Directing a youth choir: Tips and song suggestions
Ranked #69 in Music, #1,862 overall
Working with a youth gospel choir
Directing a youth choir is both an opportunity and a challenge. Teenagers are capable of so much energy and enthusiasm. If they take what they're doing to heart, there's no stopping them. But sometimes it takes some work to get them in the right emotional/spiritual state to apply themselves to the work at hand.
This page takes a look at some of the issues to remember when working with a youth or teen choir. It also has some suggestions of good gospel songs for youth choirs to sing. You can click here to go straight to the suggestions list of good gospel songs for youth choirs.
(all photos on this page are of the Youth Choir from Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church, Los Angeles)
This page is a part of my collection of web pages about Gospel Choir Music.
This page takes a look at some of the issues to remember when working with a youth or teen choir. It also has some suggestions of good gospel songs for youth choirs to sing. You can click here to go straight to the suggestions list of good gospel songs for youth choirs.
(all photos on this page are of the Youth Choir from Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church, Los Angeles)
This page is a part of my collection of web pages about Gospel Choir Music.Contents of this page
- Youth Choir Tip #1: GET TO KNOW THEIR VOICES
- Youth choir tip #2: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THEIR SKILL LEVEL
- Youth choir tip #3: YOU MAY HAVE TO BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE
- Youth choir tip #4: THERE WILL BE PRACTICAL ISSUES TO DEAL WITH, TOO.
- Suggestions of gospel songs for youth choirs
- VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE YOUTH CHOIR SONG
Youth Choir Tip #1: GET TO KNOW THEIR VOICES
A youth choir can sometimes cover a wide vocal range. There may be a mixture of younger kids with higher voices and older ones whose voices have dropped. If you have teen boys whose voices have changed already, they could be in the baritone or even bass range!You must know the vocal ranges of your singers so that you can choose the right songs for them and arrange the songs the right way to match their voices. Spend a little time with each singer. Play notes on a keyboard and have them sing the notes. Write down what the highest and lowest notes are that each singer is comfortable with.
Now when you choose a song for your youth choir, you'll know whether they would be able to sing it just like the recording or whether you need to change the key or rearrange the parts. Do make the effort to adapt the song so that it fits their range. You wouldn't want to give them anything that would be a strain and hurt their young voices.
Youth choir tip #2: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THEIR SKILL LEVEL
One of my theme scriptures as a choir director is "Know them which labor among you" (I Thessalonians 5:12).
Some young people are new to choir singing and may face a steep learning curve trying to figure out how to harmonize and sing in a choir. Others may have already been singing in children's choirs for years and have plenty of experience. Get a feeling for what your youth choir is capable of.
Try teaching them a song with some simple harmonies and see how they take to it. If they catch on easily and quickly, they may be ready to take on more complicated material. If they struggle with it, stick to songs that are mostly in unison until they get more experience.
The song suggestions for youth choirs that I have on this page include both easy songs and challenging songs (I give each song a rating to tell you how difficult I think it is).
If your teen choir is mostly made up of inexperienced singers, you should take a look at another web page I have: Working with a choir of beginners.
Some young people are new to choir singing and may face a steep learning curve trying to figure out how to harmonize and sing in a choir. Others may have already been singing in children's choirs for years and have plenty of experience. Get a feeling for what your youth choir is capable of.
Try teaching them a song with some simple harmonies and see how they take to it. If they catch on easily and quickly, they may be ready to take on more complicated material. If they struggle with it, stick to songs that are mostly in unison until they get more experience.
The song suggestions for youth choirs that I have on this page include both easy songs and challenging songs (I give each song a rating to tell you how difficult I think it is).
If your teen choir is mostly made up of inexperienced singers, you should take a look at another web page I have: Working with a choir of beginners.
Youth choir tip #3: YOU MAY HAVE TO BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE
You remember being a teenager, right? The self-consciousness, the worrying about what your peers thought of you, the whole ordeal of growing up. That's what your youth choir members are going through right now. When it comes time to sing, they may be shy and hesitant. The kids who are fantastic singers (and know that they are) will be ready and willing to sing out. But the ones who are not sure of their abilities will hold back. That's why youth choir directors often hear themselves saying things like, "I know you can sing louder than that. I can hear you a block away when you're talking with your friends in the parking lot."It will take time and patience for your choir singers to come out of their shells. One thing that will work in your favor is the fact that music is something that humans respond to instinctively. When you hear a song that you know really well, you will probably start singing along without even noticing that you're doing it. The same thing will happen with your youth choir members. They will get comfortable with the songs and singing along with them will feel easy and natural.
