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Jun
01
2011
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Posted 351 days ago ago by Bob Burroughs  20 Comments
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9 likes
 
The Lamp of Excellence
Quote
“Experience is a dim lamp, which only lights the one who bears it.” Louis-Ferdinand Celine
Scripture
“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” Luke 11:32
Prayer
Great and marvelous is Your name, O Lord! You are over all things, in all things, above all things, under all things, and Your mercy is beyond understanding! Bless the Lord, O my soul. I bless You today for all those in ministry who are keeping their ‘lamp of excellence’ lit and burning brightly. May they continue to study to show themselves approved to You and to their calling. May they continue to learn, to grow in their skills, and may they continue to honor You with their music, preaching, teaching as the lead Your people to the Throne of Grace each Sunday. I bless You, O Great God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. In the strong name of Jesus, I pray. Amen, and Amen.
What Think Ye?
The Lamp of Excellence
In the late 1980s, over coffee late one evening, one of the major heroes in my life said these words to me:
“Bob, the “golden age of church music’ is almost over. The ‘Lamp of Excellence’ is about to go out.”
That friend was the late James D. Woodward, and was he ever correct—a prophet in his own time. From this perspective, I know that he meant "the golden age of american church music, usually led by choirs of all ages," but I believe the sense of what he said is still the same, David Crowder's recent album notwithstanding. Many of you will remember Jim and his influence in church music of the 70s and 80s. He was one of the finest conductors that ever lived—and directed all his work, including major productions, from memory. He is missed to this day.
But true to his prediction, ”The Lamp of Excellence” is still slowly dimming, and just like a fine mist, it will soon be too difficult to recapture once it is gone. I think that ‘excellence’ is a state of mind. One does ‘excellence’ because a burning desire is there to make it happen. One does ‘excellence’ because of the ‘call’ to music ministry and the desire to lead God's people to a higher plane
Marva Dawn wrote these words: "We are to feed the sheep—not entertain the goats."
Recently, the famed composer, Samuel Adler, Professor of the Juilliard School and Professor Emeritus of Eastman School of Music, spend a week at Samford University, Birmingham, AL, as Composer-In-Residence. During this week, he lectured daily as well as directed concerts of his music. In one session with the students, he said: "Some who attend music school apparently believe that love of music and talent can substitute for a rigorous education in music theory and history. This is the problem faced in most music schools. It is not enough to sing beautifully, play the right notes or love a piece of music. It is your duty to find out what makes this piece of music tick because you cannot sing it, you cannot play it unless you really know what’s in it. A robot can play a Beethoven sonata, but no computer can do what you can do after you really know something about what you are doing."
He is right on target. When a student enters a music school, he becomes one of a large group of musicians who are as good or better than he is and he must prove himself worthy to be there. This means, first and foremost, a thorough and solid background in Music Theory! It is the base line for all other music disciplines. These days, it seems conductors/directors seem to ignore things in the music that are so obvious. Such simple things as a missed note in a melodic pattern or an incorrect and passed over rhythm may signal the choir members that either one is either not aware the note was missed--or doesn't wish to take the time to fix it. Your lamp is beginning to dim! Singing an anthem or playing an instrumental piece--when it is not ready--is a sure sign of a ‘diminishing lamp.'
Below are some very basic suggestions that might inspire you to consider how bright your ‘lamp’ may be:
- Never allow the choir/orchestra/ensemble to just get by. Demand excellence from your singers and players. "Quality belongs to the Lord!" No matter what the type of music or worship style in which you are involved, the music should be done as well as the choir/orchestra/ensemble is capable of producing and you should not settle for anything less, even if you have to postpone a piece for a week or two. Your people will come to respect you for this stance.
- Set yourself a "time line "on certain pieces—beginning up to six months or a year in advance, and keep checking it, working it--so you are aware weekly where is in process. The first Fall rehearsal is when and what plans must be made to make it a huge success. A time line will help with these details. Sometimes, church musicians are not the best detail people and things can fall through the cracks.
