The Church Pianist: Christmas Program Tips

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

A Christmas program takes lots of work to prepare as I'm
sure you all know.

As a church pianist, I find myself very busy the night of the
program...making sure last minute details are in place.

A tip that has really helped me....is to have one of my
industrious piano students play the prelude before the program.

The student enjoys this opportunity to play during a time when
the main focus isn't directed his or her way:)

It also allows me time to get in order before the program starts.

One more tip...I even have a student or students play the offertory
the night of the program.

Our young people enjoy being involved in the ministries of our church.
For that...I am very grateful.

The Church Pianist: Easy Christmas Program

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I found this easy Christmas program online and thought I'd share it.
You can also go to my new website for a free Christmas program I just
shared today.

http://www.cph.org/pdf/351330.pdf

The Church Pianist: The Haven of Rest (part one)

"The Haven of Rest" is one of my favorite hymns.
I usually hear this hymn performed as a vocal solo.

As a pianist, we must learn to make the text come to life
by animated accompaniment...making the message even
more real and meaningful.

The first verse begins with a troubled scene of a lost soul
but ends with a rescue by the Saviour!

So...we begin with a mood of turmoil. I use an up and down
pattern in the right hand to depict the boistrous waves of the
sea.

Then...the waves suddenly grow calm...when the lost soul hears
the sweet voice of the Saviour. (Notice the movement lessens
in the accompaniment for a calm affect).

I just want to keep going and explain the next part of the accomp-
animent because the mood of happiness increases...creating a
cascading wave of crescendo as Jesus floods the 'saved' soul with
unexplainable peace!

Please go to the following link to see part one and two of this
free vocal arrangement of "The Haven of Rest".

http://thechurchpianist.com/accompaniment/the-church-pianist-haven-of-rest-part-two/