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HEARING  VOICES

What's it Like to Record with Praise and Harmony?

7/18/2016

10 Comments

 
Did you ever sing in a school choir?  Countless people who have enjoyed being part of  a singing group in the past rarely seem to have the opportunity to replicate that experience, much less, be part of a professional recording.  What happens when you audition and record for a Praise & Harmony project?
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AUDITION
First, you must assemble a like-minded quartet of singers, covering all four parts of soprano, alto, tenor and bass.  The audition consists of recording a pre-selected song (the latest audition song is the "Hallelujah Chorus") to submit to the committee for the selection process.  The committee is looking for, among other things, a smooth blend, intonation, breath control and a sound without vibrato and scooping (attacking notes by starting well below the pitch and gliding up.)  Since this is a professional recording, not every group is accepted, continuing an emphasis on excellence which is a favorite hallmark of the P&H collection.

REHEARSE
In addition to balancing the voices between the four parts for the final product, the primary reason for quartets is to provide the framework of regular weekly rehearsals for every participant.  There is no substitute for serious rehearsals for learning, perfecting and blending with other vocalists.  25 songs are assigned. The first time that the "complete group" will sing together will be at the actual recording itself; so the regular rehearsals during the months leading up to the recording are priceless and essential.  The songs must be learned before the recording process begins. This is why individual singers are not allowed to be part of the process, because the interaction of rehearsals provides necessary preparation. 
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SECTIONAL RECORDING
When the time arrives for the actual recording, the first thing that happens is every singer records with other singers of their same voice part in "sectional" recordings.  This usually happens in four groupings, with every voice seeking to blend as one.  Check out this video of the bass section recording in Lubbock, as the basses are assembled in four groups.
COMBINED RECORDING
After the sections are recorded, all vocalists combine to record the 25 songs with all voices intermixed.  The culmination of rehearsals and preparation creates stunning results so beautiful they cannot be fully described.

MUSIC VIDEOS
After the audio recording is completed, the entire group is recorded on select songs for music videos. These are the videos that you can find on the Youtube channel and through social media.

Although this process requires an amazing amount of work by every volunteer singer, the testimonies of those who participate are very heart warming.  Listen to these Praise & Harmony Singers share from their hearts:​
Follow the Praise & Harmony ministry here:
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10 Comments
Christy Miller
7/18/2016 06:49:15 am

Yes, the process is probably very grueling in preparation, and I have to admit I would be a little nervous at first as there is the fear of making those with "beautiful voices" look bad in some way, like messing the song up or something (though I am average)..but once that is overcome it can turn out to be fun and all the hard work would be worth it, producing breathtaking results.

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Keith Lancaster link
7/18/2016 07:40:28 am

The more you practice and master the music the more comfortable you become.

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Sandy Denman
7/18/2016 04:19:34 pm

I have participated in four of these recording sessions. My husband and I don't find them grueling. Our voices are tired, yes, but I actually experience a 'high' from the excitement and joy of singing with everyone. Do we have great voices? We are 'blenders,' meaning we don't stand out but mix in to help create a full and rich sound.

Singing, and preparing to sing, on these recording projects has brought so much joy into our lives. As soon as we get our music for a new album we begin regular (weekly) rehearsals on Sunday afternoons. At least three quartets (any quartets who wish to meet with us are welcome) come together and we spend at least two hours going through every song. We are great friends and love the fellowship we share through our love of music and singing together.

The recording sessions are eagerly anticipated, yet bittersweet, because the project is coming to a close and we won't get together as often until the next one begins.

We are so glad we learned about and joined this ministry!

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Keith Lancaster link
7/18/2016 07:25:57 pm

We are also so glad that you learned about and joined this ministry!

Anna Spruell
7/18/2016 07:27:03 am

I sang with a choir in high school and always sang in church. Singing is my favorite pastime. It does great things for the soul. So I was not all surprised that these recordings are nothing but pure joy! They are very hard work, but you will never in your life have more fun, experience more joy, or feel so close to a bunch of strangers than you will through this project. If you do it even one time you will be hooked for life.

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Keith Lancaster link
7/18/2016 07:39:30 am

You are a blessing, Anna. You are correct in describing it as "pure joy." So glad you are part of this!

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Dale Rushing
7/22/2016 09:44:24 pm

The rehearsals were a little intimidating for me I guess because I was a newbie. Although I read music and have been teaching students how to read it for over 25 years, I was afraid of really messing up. However, it was great to be part of a group who worked so hard to perfect each pitch and rhythm.
The recording was intensely overwhelming and exhausting in a good way!! I could not keep from being so emotional! The words, the harmonies, the devotion;All I could think about was this is what heaven will be like ( without the rehearsals) lol.
I look forward to doing this again!!

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Keith Lancaster link
7/23/2016 07:22:51 am

Everyone's quest for excellence and perfection is what makes these recordings sound so great! Countless people end up learning these songs by listening to the finished product of these recordings, so we want our "standard" to be as high as possible. We appreciate the months of rehearsals that goes into preparing for these recording sessions. In spite of the intensity of the work, it's amazing how much the singers enjoy the process. Thanks for being part of this, Dale!

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    I believe that the human voice is the greatest instrument of music ever created. Harmonizing hearts and voices in praise to the Creator is the highest calling of mankind.  Host a Praise & Harmony Workshop for your church and sponsor leaders to attend the Worship Leader Institute
    PraiseAndHarmony.com

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