Let's be honest, when Sunday morning comes around, we aren't always the chipper, sunshiney (yes, I invent words), ameny (told ya), smiley, skipping into the house of God, just LOOKING for something to be happy about Christians we should be! Most have had a long week and too short of a weekend. Many families fought World War III trying to get everyone ready for church so they can show up ON TIME with every child wearing shoes! Sometimes, morning just comes too early if you're like me, your voice isn't exactly in its best condition when Sunday Morning Service starts and singing can seem to be a chore. Is it right that we feel that way a lot of times? No. I'm not making excuses for gloomy, quiet-singing church members. However, many times, as piano players, we are unofficially called upon to set the mood of the song service. While a huge part of this lies on the shoulders of the song leader, YOU bear the responsibility if the song leader is not pumped. It is possible to change the song leader's tone with just a few dynamics. We will talk more of leading or following a "song leader"in a future post but I think it's important for you to understand the huge influence you have on the song leader and the congregation who is singing. They don't usually follow you on purpose but, the more you change the way you play, the more you will realize that they REALLY DO follow you.
Okay, so one of the things I find that we fall into when playing for congregational singing is that we think because there are a TON of people singing, we must play as loud as we can so everyone can hear us! While this may be true in some circumstances, usually, the people can hear us just fine. On the other side of the coin, you may be that shy piano player who is afraid of people hearing you mess up. So, you decide to play as quietly as you can get away with. Whichever extreme you are on, there definitely needs to be a balance found here.
Dynamics are SO IMPORTANT and can be practiced by even the beginner of beginners! With my new students, I always have them play a song with contrasting dynamics (loud and soft) and I tell them that without seeing the music, SOMEONE ELSE should be able to hear where the dynamic changes. The more you work on them, the more you will affect those you are accompanying.
Most song leaders try to pick exciting songs for the beginning of service and slowly start working towards a more serious mood...usually ending with something slower and thoughtful right before the preaching. If you play all the songs at the exact same tempo and volume, you can very easily ruin the atmosphere your song leader was attempting to create. Don't be focusing on anything else. Mouth the words if you have to, but FOCUS. You are accompanying the worship of the Almighty God. Do it with quality!
Now, let's take a look at "When I Survey" for an example of varied dynamics.While there are certain hymns that are meant to be exciting all the way through, most hymns follow a pattern:
The first verse usually introduces the song. Dynamically, it can have a very wide range.
The middle verses are usually quieter and more sad. (if there are four verses, the mood usually starts to pull out of the sad side of life around the middle/end of the third verse). Dynamically, this needs to be quieter, softer, and many times, slightly slower than the rest of the song. Recognize the mood change and pull out to a happier tone when it's time!
The last verse is almost always talking about heaven or at least something equally exciting! ALWAYS play louder on this verse with a more excited tone! If you know the song leader well enough to know this wont tip his rocker, you may even try Modulating (going one key up) when you get bold enough :) TIP: your thoughts and facial expressions greatly affect your playing. When the words get happy, SMILE a bit!
I'm going to make notes on this song according to how my thought process would be while playing this. My technique is to let my thought process affect my playing. If your song leader picks songs ahead of time, you may get a chance to go through the songs before the service and really think about the words. However, in most cases, you're hearing the words fresh as you play so try to concentrate on them, process them, and then reflect them with your hands.
Vs. 1
When I survey the wondrous cross cross...contemplative...very serious
On which the Prince of glory died sad...but amazing (slow but not too quiet)
My richest gain, I count but loss same mood
And pour contempt on all my pride same mood
Vs. 2
Forbid it, Lord that I should boast still very serious but can be louder
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood
Vs. 3 (If playing this for an offertory, you could change this verse to a minor. Example (F minor instead of F so you would flat A, B, D, and E if you wanted to. I like to keep the E major)
See from his head, his hands, his feet really sad...very slow and quiet. Use notes low on the piano
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown start to build for a big entrance to the fourth verse
Vs. 4
Were the whole realm of nature mine HUGE...it's talking about the world and full surrender
That were a present far too small very loud and very big! TIP: DENSE IS INTENSE
Love SO AMAZING SO DIVINE dense chords (more than just 3 notes)
Demands my soul! My life! My all! keep it big to the end. DON'T FADE OFF BEFORE THE END.
PRACTICE: Reading the words to "When I Survey" out loud while playing. Add more dynamics everyday. Use extreme contrasts. Ask someone to listen to you play and see if they can sense the mood of the words. Have them critique you in areas where the words didn't match the way you played at all.
