We will begin by exploring the unique voice of the congregation. Next, we will study the traits that make a quality congregational song, using examples from a wide variety of song styles. Finally we will look at participants’ songs. Each attendee is invited to bring one or more songs to sing and discuss with the class.
The songwriting retreat will be led by Greg Scheer, a music affiliate at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. He has written hundreds of songs, compositions, and arrangements, including some in the new Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal. He has taught songwriters in private lessons, college classes, and at the annual Calvin Symposium on Worship songwriting seminar.