Facilitated by
Jim Buist
JimBuist@yahoo.com - (317) 386-8069 - 5294 Ridge Hill Way, Avon, IN 46123
Live Music Performance Links Liturgical Music Workshops
Having led numerous liturgical music groups and choirs since 1995, along with being a church music director responsible for four weekly liturgies (plus numerous funerals and weddings) from 2003 through 2006, I have many experiences to share. When it comes to church liturgies, I strongly believe in congregational participation which is best led by music LEADERS rather than performers. This can sometimes be a fine line which must not be crossed but can sometimes become to easy to overlook.
My workshops offer the opportunity to work as individuals or as a group to become better leaders while still presenting our music to the best of our abilities. The focus of each workshop is different, the most basic working on the FUNdamentals of leading versus performing. Another workshop includes looking at what your group is currently doing and giving/receiving honest, frank feedback. Yet another workshop takes a look at some of the "old", standard hymns and breathes new life into the songs to invigorate and excite the congregation through the use of contemporary rhythms and tempos. Finally, any and all workshops can be tailored to your specific needs, or a new workshop can be designed specifically for your group whether that be for soloists/cantors or groups of any size.
For more detailed information, look below for the description of each workshop. Please contact me with any questions and to schedule your session.
"A Fresh Perspective: Getting some feedback, insight, and suggestions about what your group is currently doing"
This workshop is very free flowing allowing the me to come in, listen to a group's rehearsal (or possibly Sunday service) to give feedback, suggestions, and possibly develop a plan of action and courses to further develop a group's ability to lead the congregation. Evaluation can include volume and balance, sound system, group logistics and location, clarity (enunciation), general timing & rhythm, tightness / togetherness of the group (are you all starting and stopping at the same time?), congregational participation and suggestions for improving, song suggestions (including types of songs, specific songs, style of playing chosen songs), resource materials available, and anything additional that the group, leader, church, &/or pastor desires. This is a flexible workshop and/or consultation which may require more than one trip.
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"New Life: Breathing 'new life' into old songs to give them a contemporary feel"
Using more traditional hymns as a starting point, this workshop demonstrates how to add a contemporary feel and sound to older hymns. This workshop may also introduce some new songs which use either old melodies or old lyrics (ex: Emmanuel by Steve Angrisano).
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"Follow Me: Leading the people vs performing"
General ideas for being good music leaders including raising the hands to be inviting, volume and balance control, instrumentation balance and options for when to use various instruments.
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"Custom Course"
Is your music ministry just starting out or has it fizzled? Do you need help in figuring out where to start in your planning, picking out songs/hymns, adding musicians, working with various instruments and voices? Or, do you have any other specific needs that maybe aren't met in any of the workshops above? Let me know your needs and I will create a workshop or consultation session just for you or your group. Rates are very reasonable and we can meet at your church or in my office, depending on the specific needs.
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JimBuist@yahoo.com (317) 386-8069
Mailing address: 5294 Ridge Hill Way, Avon, IN 46123