Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Music & Worship

Singing: A Call to Excellence Part I

In a culture that seems to exalt mediocrity, the Christian's clarion call to excellence helps to motivate us to sing at as high a level as possible. This, by the way, is how the word "excellent" is often used in Scripture. (See 1 Corinthians 12:31)

As we begin another year of singing, one of the most important aspects of "excellence in singing" is proper preparation for the Thursday evening rehearsal and Sunday morning ministry. If we do not take the time to adequately prepare for our singing, the body and the mind will not be at their best.

We'll talk more about this next week, but (as we have done in the past) let's list some ideas for vocal preparation:

1. Rest. This is particulary important for Sunday morning. If at all possible, get to bed at a good hour to give yourself adequate rest for Sunday morning.
2. Vocalize. If the very first time you sing on Thursday evening or Sunday morning is in the choir, excellence is going to be elusive. It doesn't take a lot of time but you MUST excercise your voice before you come to choir. As has been mentioned, one of the easiest ways to warm-up is to sing hymns on your way to church. But, singing at home is even better. More next week...