--- title: Welcome to the Prelude Music Planner Blog! | Choral Techniques and Repertoire description: Choral Techniques and Repertoire | Gain insightful tips, perspectives, and ideas in the Prelude Music Planner Blog, designed for practicing church musicians to energize their passion for music in worship. --- [![AF-prelude-logo](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Augsburg%20Fortress/AF_Prelude_Blog/AF-prelude-logo.png?width=181&height=52&name=AF-prelude-logo.png "AF-prelude-logo")](http://www.preludemusicplanner.org/) - [LEARN MORE](https://preludemusicplanner.org/) - [BLOG](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org) - [SIGN IN](https://members.preludemusicplanner.org/) # [Prelude Music Blog](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org) # Prelude Blog ## [Encouragement from Bach](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/encouragement-from-bach) Posted on Dec 3, 2018 5:11:38 PM by [Peter Hilliard](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/peter-hilliard) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire) > "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9 (NRSV) For many musicians, especially church musicians, a chasm opens between the training and the practice of their art. Professional training involves deep study of great music literature, the refinement of musical taste, and the attainment of a high playing standard. “This is what playing to the glory of God is really all about,” we think as we enter the real world. But in that real world, church musicians encounter harsh realities. The ideal sound we were hoping for is nearly unattainable. The hard work we put into our playing passes unnoticed. Our diligence assembling meaningful worship falls on undiscerning ears. And, at times, there are those who stand opposed to our goals. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/encouragement-from-bach) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/encouragement-from-bach#comments-listing) ## [[A "Choral Ecology" in Worship Music Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2018/02/a-choral-ecology-in-worship-music-planning)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/encouragement-from-bach#comments-listing) Posted on Feb 27, 2018 5:05:29 PM by [John Sall](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/john-sall) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) Within our congregations and personal lives, we have increasingly clear understanding of the ways our personal decisions around our use of resources matter. How can we carry this sense of stewardship into the planning and care we exhibit for resources of wisdom, people, talent, time, and connection in our worship services? Over recent years I have grown to plan anthems, service music, and other choir roles with a much clearer view of the “ecosystem” volunteer church choirs exist in. Intentional planning with this awareness has helped to provide increased comfort and musical consistency in the growth and leadership of my choirs, it has broadened our choral and congregational repertoire without (much) resistance, and it has helped to deepen theological and liturgical connections in an era of widely varied attendance patterns. Others have articulated well the introduction of new hymns into a congregation’s repertoire, so I will not repeat that process here but focus directly on choral leadership. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2018/02/a-choral-ecology-in-worship-music-planning) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2018/02/a-choral-ecology-in-worship-music-planning#comments-listing) ## [[Lightening the Load – A SAB Story](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2017/08/lightening-the-load-a-sab-story)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2018/02/a-choral-ecology-in-worship-music-planning#comments-listing) Posted on Aug 23, 2017 2:58:45 PM by [Adam Lefever Hughes](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/adam-lefever-hughes) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) *The following post was written as helpful connection between the [Association of Lutheran Church Musicians](https://www.alcm.org/) and Prelude. Choral Reading Sessions are a staple feature of ALCM conferences. Adam Hughes offers a helpful review of pieces he encountered this summer with suggestions on how they could be beneficial in your context.* [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2017/08/lightening-the-load-a-sab-story) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2017/08/lightening-the-load-a-sab-story#comments-listing) ## [[Two- and Three-Part Choir Music](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/11/two-and-three-part-choir-music)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2017/08/lightening-the-load-a-sab-story#comments-listing) Posted on Nov 15, 2016 9:54:04 AM by [Tim Shaw](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/tim-shaw) in [Music Ministry](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/music-ministry), in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) Choosing repertoire for church choirs is one of the most difficult, time-consuming tasks of all choir directors, whether they direct larger or smaller choirs. There are some unique challenges facing those who direct smaller choirs, though. To support you in your work, this blog has many helpful posts on the subject. Find some time to read any one (or all!) of the following posts for inspiration and ideas: [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/11/two-and-three-part-choir-music) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/11/two-and-three-part-choir-music#comments-listing) ## [[Five Tips For Children’s Choir Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/09/five-tips-for-childrens-choir-planning)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/11/two-and-three-part-choir-music#comments-listing) Posted on Sep 21, 2016 2:30:17 PM by [Jennifer Baker-Trinity](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/jennifer-baker-trinity) in [Music Ministry](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/music-ministry), in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire) As a church musician heading into October, you may be fortunate to have your entire choir year mapped out. For children’s choirs, advanced planning is key to a successful year. If you haven’t yet charted the course for your choir year or want some guidelines for future planning, consider these five tips. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/09/five-tips-for-childrens-choir-planning) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/09/five-tips-for-childrens-choir-planning#comments-listing) ## [[Heinrich Schütz and Reformation 500](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/heinrich-schutz-and-reformation-500)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/09/five-tips-for-childrens-choir-planning#comments-listing) Posted on Jul 20, 2016 3:11:44 PM by [Augsburg Fortress](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/augsburg-fortress) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) *Each year on July 28, the church commemorates a trio of important musicians—Bach, Schütz, and Handel—and prays for those who nurture and equip the church’s song. While Schütz (baptized October 9, 1585; died November 6, 1672) is probably the least known among the three, his music was influential in setting the stage for the mixture of national styles seen in the music of later composers such as Buxtehude, Böhm, and Bach. Today, Schütz’s works continue to appear in new editions and creative arrangements, some of which are listed below as suggestions for the 2017 anniversary year.* [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/heinrich-schutz-and-reformation-500) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/heinrich-schutz-and-reformation-500#comments-listing) ## [[Choral Arranging in 10 Steps](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/choral-arranging-in-10-steps)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/heinrich-schutz-and-reformation-500#comments-listing) Posted on Jul 8, 2016 9:52:25 AM by [Tim Shaw](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/tim-shaw) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Composing and arranging](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/composing-and-arranging) Have you exhausted your budget for new music but find yourself in need of a few more pieces to round out the upcoming choral season? Have you been unable to find a choral setting of a hymn you love? Have you always been curious about how the creative process works? Now could be a great time for you to try writing your own music! Follow the 10-step process below, mix in a little inspiration, and you may be pleasantly surprised with what you’re able to create. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/choral-arranging-in-10-steps) [1 Comment](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/choral-arranging-in-10-steps#comments-listing) ## [[Unison Choral Singing](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/04/unison-choral-singing)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/07/choral-arranging-in-10-steps#comments-listing) Posted on Apr 18, 2016 4:12:13 PM by [Tim Shaw](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/tim-shaw) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) Most church choir members love to sing in parts—the challenge of learning one’s notes is a truly enjoyable experience. Many choir directors choose repertoire because of good part-writing that leads to a rich choral sound. And, *all* choral composers love to explore the endless creative potential inherent in SATB texture. The vast repertoire of SATB choral music is, undeniably, one of the church’s greatest treasures. Used occasionally, though, unison choral singing offers several benefits to a church choir: [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/04/unison-choral-singing) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/04/unison-choral-singing#comments-listing) ## [[What Is Your Philosophy of Worship and Music?](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/what-is-your-philosophy-of-worship-and-music)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/04/unison-choral-singing#comments-listing) Posted on Feb 8, 2016 9:30:43 AM by [Tim Shaw](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/tim-shaw) in [Assembly Song](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/assembly-song), in [Hymnody](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/hymnody), in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning), in [Potpourri](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/potpourri) Anyone who has interviewed for a church music position knows some questions are almost guaranteed to be asked: “How do you motivate volunteers? What style of music is your favorite? What does the ideal relationship between clergy and church musician look like? How do you feel about choir robes?” Tough questions, but not *too* difficult to answer. There is that one dreaded question, though, which is seemingly impossible to answer: “What is your philosophy of worship and music?” Whether you have been asked this question directly or not, you do have a philosophy that manifests itself in how you practice church music. Spending some time developing—even writing out—your own philosophy of worship and music is a valuable exercise that can have a direct, positive impact on your music ministry. Try this on your own, or together as a worship/music committee. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/what-is-your-philosophy-of-worship-and-music) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/what-is-your-philosophy-of-worship-and-music#comments-listing) ## [[Strategies for Supporting the Small Choir](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/strategies-for-supporting-the-small-choir)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/what-is-your-philosophy-of-worship-and-music#comments-listing) Posted on Feb 1, 2016 3:12:21 PM by [Jennifer Baker-Trinity](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/author/jennifer-baker-trinity) in [Choral Techniques and Repertoire](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire), in [Planning](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) Suppose you have spent the summer planning for the upcoming choir year. You have selected anthems, new hymns to teach, and a collection of psalm settings. Then you discover that a soprano with