Bobby Newton, First Baptist Church, Jackson TN

[pianosrule1]

So true to what all of you have said....I have spent countless hours preparing preludes and postludes only to have them drowned out by conversation, but The Organist44 hit the nail on the head....we must remember for Whom we are playing, and if it is done for Him with a right attitude and a sincere heart, then the Father in heaven will hear it, and that's all that matters!

[DMMoulton]

Congratulations, Bobby, on 45 years of ministry! I'm the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Gardner, MA. We had a similar problem (re: conversations during the prelude). The pastor resolved the issue by rearranging the beginning of the service a bit: Welcome & Announcements, then the Prelude, then the Call to Worship, etc. It's worked well thus far!

[horndiapason]

It's a shame that society in general--and churchgoers in particular--have forgotten how to LISTEN to music. It's nothing more to them than auditory wallpaper. I used to get angry or hurt by this, but after 40 years on the organ bench, I just feel sorry for these folks. It's their loss.

[ShadowSesshoumaru325]

Is this the Mr. Newman that taught school?? If so, he taught me Music Theory at JC-M! He was wonderful then and he is now! Thanks!!

[TheOrganist44]

I agree with you fluteceleste1. Most Baptist churches dont listen either during the prelude OR the postlude... Im always told that the "postlude" is meant nothing more than "exit music" and the prelude is about the same as "gossip background" music. I disagree.... Its a shame since we as organists spend countless hours going over service music ONLY to have our congregations sit and gossip during the music... Oh well.. We have to remember WHO we are playing for..

[fluteceleste]

too sad that people are talking...love the tunes!