Leading the congregation's singing at the piano is no easy task. Most pianists are not trained to play "off the page," so they must make do with the music they have available. Available resources run the gamut from the hymnal (fine for the organ, but not optimal for the non-sustaining piano) to virtuosic arrangements most appropriate for solo piano. Here are some of piano arrangements created specifically to support congregational singing. They attempt to capture various music styles authentically while remaining within the reach of the average church pianist.
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is making these arrangements available for free. We would love to hear your feedback. If enough people find them helpful we may make more available. Contact Greg Scheer with your comments.
Guide My Feet
One of the problems church pianists have in accompanying black gospel is that so much of the music happens "off the page." A song like "Guide My Feet" looks like an ordinary hymn in four parts when it appears in hymnals, but when it's performed in a black gospel style it sounds completely different. Some arrangements that recreate a more authentic performance practice look overwhelmingly difficult in print because of the complexity of notating some of the rhythms. This arrangement strikes a balance between what is accessible to the average church pianist and what sounds reasonably authentic. An alternative "stop time" page two is provided for those churches that will be confident singing without the melody present in the piano. Also included are chord symbols for other worship team instruments. Bass, drums, and Hammond-style organ would be welcome additions, but acoustic guitar is not typical of this style.
Just As I Am, without One Plea
In this arrangement, "Just As I Am" is given a harp-like piano accompaniment and new chords that give it a bit more of a folk feel than the traditional setting. It's intended mainly for piano, but chords are included to enable a rhythm section to provide a light ballad accompaniment.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty/Praise the Lord, O My Soul
As praise bands become one of the most common ensembles in worship, more and more churches are trying to find ways to lead hymns effectively in this new context. This arrangement of "Praise to the Lord" translates the robust march character of the original hymn into an energetic rhythmic rendition for praise band. Filling out the arrangement with guitar, bass and drums will add immeasurably to the success of this arrangement, but it is also possible to lead it with piano alone. The key is for the pianist to play the repeated 8th notes lightly enough that the tempo doesn't get sluggish and the arm doesn't get tired. The guitar provides just the right chiming character when using a capo on the first fret and using open chord formations in E. You can sing the song in the key of E with the third page as an optional refrain. Like Chris Tomlin's "The Wonderful Cross," adding a refrain to a common hymn can help us hear the song with new ears.
