Continuation of an article written by Dn. Sergius Halvorsen,
offering helpful insights for readers. This article is
copyrighted, and used by permission.
The
Practical Side of Church Reading: Feedback
The final note in this overview of church reading must
necessarily be on the importance of feedback and practice. No one
is born a church reader; church readers are selected, trained, and often
tonsured. If they are to perform their ministry to the glory of
God, they will practice and seek out constructive criticism from those
who hear them read. "Was I loud enough; could you understand
the text; was I chanting on a pitch that is good for my voice; did I
read too quickly; what did I look like when I walked up for the
blessing; did I chant the prokeimenon verses on a good note?"
The beginning reader should ask questions like these of the priest, the
choir director, and even a few members of the community in order to make
progress and read more proficiently. Even the experienced reader
is wise to ask these questions occasionally, just to make sure that he
or she has not unconsciously fallen into any bad habits over the years.
To conclude this overview of church reading, it must
be clearly stated that it is only an overview. Every facet of good
liturgical singing is relevant to good church reading, and as every good
liturgical musician knows, it is a lifelong discipline. As soon as
one becomes complacent with his or her performance, it is likely that
the performance is suffering. But if we are vigilant in performing
the vital liturgical ministry of church reading, by God's help, we shall
proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the glory of God.
Copyright ©2002 PSALM, Inc. Used by permission.
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Orthodox Liturgy
What Does a Church Reader Do?
The Principles of Church Reading
The Practical Sides of
Church Reading:
Read It First
A Chant Strategy
Endings
Speed
Diction
Volume and Pitch
The Celebrant's Pitch
The Prokeimenon and Alleluia Verses
Movement and Presentation
Feedback
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Information:
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