Visions Of Light: Defining "Self" with Gospel Music

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Questionaire

The questionaire was given to all of the member's of the Visions of Light gospel choir.

 

Name:______________________ Age:___

Church attended (if applicable):___________________

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 

Instrument:____________ Number of Years Studied:______

Please describe your experiences:

What do you think of when you here the term “gospel music?”

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Why did you choose these?

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

Informant 1

Name: C.M.

I do not regularly attend church.

I have had two years of informal training on the piano.

Please describe your experience: I was really angry and frustrated one night and I needed something to focus that negative energy on and I had always wanted to learn how to play the piano so I started teaching myself. It’s going well.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

When I hear the term gospel music it usually brings to mind one person or a choir just singing to and about the Lord. It can be very powerful sometimes, especially if you can tell that the person singing is really sincere in their song.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 

One thing that makes music sacred is what it means to the person that is singing/writing it. Another is how the person hearing it interprets it and uses it. What one person gets from a particular song may be entirely different than what the next person gets from it, but that doesn't necessarily change how sacred the music is.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

I believe that gospel music is different than other sacred music. When I hear a gospel song, right away I know that it is gospel music. From my own definition of gospel music I would say it is how the song is sung and it has a lot to do with who is singing it.

What are your three favorite gospel songs?

Why We Sing- Kirk Franklin

Thy Will Be Done- Deborah Cox

Father Can You Hear Me- Anya Washington, Terrel Carter, Tamela Mann, Cheryl Pepsi Riley

Why did you choose these three?

These three are three that stuck with me as soon as I heard them. It also has a lot to do with the way they are sang by the artists. 

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Almost any and everything. R&B, classical, rap, pop, country, rock and a little bit of metal. I really don't have much of a preference and if I do, it depends on my mood.

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?

I don't think so.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, when and where?

Not much, but when I do it will be something that I have on my computer or another CD I might have.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

I do not believe it is where you perform, but who you are performing for. I think that no matter how positively a choir goes into a performance, a crowd that receives you well helps you perform better.

Informant 2

Name: T.K. Age:_20_

Church attended (if applicable):__New Dimensions Non- Denominational Church____________

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? Yes

Instrument: clarinet and trombone_________

Number of Years studied: ___6years___

Please describe your experiences:

I was in the band from the 6th grade up to a senior Drum Major in High School

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

I think about black music about the Gospel of Christ!

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

Any Music that exalts any divine being is sacred.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

Yes, gospel is a genre of sacred music much like R&B is a genre of secular music.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

All things by Fred Hammond, This to shall pass by Yolanda Adams, When you been Blessed by Patti Labelle

Why did you choose these?

They all empower me when I feel like I can't go own

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Neo Soul, Jazz, R&B, some country,

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

In the words of Derius Luckey, Screaming, but I think since it is a genre of sacred music, there is a distinct difference in the sound, which means that there is a distinct way to sing Gospel music.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

I listen to Gospel music all the time, especially when I am stressed out. I listen to it in the car, at home, on my Ipod, whenever I can. I love it.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No, because to perform Gospel music is a ministry and ministry is the same whenever or wherever you are. It is the give the honor and glory to the Most High.

Informant 3

Name:__N.C._______                               Age:__22 
Church attended (if applicable):_____NEW DIMENSIONS TABERNACLE 
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  YES 
Instrument:_____CELLO_  Number of Years Studied:__4___ 
Please describe your experiences: MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA 
What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?" 
PASSION FOR WORSHIP THROUGH SONG, LESS ABOUT TECHNIQUE MORE ABOUT FEELING 
What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 
FEELING THE WORDS THAT PRAISE GOD 
Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not? 
IN CATEGORY TERMS, STORES AND DJ'S SEPERATE GOSPESL, CONTEPORARY AND 
CHRISTAN MUSIC. THE BEATS AND INSTUMENTS ARE DIFFERNT TO SUITE DIFFERNT 
TASTE BUT THE POINT AND THE EMOTION IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE SAME 
What are your 3 favorite gospel songs? 
WHO IS LIKE THE LORD-ISREAL 
SPEAK TO MY HEART-DONNIE MCCLURRUCKIN(SPELLING?) 
EXCELLENT-ANDRE CROUCH 
Why did you choose these? 
I FEEL THESE SONGS IN MY SOUL EACH TIME I HEAR AND SING THEM 
What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music? 
R&B, SOUL 
Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it? 
IT IS FULL BODY SINGING 
Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when? 
YES, IN THE MORNING, DURING THE DAY, ON SUNDAYS 
Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose? 
 
