5 Favorite, 5 Least Favorite Instruments Used in Worship
I wanted to hear from churchgoers what their favorite and least favorite instruments are. Some of the responses were anticipated. Many were not.
Jonathan Howe told me I was opening a can of worms by conducting this Twitter poll.
He was right.
Still, I wanted to hear from churchgoers what their favorite and least favorite instruments are. Some of the responses were anticipated. Many were not.
Favorite
1. Piano — Piano is not only a favorite; it is one of the few instruments that did not also get mentioned as a least favorite.
2. Acoustic Guitar — This instrument was a clear second preference.
3. Organ — This instrument was also the number one least favorite. There seemed to be a clear generational divide here.
4. Violin — The violin and the organ were only one vote apart.
5. Cello — This choice surprised me. Maybe it should not have surprised me.
Least Favorite
1. Organ — Wow. There were very strong negative sentiments here. One person wrote, "I will ask God for permission to haunt my wife if she allows an organ at my funeral."
2. Tambourine — I was surprised at the negative sentiment here. Apparently, many churchgoers believe this instrument to be the choice of those not musically inclined.
3. Drums — Again, there was mostly negative sentiment here, but the reasons for the negativity varied.
4. Handbells — Handbells did not get one positive vote.
5. Banjo — I can't remember the last time I heard a banjo in a worship service. Maybe there's a reason for that.
I was also fascinated to see the "one-vote wonders," those instruments noted by only one person.
One vote wonders, favorite: Hammer dulcimer; mandolin; and ukulele.
One vote wonders, least favorite: Oboe; jazz flute; whistle; kazoo; harmonica; recorder; tuba; shofar; cowbell; accordion; chimes; and saxophone.
Article posted here.
