Global Music in Worship

When we sing the songs of the world, we are just as likely to be singing music familiar to people close by, people with roots and family in Somalia or Chile, Havana or Hong Kong. Singing their songs as well as our own is a constant reminder to welcome others. It is a way of practicing hospitality. (Andrew Donaldson, "The Hymn", 2002)

This workshop introduces material from both "standard" collections and new collections of global song. Rather than promoting world music as an either/or replacement for strophic, "traditional" hymns, this workshop suggests a both/and approach, integrating worship music of many styles into a nourishing whole.

The Pulse of Worship

Leaving out the rhythm instruments in much Aboriginal, African, Asian or South American music is like leaving out the melody of a hymn. Rhythm is - or can be - not just time-keeping, but an expression of emotion. In the same way that a dancing melody can charge words with life and meaning, a well-placed cymbal roll can lift a congregation's song and set it soaring. (Andrew Donaldson, "Reformed Worship" 2003)

Do's and don'ts in using percussion as part of worship. This workshop explores some Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and global music as well as traditional hymns.

Sing Praises with a Psalm

As we enter the twenty-first century, worship planners need no more proof that everything old has become new than to see the variety of ways in which congregations are trying to sing the psalms again. For Reformed congregations who wish to add this ancient practice of responsorial psalmody to our own rich tradition of metrical psalm singing, this book is an invaluable resource. (Review of "The Book of Psalms", Reformed Worship, June 1999, Number 52)

The psalms are rich source of renewal, both personal and communal. Singing, chanting, moving, playing and working with psalms is the focus of this workshop.

And a Child Shall Sing the Lead

Singing with Children

Children love to learn new things, and usually do it much more quickly than adults. ...(every age group) deserves to be treated well, and stretched beyond [their] likes and dislikes. (Paul Westermeyer, The Church Musician)

Repertoire for children and adults to learn, to sing together, and make part of congregational life.

Testimonials

"What a wonderful worship workshop you conducted... Lots of great ideas and new ways of looking at music in worship."

"I especially appreciated your ability to have us learn and experience the forms behind style, consider the various strengths and weaknesses of models and to simply help us become aware of what facilitates the congregation's voice. It was an ideal approach for us. Thank you for sharing your learning and your giftedness with us. It was a privilege to host you."

Are you interested in attending or hosting a workshop led by Andrew? Click here for contact information.