.
Question #3
Does your church have a choir?
Answer:
Yes. Our choir meets for practice once a week on Sunday nights from 5 – 5:30pm. Presently, our Pastor, with the help of another college student, helps lead the choir.
I will share a video of our men’s large ensemble to give you an idea of what we do.