Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Congregational Singing

An interesting couple of data points from NPM (NaPalM), the Nat'l Ass'n of Pastoral Musicians. The survey is far from statistically valid--but it's interesting nonetheless.

WHAT HELPS YOU TO SING THE LITURGY?

(From the people in the pew)

Familiar Melody 52.2%
Easy to Sing 51.4%
Traditional Song 47.9&

(Highest three choices from the list.)

The comparo is to the church musician:

Leadership of Organ or Instruments 66.4%
Meaningful Text 65.6%
Leadership of Cantor or Director 60.9%

So throw away the organist, 'meaningful texts' and the cantor. Sing Lobe dem Herren, Stille Nacht, and Adoro Te.

HT: New Lit Movement

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