Choir Confidential
Insider Tips & Techniques for the Church Choir Director
Whether you lead a church choir, plan to lead one, or are a volunteer or bi-vocational church choir director, this practical guide to thriving in the role will spark your creativity and deliver results.
Dr. Randal L. Quackenbush, a published choral arranger and highly respected church choir practitioner, covers a variety of vital developmental subjects, such as spiritual and musical leadership, growing a robust musical culture, developing a healthy communal culture, successful rehearsal techniques, aesthetic considerations, the art of choral administration (people and program), performance practices, and the choir director as “leader.”
The guide includes ten global case studies featuring church, community, and collegiate choirs, offering inspiring perspectives from England, Denmark, Ghana, India, Italy, and the United States. Each story shares approaches that are sure to stir up fresh, creative ideas that can be implemented in church choirs.
One of the more gripping stories is of a once vibrant choir that was gradually reduced in priority until it was finally eliminated. Other highlights include examples of choirs thriving in various parts of the world as well as helpful appendices.
Get the guidance you need to succeed as a church choir practitioner with the wisdom in Choir Confidential.
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What They Are Saying:
If God has placed you in the body of Christ as a Minister of Music, you must read Choir Confidential by Dr. Randal Quackenbush. This book is full of knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration so that you can do with excellence all God has planned for you.
—Carol Cymbala,
Director, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
For any choir director . . . or even aspiring choir director . . . Choir Confidential is a volume of information that instructs and encourages those who stand in front of ‘lead worshippers’ every week in churches across the globe. My friend, Dr. Q., offers a rich lifetime of experience that not only addresses the musical side of leading a choir, but the spiritual and shepherding side of pastoring what, in many churches, is literally the biggest and most dedicated ‘small group.’ Case studies from around the globe that are coupled with practical instruction make this applicable to anyone who steps into worship pastoral leadership. This is essential teaching for choir directors at any level of experience.
—Dick Tunney,
Dove (10) and Grammy Awards with Melodie Tunney,
Musical Director for Sandi Patti, Steve Green, and Young Messiah, Composer of hymns.
I told you, “You could always write a book about church choirs,” and I am delighted that you did. And did so drawing only upon your doctoral research, but your unparalleled experience as a singer, choir director, pastor, and scholar. Choir directors from almost any musical, denominational, or cultural background will be the beneficiaries of this lifelong labor of love.
—Dr. David A. Currie,
Dean of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
I’ve personally witnessed the power of choirs to shape an atmosphere, wage spiritual war on the forces of darkness, and bring a congregation along in their offering of worship to Jesus. In Choir Confidential, Dr. Quackenbush has provided us with an invaluable resource to guide us in leading a formidable army of artist worshipers to push back the darkness with light.
—Michael Neale, Best-selling Author, Dove Award-winning songwriter
From the crucible of extensive and varied choral experience, Dr. Randal Quackenbush shares insights into the world of effective choral music making. His heartfelt emphasis on spiritual and pastoral qualities of choral leadership, the wellspring from which the entire book flows, makes this book extraordinary. Practical and pragmatic, an encyclopedic compendium of techniques, approaches, and procedures for successful church choir work, it is a treasure every choral conductor will find invaluable.
—Dr. Calvin M. Johansson,
Former organist-choirmaster of the Post Chapel, U.S. Military Academy, West Point,
Author of Strengthening Music Ministry in the Evangelical Church (2019).
In Choir Confidential, Dr. Quackenbush covers the waterfront in this great handbook for any and every aspiring church music director. He writes from his experiences and failures and from the perspective of a musician, which he is, pastor, which he also is, and from the perspective of those paid and those who volunteer. He gives solid wisdom and advice, and case studies, for relevant music leadership and how to accomplish successful music leadership in a variety of environments. Down to earth, easy to read and understand, this book is a must for current and aspiring church music leaders for the 21st century.
—Stephen W. Plate, DMA,
Chair and Professor, University of Central Arkansas Department of Music
The contents of Dr. Quackenbush’s comprehensive manual, Choir Confidential, are much more than theory; they are known experientially over many years of expertise and skilled choral ministry in several major churches and institutions. I highly recommend it to those just starting out in music / choral ministry and to those who are more seasoned.
—Jim Cernero,
Pastor, Author, Composer and Choral Conductor for global ministries and churches.
The Author
Dr. Randal Quackenbush has directed church choirs of 25 to 250 singers. His choirs are known for their musical excellence, innovative programming, worshipful spirit, and community impact.
Buy the Book
Choir Confidential is a practical guide for current and future church choir directors. Instruction regarding musical and spiritual leadership is enhanced by ten global case studies.
