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Jun
01
2011
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Posted 252 days ago ago by Bob Burroughs  18 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
18 Comments
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Jeff Allred
245 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
246 days ago
0 likes
Thanks, Bob. This is the back-up I've been needing.
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Roberta Foreman
246 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
246 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
246 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
251 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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Lamp of Excellence Anthem Reviews
New Product Reviews
Anthems
Lillenas has provided MME readers with four very nice pieces for the upcoming Christmas Season. It is NOT too early to begin planning for Christmas, you know! You can go to Lillenas Lillenas.com, put in the title and hear each piece. These have been recorded on a CD, called "Christmas & Fall 2011 Anthems." I'm sure you can get a copy by asking. Enjoy!
LOVE HAS COME!, A French Carol Melody; Words by Ken Bible; Arranged and Orchestrated by Marty Parks; $1.75; #978-0-8341-8108-3; You can also find related products on the website
 If you are looking for an easy, two-rehearsal piece for Christmas that will include three very familiar French Carols, look no further. Ken Bible has added some contemporary lyrics and Marty Parks has provided an excellent arrangement and fine orchestration. The keyboard part is very good--may even challenge the pianist a bit, but the chorals are easy. This is a "rehearse a couple of times and go" kind of chart. We need those ever so often!
BORN WHERE THE SHADOWS LIE Words/Music by Keith & Kristyn
Getty, Arranged by Tom Fettke; SATB/Keyboard; Orchestration by Russell Mauldin; #978-0-8341-8098-7; $1.75; You can also find related products on the website
 Probably no couple in recent years has made such an impact in Christian Hymnody than Keith & Kristyn Getty. Not only are they gifted hymn writers, but they are humble, God-fearing, God-honoring people. Their hymnody is being sung literally around the world! This wonderfully warm hymn text and tune is given a very delicate treatment by the gifted composer/arranger, Tom Fettke. He is always on target in almost anything he writes and this one is no exception. Early on, the arrangement is "solo" based, with choir background, but the choir comes on strong as the arrangement continues. It finishes strong and gently tapers off to a very mellow ending. It is extremely well done! The orchestration by Russell Mauldin is equally as good. Russell has a true gift of instrumentation that fits the material. If you need a solo based Christmas piece that won't take much choral work, this is the one!
CHRIST IS HERE, Words/Music by Todd Fields, Seth Condrey & Eddie Kirkland; SATB/Keyboard; Arranged and Orchestrated by Daniel Semsen; #978-0-8341-8100-7; $1.75; You can also find related products on the website
 In the form of a "pop ballad," this charming piece is a great introduction anthem for the opening or closing of a Christmas program. It fits either one well. The key change from F major to G major in measure 75-76 is quite nice and is a surprise to the ears! This is a medium difficulty anthem that will not take weeks to prepare, but will be fun in the process. These is some divisi in the final four measures.
I CAN SEE THE LIGHT, Words/Music by Dave Clark & Jayme Thompson; SATB/Keyboard; Arranged and Orchestrated by Russell Mauldin; #978-0-8341-8105-2; $1.75; You can also find related products on the website
 If you have a Children's Choir and they are to be involved in the Christmas program…and you need the 'perfect' anthem for them to sing with the adult choir, this is the one! It is wonderfully simple, yet meaningful anthem that tells a simple story of Christ's birth and how His love shines through us--even today. The Children's Choir part is easy to learn and will add a great deal to the program! Mauldin does his usually first-class job in the arrangements and orchestration. You'll be glad you got this one for Christmas!
New Product
DOWN FROM HIS GLORY, The Lord Story of Christmas, a musical created by and arranged by Mike Speck, Orchestrated by Lari Goss; #9780834178984; $8.99; Moderate; Southern Gospel. Involves a Worship Leader and Narrator; Many related products are on the website
 Christmas time should be a comforting experience for all of us. It is a time of rejoicing, family, surprises and of course, perhaps the most important of all: Christmas Music! If you and your people enjoy well-written and classic Southern Gospel music, this new creation by Mike Speck and Lari Goss will ring your Christmas bell! It has new and old pieces by some of todays top writers, including Geron Davis, Lanny Wolf with vocal artists like Sandi Patty Larnelle Harris! This work can involve your whole church music program: children to adults - soloists to praise team to special ensembles. This work is accessible to any choir, as it incorporates a wide variety of styles your groups and congregation will enjoy. So get a review copy with the CD, sit back and enjoy this work and you'll see how usable it really is!
