Role playing

There are three primary roles I play as an instrumentalist in church.

As a featured performer, I'm the center of attention. I'm playing a solo as an offertory or special music. I probably chose my own music.

As a pit player, I play with other instrumentalists in an orchestra, usually accompanying a choir number. The attention of the congregation is (or should be!) focused on someone else, or on the group as a whole.

As a worship facilitator, I play with a band or small orchestra to accompany congregational singing. The attention of the congregation is focused on God, or possibly on the experience of singing. Classical training does not prepare violinists for this role, but it is extremely important and uniquely fulfilling.

My approach to preparing the music, how I act when performing, and even what I carry with me varies according to the role I'm playing on a given day. When violinists are frustrated or ineffective in a church setting, it's often because they are in one role, but perceive themselves to be in a different role.

Finally, sometimes I'm on the bench, without opportunity to play. Maybe it's because I'm injured or burned out, or maybe it's because the church has "gone contemporary" and sees no use for instruments other than guitars, keyboards, and drums.