[thabani7]

I want to start playing saxophone in church. At the moment, there's just a piano (sometimes a bass too) which accompanies the congregation when we sing hymns. We don't sing the hymns in a classical style as written, but the pianist rearranges them to suit the demographic. Apart from the piano, there are usually 3 singers in front leading the entire congregation and they'll be singing in parts (Sop, Alto, Tenor).

If I want to play in this setup, any ideas of what to play apart from the melody?
Anyone with good recommendations of sax players to listen to for this setup?

Example of the song service

 

[Ixthusdan]

I play tenor weekly on two different teams and generally make a part from the left hand of the piano or the line of the bass player. Some songs, I play a voice part in harmony with the singers. And some songs I have a lead part as directed by the worship leader. The best approach is to practice with the piano since the piano is carrying the load. A rearranged hymn is better than classical, so follow the lead.

 

[Eulipion2]

If the pianist writes the arrangements, see if s/he would be willing to write a sax part. Or at least see if you can get the arrangements in advance and try to write your own part.

 

[Ixthusdan]

If the pianist writes the arrangements, see if s/he would be willing to write a sax part. Or at least see if you can get the arrangements in advance and try to write your own part.

FWIW, most worship teams are using things made for guitars, like lyric sheets with chords. Sadly, there is no music. If there is, that would be good. I must make up my parts, and over time, I remember what I do. I think most sax players do that in worship. I have been doing this for a while, 20+ years.

 

[CatDuet]

This sounds like a neat setup! I like the idea of playing little phrases in the spots where the singers are not singing, such as at the ends of phrases where they are holding a note, or between verses as interludes for reflection. And additionally, if playing during their singing, I lie really low, with long notes and a not-too-spicy tone so I'm less noticeable. A sax puts out a lot of sound, so I hope the singers are miked well. If the room is small, that makes it even more crucial to moderate your volume. Playing in tune is obviously important in any situation, but especially where singers singing parts are involved. Enhancing and enriching what's going on is your role. There might sometimes be a song that is quiet and meditative that you would just lay out on. Be sensitive to what the worship band feels comfortable with, and seek their feedback. Some singers are better than others at holding their own with other stuff going on. If they are struggling to find their parts any, you may have to simplify. But I would bet they are loving the extra timbre and variety. Wish I could hear you all! Blessings on your music!

 

[CatDuet]

Also, studying some music theory or improvisation can help musicians get better at writing their own backup parts.

 

[Ixthusdan]

This sounds like a neat setup! I like the idea of playing little phrases in the spots where the singers are not singing, such as at the ends of phrases where they are holding a note, or between verses as interludes for reflection. And additionally, if playing during their singing, I lie really low, with long notes and a not-too-spicy tone so I'm less noticeable. A sax puts out a lot of sound, so I hope the singers are miked well. If the room is small, that makes it even more crucial to moderate your volume. Playing in tune is obviously important in any situation, but especially where singers singing parts are involved. Enhancing and enriching what's going on is your role. There might sometimes be a song that is quiet and meditative that you would just lay out on. Be sensitive to what the worship band feels comfortable with, and seek their feedback. Some singers are better than others at holding their own with other stuff going on. If they are struggling to find their parts any, you may have to simplify. But I would bet they are loving the extra timbre and variety. Wish I could hear you all! Blessings on your music!

Great observations. There are many songs that I play the middle chorus for full sound and am out in the beginning and end. Do not be afraid to not play! When we are playing during prayer, there is opportunity to do some fun stuff, but not ripping anything up. Mellow and melodic is appreciated.

 

[Grumps]

Sure, a saxophone could spice things up, but unless you're talking a full rhythm section with a groove, there's really nothing you could add that wouldn't act to coverup what the vocalists are doing. I listened to the clip you provided. The power is not only in their voices/harmony, but in their words. I know you want to play... but the better question is why?

 

[lydian]

I have to agree with Grumps. There's really no place for a sax here. Playing along with the vocals would only cover them up. And fills in between phrases aren't appropriate for these tunes.

Have you thought about learning bass or drums? Those would be more appropriate additions.

 

[Ixthusdan]

I have to agree with Grumps. There's really no place for a sax here. Playing along with the vocals would only cover them up. And fills in between phrases aren't appropriate for these tunes.

Have you thought about learning bass or drums? Those would be more appropriate additions.

I respectfully disagree with both you and Grumps. I could put a tasteful sax into that music. It may not be what you all play in the clubs or on your gigs. But it can add nicely to worship.

 

[Grumps]

I could put a tasteful sax into that music. It may not be what you all play in the clubs or on your gigs.

I've played in church too many times to count within a variety of genres. What's important in a saxophonist, whether in church or at a club, is knowing when not to play. A rare talent indeed.