Another thing that will help them overcome shyness is when you build a rapport with them and also encourage them to bond with each other. When they start to see the other choir members as friends, they will be less self-conscious and they will sing with more boldness.
Youth choir tip #4: THERE WILL BE PRACTICAL ISSUES TO DEAL WITH, TOO.
Some of the things that are very easy with an adult choir can be more challenging for young people.- For example, in an adult choir, almost every choir member will own a car. Once you announce a rehearsal, you don't worry too much about how people will get there. But most members of a teen choir will be at the mercy of others for their transportation. You will be communicating with the parents about the choir's rehearsals and performances. Sometimes young people may not be able to come to a rehearsal because other people in their family have commitments for that day.
- Also, it is a challenge to find a good time for rehearsals. Parents don't like for their kids to be out late on school nights, so having rehearsals on a weeknight may not work out. If rehearsal time is during the weekend, there may be conflicts between choir rehearsal and other activities that young people are involved in, like sports and family outings.
- Another issue that may arise is that some young people have parents who are no longer together. If a child spends part of their time with one parent and part of the time with the other, they might only be able to come to rehearsal on the weeks that they are with the parent who is supportive of their choir activities. The other parent may not be interested in making the drive.
So just keep in mind that even the most devoted members of your youth choir may not be able to attend all of the rehearsals. What this means to you is that you should make sure that any songs the choir is learning get practiced at several rehearsals before you sing them. That way if a choir member misses a rehearsal, they will have more chances to learn the material before they have to sing it.
Suggestions of gospel songs for youth choirs
Your youth choir can really sing anything the adult choir would sing, but there are some songs that seem to be a natural fit for the energy and the sound of a youth choir. There are many (many!) songs in the gospel choir repertoire that are geared toward younger choirs. I picked some favorites of mine that I think would be great for a youth choir, but there are many many more. Maybe the songs listed here will give you some ideas for other material that would be good for your choir.
Index of youth choir songs
- 99 1/2
- Do You Know Him
- God Is
- I'll Be Satisfied
- I'll Tell It
- Jesus Christ Is the Way
- Jesus Is Mine
- Jesus Promised
- Let Everything That Hath Breath (Psalm 150)
- Make It to That City
- My Mind's Made Up
- Not Forgotten
- Our Father, You Are Holy
- Perfect Praise (aka How Excellent)
- Power Belongs to God
- The Presence of the Lord
- Say the Word
- Shabach
- Stand Up!
- That's Where I'll Be
- We Are Not Ashamed
- Why We Sing
- Wonderful Is Your Name
- VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE YOUTH CHOIR SONG
99 1/2
by Hezekiah Walker
"Lord I'm running
Trying to make 100 because
99 1/2 won't do"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Gm
A very contemporary spin on an old congregational song. A funky and fun song for youth choirs, expressing a theme of perseverance and dedication to God.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Lord I'm running
Trying to make 100 because
99 1/2 won't do"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Gm
A very contemporary spin on an old congregational song. A funky and fun song for youth choirs, expressing a theme of perseverance and dedication to God.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Do You Know Him
by Hezekiah Walker
"I know a man from Galilee
If you're in sin, He'll set you free
He's the one that'll save your soul
Heal your body and make you whole
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
OH
Do you know Him"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Abm
This one is a toe-tapper, but doesn't sound old-fashioned. The harmonies on the middle section of the song are rather progressive, and the arpeggiated "oh"s in the chorus will take some practice as well, but once they've learned it, it's likely to be a favorite.
The song has an invitational theme, good for outreach events as well as for church services.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"I know a man from Galilee
If you're in sin, He'll set you free
He's the one that'll save your soul
Heal your body and make you whole
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
OH
Do you know Him"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Abm
This one is a toe-tapper, but doesn't sound old-fashioned. The harmonies on the middle section of the song are rather progressive, and the arpeggiated "oh"s in the chorus will take some practice as well, but once they've learned it, it's likely to be a favorite.
