Tips for worship team members part 2

Here's a recap of the final tips for worship members (part 2). If you missed part 1 click here.

6. Treat every second of rehearsal time like it's golden. (Rehearsal time is for rehearsal; not set up, not catching up, etc.)
7. Be spiritually prepared.
8. Don't copy the bad habits of others.
9. Follow instructions well.
10. Know the songs well.

To read more about year tip, check it out here on innovativecwc's blog.

Blessings

6 things to consider when leading P&W

I strongly believe that one needs to prepare for praise and worship similar to how one would prepare to make an important presentation at work. Even though we want the Holy Spirit to bless and annoint us, we need to do our part to help increase the likelihood for success.

Besides choosing your song list, here are 6 more things you should think about when preparing to lead P&W or are singing at an event.

What's the occasion?
Is it a special service? Is there a special theme? This might influence your song list.

What is the congregation/audience like?
This is closely related to the first question. If you're singing at the senior's service, you might pick songs you believe an elderly crowd would enjoy. 

How is the stage set up? 
Are there enough mics for your team members? Is it easy to see the musicians? Are there trip hazards like long cords or speakers in the way? Is there a certain way you need to go to get to the stage?

When are you expected to sing?
Always arrive to a service or event early. You might get called earlier than you were originally told. I think its the Christian-like thing to do to be gracious enough to go early if asked. Conversely, always stay a while after you sing. It will appear arrogant to leave as soon as you're done.

How much time do you have?
Adjust your song list accordingly. It's fine if the spirit hits and you're in your own church and have freedom to go over your allotted time. As much as possible do what you're supposed to do in the time you're supposed to do it in.

What could you easily sing if there are technical difficulties?
What songs are popular or easy to sing if you had to use an alternate musician? What songs are easy to sing if your lyrics can't be displayed for the audience? Can you start a song in the right key if you can't hear the music? Have at least one song in your arsenal for this occasion.

Remember: planning is more than half the battle!

Passion - My Heart Is Yours (Live/Audio) ft. Kristian Stanfill

What a simple, beautiful song. Enjoy!

Hillsong Tour - July & August Dates

 

Hey all you worshipers - Hillsong United is on tour and they're bringing Lauren Daigle with them. This is bound to be a great worship experience. Here are the dates:

July

• Columbia, SC - July 18, 7:00 pm, Colonial Life Arena
• ATL - July 19, 7:00 pm, Lakewood Amphitheater
•  Nashville - July 20, 7:00 pm, Bridgestone Arena
• OKC - July 22, 7:00 pm, Chesapeake Energy Arena
• Houston - July 23, 7:00 pm, Toyota Center
• Denver - July 25, 7:00 pm, Pepsi Center
• Kansas City -  July 27, 7:00 pm, Sprint Center
• Louisville - July 28, 7:00 pm, Freedom Hall
• Pittsburgh - July 29, 7:00 pm, CONSOL Energy Center
• Chicago - July 30, 7:00 pm, United Center

August 

• Jacksonville - August 10, 2016, 6:30 pm, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
• Tampa - via the Outcry tour August 11, 6:30 pm, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater at the Florida State Grounds
• Miami - August 12, 6:30 pm, Bayfront Park Amphitheater
• Orlando - August 13, 6:30 pm, CFE Arena
• Mobile - August 15, 6:30 pm, Mobile Civic Center
• Baton Rouge - August 16, 6:30 pm, Baton Rouge River Center
• St. Louis - August 18, 6:30 pm, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
• North Little Rock, AR - August 19, 6:30 pm, Verizon Center
• Austin - August 20, 6:00 pm, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
• Dallas - August 21, 6:00 pm, American Airlines Center
• Phoenix - August 24, 6:30 pm, Talking Stock Resort Arena
• San Diego - August 25, 6:30 pm, Sleep Train Amphitheater
• Las Vegas - August 26, 6:30 pm, The Orleans Arena
• Concord, CA - August 27, 6:30 pm, Concord Pavilion
• Anaheim - August 29, 6:30 pm, Honda Center

Get more deets here!

A song to lift your spirit during turbulent times

 

Today I am so saddened by all of the violence that's been going on. Not that I haven't been previously, but when a black men gets shot at point blank in his car with his loved ones inside (one of which was a child) and I see the video of the aftermath, my heart breaks. My God, are we (black people) not human? Do we not deserve a chance to take out our license like we've been asked to do without being shot? And now the police being killed in Dallas! Jesus take the wheel, like frfr!

