"But, oh, the voices!"

Read the entire (well worth it) Gospel Coalition article:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2013/09/12/learning-to-sing-together-in-new-zealand-and-zambia/

Here's a sample from Thabiti Anyabwile, a Grand Cayman pastor after a trip to Zambia:

"Zambia provided a really different and equally edifying experience. In Zambia there was hardly any musical accompaniment at all. Whether we were in rural Chirundu worshiping under a tree or in the major city of Lusaka singing at the beautiful Lusaka Baptist Church building, the emphasis was almost entirely on the human voice. The role of the individual leader was more pronounced. No praise teams up front, just a lone elder announcing the hymns. Usually a sister in the congregation sounded the opening words and set the tune, then the congregation joined in. Time was often kept with energetic clapping, especially in the rural gatherings. But, oh, the voices! Sometimes in Bembe or Nyanga, sometimes in English, but always ringing out with joy to the Lord. We were swept up in the rushing sound. And when the congregation did not stand and deliver, the worship leader set things to right. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a leader stop the congregation mid-verse, rebuke them for lackluster effort, and re-start the hymn from the top. But one young brother did exactly that. And the amazing thing to us is that we thought they were singing beautifully already!"

Tips for singing from the pew, or chair

When I stand to sing in church, I find it useful to follow the same principles I was taught as a choir member. Here are a few that every church member, musical or not, can follow:

Stand up, and keep your body and head erect. Standing produces better singing. The rule for standing is that your feet should be spaced equal to your shoulders, hands by your side. Your head should be up, looking straight ahead.

Drop your jaw. When you drop your jaw as you sing, your vowels will become more beautiful. They won’t have a tight, nasal tone.

Shape your vowels. This means shaping your mouth for an “o”,  stretching your lips back for a long “e” sound, showing your teeth for a long “a”, and dropping your jaw for “i” or “ah” sound. This takes a little effort but is also fun.

Sing lustily, yet in ensemble. Every person should participate in an active way. At the same time, every individual should listen for everyone else. That is singing in ensemble. No individual voice needs to be heard above the others, although some will naturally be a little louder than others. The goal is to sing in ensemble, a form of submitting to one another; this doesn’t mean going silent.

Sing a high D with gusto. The average person can sing the pitch of high D at full voice (for men, one note above middle C, and for women nine notes above middle C). It is the highest note in “Holy, Holy, Holy,” for example. It is the note that is the climax of many hymns, and it is singable, so make the most of it!

Engage your whole body. Some phrases, some notes almost seem to require you to throw your arms into it, or take a step, and I’m not talking about following the rhythm of the song, which is also important. I’m talking about the physicality of singing with enthusiasm.