Welcome!

String players come in all shapes and sizes and with motivations and callings that can be quite personal, some might even say inspired.  You want to play -  Halleluiah!  What next?

There is a long tradition of church string bands in America - but that history was getting lost.  Through research and interviews, we found answers and guidelines that may serve as a helpful resource for your organization.   With this in mind, we hope you will enjoy exploring our site before jumping into the free music that our not-for-profit group is offering. ChurchStringBand.org hopes to help you and your fellow players become a welcomed benefit to your church, supporting your congregation’s singing during the worship service.

We know from experience that sustainability and longevity comes from starting with good information, but before you begin your research here, we welcome you with our group’s prayer (below) and ask that you take the time to consider it in your own heart and mind, as we have.

Thank you and God Bless.

 

 

Church String Band Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this time and for the fellowship we have with all our players here today. We are mindful of your inspired words including Psalm 33:3, where we are reminded to play as skillfully as we are able. We are also mindful that our music is to your Glory and not for glorifying ourselves. Grant us the power of the Holy Spirit as we play. Let us serve you as we serve our congregation of Sisters and Brothers that all voices – people and instruments alike - can bring you glory and honor, dear God, for the grace you have given to us. We ask this humbly in Jesus’ name.  Amen

Church String Band – what we believe:  All said in the Apostle’s Creed.  [“All Christians believe more than the Apostles’ Creed, but no Christian believes less,” –R. Albert Mohler, Jr.]


Church String Band Principles

  1. Through our music we glorify God, not ourselves.
  2. We practice what we play, as it is written in Psalms 33:3 “Sing to Him a new song;
    Play skillfully with a shout of joy.”      Playing skillfully is a worthy goal.
  3. The band is not the musical focus; we are here to serve a singing congregation as we all join in to praise God whenever asked.
  4. We understand that even before the piano and organ were created, strings played to the glory of God. Today we play in the footsteps of generations of church musicians whose history, techniques and songs can teach us, and their legacies are honored for what they shared.
  5. No matter our ages, we appreciate the traditional songs of our Church ancestors and will do our best to keep old time hymns a big part of our playlist. 
  6. Our church string band will featured acoustic instruments including violin (fiddle), guitar, mandolin, banjo, upright bass, and occasionally other stringed instruments such as the harp, autoharp, hammer dulcimer, mountain dulcimer and zither.  Amps will not be used as a matter of standard practice or play unless needed for a special purpose.  Other instruments might join the band now and then - when a hymn cries out for more.
  7. Church string band members are mindful we are all still learning.  We are committed to caring for the young and old, skilled and beginner alike.  We all recognize the Holy Spirit brings each and all of us different gifts at different levels at different times.  We play together as one.  All praise and glory be to God. 
  8. We will strive to honor God through commitment, including good communications with each other, and understand that the needs of the Church always take priority. The Pastor is our spiritual leader and playlist advisor. 
  9. Our band has chosen to have a music director. This person will be the main point of contact for the band and will be considered a key decision maker.  We will keep this person in our prayers, as to be a leader in our group is also a call to serve.
  10. Membership in the band is open to all who are called to participate, including roadies and other helpers.   We will strive to put instruments in the hands of those who commit to practicing and playing to God’s glory.  “Being good enough” to play in the Church service will come from the honesty of all our hearts and all will be encouraged to play every time we can. We play as one.   May God Bless, Inspire and encourage all.