The song has an invitational theme, good for outreach events as well as for church services.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Do You Know Him
- Tutorial video on how to play Do You Know Him
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 4/5
- For musicians: 4/5
God Is
by James Cleveland
"God is the joy and the strength of my life
He moves all pain, misery and strife . . .
God is my all and all"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Bb
A classic gospel song that expresses devotion and love for God. The chorus has a lot of words, but once you've got the rhythm of the lyrics in you, you'll never forget it.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"God is the joy and the strength of my life
He moves all pain, misery and strife . . .
God is my all and all"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Bb
A classic gospel song that expresses devotion and love for God. The chorus has a lot of words, but once you've got the rhythm of the lyrics in you, you'll never forget it.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 2/5
I'll Be Satisfied
by Hezekiah Walker
"Any way you bless me I'll be satisfied . . .
Bless my going out, and my coming in
Put Your Spirit round about
And Your joy within
Any way, any way, I'll be satisfied"
Tempo: Moderately fast.
Key: Gb.
This one has a very contemporary groove to it, and don't you just love a song that tells the young people to be content with what they have and whatever God gives them?
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Any way you bless me I'll be satisfied . . .
Bless my going out, and my coming in
Put Your Spirit round about
And Your joy within
Any way, any way, I'll be satisfied"
Tempo: Moderately fast.
Key: Gb.
This one has a very contemporary groove to it, and don't you just love a song that tells the young people to be content with what they have and whatever God gives them?
Resource links:
- Lyrics to I'll Be Satisfied
- Chords for I'll Be Satisfied
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
I'll Tell It
by the New Jersey Mass Choir
"I'll tell it
I'll tell it everywhere I go"
An easy song to pick up and learn, with a theme of evangelism and personal testimony.
Tempo: Moderately fast
Key: Db
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"I'll tell it
I'll tell it everywhere I go"
An easy song to pick up and learn, with a theme of evangelism and personal testimony.
Tempo: Moderately fast
Key: Db
Resource links:
- Lyrics to I'll Tell It
- Chords for I'll Tell It
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Jesus Christ Is the Way
by Walter Hawkins
"When I think about, the hour
Then I know what I must do . . .
I will open up my heart
To everyone I see
And say, Jesus Christ is the way"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Gb
The words to this song give a sense of mission and purpose. And it's real easy to sing, too. Lots of unison.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"When I think about, the hour
Then I know what I must do . . .
I will open up my heart
To everyone I see
And say, Jesus Christ is the way"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Gb
The words to this song give a sense of mission and purpose. And it's real easy to sing, too. Lots of unison.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Jesus Christ Is the Way
- Chords for Jesus Christ Is the Way
- Accompaniment track for Jesus Christ Is the Way
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 1/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Jesus Is Mine
by the Florida Mass Choir
"Jesus is mine
Jesus is mine
Everywhere I go
Everywhere I be
Oh, Jesus is mine"
Tempo: Fast
Key: F
A very joyous song that's popular with a lot of choirs, including youth choirs.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Jesus is mine
Jesus is mine
Everywhere I go
Everywhere I be
Oh, Jesus is mine"
Tempo: Fast
Key: F
A very joyous song that's popular with a lot of choirs, including youth choirs.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Jesus Is Mine
- Chords for Jesus Is Mine
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Jesus Promised
by the Chicago Mass Choir
"Oh how wonderful it is
Jesus promised He'll take care of me"
Tempo: Moderate, with a beat.
Key: Db.
A fun number with a lot of bounce. Each section of the choir (soprano, alto, tenor) gets an opportunity to leave their mark with individual lines.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Oh how wonderful it is
Jesus promised He'll take care of me"
Tempo: Moderate, with a beat.
Key: Db.
A fun number with a lot of bounce. Each section of the choir (soprano, alto, tenor) gets an opportunity to leave their mark with individual lines.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Jesus Promised.
- Chords to Jesus Promised.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 3/5
Let Everything That Hath Breath (Psalm 150)
Let Everything That Hath Breath
(Psalm 150)
"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord
Let everything that hath breath
Praise the Lord
For His mighty acts
And His wondrous works
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord"
Tempo: Moderate
Key: C
A powerful anthem with a semi-classical feel. This one will take some serious rehearsal time for any choir, youth or adult, but the results are worth it.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Let Everything That Hath Breath.
