We work harder than you think, calling doesn’t always look conventional, and other things your church leaders wish you knew. Throughout the past year of interviews, I asked people extra questions and this one drew the most passionate response by far: “What do you wish people knew about your job?”
A few weeks ago, Brent Johnson from the Organ Media Foundation came to the First Congregational Church of St. Louis, where I work, to film our Austin pipe organ.
Last summer, I was the new kid in town. I started my new position at a church in June, right after the program year ended and people scattered to their summer travels. But I wanted to get to know everyone involved in the music program, especially choir members and handbell ringers. And I didn’t want …
The Best Thing I Did At Church Last Summer (And Why I’m Doing It Again) Read More »
“The great thing about a chord – you’re already dealing with something people enjoy. You’re not telling people God is a problem to be solved – you’re saying that the Trinity is a reality to be enjoyed.” – Jeremy Begbie I knew our conversation would be theologically rich—Dr. Jeremy Begbie IS a theologian, after all—but …
This program year, the church choir I direct sang 19 different pieces by women composers. At the beginning of the season, I made an intentional effort to program music by women composers every Sunday. I didn’t have 100% success but between the choral, organ and other instrumental music, I’m happy to report we had music …
20 Anthems by Women Composers that My Church Choir Sang This Season Read More »
Have you ever wanted to give your listeners a map to what they’re hearing? Then, graphical analyses might be a great complement to your next musical event!
One of my main goals as a choir director creating community in the choir. That might seem strange, since many of the choir members have known each other for decades, whereas I’m the new kid in town. But even though their social roots go deep, my actions still affect the sense of community.
This month’s episode of Music and the Church features a conversation with Dr. J. J. Wright. J. J. directs the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, one of America’s most influential Catholic music ensembles. He is a Grammy Award winning jazz musician, composer of O Emmanuel, an album which debuted at the top of the …
An Interview with J. J. Wright, Director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir Read More »
How Much Are Church Musicians Paid? I wish there were a nice easy answer to the perennial question “How much money are church musicians paid?” But even though I can’t give a definite answer, I CAN tell you how to find out what the norms are in your area.
Here’s what I wish organ students did all the time in the early years of learning: Book an hour – just one hour – at as many local churches as will have them, and register complicated music as fast as they can.