December 2020 will be like no other holiday season we have seen in our lifetimes. Gatherings are limited, and singing is prohibited. We church musicians are accustomed to being extraordinarily busy during this time, often to the point of exhaustedly cranking out notes and crossing each musical concert or service off our list. This Advent and Christmas, my schedule is drastically reduced. Is this a loss? Yes, but could it also be a gift?
Read More > >Sarah Hawbecker
Recent Posts
Intentionality in This Unusual Christmas Season
Posted on Dec 2, 2020 9:00:00 AM by Sarah Hawbecker in Music Ministry, in Christmas
Taking on the Children's Musical
Posted on Feb 25, 2013 7:48:01 AM by Sarah Hawbecker in Choral Techniques and Repertoire, in review-prelude
Some directors dread doing musicals, and even avoid them. I direct both a Christmas and a spring musical every year, because I believe that the positive benefits of these performances are huge. I am well aware of the cons, the biggest of which is simply the work. A LOT of work! Depending on the musical, there’s dialogue, staging, costumes, sets, props, and choreography. I guarantee that there will be some aspect of undertaking a musical that will take you outside of your comfort zone. Here are some things to consider:
Read More > >Scripture Based Children's Anthems
Posted on May 21, 2012 8:23:58 AM by Sarah Hawbecker in Choral Techniques and Repertoire, in review-prelude
The texts we choose for children to sing are as important as the musical qualities of an anthem. What better texts are there to teach our children than words of scripture? The following anthems are just a few of the ones I have found to be worth teaching and repeating.
Read More > >Teaching Hymns and Liturgy to the Children’s Choir
Posted on Apr 30, 2012 7:40:16 PM by Sarah Hawbecker in Choral Techniques and Repertoire, in review-prelude
I no longer assume that the children entering into my choir are familiar with the Lutheran liturgy and standard hymns, even Christmas carols. There are several reasons, including the lack of sacred music in the schools, families’ sporadic worship attendance, and attendance at “alternative” services. Our staff is making more deliberate efforts to encourage families to worship together regularly. I schedule our 2nd-6th grade choir to sing for worship at least once a month. One of the third grade boys recently told his mother that church was more fun when he was in the choir, because he had more to do. Yes, indeed - church is much more fun when you can participate because you have rehearsed the responses and know the hymns!
Read More > >The Organist's Summer
Posted on Jul 18, 2011 11:34:11 AM by Sarah Hawbecker in Instruments and Ensembles
What to play?