 

[deltamikesierra]

I’ve been a part of a lot of worship teams and it can be done. You can play melody under the vocals in that one clip. There’s not enough space for that song to insert phrases but the thing about this genre is you have to not use music. Music will mess you up. The only rare talent it takes is feeling where to play - as grumps stated and when to sit back. Sometimes that may be you simply mimic the vocals (a call and response) only 1 or 2 times. I am sure they play and sing other songs that do have more space for a repeat phrase or two but you can essentially sing the melody with the vocals and not cover them up if you intentionally try not to. It’s a matter of volume- you don’t need a mic. It sounds like the piano needs a mic if anything. Just go with the flow and remember to kind of just stay in the background, out of the limelight.

 

[Doug Lange]

Thabani7- Curious to know if you were able to add sax to corporate worship? I’m not sure if you mentioned which sax you were going to be playing. Listening to the youtube link, I was thinking soprano sax would work well. Stand near the piano and listen more than play. When you play, play off the piano and the lead vocal. With hymns, the singers often welcome an interlude of the chorus or 1/2 chorus (depending on length) to get a chance to catch their breath. After the interlude, I think “oboe obligato“ softly and Not in the same pitch range as the singers. Diatonic is your friend. I have good results with simple suspensions and such using 2nd, 4th, 7th for a hint of tension. Minor pentatonics off the 6th will “jazz“ it up without sounding wrong.

 

[1saxman]

Here you go, must be 'sacred' because it 'scared' the begeesus out of me.
Warning; if you are a musician, please do not play this video. It is without a doubt the most hideous and terrible sax playing I have ever heard.

Bad Saxophone Solo - Christian Song "Give Thanks" - YouTube

 

[Ixthusdan]

Here you go, must be 'sacred' because it 'scared' the begeesus out of me.
Warning; if you are a musician, please do not play this video. It is without a doubt the most hideous and terrible sax playing I have ever heard.

Bad Saxophone Solo - Christian Song "Give Thanks" - YouTube

Despite it being worship music, musicians are still expected to all play in the same key! Can he hear the keyboard? Everyone has had the lead guitar take off in a different key at the beginning of a song. You must play whatever key whoever starts with! LOL

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Here you go, must be 'sacred' because it 'scared' the begeesus out of me.
Warning; if you are a musician, please do not play this video. It is without a doubt the most hideous and terrible sax playing I have ever heard.

Bad Saxophone Solo - Christian Song "Give Thanks" - YouTube

An absolute classic.

 

[JL]

Would it be out of line to mention the irony of playing the 'devil's horn' in church?

Probably....

 

[Doug Lange]

Despite it being worship music, musicians are still expected to all play in the same key! Can he hear the keyboard? Everyone has had the lead guitar take off in a different key at the beginning of a song. You must play whatever key whoever starts with! LOL

Not all my notes are correct, eight. I had a couple clams this morning, too. What do you do when all your tunes are in either B or F# (Bb transpose) and you get a tune in A with no A#'s or D#'s!? My unruly fingers played them anyway! And no, I couldn't hide them as chromatic approach notes.

We have a stage display with lyrics and chords, so everyone starts in the same key. However, it doesn't tell me what Instrument to play. A few weeks ago, I pulled out my Irish whistle for a song and started playing the opening riff before the state display had the song up. (I'm keenly aware of dead air). The worship leader looks back at me and says "wrong song!" Of course, we made a joke out of it, and enjoyed a good laugh.

 

[Ixthusdan]

Not all my notes are correct, eight. I had a couple clams this morning, too. What do you do when all your tunes are in either B or F# (Bb transpose) and you get a tune in A with no A#'s or D#'s!? My unruly fingers played them anyway! And no, I couldn't hide them as chromatic approach notes.

We have a stage display with lyrics and chords, so everyone starts in the same key. However, it doesn't tell me what Instrument to play. A few weeks ago, I pulled out my Irish whistle for a song and started playing the opening riff before the state display had the song up. (I'm keenly aware of dead air). The worship leader looks back at me and says "wrong song!" Of course, we made a joke out of it, and enjoyed a good laugh.

30 years ago, my worship leader was a gifted keyboard player, and he was the church pastor. He was a natural and never read music or thought about what everyone else was doing. He would start the worship and where ever he was on the keyboard, he played a song. Practice did not matter; he rarely played anything that was practiced. So all the musicians had to play in the key he decided to be in. It was challenging.

 

[Doug Lange]

30 years ago, my worship leader was a gifted keyboard player, and he was the church pastor. He was a natural and never read music or thought about what everyone else was doing. He would start the worship and where ever he was on the keyboard, he played a song. Practice did not matter; he rarely played anything that was practiced. So all the musicians had to play in the key he decided to be in. It was challenging.

That's crazy! I wouldn't be surprised if transitions between songs were a mash of chords until he settled on a key and suddenly the next song popped out. While there are a variety of traditions and styles of worship music, creating a plan, rehearsing and executing the plan during the service is allowing the Spirit to work through us all week, not just in the middle of a worship service. I probably would have led a mutiny, unless the band found the challenge fun