The Orchestra In The Praise-and-worship Tradition

The orchestra has found a significant place in the worship of Pentecostal, charismatic, and praise-and-worship churches. This article describes the use of the orchestra in this worship tradition. The special kind of orchestra known as a worship orchestra is very different from any other kind of musical group used in churches. Consequently, there are many different concepts of what it is and of its role in the church. The Orchestra as Accompaniment At the outset, it will help if the role of the worship orchestra is identified as an accompanying role. "Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals" (1 Chron. 15:16). Although there are times when the worship orchestra may have a SEL+AH (a musical interlude when the orchestra worships or performs unto the Lord), it is basically an accompanying group as distinguished from a performing group. In any case, the orch…