Do you think the best singer in a church choir should always sing the solos?
July 15th, 2009
VK asked:
In our suburban church choir, there are a few excellent singers, and a few good singers. The philosophy of the choir director seems to be that the excellent singers always sing the solos. This never gives the lesser singers a chance to prepare and perform a solo. As a result, they begin to think they never can be good enough to sing a solo. It’s the musical equivalent of “the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer.”
Now, I know there is plenty of justification for making the best music possible, especially in Church. So the practice of always using the best singer makes sense. But, how do the lesser singers get a chance to develop?
In our suburban church choir, there are a few excellent singers, and a few good singers. The philosophy of the choir director seems to be that the excellent singers always sing the solos. This never gives the lesser singers a chance to prepare and perform a solo. As a result, they begin to think they never can be good enough to sing a solo. It’s the musical equivalent of “the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer.”
Now, I know there is plenty of justification for making the best music possible, especially in Church. So the practice of always using the best singer makes sense. But, how do the lesser singers get a chance to develop?
I would be particularly interested in responses from choir directors or choral leaders, but all opinions are welcomed.
VK
DMASIV
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This is a touchy subject I think in every church. I will open up two schools of thought on this.
First: If someone is led to sing, they should be allowed to sing.
Second: If someone wants to sing that can’t, does anyone feel in the spirit when they sing or are they aching for the song to be over?
I have on many occassions witnessed people who felt so very led to sing a song, but simply do not have that gift. God gives us all different gifts and talents. If your gifts are not in singing…why then would you push the issue? Go do what God has given you the talent to do! Let those with the talent to sing do the singing. I certainly would not take over the church finances if I had no talent for handling it! Now, that’s not to say that those who can sing and stay in tune should be ousted by those that are believed to sing better. In that case…one must remember the song, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, cuz it’s all about you, all about you Jesus.” People sometimes aren’t true or real with themselves on their abilities. This is an area where people’s perception of themselves can be seriously hurt or damaged so it’s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. I believe that if you feel you have a voice that could use some extra help or training, go find it and practice! ASK FOR HELP! Those singers that are good…generally are very willing to help! Your director will likely be delighted to help you and also be glad you want to persue improving your voice! Take voice lessons somewhere if you feel uncomfortable asking them. Your hard work will show and one day you can come in and surprise everyone. Lastly…pray! If this is the desire of your heart…remember that God is the creator of our desires and wants us to see them through. He will help you achieve what you desire. Trust in Him!
Who is the choir director trying to impress? Is the choir auditioning for a recording contract? Probably not. In that case, if someone wants to sing a solo, they should be allowed. When I directed my church choir several years ago, I usually let whoever wanted to sing the solo try it out every time we rehearsed. If there were more than one who did well at it, then we left it up to the choir to decide and tried to spread the solos around.
The best way, in my opinion, is to leave it open. Don’t assign the solos every time. Hold auditions! Ask who would like to sing a solo. Offer to work with anyone who is interested in the solo. It opens up new doors for new and unsure singers to become confident soloists!
It is important to let the choir director know how you feel. It’s not a professional performing group…it’s church choir! Everyone needs a chance to shine!
Do you really mean “Shouldn’t I be allowed to sing a solo once in awhile?” Why don’t you ask the director if you can try one sometime. Or maybe you’re not as good as you think you are, and the director is trying to prevent a “cringe moment.” What is your motivation for wanting to sing a solo in church? Is it to glorify yourself? Maybe your heart attitude needs to be examined. Maybe you should consider the idea that you are best able to help lead in worship and glorify God is by singing your part in the choir with humility and contentment. I’m not trying to be snotty, it’s that I’ve heard this argument a few times before from other people, and they seemed to be mainly thinking of themselves, which is not the reason for singing in church. If you want to develop more as a singer, then take private lessons.
Although I don’t agree with your directors approach I certainly understand. They want a the best soloist they can to make the choir sound better and for the musical worship of the congregation. However, it doesn’t do much for building up the soloist of the future. Here are some suggestions:
1. Make sure your director knows that you are interested in doing solo work and knows what your voice sounds like as an individual. Don’t assume they know your interest.
2. If your director is encouraging but still hesitant to give you a solo opporturnity try to do an ensemble.
3. Lastly, seek private instruction for increasing your abilities. Often times directors will even help you out in the hopes of training another soloist. Many feel like the services are for the end results, not the training.
no i personally think others should have a chance like in my high shcool there is this one girl who has a great voice (but boy is she a jerk) but anyways she gets leads every musical and our drama teacher takes away solos from other people just to please her star pupil
i think others should have a chance to shine its not fair for only one person to hog the glory, and popele like seeing new poeple instead of the same ol’ jerks singing everyhting!
I think that any singer who wants to sing a solo should be allowed, because God doesn’t care how you sound. However, this is not usually the case. I know what you are saying, because there were always a few people who always got to sing the solos in our church choir, I was not one of them, although I knew I could do just as well. If you really want to sing solos, talk to who ever runs the music program at your church, and tell them you would like to sing a solo, in my experience most are willing to let someone do that, becasue most of them are looking for special music.
Unfortunately choir directors as well as other creative leaders can’t help themselves when faced with exceptional talent – and it is often to the detriment of other competent artisans. Not every performance is the most important one, and soloing is a valuable experience – but it should be earned. I for one would allow all singers who desire to solo to have the chance, but it is not quite like kids ball games where everybody gets to play – the performer must prove their competence in the role – they wouldn’t have to be the best, but they should shine.