The answer for this one is simple: Get help!
- Trust your admin to keep you on track
- Trust your spouse with details, but of course, you have to share your dreams and concepts with him or her
- Trust your choir officers, your staff and your personal mentors
- If all else fails, TRUST YOURSELF
Find a personal mentor--a person you can trust to help you with your ‘lamp of excellence,’ someone who will be honest and with whom you can take constructive criticism. Ask for these times comments often. Do not to take offense, but see how the comments might improve and strengthen your work, ministry, musicianship, and keep the flame aglow and bright in your ‘lamp of excellence.’
God—is in the details—and this Holy God, our Redeemer, Creator of the Universe, and our Abba/Father deserves ‘excellence’ in everything we do—and say—and conduct
What think ye 
Leadership
Children’s Choirs – Yes or No?
“Train up a child in the way he should go....”
Proverbs 22:6
I never thought I'd make this statement, but…the Lamp of Excellence is about to go out in the area of children's choirs! It continues to amaze and astound me how many churches of all denominations are either disbanding or limiting the children’s choir ministry. I get emails regularly from people who are frustrated and upset that this is happening. These churches losing sight of the proven fact that Children’s Choirs are the best training in music education with a Christian emphasis that is available for children through the sixth grade. It is the one program where the children learn musical skills, biblical truths, and the early basics of choral singing, as well as the plan of Salvation. Children’s choirs are a great enlistment program for children and parents and grandparents in the community—a wonderful outreach tool.
Children’s Choirs! Was that ever a good idea! Whoever was responsible for this concept should have a statue erected in their honor—with a reception afterward—featuring Kool-Aid and Animal Crackers! Almost any church can and should provide music education and biblical truths to their children.
It has been proven in test after test that children who study music and math do better in math than those children who have no music and math! Listening to Mozart’s music must really work. The local church becomes the major supplier of music education to the local community! The church must once again pick up the mantle of music education—If children are going to learn basic music skills before going to college. What a wonderful opportunity for the church! What a fantastic opportunity it is to share the witness of Jesus Christ in your community through a program of quality Christian music education--a wonderful witness.
Having taught music theory in three universities for some 15 years, I discovered an interesting fact. In the ’70s, the average musicianship level of incoming freshmen, on a scale of 1-10, was 6-8, meaning the students knew at the least something about basic elementary theory. Many would know and be able to name the notes, lines, spaces, some key signatures, and might even discuss relative and parallel keys and sight-read with some ability.
In the early ’90s, the average level of an incoming freshmen was between 3-5, meaning the prospective music student barely knew quarter notes, half notes, some rests and if the student knows any keys, then only a few and certainly not minor, relative or parallel. Sight-reading? Almost nonexistent. Keyboard? Little to none! I’m almost sure that today, the theory knowledge of today’s music freshmen is even lower.
A music minister must multiply himself/herself again and again, especially in relationship to children’s choir workers by training these workers in the church family. The more people who are trained to direct the variety of choirs, the stronger the music minister will be as he/she oversees the entire music program.
Here is a surprise for your consideration: Children’s Choirs are not performance choirs! Shall we say that again—with feeling and emphasis?
Children’s Choirs are NOT performance choirs!
Dr. Betty Bedsole of Union University, Jackson, TN, makes this powerful statement about children’s choirs: “Children’s choirs should never be used to entertain the adults!”
The golden age of Church Music is probably close to being over—unless a major miracle happens in the school systems and our churches. If you church is planning to stop or limit children's choirs, it is high time for YOU to stand in the gap for the children. They need YOU supporting them in this arena. Don't just go with the flow. Stop the flow and see that children's choirs stay active and alive. Demand that children's choirs stay alive in your church. If you don't, who will stand in the gap for our kids?
And,by the way, the golden age of church music can be redeemed for the 21st century—by people who care about children and children’s music-people like you.
Bring out the Kool-Aid and Animal Crackers!
