Majorie's Ministry Update June 2011

MarjorieSearcy.org
June 2011

To see the broken in spirit restored to freedom and wholeness through Christ

Dear friends,

We have a new website dedicated to the ministry and a separate one for vocal coaching. You can find the ministry information at http://www.marjoriesearcy.org/ and the vocal coaching site is http://www.marjoriesearcy.com/. Please make a note. Also, there are now 2 separate newsletters. You must sign up for each to keep receiving. You can find the newsletter sign-up pages on the sites. I welcome your comments on the sites to make them as informative and helpful as can be. Thank you in advance for your input.

The Orphan Train in Alabama

After a crazy wonderful time of Travel from Haiti to London and back to Fairhope the Orphan Train is back home. In February we had the wonderful opportunity to minister for many great local events.

• the Outback Ladies Group in Mobile
• the beautiful and grace-filled Home of Grace
• Young at Heart Luncheon in Fairhope
• The Eastern Shore Women’s Retreat at the Grand Hotel
• Jubilee Baptist in Daphne at the 7th annual Women of The Word conference.

The Outback Ladies Event was a real encouragement. The generous Ladies of Outback sponsored 13 of the 40 CD’s that we gave away at Home of Grace!

Did you hear about the Tom’s Shoe Drop??

In Haiti, we visited an area called Repatriate. It was an area particularly devastated by the earthquake. When we first approached the site we could only see one building standing. I was at first indignant because I thought it was a grand house in the middle of all the squalor and I smugly wondered out loud, ”Who Lives There?” As we got closer I could see that it was the Yellow stucco remains of a beautiful church. Only the very Front part of the building remained. The whole sanctuary had fallen and the church was meeting in a tent. We removed twisted rebar form the sanctuary area so that they could begin construction of the walls. Children of all ages played barefoot on the broken concrete and twisted steal beams. Deftly they jumped the ditches where the workers were shoveling out the footing for the building.

These children did not have nice uniforms like those at the school where we stayed. Most had no shoes. They were joyous though, even raucous. My son, Jordy, brought his guitar and we sang worship songs with them in English and Creole and I taught them in broken Creole stories about Jesus from my picture Bible.

Jordy brought his Toms (very comfortable shoes) flag and our friend Joseph took a picture with the children there. We sent it to the Tom’s site and they are sending 5000 pairs of shoes to the sweet families there. How awesome!!!!


In May we were priviledged to ministry at Young Women in Worship with Alicia Williamson Garcia and the In Worship team. What an awesome God filled event this was. I am so thankful to work with these wonderful ladies. The girls, ages 14-25 years, were passionate about the Lord and so inspiring!

We are so thankful for the support through our kind notes and prayers for these local events as well as the ones for Haiti and London. Please continue to pray for us as we schedule events for the summer and fall. If you are coordinating and event and would like to have Marjorie come and sing, or speak or lead worship, please contact us through info@Marjoriesearcy.org or at 251.929.7841

To donate, go to http://actinternational.org/ministry.aspx?min_id=99 and select the “Support this Ministry” button. All donations are tax deductable.

Marjorie is a Staff Artistic Missionary with Artists in Christian Testimony International.


Grace and Peace,
Marjorie
Artists in Christian Testimony International

698 Cedar Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532

The Train Is Here

"Orphan Train", my new worship project, is now available. Click here below to listen or purchase. A $10 donation is suggested. For a limited time you can purchase directly from me and save on shipping! Later it will be available only through CD baby and on ITunes.
Orphan Train is a collection of fresh worship tunes and modern hymn arrangements recorded with Jazz musician from New Orleans.

I are so privileged to be able to share my story with many who are unable to buy CD’s or help cover our expenses. It is my joy to serve them and give away my music and ministry to those who need it most. With my concert/worship ministry and through my supporters I am bringing the good news of God’s great love to many in the southeast and around the world. I will be traveling to Haiti this December and have been invited to Kaluga, Russia next summer to minister as well. I am happy to have the opportunity to help the Lighthouse Shelter for Women and Children in a memorial service for those who have lost their lives to Domestic Violence at a Survivor's Banquet honoring those who are courageously healing from Family Violence.

