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Noun or Adjective
Posted by on May 7, 2010
Ok - usually I'm not a big advocate of titles or how things are phrased. It doesn't matter if you're singing the "Doxology" or if you call it "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" or if you're standing in the narthex or if you call it a lobby...But, I wonder what it says about our self-perception if you use Christian as an adjective or a noun. For example, if I consider myself a Christian musician,… (read more)
Beer and Bible
Posted by on March 23, 2010
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this... what do you think?? (read more)
Choir Fun Facts #4
Posted by on March 16, 2010
Singing fun fact:Taking a breath. Easy! I do it all the time…right? Well – let’s take a moment to consider breathing for singing versus “regular” breathing. This is a “crash course”, so I’ll get right to it. First of all, when you breath for singing, never breathe only through your nose. It is too small and you end up working too hard to get the air you need. Think about breathing… (read more)
Choir Fun Facts #3
Posted by on February 4, 2010
Singing fun fact:What use is a conductor? Do we really need one?There's actually a fair amount of contention about whether conductors (for choir or orchestra) are really needed. Sure, everyone agrees that there needs to be someone who rehearses the group, but some would say that once the ensemble knows the music, the director is not as necessary.I disagree (and not just based on job security)! I believe… (read more)
Choir Fun Facts #2
Posted by on January 28, 2010
Singing fun fact:What is the most important part of keeping one's posture good for singing?I'm going to go slightly out on a limb and say the spine. I think if one keeps their mind on having a "tall spine" then most of everything else clicks into place - especially if you consider that the spine continues up your neck all the way to the skull. I don't necessarily think of a "straight spine" as healthy,… (read more)
Choir Fun Facts #1
Posted by on January 21, 2010
Singing fun fact:Do you ever yawn especially when singing?If your answer is "yes" - then consider this - it is primarily because there is air in your lungs that isn't getting used very well. Either you're not breathing deeply enough or you're not exhaling all of the "used" air. To remedy, make sure that when you sing musical phrases that you are expelling all of our air (in a healthy way) and not… (read more)
Mr. Pope, That Ain't No Good English!
Posted by on January 20, 2010
Several years ago, I spent a year teaching school... one day, a young girl we'll call "Sally" informed me in front of the entire class that I had broken some grammar rule and thus shouted, "Mr. Pope, that ain't no good english!" I was so shocked by the intense incorrectness of her comment that I was speechless. Despite trying to figure out what I had said that caused her to call me out, I couldn't… (read more)
Choir Fun Facts
Posted by on January 20, 2010
Well, in order to try to make our church choir about more than just music, I'm instituting 3 new "moments" into our rehearsal. Each will last only a minute or so, but hopefully will be something that expands our understanding of singing, music and sacred music philosophy. Not to overly trite, I'm using the overall heading of "Choir Fun Facts"...Each week I'll post a blog on Thursday detailing what… (read more)
2010 To-Do List
Posted by on December 30, 2009
"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." - GhandiOk, so I saw this quote and I thought a rather condemning thought of some of our society's mega-church superstars. Joel Osteen, for example. If one were to make a list of the attributes of Christ and then compare them to Mr. Osteen's attributes, how would it match up?Then, I immediately thought of myself.… (read more)
Bose L1
Posted by on December 4, 2009
Here's another blog that has to do with some of the new equipment I've been getting. I sold my Mackie 1521's and Mackie 15" sub and purchased the Bose L1. In some ways, it is a crazy switch. If you've ever seen the Mackies (click here), they are fairly large speakers and when you add the sub to them... well... wow! Great sound. But, consider that anywhere I would go, I'd have to lug these large (over… (read more)
Finale vs. Sibelius Cage Match Update (Part III)
Posted by on October 20, 2009
This blog should maybe be called, "Paradise Found". I've purchased Sibelius and I've notated a few things in it so far. What is amazing to me is that without practically any knowledge of Sibelius, I've created scores that I'm not ashamed of sharing with others. That is to say, even with a very basic working knowledge of Sibelius, some good looking work can be done. It probably took me twice as long… (read more)
Finale vs. Sibelius Cage Match Update (Part II)
Posted by on October 5, 2009
Ok - I have officially ordered Sibelius. They won me over with an AWESOME crossgrade promotion. Usually, Sibelius is $600, but if you will kindly defect from Finale-land, they will give you 2/3 off the cost. So, I picked this jewel up for a paltry $200!Unfortunately, Sibelius was delivered to my door on Saturday morning and, wouldn't you know, the serial number provided proved to be invalid. I was… (read more)
My Finale vs. Sibelius Journey (Interlude)
Posted by on September 18, 2009
Ok - so, I've used Finale for the last 16+ years. I know it well... but, I've heard good things about a little program called Sibelius, too. So, lately I've really been concentrating more on my writing and arranging and I think that I either need to upgrade to the latest version of Finale or make a break and start using Sibelius.I just downloaded the 30-day free trial of Sibelius (which, by the way… (read more)
Proof That Worship is Counter Cultural
Posted by on September 9, 2009
America is known for it's opulence. For it's buffet-style choices in everything that we do. Cars, houses, clothes, movies, glasses frames, restaurants... you name it, we've got it with a ton of different customizations.We also, no doubt, have dozens, if not hundreds, of choices of churches within reasonable driving distance from our homes. And, in that initial choice, we have a grand luxury. We can… (read more)
Am I Post-Modern, or What??
