Music at your church

We are blessed with an abundance of talented musicians in our congregation, so we strenuously avoid the use of "canned" music if at all possible. In my 14 years in the congregation, I think I have heard pre-recorded accompaniment tracks used only twice -- both times when we had a person from a member's out-of-town extended family sing before our congregation that didn't know we could have provided live accompaniment with only a few hours notice.

After many years of personal, live music, pre-recorded music sounds very shallow and strange in worship... like someone playing a tape of someone praying in front of a congregation so we can pray along with them.

I'm not trying to knock those who use accompaniment tracks, but I think they are overused in many situations. I would prefer to hear someone sing a song acapella rather than use a track. In my opinion, the recorded music masks the humanity of the moment.

 

I agree. Not a big fan of canned music. I would much, much rather hear live music.

 

We have two worship services each Sunday morning, both with the same sermon. The music & corresponding instruments are very different.

The earlier service is a more traditional, liturgical service. This service contains historic hymns accompanied by the organ and a robed choir. The later service has a more contemporary style. The worship music is led by both the choir and worship team, and is accompanied by various instruments -- guitars, pianos, drums, etc., even a violin. On special occasions (Christmas, Easter, concerts, etc.), we will have a full orchestra -- but not every Sunday.