YES,SOMETIMES THE PURPOSE IS MORE THAN UPLIFTING GOD ITS EXPOSING PEOPLE TO 
THE GENRE

Informant 4

Name:L.B.  Age:20 
Church attended (if applicable):COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  
Instrument:BASS CLARINET   Number of Years Studied: 1/2 A YEAR

AND I ALSO HAD ABOUT 6 YEARS OF VOICE TRAINING

Please describe your experiences: 
MY EXPERIENCE WAS GREAT I LEARNED MORE ABOUT HOW TO READ MUSIC INSTEAD OF JUST TRYING TO GUESS WHAT I WAS HEARING. 
What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?" 
I THINK OF SOULFUL CATCHY MUSIC THAT PRAISE THE LORD IN AN URBAN SENSE I WOULD SAY. 
What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 
WHEN IS EXPRESSING THE LOVE OF THE LORD AND TELL ABOUT WHAT THE LORD HAD DONE OR WHAT THE LORD SAYS THAT HE WOULD DO. SENDING UP PRAISES TO THE LORD ON HIGH. 
Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not? 
I'M NOT REALLY SURE 
What are your 3 favorite gospel songs? 
FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS

PRAISE IS WHAT I DO

THE SUN GONNA SHINE 
Why did you choose these? 
BECAUSE FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME JUST AS THE SONG EXPRESSES AND SINCE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH I GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE THAT IS DO TO HIM. THE LAST ONE IS BECAUSE WHEN I FEEL LIKE I CANT TAKE ANY MORE AND THINGS ARE NOT GOING MY WAY I KNOW IF I HOLD OUT AND WAIT ON THE LORD THAT THE SUN WILL EVENTUALLY SHINE AGAIN BECAUSE HE WILL MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER FOR ME. 
What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music? 
R&B

HIP HOP 
Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it? 
THE BEST WAS TO SING GOSPEL MUSIC IS JUST TO BE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD AND JUST TO BE IN HIS PRESENCE BECAUSE THERE IS REALLY NO WAY TO EXPLAIN THE WAY TO SING A TYPE OF MUSIC. 
Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when? 
YES ALL THE TIME @ HOME, IN THE CAR JUST BECAUSE SOME OF THE SONGS JUST SPEAK TO MY HEART AND SOMETIMES ITS BECAUSE I HAVE LEARN SOME SONGS. 
Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose? 
NO BECAUSE THERE IS NO CERT IN PACE TO PRAISE THE LORD.

Informant 5

Name: B,D,  Age: 21 
Church attended (if applicable): Community Baptist Church  
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  Yes 
Instrument: Flute   Number of Years Studied: 7 year  

Please describe your experiences:

Started in the 5th grade. Played from 7th grade throughout high school.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Music that: speaks the truth from the Bible encourages, and isn't sugar coated.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

I'm not really familiar with the term sacred music.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Imagine me- Kirk Franklin

Victory-Tye Tribbett & G.A.

The Truth Is- Lisa McClendon

Those songs are the ones I've listened to recently, but I have many songs I love. Mostly, the songs I listen to are determined by the mood I'm in.

Why did you choose these?

They are a constant reminder of that God gives us victory and the strength to persevere through anything. Plus, it does more for my soul than other songs. Gospel music now days can do whatever the other genres can do. It can get you hype, determined to win or humble you by showing how big God is.  

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

I like neo soul, r&b ( old school and new) , contemporary Christian and rock, jazz, some classical ( mainly instrumentals) and some rap

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it?

Sing for God and through your willingness to praise Him with your gift you will minister.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when?

I listen to gospel all the time. It's in my ipod so it goes everywhere I go.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No, it's still spreading the word of God and ministering to people who may need encouragement.

Informant 6

Name: J.K.                      Age:18  
Church attended (if applicable):Sloan Memorial United Methodist Church (in Houston) 
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  yes 
Instrument:____________  Number of Years Studied:______  


Please describe your experiences:  
i was in the choir all 4 years of my high school career. My teacher took singing very seriously and I learned a lot from him. So he was my voice training!

