My grandson wants to learn to lead singing. What do you suggest?
Question:
Hello,
I'm searching for a CD of a capella hymns for my grandson who is attempting to lead the singing at our Wednesday night Bible studies. He has no music training or special talent except that he is very willing. I think the music he could sing along with would probably be best for him at this time.
Can you recommend albums that feature the old hymns (we use the Sacred Selections songbook, an old version) that would be appropriate for him? Our tiny congregation doesn't have folks who can sing all the parts, so a quartet or very small group would probably be best.
Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate your comments on music in the church on your web site.
Answer:
I have several suggestions.
R.J. Stevens conducts a music school in Oklahoma once a year. It is for those who want to learn to read shape-note music, learn to write songs, and learn to lead singing. See Singing School for more information.
You don't have to wait for the next class, Brother Stevens also has books and CDs about how to lead songs. See Instructional Material. These are based on the Hymns for Worship songbooks, but there are a number of common songs between that book and Sacred Selections.
Harding University Concert Choir has a series called Timeless and New. While not quartet style, it does cover a lot of older hymns and is done in a congregation style of singing. See Follow Me and The Greatest Commands.
Finally, there is a quartet called Sounds of Glory that put out a series of albums called "Sing with Feeling." They feature the older songs, sung simply. (Sing with Feeling Volume 1, Sing with Feeling Volume 2, Sing with Feeling Volume 3). They used to come with small booklets telling the history of each song. I don't know if that is still available or not.
Response:
Thank you so much for the information. I shall explore each suggestion and hopefully find something that will be of help to my grandson.
Best wishes to you and your congregation for a fruitful new year.