- Practice tracks for the individual parts, for sale at ChoirParts.com:
- Tutorial on how to play Let Everything That Hath Breath, for sale at smoothchords.com.
- Instrumental track for Let Everything That Hath Breath, for sale from Saunders Music.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 4/5
- For musicians: 4/5
Make It to That City
by Hezekiah Walker
"I've got to make it
Make it to that city"
Tempo: Fast.
Key: Ab.
A contemporary but soul-stirring song that expresses a determination to get to heaven. Only do this one if your youth choir is ready to sing it with passion.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"I've got to make it
Make it to that city"
Tempo: Fast.
Key: Ab.
A contemporary but soul-stirring song that expresses a determination to get to heaven. Only do this one if your youth choir is ready to sing it with passion.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Make It to That City.
- Chords to Make It to That City.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
My Mind's Made Up
My Mind Is Made Up
(LP Version)
"My mind's made up
No turning back
Yes, I'm happy
'Cause I'm on the right track"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Gbm
A sassy, youthful song with a message of "straighten up and fly right". Good stuff.
Resource links:
- Lyrics for My Mind Is Made Up
- Instrumental track for My Mind Is Made Up
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
Not Forgotten
by Israel and New Breed
"I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name"
Tempo: Fast
Key: E
A song with a great message for your youth choir members. Teenagers are often plagued with feelings of inadequacy and isolation, thinking that no one cares about their lives. This song brings a reminder about the love of God.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name"
Tempo: Fast
Key: E
A song with a great message for your youth choir members. Teenagers are often plagued with feelings of inadequacy and isolation, thinking that no one cares about their lives. This song brings a reminder about the love of God.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Not Forgotten.
- Sheet music and chord charts for Not Forgotten.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 4/5 if they're comfortable in the key of E, 5/5 otherwise.
Our Father, You Are Holy
by Ricky Dillard
"Our Father
You are holy
We give You glory
And we bless Your name"
I'm not posting a link for the lyrics, because those are all of the words in the entire song.
Tempo: Slow
Key: Starts in Db, then goes up to D, Eb, E, F, Gb, and then G.
A beautiful, mood-setting song, and very easy to learn.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Our Father
You are holy
We give You glory
And we bless Your name"
I'm not posting a link for the lyrics, because those are all of the words in the entire song.
Tempo: Slow
Key: Starts in Db, then goes up to D, Eb, E, F, Gb, and then G.
A beautiful, mood-setting song, and very easy to learn.
Resource links:
- Chords for Our Father, You Are Holy.
- Tutorial video on how to play Our Father, You Are Holy.
- Soprano, Alto, and Tenor practice tracks for Our Father, You Are Holy from ChoirParts.com. These tracks include three key changes only.
Difficulty level:
- For singers:
- 1/5 if you do it all in unison
- 2/5 if you do it in harmony, but limit the key changes
- 4/5 if you do all six of the key changes.
- For musicians: 2/5
Perfect Praise (aka How Excellent)
by Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago
"Oh Lord
How excellent
How excellent
How excellent
How excellent
I-i-i-i-i-i-i-is Thy name"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Eb
This is a well-known and well-loved song. In fact, I've written a whole web page about Perfect Praise because I consider it one of the "standard songs" of the gospel choir repertoire. It was originally recorded the Soul Children of Chicago, so it was a youth choir song from its inception!
It does well either as a regular song to sing in service or as a "show piece". It sounds tricky at first, but with a little practice it starts to come naturally.
Resource links:
NOTE: On Amazon and on iTunes, the title of this song is incorrectly listed as "Perfect Peace."
There is also an instrumental track version of this song, done by Fruition Music. They call it"Oh Lord How Excellent" and credit it to a different artist, but it is the same song, done as an instrumental. If you use this as accompaniment music , your choir can sing the song even if you don't have a musician: Oh Lord How Excellent (Eb) Richard Smallwood.
Difficulty level:
"Oh Lord
How excellent
How excellent
How excellent
How excellent
I-i-i-i-i-i-i-is Thy name"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Eb
This is a well-known and well-loved song. In fact, I've written a whole web page about Perfect Praise because I consider it one of the "standard songs" of the gospel choir repertoire. It was originally recorded the Soul Children of Chicago, so it was a youth choir song from its inception!