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"  
I think of Jesus, church, soulful singing from the heart.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?  
I believe that your personal interpretation of the song makes it sacred. Every song is praising God's holy name, but there are songs pertaining to different things. Some songs speak personally to me, they relate to something I've been through, or how I feel.. that's what makes it sacred to me.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?  
Yes, just in the fact that gospel music contains more emotion than does any other for of sacred music.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?  
His Eye is on the Sparrow, My Child by Mary Mary, and Amazing Grace

Why did you choose these?  
His Eye is on the Sparrow is one of my favorites because I love the message in the song. It just lets you know, there is no reason to worry or to be sad because God is watching over you & he will take care of you.

My Child is on of my favorites because it tells a story of a person who has a troubled life, and they don't have a relationship with God and they haven't prayed in a while. The person is afraid to pray because they feel that since they haven't talked to God in so long, He wont answer their prayers. So he tells his friend to pray for him and ask God if he is still His Child. Well, at the end of the song, they give God's response and God says "Just wanted you to talk to me, and I know it's been a while, but to answer your question, you are still my child". & this just reassures me that even though i might not pray every day or go to church every sunday.. & i might not be perfect... God still loves me & he is there for me whenever i need him.

Amazing Grace is just a classic. It good because it pertains to everyone. Sometimes we do get "lost" in this world, but when we finally sit down & give our problems to the Lord, that's when everything becomes so much clearer.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?  
I listen to mostly neosoul and r&b

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it?  
SOULFUL... from the heart!

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when?  
Yes, sometimes when I am having a hard time, i put it on. & i listen to it on Sundays!

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?  
no! it's for the Lord no matter if you're singing it on stage or at home!

Informant 7

 Name:_C.S._______                               Age:_20_ 
Church attended (if applicable):______None here in Lubbock__

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 

I have been in choir for 17 years both church and varsity choral.

Instrument:____N/A________  Number of Years Studied:__N/A, 17 singing____  
Please describe your experiences:

At the age of 3 I began choir ar church and continued choir until High school. At the highschool level, I was admitted to varsity the second year and traveled to TMEA as a recognized choir.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Music that praises the lord and is uplifting to appeal all people.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

It praises the Lord and moves your soul. When we feel the music and show it, everyone watching can do the same.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

Yes, gospel is more uplifting and uses not only words, but movements to show its true meaning.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

I enjoy Imagine, Giants and Grateful.

Why did you choose these?

These songs touch me in ways that i cannot explain and run through my head over and over daily.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

All types including some rap, jazz, country, alternative, hip/hop, R&B, Pop, etc.

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it?

Yes, you sing gospel music loudly and with confidence and vobrado.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when?

Yes, I listen to gospel music to practice and also to relax my brain from stress.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?  
In regards to the church, yes, there is a certain way you act in chruch.

Informant 8

 Name:__I.A.                           Age:20

Church attended (if applicable):Overton Park Fellowship(Formerly New Life Family Center)

 

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? YES

Instrument:_Saxophone___________  Number of Years Studied:_6_

Please describe your experiences:

What do you think of when you here the term “gospel music?”

Black choirs

Church

Loud Voices/Music

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

Its content, such as biblical scriptures and messages.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

Yes.  I would say so because it was birthed from a horrible time in African American history (slavery).  That is what makes it so unique.  It has so much meaning behind it.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Now Behold the Lamb—Kirk Franklin and the Family You are the Living Word—Fred Hammond and RFC For Every Mountain—Kurt Carr

Why did you choose these?

They send me into true worship. Worship is a time to be close to God and there is no better feeling than that.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Rap, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Contemporary Christian

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it?

Yes! On most songs, you have to sing very loud.  You are practically yelling notes, while making sure that you stay on key.  You use every muscle in your throat and your stomach.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when?

Yes. Just when I want to pray or relax.  On Sunday mornings before church.  In my car when I get tired of the radio.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No.  I think it has the same meaning no matter where you perform it. What changes the meaning is the people. Each person has a different need, and different crowds will respond to different songs.

