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E-book Review: The Choir in Modern Worship by Vernon Sanders
posted in: Reviews
Monday, April 05, 2010
(4) comments
Vern Sanders, publisher of Creator Magazine, knows a thing or two about choirs. A former Associate Professor/Director of Choral Activities (University of Regina, Canada), he also served 16 years as Director of Music Ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos, California. Much of Sanders’ extensive choral experience and expertise finds its way into his e-book, The Choir in Modern Worship. Sanders gives his diagnosis and prognosis on the health of the church choir and offers many tips to help negotiate the shifting musical landscape.
Sanders believes a successful choir in modern worship is social, spiritual, and musical. Its members are friendly and familiar (almost familial) with each other. They take time to pray together and reflect on the spiritual meaning of the words they sing. And they work towards musical excellence, whatever the style of the song.
Much of Sanders’ e-book is devoted to musical considerations where he offers many practical choral rehearsal techniques. Improving intonation, adjusting tone production, finding the “right” tempo, and teaching syncopated rhythms, among other topics benefit from his expertise. It’s clear that Sanders has used these techniques successfully with his own choirs.
I would have liked a few source citations or statistical evidence for some of his assertions early in the book (“Most traditional choirs have directors that are at least 40, and many are in their 60s or older.” “…Many large evangelical churches, choirs – previously banned from the worship platform – are now being welcomed with open arms.”). My own anecdotal experiences generally agree with his findings, but some actual data or references would make these claims that much more compelling.
Directors of established church choirs looking to ensure their choir’s continued success in the modern worship era will find this e-book a very helpful resource. I also see this as a great primer for someone who may be just starting out as a choir director. As Sanders emphasizes, the social and spiritual aspects of a choir will likely prove every bit as essential (or more so) as good choral technique to a church choir’s success and longevity.
Comments
Thanks for the review, Craig. I appreciate it. I hope you don’t mind me letting people know that they can get the book by going here: http://is.gd/bM2kk
Blessings,
vs
Not a problem, Vern.
should a person that is not in the choir be with us when its time to pray.?
When I ask myself “how might Jesus handle this?”, it’s hard for me to picture him not welcoming anyone to pray with him.