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Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z
Excellence
One word I have heard people use in describing John Hallet has been excellence. If there is one thing he strove for in his life that was excellence. You can read in the article below some of his philosophy about excellence in music ministry. One quote he had written on a piece of paper was from Richard Condi, director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:
“If you want excellence you have to work for it— most people don’t.”
(undated news article written by Ron Wells, Copley News Service) entitled “Excellence is His Goal.” (John had circled this quote in red.)
John strove fore excellence in composing, arranging, piano accompanying or piano solo work, playing baseball, working with flowers (discussed in a coming blog), his personal appearance….whatever he did he strove for excellence. He wanted his choirs or ensembles or whoever he worked with to also strive for excellence.
BUILDING AN IMAGE OF EXCELLENCE
For Your Future Ministry of Music
If there is a hallmark of the Music Ministry today in our churches, it should be an image of excellence. This standard is all too often lacking in our churches. Too long we have settled for mediocrity. The people have suffered through sub-standard performances of inferior music. Vitality and the power of God in our singing have been lacking. Our so called “special” music (illustrate) is hastily selected and “rehearsed” 5 or 10 minutes before service time. Sunday’s anthem is selected and prepared a few minutes during the previous rehearsal night. Choir rehearsal occurs at the close of prayer meeting and Bible Study. It is not surprising to view a sparse congregation on out “Music Night”. The director is discouraged, the choir members disinterested and both ready to “Throw in the Towel.” The image of failure is prevalent.
Incidentally, did you know the tenure of the average director is 1½ years? The individual in the pew has long since been deeply moved, thrilled and blessed by the music. A pastor friend of mine said the music of his choir did more harm than good. We must begin now to build a Music Ministry with an Image of Excellence. This ministry should be organized for the purpose of developing and maintaining a fully grade church music education and participation program which will magnify our Lord, promote evangelism and benefit all ages and organizations.
God wants to give us a dynamic God-centered ministry, which I am sure, is the desire of our heart.
May I make an observation as a result of talking with numerous directors in America? We think too small. Our goals are too low. We must stretch our vision and focus on larger objectives. We are so easily discouraged by trivial details that weigh us down mentally, physically and spiritually.
The question is not, “Can I do better?” but rather, “How can I do better?” Immediately numerous reasons are given why a standard of excellence is not attainable. Let’s examine a few of these obstacles that beset directors.
1. We have no singers – few can read (too few singers)
Your task is to make singers and readers by teaching. Only a few have a “ready made” choir. Begin at the beginning with Voice Training and Music Fundamentals. Organize classes.
Excellence
One word I have heard people use in describing John Hallet has been excellence. If there is one thing he strove for in his life that was excellence. You can read in the article below some of his philosophy about excellence in music ministry. One quote he had written on a piece of paper was from Richard Condi, director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:
“If you want excellence you have to work for it— most people don’t.”
(undated news article written by Ron Wells, Copley News Service) entitled “Excellence is His Goal.” (John had circled this quote in red.)
John strove fore excellence in composing, arranging, piano accompanying or piano solo work, playing baseball, working with flowers (discussed in a coming blog), his personal appearance….whatever he did he strove for excellence. He wanted his choirs or ensembles or whoever he worked with to also strive for excellence.
BUILDING AN IMAGE OF EXCELLENCE
For Your Future Ministry of Music
If there is a hallmark of the Music Ministry today in our churches, it should be an image of excellence. This standard is all too often lacking in our churches. Too long we have settled for mediocrity. The people have suffered through sub-standard performances of inferior music. Vitality and the power of God in our singing have been lacking. Our so called “special” music (illustrate) is hastily selected and “rehearsed” 5 or 10 minutes before service time. Sunday’s anthem is selected and prepared a few minutes during the previous rehearsal night. Choir rehearsal occurs at the close of prayer meeting and Bible Study. It is not surprising to view a sparse congregation on out “Music Night”. The director is discouraged, the choir members disinterested and both ready to “Throw in the Towel.” The image of failure is prevalent.
Incidentally, did you know the tenure of the average director is 1½ years? The individual in the pew has long since been deeply moved, thrilled and blessed by the music. A pastor friend of mine said the music of his choir did more harm than good. We must begin now to build a Music Ministry with an Image of Excellence. This ministry should be organized for the purpose of developing and maintaining a fully grade church music education and participation program which will magnify our Lord, promote evangelism and benefit all ages and organizations.
God wants to give us a dynamic God-centered ministry, which I am sure, is the desire of our heart.
May I make an observation as a result of talking with numerous directors in America? We think too small. Our goals are too low. We must stretch our vision and focus on larger objectives. We are so easily discouraged by trivial details that weigh us down mentally, physically and spiritually.
The question is not, “Can I do better?” but rather, “How can I do better?” Immediately numerous reasons are given why a standard of excellence is not attainable. Let’s examine a few of these obstacles that beset directors.
1. We have no singers – few can read (too few singers)
Your task is to make singers and readers by teaching. Only a few have a “ready made” choir. Begin at the beginning with Voice Training and Music Fundamentals. Organize classes.