Informant 9

Name:_T.S.______                             Age:_20__ 
Church attended (if applicable):___First Baptist Church__________ 
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  yes 
Instrument:____________  Number of Years Studied:___1___ 
Please describe your experiences: 
 
I took voice lessons in 7th or 8th grade. Basically I was trained in range and notes. 
 
What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"
God. I mean Gospel is a form of worship, a form of singing praises to God.  
What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 
I guess, if it means something to you then it is sacred. 
Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not? 
I think so because it has a lot of history behind it. When I say history I mean in terms of slavery and civil rights. I mean when blacks had no hope we sang praises to God and that came through gospel music. 
What are your 3 favorite gospel songs? 
3 Favorites...umm...that is so hard. How Deeply I Need You by Shekinah Glory, Redeemed by Myron Butler & Levi, and For Every Mountain by the Kurt Carr Singers 
Why did you choose these?

I don't know. I like a lot of songs, and it is hard to narrow down to 3 songs. I guess I chose these because they speak my heart at the moment. 
What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music? 
Nothing actually. I used to listen to R&B and classic R&B soul all the time. 
Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it? 
I think the best way to sing gospel is with your whole heart and soul. It isnt good gospel unless you feel it. 
Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when? 
yes, all the time. I am listening to it now. It is all I listen to. 
Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose? 
Yea, like if we are singing to a crowd of nonbelievers then I feel like its purpose is to reach others. If we are singing at a church then I the purpose is to praise God because He is worthy of all the praise.

Informant 10

Name:___D.I.____                               Age:_22__


Church attended (if applicable):___Overton Park Fellowship________________ 
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 
Instrument:____Clarinet________  Number of Years Studied:__1____ 
Please describe your experiences:

Before coming to Texas Tech, I sang in the church choir back home from the time I was in 8th grade till I graduated from High School.  I also had the opportunity to record in the studio with a few other choir members as background singers for "Restoration"  an album released by Phillips, Craig, and Dean.   
What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?" 
Its funny to say but I always think of VOL and specific artists such as Fred Hammond and CeCe Winans 
What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 
Its subject matter and how the listener feels about it 
Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not? 
I don't really know.  I'm not familiar with sacred music other than church music. 
What are your 3 favorite gospel songs? 
Imagine Me  -Kirk Franklin

Lord of the Harvest  -Fred Hammond

For Every Mountain  -Don't Know 
Why did you choose these? 
I picked them because I can identify with them and they cause me to remember things I have been through or let me know that I can make it through a current situation. 
What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music? 
R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Jazz, Alternative, Country 
Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it? 
Yes.  You have to sing from your diaphragm 
Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or when? 
Yes, not at any specific time.  I am always listening to my cd for choir, but I will listen to it on Yahoo Launch as well 
Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose? 
Some but not really.  You have to know your audience, but also keep in mind that you are an instrument of the Lord and are first and formost doing it unto him.

Informant 11

Name:V.S.                           Age:19 
Church attended (if applicable):Cornerstone B.C (Houston) & Raintree Christian (LBK) 
Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice?  yes 
Instrument:Clarinet  Number of Years Studied: 7 
Please describe your experiences: I started playing clarinet in sixth grade and played in concert and marching bands through middle and high school. 
What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?" 
Fun; my choir at home and memories of growing up growing up singing gospel music at home and at church. 
What makes a particular piece of music sacred? 
The magic of gospel music is in the message.  It's not all about instrumentation and rhythm...although that helps. Singing about God's greatness is something to be revered. 
Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not? 
Gospel music is different in the way that you feel. When you sing a hymn, you're moved emotionally, but not physically.  Singing gospel music is a way to give your all: physically, mentally and emotionally, to God.  When you're done singing a set of gospel songs, you are worn out--really physically exhausted. 
What are your 3 favorite gospel songs? 
Do It (Fix It), Emmanuel (Come Let Us Adore Him), I Believe - John P. Kee 
Why did you choose these? 
These are the songs I sing when I'm at my highest and lowest spiritually and emotionally.  These songs bring me through low times and help me celebrate the great times in my life.  They are simply songs that speak to my spirit. 
What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music? 
I listen to just about everything. I don't really care for country, but there are a couple of country songs that I like. I love jazz, soul, and r&b. Rap is ok in moderation. Classic rock and alternative songs are good as well. 
Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?  If so, what is it? 
Strong. Gospel music is a way to praise God.  He gives us His all, so we should do the same.  You don't mumble when you pray, so you don't half-heartedly sing. 
Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, where or  
when?
 
