Ellis D Thompson

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).

... the apple of my eye... ... the blind leading the blind... ... a bottomless pit... ... by the skin of my teeth... ... carved in stone... ... a drop in the bucket... ... going to the dogs... ... a millstone around one's neck... ... spare the rod and spoil the child... ... the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak... These are among more than 150 familiar expressions found in the Bible that have become part of our everyday conversation. But few people know their source and background. Not only is this fascinating reading, it is also a valuable resource for preachers, teachers, lay leaders, and those who are interested in tracing the history of folklore. These expressions and their explanations can become the source of entertainment, information, and inspiration. Ellis Dillard Thompson holds B.S., M.A., and Ed.S. degrees from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He was minister of music for thirty years at churches in Indiana and Tennessee. Thompson is the writer of numerous magazine articles. He served as editor of a church newspaper for three years and is the author of Fire For The Choir, a handbook on motivation for church music directors. Thompson has taught in public schools as well as on college faculties, including at the University of Evansville and Middle Tennessee State University. A professional woodwind player, Thompson has performed in symphony orchestras, on radio, in television, and on recordings. He is a published composer and arranger. His choral response "Thy peace for us" is included in four hymnals.