It does well either as a regular song to sing in service or as a "show piece". It sounds tricky at first, but with a little practice it starts to come naturally.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Perfect Praise
- Chords to Perfect Praise
- Instructional video on how to play Perfect Praise (the video only has the first portion of the song)
NOTE: On Amazon and on iTunes, the title of this song is incorrectly listed as "Perfect Peace."
There is also an instrumental track version of this song, done by Fruition Music. They call it"Oh Lord How Excellent" and credit it to a different artist, but it is the same song, done as an instrumental. If you use this as accompaniment music , your choir can sing the song even if you don't have a musician: Oh Lord How Excellent (Eb) Richard Smallwood.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
Power Belongs to God
by Hezekiah Walker
"There is nothing too hard for God
Nothing too hard for God
Power belongs to God"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Ebm, then Em, then Fm, then F#m, then Gm.
A progressive, energetic song that expresses faith and confidence. But it does take some work to learn!
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"There is nothing too hard for God
Nothing too hard for God
Power belongs to God"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Ebm, then Em, then Fm, then F#m, then Gm.
A progressive, energetic song that expresses faith and confidence. But it does take some work to learn!
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Power Belongs to God.
- Chords for Power Belongs to God.
- Sheet music for Power Belongs to God.
- Tutorial video on how to play Power Belongs to God.
- Instrumental version (downloadable) of Power Belongs to God from Saunders Music.
- Instrumental version (on CD) of Power Belongs to God from NTime Music.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 5/5
- For musicians: 4.5/5
The Presence of the Lord
by John P. Kee
"The presence of the Lord
Is here, here in this place
I can feel the anointing
And His power"
This is NOT the Byron Cage/Kurt Carr song.
Tempo: Slow
Key: F
For me, this song really sets a mood for worship. Very reverent and comforting.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"The presence of the Lord
Is here, here in this place
I can feel the anointing
And His power"
This is NOT the Byron Cage/Kurt Carr song.
Tempo: Slow
Key: F
For me, this song really sets a mood for worship. Very reverent and comforting.
Resource links:
- Lyrics for The Presence of the Lord.
- Downloadable sheet music for The Presence of the Lord from musicnotes.com.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Say the Word
by Rodnie Bryant
"If you want to be born again
Say, say the word"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Bb
This is a sassy one with a message of evangelism. Good for altar calls and for events where there are unchurched people in attendance. The counterpoint in the first section of the song is a favorite and the call-and-response in the last part of the song encourages audience participation.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"If you want to be born again
Say, say the word"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Bb
This is a sassy one with a message of evangelism. Good for altar calls and for events where there are unchurched people in attendance. The counterpoint in the first section of the song is a favorite and the call-and-response in the last part of the song encourages audience participation.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Say the Word.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 2/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Shabach
by Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago
"Shabach, Hallelujah
Barak, Praise the Lord"
A classic youth choir song, originally recorded by a choir of young people. Along with the instrumental track from Saunders Music that I have listed below, the "Growing Up" album by Walt Whitman also has its own instrumental version of "Shabach" on it, in case you don't have a musician.
Tempo: Fast
Key: Dbm, then Dm, then Ebm.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Shabach, Hallelujah
Barak, Praise the Lord"
A classic youth choir song, originally recorded by a choir of young people. Along with the instrumental track from Saunders Music that I have listed below, the "Growing Up" album by Walt Whitman also has its own instrumental version of "Shabach" on it, in case you don't have a musician.
Tempo: Fast
Key: Dbm, then Dm, then Ebm.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
Stand Up!
by Nicholas
"Stand up, and be a witness
And be a witness for the Lord"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Ab
An energetic tune about being bold in proclaiming your faith.
Difficulty level:
"Stand up, and be a witness
And be a witness for the Lord"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Ab
An energetic tune about being bold in proclaiming your faith.
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 2/5
That's Where I'll Be
by Hezekiah Walker
"That's where I want to be
Rooted and grounded in Thee
And with Your help, I see
That's where I'll be"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Gb
I love this song. The message of stability and faithfulness is great for young people.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"That's where I want to be
Rooted and grounded in Thee
And with Your help, I see
That's where I'll be"
Tempo: Fast
Key: Gb
I love this song. The message of stability and faithfulness is great for young people.