What's worse is that people are so critical of each other at this time. We criticize the #blacklivesmatter movement. We criticize when someone paints a mural of the deceased. We criticize when celebrities speak out about social injustice. We criticize the NAACP for not doing enough. Tensions are high on every level.

If you are like me, your spirit is impacted by the loss of lives that seem senseless and is crying out to God for help. I know personally that music helps me get through things. So today I offer you the song that's been on repeat for me for about a week now, Baba Oh, from Jonathan Nelson's latest project.

"Open the floodgates in abundance and cause your rain to fall on me"

Review of Jonathan Nelson's Fearless

I don't purchase a lot of albums, but my brother told me to buy Jonathan Nelson's latest project. Here's my short and dirty review...

1. Intro - I kinda hate intros. Just get to the music already.
2. Fearless - I like the rap on this track, but the song is just OK to me.
3. My Hope - Thumbs way up. Mid-tempo, not too many words. Good for praise teams.
4. Name of the Lord - Thumbs up. A good mix of new school and old school.
5. Name of the Lord Reprise - Thumbs way up. I kinda love reprises. That's because the artist knows the song is good so why not keep going.
6. Anything Can Happen - Meh. I like it starting at about 1:37, but this is the longest song e-v-e-rrrrrrr.
7. Baba Oh - Baba yesss! Thumbs way up.
8. Rehoboth - Thumbs way up. This is a singers' song. There's a lot of intricacies. The musical styling is beyond pleasant. Great track.
9. Forever Settled - This is your old school praise party song. Not my favorite, but a decent song.
10. Brand New - Thumbs wayyyy up! Absolutely love this song. Like listen to it every morning song.
11. I Believe (Island Medley) - Thumbs wayyyy up! You had me at Island Medley! This is a hit.
12. Amazing Love - Thumbs up. This song makes a great solo. Shout out to Jade Nelson; she sounds really good!
13. Everything You are (Jesus Chant) - Thumbs up. I will def be playing this in my personal worship time.
14. I Give You Glory - Thumbs up. Nobody brings it like Tye Tribbett. You can "dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance all night" on this one!
15. Victory Chant - Thumbs up. I wish they would've let this one play a little longer.

Overall, Fearless has something for everyone. New school, old school, Caribbean, chants, - you name it! The album is currently $7.99 on iTunes. (Finally, an album priced right!) Long story short, get Fearless!

So long, bye bye... (In my Island Medley voice :)

My mic sounds nice check 2

A few weeks ago I wrote about the lousy PA system we have. To reiterate how lousy it is, my dad jimmy rigged one of our mics with tissue so that the inner cord wouldn't make so much noise whenever somone moved the mic. (Yikes!)

In an effort to upgrade us, I did some research and ended up buying a Shure SM58. I was all excited because I just knew this would be the end of our technical problems. And then I found out that the amp we're using for vocals is actually a guitar amp. No wonder the sound isn't great! Now we have these nice mics and still sound like crap.

Clearly, this is why churches have technical staff who specialize in AV. Small churches like mine don't have this luxury. I have no idea what we need - other than Jesus. I have a friend who DJs, so now I'm gonna ask him for his advise cuz we gotta get our stuff together.

I decree that in 2017, I will not be posting about our mic system. In Jesus's name!

Come again

My aunt is notorious for changing the words of songs. In fact, she does this with such strong conviction that I thought the way we sung a particular song was the right until a quick Google search corrected me.

My aunt's version:
Lord I praise you right here and now
If I don't praise you the rocks will cry out
'Cuz you are the holy one
You're the one you're the only one
Hallelujah, Hallelu
Lord I give the praises to ya
Because you are the holy one
You're the one you're the only one

The real lyrics:
Lord the people praise you
Lift you up and raise you
Because you are the holy one
You're the one you're the only one
Halle, halle, hallelu
All the glory is due you
Because you are the holy one
You're the one you're the only one

Now do those 2 first lines sound anything alike? lol Anywho, it's a great call and response song.

I don't know who the original artist is, but this rendition sounds good and subsequently nothing like my aunt's version which is real churchy.

Blessings and love you Auntie! :)

One and done

The Stellar Awards used to be one of the highlights of the year for me when I was growing up. I remember making a whole night of it. This year's Stellar's just came on Sunday and to be quite honest, I just watched Celebration of Gospel last month and have thus surpassed my quota for the amount of awards shows I plan to watch this year. (This coming from someone who didn't watch the Oscars, SAG awards, BET Honors, or any other ridiculously long show featuring today's top entertainers/talent/intellects.) I guess I should've held out for the show that honors gospel music artists rather than the one that showcases talent (even though both line-ups were about the same).