Posted by on September 8, 2009
Ok, so over the last few weeks (and really, probably more like months or years) I've been struck by the "interesting" approach that the "Church" has taken to the term postmodern. It has, for most, become a curse word. I would probably come out better in some churches if I started throwing around 4-letter words while leading worship instead of ever using the "P-word".The problem is, I think, that most… (read more)
Praise the Lord (Part 3)
Posted by on August 4, 2009
Maybe we shouldn’t walk out of church asking each other, “What did you think about worship today?” That almost sounds like worship is something that happened to us for the last hour. But maybe we should be asking, “Hey, how did I do??” If we ask ourselves that question, then it seems that we’re putting the right people on the spot.Now, enough of this serious stuff… let’s talk about… (read more)
Praise the Lord (Part 2)
Posted by on August 1, 2009
So you might say to me – hey, all of the rhetoric about worship is great, Mark. We can talk about this all day. We now realize that you are infatuated with worship and you think we should all be a part of it. But, tell me how to do this.Gladly!Let’s first answer a question… a big question – Who is worship for? Is it how WE feel about worship or what GOD feels about worship?John Calvin said… (read more)
Praise the Lord! (Part 1)
Posted by on July 28, 2009
Several years ago I gave a sermon that spoke about the fact that we are made for worship. I haven’t changed my mind – not one bit! In fact, I believe it now more than I did a few years ago. Why? Because I discovered something – that we need to learn to live a life of praise everyday. If we simply enter the sanctuary once a week to “praise” then we are missing the point. This hour of praise… (read more)
Nothing Relaxes Lake Time
Posted by on July 10, 2009
Here we are @ DeGrey Lake in Arkansas and Lib & I had to abandon the boats and head for the cabins for Reid's all important afternoon naps. Downtime is really nice! To consider a nap and just listen to the hum of the AC is such a blessing...especially in this day & age of a fairly all-encompassing "go go go" mentality of 21st century life.We are also surrounded this weekend with family and friends.… (read more)
The Trip to DeGray Begins...
Posted by on July 8, 2009
Each year, Libby's family-and three other families-head to Lake DeGray, just outside of Arkadelphia, AR. this has been a tradition for over 20 years at his point! Wow! Except for managing to stay alive, I don't think that there's anything I've done for 20 consecutive years!So, we're packed ip in the car and heading to AR as I write this. Reid is napping with Hilda (as you can see by the picture) and… (read more)
Big Thanks!
