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How to Make a Gospel Singing Group

"Gospel music has the added dimension of reflecting life as it is and as it should be according to the Word of God," writes Paula Dickerson Loeb. That juxtaposition of earthly truth and heavenly intention helps create the passion, elegance and grace that propels great gospel groups. The uniquely human mix of emotion, art, yearning and expression that fuels a great gospel song comes to life in its fullest form through the combined voices of amassed choral singers.



America's premier gospel choral director, Rev. James Cleveland, offered a sage piece of advice in reflecting on his musical style throughout his 36-year career: "I prefer traditional messages and stylings because people in the church choirs can sing it." Combine the right mix of commitment, singing skill and message to create a gospel chorus that stirs the emotion and the spirit in singer and listener.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the group's choral format. Traditional gospel group formats include Men's Quartet, Women's Quartet, Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass choir or Soprano-Alto-Baritone choir.

    • 2

      Announce to people that you are starting a gospel singing group. Circulate this information to a wide variety of people interested in gospel singing.

    • 3

      Audition singers for your group. Decide how many singers you want in the group. Choose the best singers from those that audition. Contact the singers you chose and let them know they made it into the group.

    • 4

      Determine the skills of the singers in your group. Asses their musical skills, such as vocal range, intonation, rhythm and voice tone quality. Decide what songs to sing based on the talents of your singers.

    • 5

      Rehearse your singers in the group format you chose. Use the songs you picked. Assess the performance quality of the group singing those songs. Apply your musical standards to the group's performance.

    • 6

      Schedule performances for your group. Find venues suited to choral performance. Assess venue by stage size, seating capacity and audio sound quality in the room.

    • 7

      Announce the group's performances to the public. Perform in public with the group.

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Singing

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