by Sandy » Tue Apr 11, 2017 12:57 pm
I've been in churches that project the music on the screen as well. If the screen is big enough, for most people, especially older folks with vision issues, the illuminated screen might make it easier to see.
As far as singing in harmony vs. unison, it really seems like this is a personal preference issue related to music style. I grew up in a church with two gospel quartets, including one family quartet, and we had a lot of people who sang parts, and having a choir with sopranos, altos, tenors and basses was important. But I've also been in churches that weren't quite as focused on the style of music as they were on worship being a more holistic expression of encountering God. Most contemporary songs, including choruses, have harmony written into the musical arrangement for those that want to sing it. I think those of us who are older, and grew up in a generation that had a good bit of music instruction in school are better at finding the harmony and singing it than those who've never played an instrument or been in any kind of organized chorus. When schools cut budgets, music programs go first, but that's another topic.
Having been in worship for a while now that doesn't depend on a bulletin or an order has required some adjustment. There are no instruments, and singing is led by the person who is inspired at the moment to do it, and it doesn't happen every week. Since everything is more spontaneous, I focus more than I would during the singing of hymns I've sung a thousand times, or when just expecting that at a particular moment, the sermon will be delivered.