Rebecca Dennison writes about performing as part of an acapella trio, singing backup for a singer-songwriter, and leading worship for Sojourn:
I currently sing out with the Sandpaper Dolls (an experimental a’capella group…which is much cooler than it sounds), lead worship at Sojourn, and provide backing vocals for Jamie Barnes whenever he asks. Each of these opportunities has called for and taught me different things.
The three of us Dolls (myself, Amber Estes, and Suki Anderson) are all lead vocalists. I had sung back-up before working with the Dolls and I’d been in choirs, but I’d never really done any ensemble singing. I had no idea that three people could approach the same note and the same vowels so differently! And pitch! If I’m flat everyone will hear it and it will make Amber and Suki’s notes sound wrong too.
And then there’s rhythm. I was used to singing with a band and having someone else keep the time. I could float on top of the band, taking my cues from the melodic and dynamic changes, not really focusing on the rhythm, and just feeling my way through the songs. However, I sing the bass line in a lot of the Dolls songs so I’ve had to learn to be mindful of the beat. And in order to keep the beat I have to move.
As far as “stage presence” goes, when we’re singing I’m usually more focused on my bandmates than on the audience. Until recently we always had lead sheets when we played out and I would flip the sheets and get the next pitch between songs. We don’t talk much between songs and usually Suki or Amber take care of any banter or announcements. I’m still figuring out my role in audience interaction with the Dolls.
Providing Backing Vocals for Mr. Barnes
When I sing with Jamie the tone I use, when I sing, and what I sing are all intended to enhance the dynamics of the song and complement what he is doing. He’s in charge of audience interaction and I mostly just try not to look awkward :}. Seriously though, I expect the attention to be mainly on Jamie but if someone’s watching me I think they should see me enjoying the song.
Leading at Sojourn
I’ve certainly become more conscious of my pitch since I started singing with the Dolls and, if I’m singing a song without an obvious rhythmic “spine”, I feel pretty confident that I can keep the beat. However, I try not to let my desire to stay on pitch, etc. keep me from being aware of the congregation. After all, we are worshiping together.
When I’m singing back-up I still use my backing-vocals dynamically. When I’m singing lead I sing with less “flourish” and more consistency than I would use if I were singing out. For example, if I were singing out (or recording) I might change the melody of each verse slightly. If I’m leading worship I keep the melody consistent so that the congregation can participate more fully.
I dance less than I would if I were singing out with a band, to be considerate of the congregation, but I usually move at least a little to help myself stay connected with the beat. I may dance a bit more if the people leading with me are dancing or if I’m trying to encourage the congregation to feel free to dance and move as they sing.
Ultimately, when I lead worship, I am not singing & moving to entertain but to exhort.
I’m still learning and growing in all these areas. I have sat under some very helpful, solid teaching on worship leading here at Sojourn (much of which has been shared on this website) and I’m part of a community of developing musicians who is learning these things along with me.