The other thing is, if you're following your favorite artists on social media, you already know who won what.

In case you're not in the know, here's the link to see all of this year's winners.


Blessings

Why I loved Celebration of Gospel (much to my surprise)

I'm not a big awards show fan. You end up watching to see 2 or 3 of your favorite artists and the rest of the 40 hours is spent hearing from people you're just not that into. For me, it's not worth the amount of time invested in front of the tube.

For this reason I had not planned to watch BET's Celebration of Gospel. It's not an awards show, but it's the same type of deal. Sure, most of the artists have a song that I like, but I'm an equal opportunity hater so I wasn't going to automatically watch just because COG is a gospel show. (Hopefully that shows I have integrity. lol) Nonetheless, I happend to be flipping through channels and ended up watching the last half and really enjoyed it.

I LOVE that the show is about celebrating gospel. This isn't the "if you're saved and you know it clap your hands" show. This is the "if you love gospel music and you know it clap your hands." I love that pop culture celebrities, R&B, and hip hop artists are there - some of which are performing to rep their love for gospel and the message that it brings. Honestly, most black artists got their start in church. Let's celebrate that! So cheers to Taraji P. Hensen, Chaka Khan, Tank, Bryshere Gray, et. al for participating. Everyone was making a joyful noise.

I love that COG is an opportunity for pop artists to show that they do indeed listen to, enjoy, and recognize the talents of gospel artists. Y'all know one can sing like church folk! Yasssss Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, and Jessica Reedy (she sounded phenomenal!) And in case pop celebs' fans didn't know they believe in an almighty God - now they know.

COG also shows that gospel is not just a traditional church choir. Hello Travis Greene and Kirk Franklin. We have a message and a sound for lovers of music and it doesn't only consist of old classics like "I-iiiiii love the Lord, he heard my cry-yyy-yyyyyy."

I love that COG is a platform for the gospel community to worship together and commemorate our legends. The Andre Crouch tribute was really nice. Shout out to Be Be Winans!

Finally, I love that others can hear the true message of gospel thanks to songs like Worth by Anthony Brown and Group thereAPy.

So Kudos, BET, for getting it right and keeping it classy... this time. :)

P.S. If you missed Celebration of Gospel 2016 and want to check out the performances here's the link.

He Loves Us - Immeasurable

Here's a great song to add to your praise team's repertoire. I love their voices!

All Of My Help - Geoffrey Golden

Here's a nice, simple, mid-tempo song suitable for praise teams everywhere. I plan to check out more from Geoffrey Golden.

Best things 2015

I love making lists. Every year in my personal journal, I come up with a list of the best things that happened in the year. Here's my list of the 10 best things related to praise and worship in 2015 in no particular order.

1. Finding Planetshakers
2. Tiff Joy's self-titled album
3. Singing one of the songs I wrote at one of our district church services
4. The iLead Escape frontliners calls
5. Listening to K-Love
6. Attending Chicago's Gospel Fest
7. Crushing my New Year's goal to consistently update this blog
8. Being able to attend a culturally different church and experiencing P&W there
9. The funny memes
10. Getting a church musician. God is still in the miracle business!

Here's to a great year and an even better 2016 - in Jesus's name! :)

What had happened was...

It's almost the end of the year and time to answer the question of whether or not I accomplished my goals with my praise team in 2015.

My main goal was to make the praise team a priority. Did I do that? Yes and no.  I definitely stopped working with the youth department to try to focus. That helped. We had some rehearsals, but the last half of the year we really dropped the ball. I could go into all the excuses, but they don't seem change: conflicts with work schedules killed us. When rehearsals stop, that's the death of a praise team.

My main objective was to get 12 new or retired songs back into our play list. Did we do it? Not exactly. I think we successfully added ~ 3 or 4. Wamp wamp waaaamp!

Not exactly a stellar year, but there were moments of greatness and things are looking up. We finally got a musician. Somehow, my younger brother decided to get off his end and take lessons from my older brother. He's learned about 6 songs and he's really coming along. I'm confident that next year we'll be able to retire our tracks. Gloray!!! We also debuted one of the songs I wrote and then the district praise team sang it as well. Finally, last Sunday someone mentioned wanting to join the team.

Needless to say, we have long way to go. Becoming consistent with rehearsals is going to be my main focus for 2016. No more excuses.

Here's to wishing all of us a triumphant 2016 with our praise teams!

Cheers!