Posted by on July 3, 2009
Hey! I just need to throw out a big thanks to my friend, Aaron Medina, who recorded accompaniments for some new French horn music I've written...Check them out: Click here and scroll down to "Horn Music" - you'll see the "New" emblem there. Let me know what you think... (Bear in mind that the French horn hasn't been recorded - and, usually, is the melody... enjoy anyway...) :) (read more)
Philosophy
Posted by on June 30, 2009
It should be no surprise that I'm a Ben Folds fan.  (If you are not familiar, you should be - although, I'll warn you that you will be seeing quite a few of his songs with an "explicit" rating - usually for language.)  What I really like about Ben Folds is that most of his songs tell someone's story.  In fact, that is pretty much, in my mind, a hallmark of his writing.  And yet, I find at least… (read more)
"Thou Shalt Not" Isn't Good Enough
Posted by on June 28, 2009
I was at a church the other day and heard a pastor preaching about relationships.  I'm "borrowing" his main premise here - because I think it is really cool.  I hadn't heard relationships with each other framed quite like this before.The pastor said that there are a number of things that people don't do in relationships.  If you love someone, you don't lie, cheat, steal, murder them... Etc...  And,… (read more)
The Name Game
Posted by on June 27, 2009
There's a trend right now going on in denominational churches across the US - perhaps across the world - I don't know. The trend is to eliminate your denominational affiliation from the church's name as well as internal and external printing. The idea being, I suppose, is to distance the church from any stigmas. Each denominational church has their own "media personality" based on the denomination… (read more)
Perfection
Posted by on June 21, 2009
So, I was thinking today about perfection.  Not our American ideal of perfection - meaning "without flaw"... but, more of a spiritual meaning.A few years ago I heard a preacher - very theological type - mention that spiritual perfection is different than simply being without flaw.  His analogy was a book. Perfection for a book is simply to be read.  So, perfection, in those tems, ends up being… (read more)
Moving Day
Posted by on June 17, 2009
OK - so, today was basically "moving day" for my blog.  I copied and pasted over all of the blogs that I wrote and shortly, I'll be transferring the ones that my partner in crime, Aron, wrote.  Sadly, the comments didn't come with the posts because there is no way to transfer the comments over.I suppose Blogger.com didn't really see fit to import from WordPress... or, perhaps WordPress doesn't… (read more)
Why I Love to Talk About Worship
Posted by on June 17, 2009
I was thinking today what I would say at an upcoming retreat for which I'm leading music.  I was thinking about how I might introduce ourselves.  And, as often happens as I'm running these scenarios in my head, I start to figure a few things out for myself.Today, I started thinking about why I love to talk about worship.  To this point, I think that churches often trap themselves with words. … (read more)
This seems so wrong... but....
Posted by on June 17, 2009
Ok - here's a fun little video for you to enjoy!!! (read more)
Bright Shiny New Churches....
Posted by on June 16, 2009
Aron and I have put down another scintillating podcast  - this time about how important it is... or isn't... to have new churches popping up all over the place.Is this good because it helps spread of the Word of God? Or, is it just segmenting the overall church body?Catch the podcast here.... (read more)
An Interesting Financial Experiment
Posted by on June 9, 2009
So, I had this idea tonight while I was washing out the rollers from painting my son's room today.  I was thinking about how churches are always trying to find ways to motivate people to give money to the yearly church budget.I often hear the statistic that if each family were on welfare and tithing only 5% (vs. the "recommended" 10%), most church budgets would easily double, if not triple.Well,… (read more)
WordPress vs. Blogger
Posted by on June 9, 2009
Ok - I'm making a switch from WordPress to Blogger.com.  Some would say that is a little crazy!  WordPress is the king-mac-daddy of blogging.  That may be true!  However, WordPress doesn't allow me to post directly to my blog, either...So, conundrum solved... I'm a Blogger.com guy now!--mp (read more)
Is Some Music Not Appropriate for Worship?
Posted by on May 25, 2009
Realizing that both Aron and Mark come from more traditional backgrounds - we find that we actually have some interesting and unexpected views on music and worship… Listen and see where your weigh in...CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST.Links to included music in this podcast:Best Loved HymnsLamentations of JeremiahMarvin MatthewsIona Community WorshipShekinah Glory MinistrySing Ye Heavens (read more)
Does the World Need Another Book About Worship?
Posted by on May 13, 2009
For years now I've wondered if I should write a little book about corporate worship (that is, worship in the midst of others or a congregation).  I don't know that I have any incredible insight into worship that isn't seen by anyone else - but, it is infinitely important to me that people have a passion for corporate worship and approach worship in a way that glorifies God.  I think that stems from… (read more)
The Song Finished, the Crowd Roared... and Now the Sermon
Posted by on May 12, 2009
Ok - so here's a hot-button topic for you... applause in church.  First, I know that no matter what I say, I'll have those who disagree with me.  There are those who feel that the only time one's palms should touch is in the gentle moment of prayer.  And, on the diametrically opposite side are those who feel that worship is a time of celebration, applause, etc...  So, which side is appropriate?… (read more)
Are Church Events and Abomination of Evangelism?
