A NIGHT WITH EMU PRAISE NIGHT (26th JULY | 7:30-9:00PM)
Join us for a night of music and singing with the Emu team. Hear the gospel shared and sung at this evening of live music, and come ready to sing!
WORD IN SONG CONFERENCE (27th JULY | 9:15AM - 3:00PM)
In these past few years, most of us have experienced a time of extraordinary disruption in our churches. More than ever, we need to be clear on what the Bible has to say about singing and its place within the church. At this year's Word In Song Conference, we'll be thinking about how to create a healthy culture of singing, how to lead with clarity and confidence for the sake of the church, and how to best use our gifts to love and serve. As always, we want you to be equipped and encouraged by God's word, and to leave with useful practical skills and ideas for your music ministry. Come and join us for a fun and foundational morning of training for your church music team! Group discounts available (see below in FAQ).
PROGRAM
8:45am: Doors and registration open
9:15am: Main Session: Bible teaching
10:00am: Church Music Masterclass
10:50am: Break
11:15pm: Seminars
Song Leading
Leading from Piano and Guitar
What Songs Should We Sing?
Sound and Mixing Part 1*
12:05pm: Seminars
Leading a Team
Backing Vocals and Harmonies
Drums and Bass
Sound and Mixing Part 2*
12:35 Final session
1:00pm: Conference close and lunch (provided)
Please note: seminars are subject to change.
* Sound & Mixing is one stream in two parts, so delegates will need to go to both.
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Seminar Descriptions
Song Leading:
In many ways, the song leader is the single most important person in leading great congregational singing. We will spend our time on the practicalities of how to lead singing well – including how to prepare, how to communicate clearly and with confidence, and mic and singing technique.
Helpful for singers, song leaders, pastors.
Leading from Piano and Guitar:
Many of our churches have just these two instruments, so how do we make the most of them? And how to we lead in a dynamic, engaged, complimentary way from these instruments?
In this seminar, we'll unpack both the harmonic and rhythmic elements of great congregational leading, and provide the tools for pianists and guitarists to understand each other better and play together well.
Helpful for guitarists, pianists, band leaders, singers.
What Songs Should We Sing?:
Choosing songs thoughtfully and intentionally is key to an effective word-based music ministry. However, there is so much to consider when creating services week in and week out – and it can be hard to keep our focus on what is important! In this seminar we’ll think about how to create a well-rounded repertoire of songs for our church and talk through all the factors we need to consider when choosing from this list each week. We’ll also consider how style, instrumentation, lyrical content and liturgy affect our song choices.
Helpful for pastors, singers, song leaders, songwriters.
Leading a Team:
Effective music ministry can’t happen without someone in charge. But many of us land in the job of music director or band leader with little experience or knowing how to take the ministry forward. This session will look at the role of those in leadership, how to shape a team culture, how to shape a culture of singing in the church, and run an effective rehearsal. Helpful for song leaders, music team leaders, music directors and those aspiring to these roles!
Backing Vocals and Harmonies:
How do we best lead the congregation, when it might not be our primary role? How do we work with other singers in a band and support the melody in a clear and confident way? Come along to hear the key features that make a great backing vocalist, as well as the foundational elements of hearing and singing a harmony in a way that supports the melody and creates a beautiful, full texture of vocals. We love that three part harmony!
Helpful for singers, band leaders.
Drums and Bass:
What does it take to create a solid foundation to a rhythm section? The bass and drums are the ‘engine room’ of any church band. We will look at: our roles, finding a part, locking in together, time, technical skills, playing the song, groove vocabulary and more.
Helpful for drummers, bassists.
Sound and Mixing (Parts 1 & 2)*:
This session is the more practical and technical side of creating a great mix for services.
Helpful for music sound technicians and those aspiring to the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a group discount?
Yes! Group discounts are applied automatically at checkout for Conference and Package tickets only (10% off each ticket for groups of 5-14, and 20% off each ticket for groups of 15+). We can also provide a unique code for your group so that you can all sign up individually at a discounted rate. Please click here if your team is 5-14, and please click here if your team is 15+.
2. Who is this conference useful for?
Every member of a church music team, especially those starting out in this ministry. At nearly every conference we meet someone who tells us they wish they had brought the whole team along - as listening and learning together makes the biggest difference back in your church.
Yes! The ministry of the word in song flourishes when it deliberately complements the spoken word. As the leader of the congregation's praise under Jesus, we hope you'll see the responsibility and joy of overseeing the music ministry at your church. What's more, your musicians will find it a great encouragement to see you supporting their ministry.
4. I've been doing music for many years. Will I learn anything new?
Most definitely. Many people come to Word In Song simply for the refreshment, encouragement and fellowship with those doing similar ministry.
5. We are a small church with few resources - will this day be relevant?
Yes! We love helping smaller churches work out how to effectively use their resources to lead singing. There will be lots of opportunities for applying biblical and practical principles to every context.
Cancellations
Delegate cancellations will incur a $10 administration fee. Sorry, no refunds will be given for cancellations within one week of the event. In the event that we need to cancel or postpone the conference, Emu Music will provide a full refund.
Communications
By registering you are agreeing to receive communication about this event from Emu Music. We will email you before and after the event in order to keep you informed and gather feedback.