Synthesizers in Praise and Worship: The Keyboardist's Guide to Electronic Orchestration by Bob Barrett (1997, 197 pages). Published by Taylor Made Music: 24651 Via Alvorado Mission Viejo, CA (949) 457-0892

Order directly from Bob Barrett (full-time worship arranger at the "mega" Saddleback Church and for ten years a teacher at Dick Groves School of commerical music in LA) at the address above or call 949-457-1892.

Table of Contents

  1. 1. The Rhythm Section: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, practical application, rhythm section examples.
  2. The String Section: violin family, string melodies and voicings, creating background lines and voice leading, inner chord resolutions, string melodies, two sing note lines played simultaneously, background pads.
  3. Brass: trumpet, trombone, brass voicings, applying arrangements to the keyboard, performance tips, French Horn, Tuba, String/Brass/Rhythm section examples.
  4. Woodwinds: doubling flute with brass, doubling flute with strings, oboe, flute and oboe combinations, clarinet, bassoon, string/brass/woodwind examples.
  5. Color Combination: additional orchestration, additional rhythm section instruments, sounds unique to the synthesizer alone
    Appendix: Resources for Learning

Barrett has the "credentials" and this book is not only unique, but badly needed. Get a copy for your synth player and worship leader/arranger.

Bob does not address MIDI, synthesizer operating systems, sequencing, or how to program sounds, and he does not venture into harmony and theory in this book. Rather, each chapter focuses on a specific area where electronic keyboards can be used. Each chapter begins with an explanation of the acoustic instrument that can be emulated electronically, and what to expect when an attempt is made to reproduce those sounds. For example, readers will learn not to play string parts with blockish chords (ugh!) which are not idiomatic to string writing. You will get some coaching on how to create (from charts) or recreate (from existing scores) your own string lines that breath and sound great.

Readers should have an understanding of scales and chords, and the ability to read chord symbols and music notation. Barrett helps you learn how to build orchestral arrangements through electronic means.

Barrett advocates the following for synth players:

  • know your keyboard and the library of sounds it contains
  • no longer think of yourself as only a piano player.  Learn to think and perform like a pianist, drummer, violinist, trombone player, or whatever instrument you are called on to play.
  • be committed to lifelong learning.

This book is really important. Synth players should know how to pinch-hit for band members that are out of town or sick, as well as play their usually pads, rhoades presets, and instrumental parts. If you are a synth player, get this book! Starting honing your skills for God's glory immediately.

A number of stellar LA studio musicians perform in the Saddleback Church Band for which Bob is the arranger. Bob is a dedicated, evangelical, practising keyboard player and educator. Quite a combination. He writes: "My prayer is that God will enable you to grow musically as you offer your ever-increasing skills to Him--the King of Kings and Lord of Lords."