Yes; all the time. In my room, in my car, at my job. All the time. 
Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose? 
No; gospel music is always about God. Not about who's performing it, where they are, or who's watching them. Your goal as a gospel singer should be to exalt the name of God.

Informant 12

Name:_______C.L. Age:__22_

Church attended (if applicable):___Community Baptist Church___

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? yes

Instrument:_clarinet_______ Number of Years Studied:___3___

Please describe your experiences: I played in the band at school

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Music that stems from the Word of God, encourages Christians, has a soulful flavor, meaningful, and includes all kinds of instruments

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

n/a

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

n/a

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Victory by Tye Tribbett, Amazing Grace-different than original version though, Why did He Do It

Why did you choose these?

Because they are songs of hope, remind me of salvation, and encourage me to go on in life.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

R&B, Neo-Soul, some Hip Hop

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

With your heart.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

Yes, almost everyday in my car, at work, and at home.

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No. We are to minister all times.

Informant 13

 Name:____U.I. ______ Age:__22_

Church attended (if applicable):__n/a_________________

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? yes

Instrument:___clarinet__ Number of Years Studied:__7years_

Please describe your experiences: I have done several performances. I have done marching band in high school.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Christian music

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

The words of the song.

The message the song conveys.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

Only in terms of musical style. Otherwise no.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Bless the Lord-Byron Cage, Hero-Kirk Franklin, There nobody like Jesus

Why did you choose these?

The messages are good as well as the music.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Christian Rap, R&B, contemporary

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

Loud

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

yes

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

The purpose is always to glorify God. You just have to consider your audience.

Informant 14

Name:___S H.______ Age:_18__

Church attended (if applicable):___New Dimensions________

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 

Instrument:__Alto______ Number of Years Studied:_7__

Please describe your experiences:

I sang in middle schools. High school choir. It wasn't gospel though.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

When I hear gospel music, initially the first thing I think is black men and women singing.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

To me music is sacred when it has an individual feeling inside me. I think each person has a piece of music that is sacred to them.

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

I personally think it's not different, it's just a different style.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Kirk Franklin-Brighter Day

Donnie McKlurkin-Stand

Do you know Jesus

Why did you choose these?

Because for me when things are tough or I just need something to listen to, this is what I like.

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

R&B, pop, soft rock, country

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

I think people make it harder than it needs to be. Yes, you sing with your diaphragm, however you can still sing proper without screaming. I think in the long run it hurts voices more.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

Yes, at home

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No because no matter where you perform it, the important message still gets across.

Informant 15

Name:____C.O.________ Age:__20_

Church attended (if applicable):__n/a_________________

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 

Instrument:___piano_________ Number of Years Studied:___2___

Please describe your experiences:

It was interesting and took a lot of dedication.

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Something that is upbeat with a hint of pizzazz whether slow or fast.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

Words along with music

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

No, because both can be sacred

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Imagine Mo-Kirk Franklin, Stacie Orrico-Love, Gonna Get Better-Kirk Franklin

Why did you choose these?

The words speak to me

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

contemporary

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

Yes, with your heart and soul with lots of emphasis on words.

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

Yes, room, car

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

No

Informant 16

Name:______D.L.______ Age:_35__

Church attended (if applicable):___New Dimensions Tabernacle___

Have you had any formal musical training on an instrument or voice? 

Instrument:____________ Number of Years Studied:______

Please describe your experiences:

What do you think of when you here the term "gospel music?"

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-truthfully, black gospel music.

What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

Anything speaking about Jesus-The Son of God

Is gospel music different than other sacred music? Why or why not?

Yes, Gospel music pierces the heart and mind to make a difference and change lives.

What are your 3 favorite gospel songs?

Stand

Amazing Grace

Why did you choose these?

What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

Jazz, R&B, instrumental, classical

Is there a specific way to sing gospel music? If so, what is it?

Black Gospel is done by yelling the note and have control on that particular note

Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal? If so, where or when?

Yes everyday all day, home, work

Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

I do a variety of genres-have to be eclectic even in gospel so yes it does change.