This Idea Will Work
Visit All Music Ministry Groups Often
To keep the Lamp of Excellence burning in your ministry situation, you should visit each of the Children’s Choir rehearsals at least every two months. This will encourage the faithful workers by seeing you drop in and say hello to the boys & girls and let them see you outside of “big church.”
You should also visit vocal, instrumental, and handbell ensembles once every two months and let them know of your personal support. You don’t have to stay long—and you don’t have to conduct or even given musical advice or a critique! Just show up and “love on” the leadership and those involved in these groups.
How do you have the time to do this? Make time. Let someone else begin a conflicting rehearsal while you make a quick run to drop in on another group.
You will begin to discover a new appreciation for you and your interest in them—and this goes a long, long way in today’s society.
Humor
Leonard Berstein(1918-1990) was one of our great American conductors, composers and pianists. On one occasion, Bernstein's father was criticized for not having given his talented son more encouragement when he was a child. The father protested by saying: "But how was I to know that he would grow up to be Leonard Bernstein?"
To read more of this week's MME, including new music reviews, please look to the right.
© 2011 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved
20 Comments
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Leora Holcomb
9 days ago
0 likes
We are an inner-city church which was once one of the "main" churches in the city. The church decided rather than building in the suburbs where many members were moving, to minister to the neighborhood. We have about 50 different programs, from tutoring needy children, a clinic, Wiz Kids, and the church has a children's choir program. I am teaching a keyboard class to any child and adults interested in learning about the hymns, and learning to play simple melodies.Our worship service is traditional, Pipe organ, Piano, Music Director, one of the best adult choirs singing music with a scriptual message. This is the church in which I "grew up." When we came back here, they needed an organist, which was my life long dream, to hold that position. I play everything that ministers to our varied congregation, even some classical organ repertoire, but mostly hymn-tune arrangements. We seem to be on the right tract, as the attendance is growing. Just my two cents.
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Jeff Allred
344 days ago
1 likes
Bob, thank you for this timely reminder. I am a strong advocate for graded choirs and believe it is part of my calling to offer these opportunities while hoping to train future music and worship leaders. If we offer a quality, meaningful experience, parents and grandparents will make sure their children are involved. I believe the same is true for our adults. I’m convinced that we often lack excellence for two reasons: 1. We don’t define it for our people in our given context, and 2. We don’t ask for/expect it with regularity.
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Vicki Carr
345 days ago
0 likes
Thanks, Bob. This is the back-up I've been needing.
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Roberta Foreman
345 days ago
0 likes
Like Linda, I too, have a hit-or-miss choir. I often find myself doing the same rehearsal plans two or three weeks in a row, to make sure everyone is on board. I don't believe in "dumbing down" music just get through Sundays -- that's not useful. Would appreciate suggestions.
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Bob, Well said. It is a struggle to maintain excellence with folks coming and going so much. It is also difficult when you have a mostly different group on Sunday than Wednesday. Many youth do not comprehend the challenge of excellence or do not want to give the time and work that it takes. Also, some of us do not have the patience and enthusiasm we once had! Grace and Peace, Ken
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Linda Keener
345 days ago
0 likes
I have been struggling with getting people to join choirs for the last few years, mostly because of the fear of commitment to weekly rehearsals and services. People travel on weekends more these days, as families are more spread out geographically, and church attendance in general is suffering. I have tried to no avail to find new publications on the subject of what to do with "hit-or-miss" rehearsal attendance. Help!
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Jerry Fleming
345 days ago
0 likes
Good words for all of us, Bob. We have seen wonderful children choir program decimated by replacing them with other things. These things may be good in themselves but they will not replace what a child learns in music that will last a lifetime. We should always strive for eccellence. Reminds me of the statement of King David when he was offered the threshing floor to sacrifice to God. he said, "I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.
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Doug Lawrence
350 days ago
0 likes
Bob, you have spoken well about a time in church history where excellence was a given in most churches. It should still be a given, but is struggling in the church "marketplace." I'm writing a book on this very subject and will have it available before the end of the year. Thanks for reminding us that excellence is still an important value! Doug (Lawrence)
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