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9. How do you feel about other musical instruments being used during the service, e.g., guitars, violins, or wind instruments?
Comments: “I have no problem with other instruments being used.” “Would love guitars, etc.” “I’d like it very much.” “On occasion.” “I would like that addition.” “Guitar.” “Very much love it!” “I’d love it.” “Guitars, violins, drums would be nice.” “I think that would be great; would add to the service.” “I like having guitar.”
(# 9 continued – comments) “Occasionally is fine.” “Great idea.” “The more the merrier.” “Wonderful. I feel the more the better.” “I would like to see some brass (trumpets, tuba, etc.) also bagpipes.” “Great.” “Love it.” “Wonderful idea – let’s do it.” “I would love it! We also need a piano in church.” “Violins, trumpets.” “Would be fine during communion.” “I think using other instruments during service would be a good idea.” “Great.” “Sounds good.” “Yes.” “O.K.” “I think that would be very enjoyable.” “Would love to see it.” “Yes, especially flute or violin. Not so much for guitar.” “Yes.” “I would like it.” “Guitars are too hippy-folksy for me! Organ and flute solo as pre-service, entrance interlude and communion. Quiet reflection time – no words! Private time.” “Prefer music not in the folk genre.” “Organ.” “I like it when Janet Wales sings and plays her guitar during communion.” “I like other musical instruments.” “The more the merrier!”
10. Is there something you feel we should be doing that we are not doing now? Or, is there a favorite hymn you would like to hear?
Comments: (Requested hymns are placed after the comments listed.)
“I would like to see the children sing for us once in a while.” “Good effort.” “Nothing I can think of at this moment.” “Some solos.” “I think we’re doing very well.” “How about honoring our Latino members with ‘Cuando el Pobre Nada Tiene’ (802 WLP).” “Hymns the congregation can sing from memory during communion – even walking up and back from the rails.” “Communion hymns.” “Having evening prayer or Saturday evening prayer.” “Congregation sings ½ of a hymn before the Gospel is read and the other half after Gospel is read.” “Please sing an Introit or anthem that is sung only by the choir.” “I think it would be lovely if ‘the choir’ could perform at the offertory – while the congregation sits and prepares for the Eucharist. Instrumental could be here.” “The choir shouldn’t be hidden, they should be presented.” “You are just about perfect. A great addition to our service.” “Better organist – better rhythm – not so darned s-l-o-o-o-w.” “More children’s hymns.” “I think we’re doing nicely.”
Favorite hymns:
“Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees” 325 H “Just as I Am” 693 H, also in 137 LEVAS “Cuando el Pobre Nada Tiene” 802 WLP (also listed above in ‘comments’)
11. Please list any comments you feel may be helpful to us.
Comments:
“A good job is being done.” “I think we could have the choir come out in front and sing.” “Love the choir & bless your efforts.” “Some hymns are too fast – can’t breathe between verses. How about contemporary music at a service at a different time. Maybe once a month on Saturday or Sunday evening or late afternoon. Communion hymns should b e meditative & on slow side.” “It’s obvious the choir is working hard, and I am delighted with the great progress you have made. Keep up the good work!” “Keep up the good work.” “Maybe the choir could turn toward the congregation during anthems?” “When male children attend – offer a children’s choir.” “Someone needs to tell the readers that we don’t say, ‘The word of the Lord.’ After reading the Psalm. Thank you for all you do!” “I think the choir shouldn’t be tucked/hidden from the rest of the church they should be enjoyed by everyone.” “Play organ in a key that men sing to.” “What a wonderful job you’re doing. Thank you.” “Please check with Jeff Rickard at Trinity for the Celtic Alleluia.” “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give input!! Share the results with the congregation, please.”
This concludes the tabulation of results of the September 2007 Choir Questionnaire. Thank you to all who have responded. Your comments have been most helpful and encouraging. We have implemented some of the comments and requested hymns already, and hope to continue to be guided by your comments and suggestions. I also want to thank you for your patience in awaiting the results of this questionnaire. I am sorry it took so long.
Suzanne Collette Choir Director March 20, 2008 |