Questionaire Answer Analysis

#1-5

1.Describe your musical experiences:

This in no particular order is all the answers of musical experience.  As you can see there is a wide range of instrumental and vocal answers.  Some people played for only a couple of years, while others played for over 7 years on a certain instrument.  I think it is interesting to see that most of the instruments and people participated in band either in middle school or in high school.  Some did sing in church choirs, but not all participants did.  I am surprised to see that so many people played clarinet.  I don’t believe any of them play these instruments in college.

 

2. What do you think of when you hear the term “gospel” music?

To start off, I had to rewrite the word hear because on our survey we of course used the homonym.  Proofreading is a must.  I think the consensus that most people came up with was that God or Jesus was involved in gospel music.  They also talked about the words of God and soulful singing.  Some people automatically think of black gospel singing.  But most people agree that gospel music is about something higher, a Godly presence.

 

3. What makes a particular piece of music sacred?

What I thought was interesting is that a lot of people wrote about what the music or songs mean to them personally, and that is what made it sacred to them.  Others said that is was the words and the message conveyed that made the song sacred.  It was how the listener felt that creating the sacredness of the music.

 

4. Is gospel music different than other sacred music?  Why or why not?

A lot of people said that gospel music is different from other sacred music.  Others said that it was just a different style of sacred music.  I think the people that said it was different gave the reason that it was a different style and that it is generally sung differently than other types of sacred music.

5. What are your three favorite gospel songs?

I was surprised to see so many people had Kirk Franklin as an artist whom they enjoy.  C talked extensively in our interview about Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, John P. Kee, and Fred Hammond.  Most of the songs that people chose were different, but a lot of people had the same artists.  Some people put the standards like Amazing Grace and His Eye is on the Sparrow but collectively, I don’t think many of these songs are hymnal.  I believe they are contemporary gospel.

 

5. What are your three favorite gospel songs?

I was surprised to see so many people had Kirk Franklin as an artist whom they enjoy.  C talked extensively in our interview about Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, John P. Kee, and Fred Hammond.  Most of the songs that people chose were different, but a lot of people had the same artists.  Some people put the standards like Amazing Grace and His Eye is on the Sparrow but collectively, I don’t think many of these songs are hymnal.  I believe they are contemporary gospel.

Questionaire Answer Analysis

#6-10

6. Why did you choose these three?

Most people replied that the reason they chose the songs was because the specific songs touch their souls.  It is a very spiritual time to these people when they hear these songs.  One person said it speaks to his/her spirit and another person said that it shows them really how God loves them.  But collectively I think the songs they chose are deeply spiritual to each individual.

 

7. What kind of music do you listen to other than gospel music?

I believe almost every person said that they listen R&B music.  A lot said they listen to Hip Hop.  A small number listen to neo-soul, and I have not heard of that genre before.  A couple of people put Jazz and even one person put Christian Rap which I thought was interesting.  About 4 people said that they listen to classical music.  We should have asked if they listen to music in other languages.  That would just be an interesting topic to pursue.

 

8. Is there a specific way to sing gospel music?

A lot of people said that a specific way to sing gospel music is to sing it loud.  Others answered retrospectively and said that you have to sing to and with God to sing gospel music.  More people expressed again the concern of being very spiritual when singing gospel music.  It is not necessarily how it sounds, but how the music is felt through each individual.

 

9. Do you listen to gospel music outside of rehearsal?  If so, when and where?

The answer to this question was overwhelmingly a yes.  Most of these people do listen to gospel music outside of a rehearsal.  I think gospel music is no longer something that is left in the church, but rather a genre just like classical and hip-hop.  People enjoy listening to words about Jesus and about God.  It makes them feel good, just like any other genre of music.  Most people also listen to gospel in all different places that they are which includes their home, car, and at work.

 

10. Does where you perform gospel music change how you see its purpose?

In response to this question, most people replied that where gospel is performed does not change its purpose.  Most people said that the purpose of gospel music is to glorify God and to praise His name.  I like one answer in that it doesn’t matter where gospel music is performed as long as the message still gets across.  One person also said that there is no certain place to praise the Lord.  I know that VOL has performed at concerts as well as churches and the meaning of the music does not change, just the venue.
Author: Robert Peacock
Last modified: 12/5/2006 7:18 AM (EST)