HOW TO REBUILD, STRENGHTEN, OR BETTER YOUR CHOIR!!!

[bishopcole]

Hello to All!
     It's been a long time since I last posted anything but, here we go.  Everyone has had awesome comments, thanks for the help.  But this is my "issue".  I am Minister of Music/Co-Pastor/First Lady, etc.... (You Understand)   But we are a small ministry with just 3 on the praise time and myself.  Okay I do not have the priviledge of working with those with voices .  When we practice a song, depending on the song, I can put them on key and they will stay there.  Then there are other times, I can put them on their key and they can stay there until we are getting ready to sing it in service .  Please somebody help me deal with this issue.  I understand your point VT but right now "showmanship is not in my vocabulary simply because where I am from there are so many people who come to church for "showmanship" and God has been dealing with me strong on ushering people into His presence without the "prime and the pump".  Please understand me I am not saying this is what you do. To each his own, right?  Again I understand where you are coming from because I have seen some choirs who just don't have no "showmanship" about them whatsoever and they sing a song and no one can tell that they feel what they are singing.  So I feel you brother, and I'm not coming against your statement in any kind of way.  But somebody help me not to get so frustrated with these jokers
Be Blessed 

How much do you practice with these three?  Bishop Cole

[JoyCH1]

I do think that people forget what's it about in the first place - that is why you have to be careful who you let in and who needs to be out. We have gotten to a place where we care more about numbers than sanctification. If you got a bunch of devils singing then how is God getting the glory?

Joy

[mrs.smith]

Praise and worship music, I also believe that children love to sing and need to work on their vocals Is their any books on this subject? Now let me go back a little and say that God has put this on my haeart over a year ago. I was told go ahead and then a change of mind came about. They were going to work with what they had. Since last September the chior was left with no one to direct them. I ask again and have the go ahead this time for sure. It was a battle zone for a while with the other two Directors. Too me it should not me and especially were children are concerned. They are there to grow in Christ, not watch adults fight like they where.  Any thing you give me or direct you will be a start for September. Thanks so musch!

Hey Sweetie!  Boy do I know where you are    I was appointed the M.O.M. for the youth at our church just because I play the piano!  The important things I have learned are: pray first- a volunteer from the choir, and then yourself.  Start with a "easy" song from the hymnal - a kids one.  Sometimes when I bring in a "Hymnal Song" I let the kids hear the song, then I allow them to choose how they want to jazz it up and change it.  This gives the kids "ownership" of the process as well as the product. (it also brings the older crowd into what the kids are doing as praise and worship songs can be new to the mature audience members) Also, kids love to sing fast, foot stomping, clapping songs.  Holla back songs have become popular with my choirs ( yes, we've grown to 2 choirs).  It's not easy, but thru trial and error you'll find your way.  I have found it is hard to teach some kids to sing to God.  However, when I taught them the importance of leading the church into worship and their hearts and minds ready for the service... that seemed to help. Letting the kids know you're just alittle crazier then they are helps alot too   Lets see... "Friend of God", "Shackles".. current service favorites.  Fun songs just for kids services are oldies; "Father Abraham", "The Lord's Army"  the action songs never seem to get old with the kids - have you sang the "Scratch a friends back" song with the kids?  It's always requested during our free sing time   Good luck with this venture!  Let me know if you need any lyrics or other ideas... and try not to get too overwhelmed.  Most importantly, don't forget to pray!  God Bless!