November 2007
Congregational Singing Without Accompaniment	Show Menu

The Revd Graham Doyle is rector of the Athlone group of parishes and sometimes finds himself without an organist.

How can one get the congregation to sing unaccompanied?

Some time ago I was asked to write a few lines to answer this question and promised to do so using my past experience of leading a small congregation. The story begins in Belgrade the capital of Serbia where I was chaplain for almost seven years. One of the nice things about church life there was being able to attend an Orthodox Liturgy where both priest and choir sang, always unaccompanied. I often pondered why in Anglican churches congregations have a great reluctance to sing without some type of musical accompaniment. Why are we so afraid—because there is no doubt that we can sing? It wasn't long before I had to answer my own thinking, after our church musician moved to another country.

This was at the time of the developing Balkan war and with a small faithful congregation it was important to make sure our worship was happy and sincere. So one Sunday I said to sudden amazement that we were going to sing a hymn—and we did. I have a loud voice, I knew the hymn and felt sure the people did as well; it was simply a matter of giving them confidence. I began by singing the first verse and suggested they join with me on the second verse and, even if they felt to hum along. It worked! Each week we sang. I or the leader had to know the tune and those who could music had a copy of the setting. Also, those 'could sing' were spread around the congregation to help the 'non-singers'. As the years went by built up quite a repertoire. I discovered that
system not only enhanced the feeling that we had a 'real service' but it improved relationships within the congregation. When I left that chaplaincy genuinely missed the unaccompanied singing. Now I am in Athlone and at times our community unable to find an organist or musician so, when necessary, I lead unaccompanied again, using familiar tunes words. To every one's amazement it works when we have to do so. The secret is to have a strong leader's voice who will sing the first verse, and to get people to join in thereafter. One needs to have other singers spread around congregation. Also, make sure the 'non-singers' comfortable. Have a brief practice beforehand and let them hum if they feel unsure, the leader singing with them. It works, try it. If you are facing the crisis of having accompanist and see that this is affecting people, just do it. They will join in when they know it is this or nothing. There is something in all of us that wants to sing and if we really feel the need to express our happiness to God in song, it is not the notes that count but the singing.

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