Alot of times, our choir will sing a special from the church hymnal. Sometimes I just want an introduction other than the regular last phrase of the song.
Congregational introductions do require introductions that are self-explanatory. But…for the choir and other specials, it’s nice for the church pianist to have a creative introduction as long as it fits the song.
I”m sharing an introduction idea today that would work for offertory, choir or other vocal special.
For example, if you’re giving an introduction for a song in C Major…start the introduction with an F chord…then to a C chord and finally end with a G (7) chord right before the first word of the song.
Sound clear? Check out the example below that illustrates this type of introduction. In this particular case, I used the introduction idea in an offertory special entitled “We Gather Together”.
The church pianist plays a very important role in setting the mood for the service through the use of prelude music.
For example, this past Wednesday evening was very rainy and dreary. I chose more peppy, uplifting hymns for the prelude… to create a happy mood. In general, I try to use peppy hymns for the prelude. I want to communicate to the listeners that the Christian life can be joyful. There are times for slower hymns but I prefer to use more upbeat hymns during the prelude.
Here’s a list of hymns I played for the prelude this past Wednesday night…
There is Sunshine in My Soul Today
Heavenly Sunlight
I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord
Showers of Blessing 🙂
For offertory, Sunshine (our other church pianist) and myself, played “Count Your Blessings” from the hymnal.
We as church pianists certaintly have a wonderful opportunity to encourage our church family in the Lord through the use of prelude music.
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Explanation of example #2 in adding runs to hymns:
(Click on image for a clearer view)
This run created a nice fill-in where normally a dotted half note occured on the word: “Thee”. In the original version, the G chord lasted for the entire last measure of the verse for the words: “Thee….Draw me” I added a D (7) chord on the 3rd beat of that measure for chord variety.
I hope the first example of adding runs to hymns was helpful for some of you.
The second example of adding runs to hymns is fairly simple. I chose a hymn in G Major and 4/4 time. The run is nothing more than a one note ascending scale used as a fill-in. This particular run makes a nice transition from the verse to chorus.
These articles discussing runs will be broken down into even smaller segments due to my limited time this semester. I will share more explanation on this example along with an audio in the next article.
At least you can view the example and print it in advance of hearing the audio and seeing more details soon.
I just finished the free arrangement of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. It was a challenge having to write this piece at an early advanced level. I had to leave sooo much out but knew this level would benefit a larger group of church pianists.
Measures 17 & 18: Left hand begins with melody which is very busy; therefore…the RH remains simple.
Measure 19 & beyond: RH borrows the rhythm of the LH melody and becomes the leader for variety.
*Overall tip: This arrangement wasn’t written for too fast of a speed. I recorded it at the highest suggested tempo. If your church sings it faster than the recording…you’ll need to play less detail (fewer notes) to keep up.
Yes….it’s part one of a free piano arrangement entitled: “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. This particular hymn can be challenging for a couple of reasons. The melody has such a wide range..making it a challenge to sing! (I transposed it to B flat Major). The chorus can also be tricky for the church pianist.
I’ve gleaned ideas from different piano arrangements for “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and applied them during congregational singing. It’s a great time to try new ideas while you have the singers for coverup. (ha ha)
The chorus use to be the most awkward part of the song but now has become my favorite over the past few years…once I learned to play in a more user friendly style. Can’t wait to share the rest of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” in the next article or two.
One of my favorite arrangements of“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” is arranged by Mary Lynn Van Gelderen. I also gleaned alot of ideas for congregational style from Marilynn Ham’s “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” arrangement. I could not locate a pdf sample of this particular arrangement but it’s found in her book entitled “Timeless Tribute”.
Ever been nervous while playing an offertory? I’ve never met a church pianist who hasn’t dealt with this issue. (including myself).
A question from one of my readers…
How do you address the issue of nerves with your students? I am completely comfortable playing congregationals, but as soon as it is time for the offertory my hands start shaking!
A music professor shared some sound advice with me several years ago, about my being nervous to play or sing at church. I’m human too 🙂
He said, being nervous reflects on self.. thinking about how I will sound or look when I’m playing or singing in front of others. Then he said what I didn’t want to hear….PRIDE. I know…pride is a sin and therefore…well…
So true! If you think about it…being nervous hinders us as church pianists from being effective communicators through music.
I still get nervous at times, but this wise man’s words have rung in my ears many times… as a gentle reminder to forget self and focus on the message of the song. Ultimately, I should rely on God to help me convey His message of truth in song.
I also find it easier to play for congregational singing as opposed to playing for an offertory. During the offering, the church pianist is more on display right? 🙂 Just forget about all those eyes watching you and focus on the message of the song. I like to sing along in my head as I play…which draws me into the song. Just ask God to give you peace.
Either my parents or piano teacher once advised me to imagine myself just playing in my own livingroom when having to play in church. I found this helped me to forget the audience and focus on what I was playing.
I will have to say that experience over time does wonders to ease the nerves. I’ve been playing for church since about age eleven. I’m ancient now! Well…just 46. But…long enough to have gained some experience.
God has a way of keeping me humble if I get too prideful 🙂
There is another side to being nervous. Maybe the pianist hasn’t prepared enough and therefore he or she is nervous. Valid reason! Or…it could simply be…the pianist has chosen a piece above his or her level. If you can’t play it at home without struggling after sufficient practice…then don’t play it. It’s better to play a simple piece well than to play a fancy piece poorly.
In closing, I’d like to encourage all church pianists, including myself, to focus on pleasing God with our music and so much will just fall into place.
Thanks for your visits and comments! I pray for you all as you seek to please the Lord with the talents He has blessed you with.
For the past several months, I have been training one of my students to be a church pianist. Letha will get her first opportunity to play for congregational singing this Sunday. (Our church has two pianos in the auditorium.)
I’m excited for her! I thought I would share us practicing one of the congregational piano arrangements entitled “Higher Ground“.
