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In closing, I offer the following four suggestions for church musicians:
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Realize that you must work with, not against, the clergy. Take
the initiative to set up meetings to discuss your program and
worship planning. Be a "people person"; enjoy interacting with
clergy and staff and with parishioners. And, in the words of
Alec Wyton: "A choirmaster should avoid at all costs being eccentric,
unless of course he happens to be a genius."2
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Do not be discouraged or angry if you are called upon to provide
music beyond your comfort zone. If you find yourself in a situation
where "praise choruses" are expected, endeavor to move toward
folk music of different cultures, more African-American spirituals
and Gospel music, and contemporary music that has both musical
and theological integrity. In time, your congregation will respond
positively, and you will be able to enlarge your own musical
horizons!
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Realize that change takes time. Do not attempt to make too
many changes too quickly, especially in a new position; move
your congregation along with you slowly and carefully, and in
time you and your congregation will thrive.
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Music is worship. The vocation of church music is exciting
and vital and filled with opportunities to practice our skills.
It contains opportunities not only for service to others, but
for satisfying musical outlets for ourselves. Learn to enjoy
the satisfaction that comes from not only performing music well,
but also from a healthy, collegial relationship with your clergy
and parishioners.
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