Song Leaders Resources«Back to Hymnal | Page 2 | Back to Member Resources
SUBJECT: Song Leading
QUESTION: Are there any sources on the Internet to help us with song leading?
ANSWER:
Yes there are. Following are a
number of web sites we found which will provide information on the
subject of Song Leading. We offer these only as sources from which you
may glean information and we, in no way,
necessarily agree with nor indorse everything you might see at any of
these sites.
If you find additional sources that
could be added to this list, contact us at
chriscumming@gtatv.org
Resource 1:
From the Girl Scout Organizations-some good basic information and
resources here.
Resource 2:
Principles of Song Leading by L Leroy Neff. This document is in .pdf
(Adobe Acrobat) format and is located
here. You can obtain a free Adobe Acrobat
Reader
here.
Resource 3:
The Seven Deadly Sins of Song Leading. See this complete text on
Page 2 of this section.
Resource 4:
BOOKS AVAILABLE THROUGH
AMAZON.COM
A Guide to Song Leading
by Danny Jones
Availability: Usually ships within
1-2 business days
8 used & new from $1.99
Edition: Paperback
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Leading the Church's Song
by Robert Buckley Farlee (Editor),
et al (Paperback - March 1999)
Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $25.00
Buy new: $17.50
Used & new from $13.95
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Resource 5:
******MATERIALS FOR MUSIC DIRECTING******
BEGINNING SONG LEADING TECHNIQUES by Steve Attaway. This
video production is well done and the music used as samples is
excellent. There is an introduction to musical notes, demonstrations for
leading various types of music (2,3,4,6, and 9 beats), and various
pointers for church song leading. At-A-Boy Productions, P.O. Box 62,
Argyle, TX 76226. (817) 464-3149. Please note that it is possible that
Attaway has changed his musical styles since first producing this video,
and we cannot guarantee that he currently promotes sound Christian
music.
CHORAL DIRECTOR'S REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE GUIDE by Lewis
Gordon (Parker Publishing Company, West Nyack, New York). This book was
described by a reader as follows: "It is easy reading with excellent
ideas about working with your group, building their vocal quality
(breathing, warming up, etc.). It shows the basic directing patterns and
conducting techniques. It also includes a brief description of Music
history."
ESSENTIALS IN CONDUCTING by Gehrkens (Presser). This book is
out of print, but it is possible to obtain archival copies for those
willing to pay for it. Presser Company, 1 Presser Place, Bryn Mawr,
Pennsylvania 19010. (610) 525-3636 (voice), (610) 527-7841 (fax),
presser@presser.com (e-mail),
http://www.presser.com (web
site).
HOW TO DIRECT MUSIC. A course in church music direction.
Swan Productions, 7122 Franklin Rd., Murfreesboro, TN 37128. (615)
904-2156.
YOU CAN LEAD SINGING: A SONG LEADER'S MANUAL by Glenn
Lehman. Order directly from Lehman at (850) 477-8812. Or order via the
web at Amazon Books, P.O. Box 80387, Seattle, WA 98108-0387. (800)
201-7575, info@amazon.com
(e-mail), http://www.amazon.com
(web site).
Resource 6:
How to Lead Songs
- The name of the song: Announce
each song clearly and name the tune if it is not an original song.
- The pitch or key: Sing a few notes
to give the pitch. Be sure the whole group has it. If you are too high
or too low, stop and start again.
- The tempo - beating time: Start
everyone at the same time. Shout in rhythm with the time: "Let's go," or
clap your hands, or tap your feet and start on the next beat. Use simple
hand motions; the up and down pump handle motion, to keep the group
together.
- Information about the song: The
words, the tune. Be sure the whole group knows the song. If they don't,
teach them. It is best to sing with the songbooks closed.
- Pep
- enthusiasm: Don't insist on
volume, at least not at f first. Let the group know that it is singing
you want, not noise or volume.
- Leadership
- control: Plan your selections carefully. Choose songs that
fit the group and occasion or the messages hear today. Avoid parodies or songs that may offend
someone. Don't ask the group what they want to sing - tell them.
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