a new grandchild has elected to take a hiatus from choir. An alto has a daughter that plays every sport. A bass has been ill. A tenor is not reliable. Before long, your choir could now be classified as a small ensemble. [Read More > >](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/strategies-for-supporting-the-small-choir) [0 Comments](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/2016/02/strategies-for-supporting-the-small-choir#comments-listing) [All posts](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/all) [Next →](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [review-prelude (87)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/review-prelude) - [Choral Techniques and Repertoire (56)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/choral-techniques-and-repertoire) - [Music Ministry (55)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/music-ministry) - [Planning (55)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/planning) - [Assembly Song (37)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/assembly-song) - [Potpourri (32)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/potpourri) - [Instruments and Ensembles (19)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/instruments-and-ensembles) - [Hymnody (14)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/hymnody) - [music (13)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/music) - [Uncategorized (10)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/uncategorized) - [COVID-19 (5)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/covid-19) - [Composing and arranging (5)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/composing-and-arranging) - [Coronavirus (5)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/coronavirus) - [News (5)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/news) - [Christmas (3)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/christmas) - [Easter (3)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/easter) - [Instruments (3)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/instruments) - [Social distancing (3)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/social-distancing) - [worship (3)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/worship) - [Advent (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/advent) - [All Creation Sings (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/all-creation-sings) - [Children Ministry (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/children-ministry) - [Lent (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/lent) - [Summer (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/summer) - [gratitude (2)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/gratitude) - [Creative Arts Camp (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/creative-arts-camp) - [Cultural (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/cultural) - [ELW (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/elw) - [Evangelical Lutheran Worship (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/evangelical-lutheran-worship) - [Holidays (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/holidays) - [Hope (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/hope) - [Hospitality (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/hospitality) - [Pentecost (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/pentecost) - [Psalms (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/psalms) - [Youth Ministry (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/youth-ministry) - [children (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/children) - [culture (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/culture) - [devotions (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/devotions) - [john the baptist (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/john-the-baptist) - [joy (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/joy) - [leadership (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/leadership) - [marriage (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/marriage) - [race (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/race) - [relationship (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/relationship) - [self-care (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/self-care) - [spiritual (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/spiritual) - [time (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/time) - [trust (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/trust) - [wedding (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/wedding) - [weddings (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/weddings) - [writing (1)](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/tag/writing) see all ### About Prelude Music Planner [Prelude Music Planner](http://www.preludemusicplanner.org) is the web-based tool that provides a wealth of music, thoughtful commentary, and time-saving tools for the church musician. - **Explore a wealth of music**. Search our database of congregational, choral, and instrumental church music by lectionary day, voicing, difficulty level, tune name, and more. - **Get the music you need, when you need it.** Preview the entire piece of music from beginning to end, and then download the parts you need. Subscribers will also receive a block of “points” to spend on our library of downloadable choral and instrumental pieces. - **Manage your church’s music library**. Organize your music library in one master location. Once your library information has been added, you can plan using both your physical library as well as the Prelude library with a single search. | [![Facebook](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/hubfs/Augsburg%20Fortress/Social/AF_facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/augsburgfortress/) | [![Twitter](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/hubfs/Augsburg%20Fortress/Social/AF_twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/augsburgfortres) | [![Youtube](https://blog.preludemusicplanner.org/hubfs/Augsburg%20Fortress/Social/AF_youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtZR7BPcns-WJE_HNjkfmsw) | | --- | --- | --- | Copyright 2026 | Designed with by [Augsburg Fortress](http://www.augsburgfortress.org)