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BCMC JOURNAL 2005
Master Class with Roger
Breland
Roger
Breland, best known for his work as founder and director
of the contemporary Christian ensemble, Truth, is now
Director of the Center for Performing Arts at the
University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama.
At
our 2005 conference, following a performance by the
vocal ensemble, The Voices of Mobile, directed by Dr.
Breland, he spoke briefly and conducted a master class
for praise band/vocal ensemble leadership. What follows
is an outline of his address. His opening statement was,
"These are the things I always wanted to tell the
minister of music in the churches I have visited over
the years."
1.
Stop talking bad about your pastor.
2.
Clean up your office.
3.
It's all about reaching people. God has given us the
greatest tool in the world other than Scripture: music.
4.
Press your suit.
5.
Step it up: it's fun!
6.
The little things mean a lot.
7. Do
anything, but do it well.
8.
Present your music/performance in such a manner that it
appears easy (not frantic).
9.
Keep it simple.
10.
The difference between good and great is hard work.
11.
Know the basics.
Advice for Praise Teams/Ensembles
1.
Look confident - people listen with their eyes.
2.
Make the stage easy to watch, relaxing enough that it
looks easy and smooth.
3.
Plan moves - where to go, when to move, where to look.
Practice endlessly. Movement should have a purpose. One
person moving while others remain still can be
distracting.
4.
Don't sing with your eyes closed. Engage the
congregation and worship with them, not in
front of them. They are participants, not
spectators.
5.
Hold microphone in outside hand (middle person, either
hand).
6. Be
sensitive to your venue as you plan.
7.
Sing from your heart, but also with your your face and
body. Make me believe that you believe what you are
singing.
8.
Sing with energy and focus.
9.
Concerning dress, stay away from earth-tones on stage.
Never wear brown. Use "power colors" - with strong
contrast.
Reported by Tim Logan, Editor of the Baptist Music
Conference Journal and Minister of Music, Beech Street
First Baptist Church, Texarkana, Arkansas
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