How to develop a natural tenor
Echo of KRC Divine Kingdom Music Workshop [2022 Divine Kingdom Camp Report]
Before joining the KRC music workshop at the end of July 2022, I didn’t know any musical instruments and couldn’t read music scores (I claimed to be illiterate). I only accompanied experienced sisters to lead singing for about four months. I had a musical dream in my childhood until I attended a music workshop, and my life has been enriched a lot!
The lecturer is Professor Lin Jing from the University of Texas. I just said a few words to Professor Lin in the morning, and she immediately concluded: "You are a Natural Tenor!" I thought, since God has given me a natural tenor, I must practice it well and use it to sing praises to the Lord!
I was fortunate enough to receive guidance from Professor Lin Jing on the first day of the master class. She made me bite hard candies, opened my mouth when I sang, and corrected my posture. She let us touch her belly and feel the rise and fall of her vocalizations. During the warm-up, she had us imitate dog panting, which was really fun. Later, I used this method to warm up before practicing singing with everyone at church.
In the master class on the second day, Mrs. Xue Yueyue took me to a one-hour vocal lesson and gave me a lot of targeted guidance. Under Teacher Xue's encouragement and guidance, I sang "Looking to Jesus in a Turn" solo during Sunday worship. This was the first time I sang a hymn in worship. When I sang solo, the rhythm and pitch were messed up because I couldn’t read music and I just relied on listening to the recording over and over again to memorize the melody. This made me realize the importance of reading music.
I also encountered difficulties during the music workshop. The lowest point was when I was doing part-part practice with the choir students. I didn’t know how to sing my part because I couldn’t read music. I was very tired and chose to leave. Teacher Chen Lunqian expressed her understanding of my skipping classes and encouraged me to learn basic music theory. She offered to tutor me in basic music theory and help me learn rhythm and read staff. After more than a month, I can already read simple music notation and play the piano!
I also met many interesting people during the camp, such as a brother who designed airplanes and trucks; two sisters who each have four pianos of different brands at home; someone who has three kidneys; and someone who sang Rap in English during church activities. (it is me).
How can we forget to rehearse together with the brothers and sisters in the choir? I admire Professor Lin Jing’s patience, professionalism and leadership as an orchestra conductor. I also remember to listen to the Sunday School Yingcai Forum teacher Wen Tao's lecture on the "Ten-step Bible Interpretation Method"; Teacher Gao Fenfen's explanation on how to enter the three spiritual realms during worship; and Elder He Mingzhi's lively and inspiring sermon on Sunday; full of pride The joyful graduation ceremony; everyone’s sharing at the last dinner together...
In the music workshop, I have always felt the warmth of this big family, and I have gained a lot from it, which has improved my body, mind and soul in all aspects. After I came back, I started learning piano and guitar, and my singing skills improved a lot. I also started to select and lead songs for church worship. More importantly, life is enriched and faith in God increases. I am already looking forward to participating in the Kingdom of God Music Workshop again next year and surprising all the teachers with my progress!
Jia Zhigang: PhD in Science Education from Tennessee State University. Currently working as a chemistry teacher at a public high school in Washington, DC. Favorite hymns, classical music and playing football. Experience the joy of winning people for the Lord and spiritual growth by spreading the gospel in the happiness group.