IDEAS THAT WORK
Keeping the choir interested.
Dale E. Kendall
April 1, 1981
"Too often," says Dale E. Kendall, "choir becomes a drudgery for its participants-a ninth priority on a scale of ten."
Kendall, minister of music at First Church of the Nazarene in Bradenton, Florida, has found some ways to keep his adult choir fresh throughout the year.
He starts by "freshening" up the recruiting process.
¥ Colorful posters advertise that a new choir will form in September. The posters are creatively drawn by individuals from the congregation who have artistic abilities. Last year's poster featured a large drawing of an empty choir loft, with a caption urging people to fill the empty seats. This year's poster included a big, full-color rainbow with "Sing Unto the Lord" printed in bold letters. Both posters stimulated enough interest to fill the choir loft-and then some.
¥ Further advertising is done through the weekly church newsletter. He uses the newsletter space to give parishioners something to think about in terms of their involvement and commitment to the church. "Some people won't sign up because they feel their involvement isn't vital to the choir's success," Kendall says. "You have to spark their interest and convince them their gifts are needed." He emphasized that variety-in the kind of music presented as well as in the actual choir members' talents- makes a choir fresh and creates excitement.
...
Kendall's promotional efforts are concentrated during a one-month period every year. He calls it the "saturation month." "Our people have come to appreciate this once-a-year promotion," he says. "They'd rather be creatively bombarded once, instead of being bugged throughout the whole year."
Kendall isn't exactly sure why it happens, but periodically the self-esteem of his choir goes down. He thinks most choirs ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
