Leading Songs
BE PREPARED
- Look up the song in the Companion to the Songbook
- Make sure you know the melody
- Make sure you know how the words fit to the melody
- Memorize the first and last lines of each verse
- Prepare your introductory comments
- Discuss with Bandmaster/pianist speed, introduction, number of verses etc.
INTRODUCING THE SONG
- Link the song to the theme of the meeting
- Let the congregation know what you are going to do
- Inform the congregation about any difficult parts of the song (repeated lines etc.)
- Be tactful in all you say and do (don’t ruin the spirit of the meeting)
- Should the congregation stand or sit?
LEADING THE SONG
- Raise your arm to the ready position
- Make eye contact with the Bandmaster/pianist so they know you are ready
- Don’t bury your head in the songbook
- Give a strong ‘preparatory’ beat (the one you breathe on)
- Give a clear arm motion indicating the first word of the song
- Make sure your body language and facial expressions reflect the message of the song
- Give time for everyone to breath before you start the next verse
- Give clear signals to the Bandmaster/pianist if you plan to stop or repeat the chorus etc.
- If something goes wrong don’t glare at the pianist!
MUSICAL INTRODUCTIONS
Musical introductions are always a good idea as it lets everyone know which tune is being used and it gives key (pitch) of the song. Effective introductions are:
- First line of song
- Last line of song
- Chorus
- Whole tune (if new to congregation).
Always be sure to discuss introductions with the Bandmaster before the meeting. Do not put them on the spot. It is not always easy to find an appropriate introduction and communicate it to the members of the band in timely manner.
- Look up the song in the Companion to the Songbook
- Make sure you know the melody
- Make sure you know how the words fit to the melody
- Memorize the first and last lines of each verse
- Prepare your introductory comments
- Discuss with Bandmaster/pianist speed, introduction, number of verses etc.
INTRODUCING THE SONG
- Link the song to the theme of the meeting
- Let the congregation know what you are going to do
- Inform the congregation about any difficult parts of the song (repeated lines etc.)
- Be tactful in all you say and do (don’t ruin the spirit of the meeting)
- Should the congregation stand or sit?
LEADING THE SONG
- Raise your arm to the ready position
- Make eye contact with the Bandmaster/pianist so they know you are ready
- Don’t bury your head in the songbook
- Give a strong ‘preparatory’ beat (the one you breathe on)
- Give a clear arm motion indicating the first word of the song
- Make sure your body language and facial expressions reflect the message of the song
- Give time for everyone to breath before you start the next verse
- Give clear signals to the Bandmaster/pianist if you plan to stop or repeat the chorus etc.
- If something goes wrong don’t glare at the pianist!
MUSICAL INTRODUCTIONS
Musical introductions are always a good idea as it lets everyone know which tune is being used and it gives key (pitch) of the song. Effective introductions are:
- First line of song
- Last line of song
- Chorus
- Whole tune (if new to congregation).
Always be sure to discuss introductions with the Bandmaster before the meeting. Do not put them on the spot. It is not always easy to find an appropriate introduction and communicate it to the members of the band in timely manner.