Posted by on May 8, 2009
That's right! I used the word "abomination"!  Now you may be asking yourself - what is this so called "church event" and why could it be an abomination of evangelism?Well, I'm defining church events as anything that isn't defined as your "classic" church outreach.  Typically, handing out tracts, going door to door, picking up hammer and nails for mission work for the poor is considered evangelistic… (read more)
I Said It... But Did I Mean It?
Posted by on May 7, 2009
Quandary - should you say something you don't mean?It seems like a simple question to answer, doesn't it?  My gut reaction is to say, "Of course not. That's called LYING!  Lying = bad."  But, I have been struggling with all that we say and sing in church during the worship service.  We sing songs like "I Surrender All" or "Here I Am to Worship".  We say prayers of confession for… (read more)
I CAN'T... and Why That's a Good Thing
Posted by on May 6, 2009
You know, sometimes there are people who say - "I don't use the word 'can't'! "  Well, that's fine and all.  Good for you!I find myself often saying, "I can't..." (finish the sentence in just about any way that you want.)  But, let's be honest.  There's a lot of things that we can't do as humans.  But that's not where the story ends.  Because I as often as I say that I can't do something,… (read more)
On the Seventh Day, God Did Some...Yardwork(?!?)
Posted by on May 4, 2009
Ok - so, I suppose that the title could be considered a bit heretical.  Sorry about that!  But, I have been wrestling with what role the Sabbath plays in the life of Christians.  Do we ignore it because it is part of the "Old Testament"?  I mean - it is literally one of the 10 commandments.  The "10 big ones!!"We get a view of Jesus doing things like healing people on the Sabbath… (read more)
Why Prosperity Has Nothing to Do With the Gospel
Posted by on April 20, 2009
We came across this rather interesting video about the prosperity gospel the other day. Mark actually put it on his blog - and then we decided to talk about it. John Piper did an EXCELLENT job summing up exactly what the "Prosperity Gospel" is, how it effects Christianity and exactly how he feels about it. Check out Dr. Piper's website! And let us know what YOU think about this....CLICK FOR… (read more)
Aron Betrays Popecast and Co-Hosts Another 'Cast
Posted by on April 17, 2009
Hey!  You need to check out the Back Seat Producers!  When Aron told me that he was guest hosting a movie review podcast, I immediately narrowed my eyes and asked... "A movie review podcast??"  "Yes!" said Aron!  Ok, so it turns out that BSP is reviewing "The Last Temptation of Christ" - that's right up Aron's alley!  And, so, I HIGHLY recommend that you take a trip over and listen… (read more)
WWJT (What Would Jesus Twitter?)
Posted by on April 15, 2009
What Would Jesus Twitter?We ask pretty often WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? (Or, at least we did a decade or two ago when everyone had those "jelly bracelets" that had WWJD emblazoned on them.)  And, I mean, it is a valid question that we really should be asking ourselves.But, it's the 21st century folks.  Haven't times changed?  It's not just what would Jesus do... but what would he blog about?… (read more)
How To Talk About the Gospel Without Offending Anyone...
Posted by on April 10, 2009
You can't.You're going to offend someone when you talk about the Gospel.  I reason I think this, simply, is because the Gospel is offensive to our sin nature.  There's a part of each of us that wants wealth, power, status, fame... you name it.  We all want things that we think will make us independent and self-sufficient.  A few years ago our church did the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign… (read more)
Holy Week, Batman!
Posted by on April 6, 2009
This week in our podcast, Aron and I talk about Holy Week - some of the traditions and themes...Also, at the end, I share some of my favorite Lenten music. Here are links to the music that I shared:Pergolesi: Stabat MaterRossini: Stabat MaterRutter: RequiemSing, Ye Heavens (Hymn Collection)Lloyd-Webber: RequiemHymns Through the Ages (Hymn Collection)Beyond Chant (Collection of Renaissance Choral Music)Hope… (read more)