In this interview reflecting on Sting’s recent tour with an orchestra he says that the orchestra learned to be a band. I would suggest that if one wishes to use an orchestra for contemporary songs, one must teach them to play in a different manner. Brian Gaber, director of the commercial music program, at Florida State, noted during my time with him that excellent orchestra players often do not know how to play with swing for example.
11 Dec
(i)ncarnation of worship 
Posted by Ben Purvis on September 13, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I do enjoy music. My church is very traditional in its worship style. We still have a youth choir. In fact, we have two: a Jr High and a Senior High choir. Our music staff is probably the best classically trained staff I have ever met. To this end, many of our students play instruments. We have recently revived a youth praise band on Wednesday nights, one of the only times contemporary music is heard in our church. One of our biggest growing pains has been that the students can play and sing VERY well, however, they are learning that they must be able to sing and play very well TOGETHER. Your comment from Sting made me laugh a bit, because I have seen this played out first hand in our church.
Posted by Jerry Lee Kelly on September 17, 2011 at 10:51 pm
For many years I was a member of First Baptist Atlanta, a Southern Baptist Church, some would say a megachurch. I sang in the choir, did Christmas cantatas, and did all the things that a large traditional choir does. There was an enormous orchestra at that church, and in no way did it ever seem to be out of place, no matter what kind of music was played. They had a very well rounded, blended service. The orchestra, as was the choir, was so professional that they blended perfectly. Everyone did his best, and the song service was always first class, but submissive to the Holy Spirit, on every note.