Book Review
Leaders Who Last - Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry, Seabury Books; Available through Amazon.com; $13.64 or Kindle Edition: $9.99; 152 pages
Margaret J. Marcuson served as pastor of FBC, Gardner, Massachusetts for 13 years and since 1999, has taught in the Leadership In Ministry programs, working with church leaders across the USA as consultant and coach. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
She has provided a wonderful book on how to be a leader--who lasts! This is not as uncommon as it sounds. Many church leaders experience some kind of burn-out in their ministries and being a leader should not make this happen. Marcuson tells us how to be more of a leader and less a controller, adapting a new system of seeing ourselves and those we lead, how to respond with more clarity, calm and creativity, how to remain more thoughtful during challenge a crisis, how to influence without increasing our workload, and how to reduce our overall stress with the many issues that deal with congregational life. This is an excellent book--whether you are a new leader or an old hand. This book will offer you some wonderful insights into leadership in the 21st century! Thank you, Margaret, for this fine book!
Conferences
The Baylor University Center for Christian Studies, celebrating their 10th anniversary, is offering their Annual Alleluia! Many Voices, One Song Conference, scheduled for July 19-22, 2011, on the beautiful campus of Baylor University, Waco, Texas. This is perhaps one of the premiere conferences offered for the complete church musician--a conference to hone skills, be inspired, be with friends, meet composers and clinicians, and to get away from it all in an academic yet relational conference. To see the complete schedule and faculty, click the Alleuia logo above. You may also register online!
If you can only attend one conference this year, this should be your choice.
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians offers two excellent worship and Music Conferences.Here are short descriptions of each.
Mo-Ranch/PAM Worship & Music Conference, June 19-24, 2011, Mo-Ranch, Hunt, TX. The theme for this conference is "All Creatures Of Our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing: Alleluia!" You may see who's who and what's what by going to the website http://www.presbymusic.org/mo_ranch.html.
The two Montreat PAM Music and Worship Conferences, Black Mountain, NC, June 19-25 and June 26-July 2, bring the 2011 Routley Lecturer, Mel Bringles, Professor of Philosophy/Religious Studies, Brevard College, as the featured presenter. Her subject will be "Who Would Sing THAT in Church?" You will be grateful you had opportunity to attend either of these wonderful events. It will be worth your time.
Bits 'n Pieces
MME always appreciates a returning sponsor! This issue is sponsored by the Lillenas Publishing Company - a well respected and long term music company that has managed to stay alive, active and thrive in a changing market, still a leader in church music publishing. They have broadened their outreach, offering music for every taste, genre and style! Take a look at their website and be surprised and pleased with what they are now offering! Thank you, Lillenas friends.
Final Thought
What are your feelings about the Lamp Of Excellence, seeming to slowly fade in the early part of the 21st century? Here's some 'food for thought':
Does it bother you?
Do you even care?
Are you content to do the same old-same old?
Do you find yourself not taking time to correct vocal and instrumental parts?
Are you not attending conferences and workshops to upgrade and hone your skills?
Are you offering your performing groups materials that will challenge them, make them better musicians, willing to make the sacrifices to become servants who are better trained in their own skills?
Unless we begin to see a dramatic change in attitude, music leadership who really care about their music, and a grand push for children and youth choirs - no matter what the culture says - we will lose something of great value to the Kingdom that probably be lost forever. We will begin to find ourselves in the ruts of meritocracy that will be very difficult from which to escape.
I beg you who are music and worship leaders in your church, don't let this lamp of excellence fade! Fight it with all your might. Keep kindling it with the actions that keep it burning bright. It can be done.
YOU are the key!
Bob Burroughs
© 2011 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved
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