If you would like to adopt-an event in Robertsdale, AL, Baton Rouge, LA or Cite Soliel, Haiti, here are some opportunities:

Haiti- personal expenses $400 Marjorie & Jordy
CD give-a-ways $300
Robertsdale Survivors banquet CD blessing $400
Band expense $300
Marjorie is an artist with ACT international

What is ACT Int’l??
Artists in Christian Testimony Intl is an evangelical, interdenominational Christian ministry that mobilizes, sends out, equips, and supports artistic ministers and missionaries who carry out various works of the New Testament Church. ACT int’l serves as a sending agency as well as accountability for my ministry both financially and spiritually I am so grateful for their wisdom and encouragement.

Orphan Train Coming

Dear friends,

We are counting down the days to having our new music project Orphan Train in hand! We have been planning and creating this musical collection for 18 months. It involves wonderful long-time friends such as Rick Naqvi (producer), Kevin Smith (acoustic guitar) and Lionel Singleton (vocals). We were blessed to have the talents of several young jazz players from New Orleans. The album also includes my family: Mallory and Liam singing, Jordy on a mean blues guitar (my kids!!) and of course my wonderful husband George Searcy on keys. This project is primarily a worship record featuring some of my favorite writers: George Searcy, Nancy Gordon, Kelly Willard and Julie Miller. Some highlights include fresh arrangements of some my favorite hymns: The Love of God, I need Thee every Hour, O Sacred Head and a gospel influenced arrangement of the spiritual Hold to His hand.

We are praying to have the CDs available and downloadable in a month or so. Upcoming ministry events include:

• Home of Grace, The Light house Shelter, Women of the Word conference in 2011 as well as speaking at some schools again this fall.
• Christ Anglican in Mobile, AL. Friday August 28th and in Pascagoula Miss. at First Pres. on Sept 22.
• I am looking forward to planning a CD release party in Baton Rouge and in Fairhope. details coming soon.

We have a couple of international events in planning.

• I am especially excited about at trip to Haiti in December. Jordy and I will travel to a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Cite Soliel-the poorest slum in the entire Western Hemisphere. We will be working in a church school, leading worship and ministering in a concert on Thursday, December 9th to the local church of 5,000. What an amazing opportunity! Please pray for us and we endeavor to bring the tangible love of Christ to believers and seekers in this desperate part of the world.

• We are also praying about returning to Kaluga, Russia next summer to minister alongside of our friends at Word of Life Church.

Please pray about sponsoring one of these ministry events. We endeavor to minister when ever and where ever we are given a chance and especially to those who are in need and cannot afford to pay for our expenses. Your donations make it possible to reach those who most need to know the freeing healing love of Christ.

I described the CD project to the folks at Oasis who are designing and manufacturing it as "Passionate dependence on God." My prayer is that the songs and places we have opportunity to sing them will indeed passionately put their hope and trust on God too.

We are praying for funds to finish the worship CD and get our website up (separate it from the vocal coaching site where we currently have ministry information), and be able to do some of the planned events on the calendar. Please, prayerfully consider standing with us as we minister to those hurting and without hope.

To donate go to www.ACTinternational.org , select the "Making a donation" button. You may donate several ways. If you choose to donate by credit card you will need my ministry name: Marjorie Searcy and Ministry Fund Number: 965. All donations are tax deductable.

Marjorie is a Staff Artistic Missionary with Artists in Christian Testimony International.

Call or email for singing or speaking engagements 251.929.7841 or Marjorie@MarjorieSearcy.com Find me on Facebook or Twitter.


Peace,
Marjorie
Artists in Christian Testimony International

Finding Your Voice

In Baton Rouge I met with a friend to talk about vocal coaching. Kirk is a great singer and a seasoned performer and he is working toward becoming a vocal coach. He has been singing cover tunes for years in local coffee shops, restaurants and venues in town. He asked me “How do I find my voice? How do I find out what I really sound best on? Who I really am as a singer?” I was floored. Kirk had been singing professionally for over 20 years.

Remembering the angst of that feeling, I told him my story and how I had felt much the same. I had sung everyone else’s songs and could sing a lot of styles well, but I didn’t know who I was as a singer. I didn’t know what I wanted to sing or what sounded best in my voice. I finally realized it had everything to do with what I wanted to SAY as a performer. When I connected with WHAT I wanted to say in my songs then it was easy to start choosing songs, even writing songs that reflected who I was “as a singer.” Like a favorite style of jeans, I began to find songs and a style that fit me just right. Singing them felt right. So, if you are stuck and unsure of how to “find your voice,” give some thoughts to what you are passionate about and what you want to spend your time singing about. You will drift to music that matters, that moves you and you will begin to move your listeners as well.

