Joyful Noise

A Guide to Music in the Church for Pastors and Musicians


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What others have said about Joyful Noise:

Like its title, this book contains delightful surprises. It also offers sober truth about church music. Read it!
Donald P. Hustad
Senior Professor of Church Music and Worship, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

At last, a sensible, exciting, helpful treatment of the subject of the roles of musicians and pastors in the worship life of every church. Every possible subject is well covered with pastoral sensitivity, and with comprehensive bibliographical lists. This is a book which every church should buy for its pastor and musician. Enthusiastically recommended!
Austin C. Lovelace, DSM, AAGO
Fellow and Past President of The Hymn Society

Joyful Noise presents a wealth of knowledge and establishes welcome ground for dialogue between two disciplines that are often in competition— if not at war with each other—in ministry in the local church. As a pastor with degrees in theology and music, I found myself nodding affirmations as I read, whispering quiet ‘Amens,’ and thinking of all the ministry colleagues, be they musicians or pastors, I will encourage to read this book.
Rev. Donald D. Lincoln
Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Chester, Pennsylvania

William Smith speaks from the heart, offering the wisdom of many years of pastoral practice. He writes of the many issues and practical applications required by all concerned about congregational song. Joyful Noise is an expansive primer with a rich listing of resources.
Sr. Loretta Manzara, CSJ
Music Director, St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario, Canada

I have known William Smith for a number of years through my work with The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada and through the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and I have also known him to be a serious thinker about congregational song. This book is a great way to begin a discussion between clergy and musicians regarding the role of music in worship. Buy copies for your staff colleagues and discuss it together!
David E. Eicher
President, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada

In this valuable book, Smith discusses insightfully the philosophical and practical issues of music in worship. His nuanced approach allows for differing conclusions, and with humor and humility, he models how to treat this oft-contentious topic. Bravo!
Daniel Jay McKinley, Minister of Music/Organist and Choirmaster,
Christ Church (Episcopal) of Hamilton & Wenham, Hamilton, Massachusetts

Practical, yet scholarly, Joyful Noise comes from a pastor's heart. There is deep love for — and knowledge of — every facet of the church's music here.
James Richard Joiner, PhD
Chair, Department of Music, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee



Other titles by William Smith:
Hymnsearch - Indexes for The Presbyterian Hymnal
Lauderdale County, Mississippi: Four Families

Copyright 2007 William S. Smith