Resource links:
- Lyrics for That's Where I'll Be
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 3/5
We Are Not Ashamed
by Andrae Crouch
"We are not ashamed
We are not ashamed
Of the gospel of Jesus Christ
For we have everlasting life"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Gb
Another song about taking a stand for your faith with boldness, an important message to drive home during those peer-pressure-ridden teen years. That's why I think this makes a great youth choir song.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"We are not ashamed
We are not ashamed
Of the gospel of Jesus Christ
For we have everlasting life"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Gb
Another song about taking a stand for your faith with boldness, an important message to drive home during those peer-pressure-ridden teen years. That's why I think this makes a great youth choir song.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to We Are Not Ashamed
- Chords for We Are Not Ashamed
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Why We Sing
by Kirk Franklin
"Someone asked the question
Why do we sing?"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Starts in Db.
When this song first came out, it was overwhelmingly popular, to the point that it was in danger of overexposure. But I think it can still be brought back, especially as a song for youth choir. Lots of unison makes this an easy one for young people to learn.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"Someone asked the question
Why do we sing?"
Tempo: Slow
Key: Starts in Db.
When this song first came out, it was overwhelmingly popular, to the point that it was in danger of overexposure. But I think it can still be brought back, especially as a song for youth choir. Lots of unison makes this an easy one for young people to learn.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Why We Sing
- Chords for Why We Sing
- Sheet music for Why We Sing
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 1/5
- For musicians: 2/5
Wonderful Is Your Name
by Hezekiah Walker
"All of my life I've never known you to fail
You remain the same and wonderful is your name"
Tempo: Moderately fast
Key: Bb.
A joyous, contemporary-sounding song of praise. Some of the harmonies are a little tricky, so this would not be a song for beginners, but an experienced youth choir would have fun with it.
Resource links:
Difficulty level:
"All of my life I've never known you to fail
You remain the same and wonderful is your name"
Tempo: Moderately fast
Key: Bb.
A joyous, contemporary-sounding song of praise. Some of the harmonies are a little tricky, so this would not be a song for beginners, but an experienced youth choir would have fun with it.
Resource links:
- Lyrics to Wonderful Is Your Name
- Piano tutorial on how to play Wonderful Is Your Name
Difficulty level:
- For singers: 3.5/5
- For musicians: 4/5
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE YOUTH CHOIR SONG
Loading poll. Please Wait...
More gospel choir information
Check out the rest of my web pages that support gospel choir ministry. I cover a lot of topics.
Developing your youth choir
The Passion-Driven Youth Choir
Amazon Price: $6.97 (as of 02/22/2012)
Share your thoughts about youth choir music
This page has been blessed by Squidoo Angels Bambi, Lisa, KimG, Pamela, and HSSchulte!
submit
-
Reply
-
paullenton
Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:46 am | delete
- Wow! What a lot of material!!! Very well done!!!
-
-
Reply
-
sysuns
Jan 31, 2012 @ 8:27 pm | delete
- loved the tips!....great lens!
-
-
Reply
-
flinnie
Jan 31, 2012 @ 1:15 am | delete
- Hi great lens,love your list of choir music.Thanks for all the info,well done.
-
-
Reply
-
Edutopia
Jan 30, 2012 @ 6:59 pm | delete
- Great lens, I never considered all these angles that would go into doing something like this.
-
-
Reply
-
jimmyworldstar
Jan 19, 2012 @ 2:49 pm | delete
- I've never been in a youth choir or directed one but those are good tips. In any case where you're dealing with musicians of varying skill levels, you want to make sure you're aware and can mask any poor performances.
-
- Load More
by JoanTheChoirLady
JoanTheChoirLady
I've been singing in, playing for, writing for, and directing gospel choirs all my life. I live in Los Angeles.
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Best Easter songs for gospel choir Best Easter songs for gospel choir
- Best "one-rehearsal songs" for gospel choir Best "one-rehearsal songs" for gospel choir
- What is ChoirParts.com? What is ChoirParts.com?
- Best gospel choir songs for invitation/altar call Best gospel choir songs for invitation/altar call
- A Guide to Directing a Gospel Choir A Guide to Directing a Gospel Choir
- How to teach a choir song: The basics How to teach a choir song: The basics
The rest of my gospel choir web pages
My blog: The Church Choir
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCheck out ChoirParts.com
Downloadable practice tracks for your choir
