sacred music
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The First Day of Christmas
Each week, I have anywhere between six and eleven rehearsals. Yesterday, however, was my favorite of the entire year: the first Christmas rehearsal. I realize it is only mid-October, but for musicians it might as well be the first day of Christmas. Spooky season and Christmas tend to blend together if you’re a musician…or Tim… Continue reading
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Wednesday
Wednesday is a day of reorientation. Monday and Tuesday, I reflect on Sunday’s services. What went well? How did the music interact with the message? Was my preparation enough? On Wednesday, I turn my gaze toward the coming Sunday. I finalize my service binder, confirm my prelude and postlude, and rehearse with the choir. I… Continue reading
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Life’s Liturgy: “Wir danken dir, Gott”
Isn’t it interesting how certain pieces of music grip us and follow us throughout our lives? As a lover of liturgy, I welcome these key songs, letting them bookend chapters of my life. They are a testimony to the great Composer who is orchestrating all things for my good and his glory. The main piece… Continue reading
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Good Friday 2022
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Preaching as the Choir
*The following is a paper written as part of my master’s coursework. The research and thought that generated this paper have had a profound impact on my thinking in regards to worship, and I return to these sources and ideas frequently. In the post-Christian age, sacred choral music remains “a significant part of many people’s… Continue reading
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Choral Dissonance: Separating Musical and Biblical Literacy
“Who’s Goliath?” The past week, I’ve entrenched in Christmas concerts and rehearsals with a community college, a public high school, and a community choir. It is the first Christmas in a long time when I have not been busy accompanying a church choir, where the question “Who’s Goliath?” would never need to be asked. And… Continue reading
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Accompanist: Part 1
When I began to work professionally as a musician, the term “accompanist” was beginning to be replaced by “collaborative pianist.” This was intended to acknowledge pianists as equals with directors and soloists. I appreciated this shift, but, at the same time, was never ashamed of being an accompanist. In fact, as soon as I began… Continue reading
Recent Posts
- Should we be Concerned that Using Music by Bethel and Hillsong is Contributing to our Culture of Immediate Gratification? On Patience and Using CCM Music in Worship
- “Lord, Lord” – A Poetic Reflection on Matthew 7:21-23
- Is Singing Music by Bethel and Hillsong Promoting Peace in the Body of Christ? The Answer is More Nuanced Than You Think.
- Rejoicing with the Truth: Does Using Music by Bethel and Hillsong Generate Genuine Joy in our Churches?
- Is it Loving to Sing Music by Bethel and Hillsong in Our Worship? Reexamining the Debate According to the Fruit of the Spirit Part 1