2. We lack tenors
Use SAB music, SB and Unison anthems
Use SAB music, SB and Unison anthems
3. No interest in singing
This is the fault of the director. Put importance in the individual choir singer. His task and calling is as important as the director, etc. Challenge with difficult and exciting music. You must inspire, enthuse and inject in your singers a desire to sing. First, you as a director must “come alive” if you expect good and faithful service from them. Most times our music is lifeless and expressionless, because we are. Our ministry lacks honest to goodness vitality.
4. Not interested in singing every week
Don’t schedule adult choir every service. Use junior choirs, youth, special guest artists, etc.
Don’t schedule adult choir every service. Use junior choirs, youth, special guest artists, etc.
5. I have little experience or training as a director
Attend workshops, adult evening school, summer seminar or take courses at a near by college. Private lessons with a competent teacher.
Attend workshops, adult evening school, summer seminar or take courses at a near by college. Private lessons with a competent teacher.
6. Poor congregational singing (is a sign of poor leadership)
They must be made to feel they are participating, not spectators. Work with them in singing SATB. Also a cappella singing. Sing their favorites.
7. Not enough rehearsal time
Wednesday evening?
Wednesday evening?
8. The problem of type of music to be sung
Not a slave to tradition
Not a slave to revolution
Choose a variety of worthy music to interest all.
Not a slave to tradition
Not a slave to revolution
Choose a variety of worthy music to interest all.
(Note: In this next section I have eliminated some of the subpoints to conserve space)
We’ve examined a few of the obstacles, now let us Chart A Course for a Bright and Colorful Future for our Music Ministry
1. Plan now to expand your music ministry
1. Plan now to expand your music ministry
2. Mimeo a music schedule for all groups
3. Publish a monthly music communiqué
4. Plan social events
5. Choir projects
6. Book guest musicians and choirs
7. Plan several concerts and festivals
8. Form a Music Council
9. Arrange “outside” concerts with your choirs
Involved choirs go places, do things, and stay happy.
10. Improve Yourself
Study, take in a workshop this summer. Numerous 1 day seminars in this area.
11. Upgrade your music library
12. Plan now for a fall choir retreat
13. Schedule workshops for children’s choirs, adult & instruments
14. Schedule challenging & worthy music every Sunday morning
Thrill and inspire the people. Your message should carry an impact not soon to be forgotten.
Thrill and inspire the people. Your message should carry an impact not soon to be forgotten.
15. Involve the congregation in the music portion in every service
They have been conditioned to sit and listen and audition the talent from the platform. To involve them is the secret of success of every program.
They have been conditioned to sit and listen and audition the talent from the platform. To involve them is the secret of success of every program.
16. Make better plans for each rehearsal
17. Improve Sunday evening service
18. Begin a recruiting program for each choir
19. September is Church Music Month
John then continued with suggestions as to how to do this. He concludes his talk with these words:
“The most successful, spiritually growing church has a superior dynamic music ministry. The most undeveloped department of every church is the music department. Take an all around look and see the numerous opportunities ahead to make your music a growing, vital, dynamic MINISTRY. Look back – Look around – Look Ahead. Don’t be afraid of change!”
Encourager
John was a great encourager. He encouraged men and women by his support of them through his kind words and actions. For example, he encouraged some to become songwriters and one became a great collaborator with him. He particularly encouraged his students in the Bible College. Many have now served around the world as missionaries, prominent writers, authors, musicians and in many capacities in the Kingdom of God.
Kelly Bihl, life-long friend shared one of many stories I have heard about John being an encourager.
“I knew John as Minister of Music. But more than that, as a friend. I knew him longer as a friend; and I new him as an encourager. Johnnie always encouraged me, no matter how low things might look at times. He always had a word of encouragement; always was able to make it look, seem like it was all going to work out alright, that we were going to get home before the dark. And he encouraged others. I watched him over the years encourage some of you. And men and women, and boys and girls are serving Jesus Christ because of Johnnie Hallett. I knew John as an encourager.” (recounted during John Hallett’s Memorial Service)
John then continued with suggestions as to how to do this. He concludes his talk with these words:
“The most successful, spiritually growing church has a superior dynamic music ministry. The most undeveloped department of every church is the music department. Take an all around look and see the numerous opportunities ahead to make your music a growing, vital, dynamic MINISTRY. Look back – Look around – Look Ahead. Don’t be afraid of change!”
Encourager
John was a great encourager. He encouraged men and women by his support of them through his kind words and actions. For example, he encouraged some to become songwriters and one became a great collaborator with him. He particularly encouraged his students in the Bible College. Many have now served around the world as missionaries, prominent writers, authors, musicians and in many capacities in the Kingdom of God.
Kelly Bihl, life-long friend shared one of many stories I have heard about John being an encourager.
“I knew John as Minister of Music. But more than that, as a friend. I knew him longer as a friend; and I new him as an encourager. Johnnie always encouraged me, no matter how low things might look at times. He always had a word of encouragement; always was able to make it look, seem like it was all going to work out alright, that we were going to get home before the dark. And he encouraged others. I watched him over the years encourage some of you. And men and women, and boys and girls are serving Jesus Christ because of Johnnie Hallett. I knew John as an encourager.” (recounted during John Hallett’s Memorial Service)
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