You are cordially invited to attend the filming of
The Worship Singer’s Workshop DVD
Saturday May8th (9:30-11:30)
Bay Community Church
29964 Saint Basil Street, Dahpne, AL 36526

I am excited about the opportunity to have this product available to worship teams, worship leaders and churches and choirs. This DVD has been developed specifically for worship singers and worship leaders. It will inspire and equip singers of all worship styles. It provides practical tools for building the voice and the worship team that have been proven in congregations of less than 100 to more than 8000.

The Singers Workshop audio series is also a great tool for improving your voice. It is an incredible deal as well. The Singer’s Workshop Volume 1 & Volume 2: Rx for Your Voice--plus a free E-book. Check it out here: www.TheMiddleVoiceMethod.com

Skype lessons and packages are available now as well.
Design your own vocal package-* $100 per hour or 5 lessons for $400.
These lessons are good for up to a year and you can take them all in one week or one month or spread them out over several months.
Find me at marjorie@marjoriesearcy.com or on Face book or at 251.929.7841

Many blessings to you,
Marjorie
www.MarjorieSearcy.com

How to Nail an Audition

It seems to be the time of year. Folks are preparing for college scholarships, auditions for bands, shows and yes, most are watching those American Idol auditions as well. So here are some helpful tips for preparing for an audition.

Choose the Right Song

The song needs to be an old, tried and true that you have sung before -many times. Often singers will choose a new song that is exciting to them and ignore the one they are familiar with and are tired of. Remember that most of the time the judge has never heard you before. The song may be old to you but it is completely new to them. It should show off your range without exposing the weaker parts of your voice. It needs to be in the perfect key for you with not one note too high or too low for you. It is amazing to me that singers will audition with songs that have "just one spot that is iffy". This song should be one you have done so many times you could nail it in your sleep. Usually, choose a big ballad or a fun "up-song" for an audition. If you are expected to bring music for an accompanist or a track to sing with, practice with an accompanist or your track until you are very comfortable with the song and accompaniment. . Do not spend a majority of your time practicing a cappella and do not sing a cappella unless you are specifically asked to, as on American idol.

Sleep well, drink water

It is really important to be hydrated and drinking water 30 minutes before won't make a big difference. Drink lots of water days before. Eat , rest , take care of yourself (simple stuff that works).

Be Yourself

Some positive comments I have heard thrown around by Randy , Simon and the likes are “I loved your confidence” and “that was very authentic.”

Be yourself, be confident and focused. If you will discipline yourself to focus on your lyric and really communicating it well, you will be surprised at how well you sing! My philosophy is that we don't really hide what we are thinking to our listeners. They are aware if we are really "not there". Focusing excessively on how you sound can make a performance stiff and boring. Your judges just like any audience won’t to be moved to "believe you". Enjoying your song can go a long way toward making your listeners enjoy you. Remember that you have something special to share that no one else can. Chose a song that you can really interpret. A song that you feel passionately about one that can bring the extra intensity you need to help you win your audition.

Get Honest Feedback

Honestly, I hate watching the early shows of American Idol. I know many folks are just trying for their moment of fame but I have met too many singers who really don’t sing well and just can’t accept it. It is painful for me to watch them be genuinely hurt and confused. Your mama loves you but unless she is a professional, get a second opinion. Listening to critical advice can greatly improve your performance. Until they day we die we can improve our singing and our communication skills. Record yourself. Practice with karaoke tracks or instrument accompaniment so that you can really hear what you sound like and improve.

Don’t Give up

I started singing at 14. I just decided I wanted to. My friend Marcy was interested in singing. Her dad loved country music and would play the guitar and Marcy would sing along. My family’s musical expertise was playing the radio. I remember the day Marcy and I took turns wearing the headphones and listening to each other sing along without the music. When it came to my turn she just shook her head like, “That is wrong, please stop!” Oh, well, I didn’t give up. In fact, I started going to auditions for musicals and school ensembles. I drug Marcy along to each one. For the first 4 auditions she got every part! I got rejected. I didn’t give up. I took voice lessons and six months later made 2nd chair in All- State Chorus. By the way, Marcy decided she really didn’t like being on stage. She became my biggest fan and is still my best friend.

