Author: Karin Gunderson Added: October 3, 2008
Find out the most commonly requested songs for a memorial service and make your planning easier. It is important to choose songs that resonate with the family or were favorites of the departed loved one. Listed below are favorite pieces from many types of music to aid you in your planning. For the memorial service, funeral or "celebration of life" service: Choose favorite hymns or other pieces that will minister to the spirit and emotions of those attending. This can include favorite classical, instrumental or vocal pieces. Here are songs that are most commonly requested for solos or for congregational singing: The most commonly requested hymns for Christian services are: Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, The Lord's Prayer, In the Garden, Old Rugged Cross, and It is Well with My Soul. The most commonly requested gospel songs for Christian services are: Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Precious Lord Take My Hand, In the Sweet By and By, When We All Get to Heaven, Beyond the Sunset, and I'll Fly Away. The most commonly requested songs for Catholic services are: On Eagle's Wings, Shepherd Me O God (Psalm 23), Be Not Afraid, You are Mine, Ave Maria, The Lord's Prayer, and Amazing Grace. The most commonly requested secular songs are: Wind Beneath My Wings, My Heart Will Go On (Theme from Titanic), Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Time to Say Goodbye, and I'll be Loving You Always. The most commonly requested country western songs are: One More Day (Diamond Rio), Always (Dolly Parton), and Angel(Sarah McLachlan). For the visitation use non-obtrusive classical and relaxing music so people can easily converse without having to speak loudly. This music can be interspersed with favorite hymns or other favorite songs. Usually instrumental music will be used for the visitation, but some vocal can work if the family enjoys it, especially at times when people are not conversing. For the reception use light classical music, waltzes, songs from musicals, love songs and relaxing music. Using music that is familiar to people helps them feel relaxed. Again, the music should be quiet enough so they can talk. Finding the right musician(s): 1. Ask for a demo tape or ask to hear them perform. 2. Pay attention to how their music makes you feel. A poor voice or someone lacking technical skill will often make you feel tense or uneasy. The music of an excellent musician will soothe you and bring you a sense of peace. If you are unable to afford live music, consider harp or other acoustic music that has a relaxed tempo. With these tips you can use music for the memorial day and in your memorial service to bring peace and comfort to everyone in attendance.
--- Karin Gunderson is fondly known as "the singing harpist," in Phoenix, AZ where she has performed for over 1000 memorial services. Her calling in life is to help others walk through their grief and begin to heal their grief. Find her therapeutic recordings, free resources and community forums at: http://www.healyourgriefsite.com
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