How do I get the congregation to sing at the tempo I`m playing? (Organ)
I always give a lively intro(if appropriate), and they always seem to drag it down to a funeral march tempo.
Any other (church) accompaniment tips?
Cheers
2007-06-10 12:03:20 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
The real frank answer is: You don't. Your job is to accompany the congregation, at whatever tempo they're singing, and make them sound good. It's not your role to lead them. You can try, but I suspect you'll always be frustrated by the outcome.
2007-06-11 10:46:45 · answer #1 · answered by livemoreamply 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will ALWAYS be behind the beat - it is frustrating I know ( I did this for 19 years!). They are amateurs, and need leadership. You need a Leader of Song of a cantor in FRONT of them to lead them - and they should use rudimentary hand gestures (not a real conducting pattern!) to keep them moving. The leader should be amplified. If there is a choir, then hiring section leaders ( SATB - could be college students - my son and his wife did this for YEARS) will ensure that all parts are heard, and the congregational or choir singers have something to hold on to.
2007-06-10 12:11:00 · answer #2 · answered by Mamianka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Church isn't really the place for a lively beat, so it's natural for the cogregation to bring it down.
2007-06-10 12:39:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