I really felt like singing was something that God had given me to do. I just had some work to do so that it was pleasing for others to hear. (He is happy with a Joyful noise!) Get a vocal coach, listen to good singers. Take good constructive advice to heart and don’t give up. Your voice is unique, a gift. I would love to help you. My Singers Workshop series is a great tool for improving your voice. It is an incredible deal as well. Just $40 bucks for The Singer’s Workshop Volume 1 & Volume 2:Rx for Your Voice. Plus a free E-book. Check it out here: www.TheMiddleVoiceMethod.com

Skype lessons and packages are available now as well.
Design your own vocal package-* $100 per hour or 5 lessons for $400.
These lessons are good for up to a year and you can take them all in one week or one month or spread them out over several months.
Find me at marjorie@marjoriesearcy.com or on Face book or at 251.929.7841


"Break a Leg"

Many blessings to you!
Marjorie

Why Take Voice Lessons?

I often get asked, “How long will I need to take voice lessons?”

Usually when people ask me this they mean “How long will it take until I sound good?”
Hopefully your voice and your understanding of your voice will grow to the place when you will just need a check up now and then to keep everything working well. I guess the answer to the question depends on what your definition of good is. It also depends on what you want to do with your voice. If you are just wanting to gain a little skill so that you can join a local choir you may just need a little help learning the basics. However, if you have an audition for college, to front a local band, or an audience with a label producer or even a dream to be a worship leader, then you have some big specific goals in mind and you will need to enhance your natural abilities with some professional vocal coaching.

How long you will need to take lessons is entirely up to you and the amount of work you put in to your voice. It takes dedication and practice to work into your voice new skills and to eliminate strain and bad habits. A good coach can give you skills and exercises much like a sports trainer would give you to strengthen your muscles. These vocal exercises will help you gain control of your voice, increase your range and give you a lot of confidence. You wouldn’t expect to get in shape by meeting with your personal trainer once a week. The real work happens every day when you go to the gym or out for a run. Ultimately it is up to you and the daily work you chose to do to strengthen your voice. It is so important to eliminate any strain to your vocal chords while singing. Almost all singers have to learn to erase bad habits and create new and helpful “muscle memory to learn to sing with ease and freedom.

So, when will Drew Brees stop needing a football coach? Probably when he retires. Great singers are concerned about protecting their voice as well as continuing to expand their range and stylistic abilities. They do this by learning from vocal experts.

So how long will it take? That depends on how bad you want it and how much time and effort you want to put into your voice. Two things are for sure. Everyone can improve and you won’t get better until you get started.

Email info@marjoriesearcy.com to schedule a seminar or concert booking or call 251-929-7841.

Need Prayer?? Visit this great new site http://www.nationalprayerbank.org/

Camp Electric 08

Welcome to my blog. I am so jazzed. I am back home after an awesome few days at Camp Electric and a great trip to D.C. with my family. The camp was in Nashville and 1000 kids from 48 states came to ramp up their musical chops and be inspired and taught by great Christian artists like Mark Harris, Toby Mac, Leeland, Phil Joel, Jeremy Camp, Britt Nicole, Skillet and many more. It was so much fun to work with the singers at the camp. They were awesome kids and very talented. Mark Harris and I taught the more than 200 singers in the vocal seminar every morning.


I focused on the importance of vocal warm-ups before a performance and taught about how to do a vocal workout. I suggested the singers approach their vocal workouts like an athlete in training. I suggested they “work out” their voice for 45 min 3 to 4 times a week. Warm up, and then do specific exercises to strengthen the voice, increase the range and work new habits into your voice, all the while ruthlessly avoiding strain. We talked about vocal registers and how to sing through your break. We also talked about interpreting the song, and singing in tune. I taught them my favorite 1-2-3-4-5 exercise for tuning.

Several of the kids came up and tried out the exercises in front of everybody. They were wonderful singers and were great sports about “singing” my weird sounds. They were really helpful and demonstrated to the group how quickly you can improve your voice and increase muscle memory through the exercises.

Check out the actual Camp Electric Vocal Handouts here.
If you want to hear examples of some of these exercises go here to listen.

I will be coaching and singing in Baton Rouge, LA on July 18-20. If you would like to book a lesson or schedule a seminar for your worship team, contact me at marjorie@marjoriesearcy.com

Camp Electric Singer’s Rock!