One of the eternal challenges facing church choir directors is how to recruit new members, and then, how to keep them interested and retain them. No matter how large or small the congregation, it is the energy and commitment of a music program’s participants that ultimately determines how successful it is. While there are plenty of books about the musical techniques of choir directing, there are precious few that deal with the organizational nuts-and-bolts and the people skills required for a smoothly functioning music program. Ellis Dillard Thompson, a veteran choir director and music educator, shares his tried and proven methods for getting choir members excited – to keep them serving and loving it! He focuses on the role of a church musician as a spiritual leader, and stresses that the road to true success involves basing a music program on spiritual values that uplift, inspire, and motivate participants. And as a bonus, Thompson includes three original choral responses that you can copy and use.

This is an excellent guide that is designed for anyone who participates in music ministry: choir directors, choir members, organists, pastors, music committee members, and worship committee members.

I recommend Fire For The Choir… I am convinced that it will transform the choir program of any church into a vibrant, enthusiastic, and committed choir – primarily because I have seen it work!
Rev. Michael D. O'Bannon
Pastor, Belle Meade United Methodist Church
Nashville, Tennessee

Ellis Dillard Thompson holds B.A., M.A., and Ed.S. degrees from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. A minister of music for 30 years at churches in Indiana and Tennessee as well as a professional woodwind player, Thompson has taught both in public schools and on college faculties, including at the University of Evansville, Belmont University, and Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a composer and arranger whose choral response Thy Peace for Us appears in four hymnals. Thompson’s work has appeared in The School Musician, Music Educators Journal, The Instrumentalist, The Upper Room, and Mature Living. He is also the author of I’ve Heard That All My Life (CSS).