If your looking for some software for worship songs in worship, this product is well worth a look.

I tested it out on an iPad, but the system is also available for Windows (i.e. a laptop computer).

Key features of the System

Essentially the system provides a framework to project words and music in a controlled way.

Once a song is downloaded from the ‘I sing worship’ site, it can be presented using the system; it comes ready with words, and with verses / choruses as you may usually present them.

The clever part comes in two ways:

1. The ability to create a custom ‘arrangement’ of a song; this allows you to change the key / and choose which verses / choruses you want.
2. The ability to start playing a song, and then change the sequence ‘live’ – perhaps to repeat verse 1, add extra chorus, change the backing / vocals volume.

In addition, there is a useful chord sequence ending, and a fade feature, very useful to give an authentic and professional feel to the music.

When a song is playing the words are displayed well on a suitable default background (which can be changed).  I liked the way that the words for the next verse / chorus come up at the bottom of the screen just before it changes – saves having to guess them sometimes!

The system is reliable (as I found it) and would give a good lead in a worship setting; any changes to sequence / backing are smoothly implemented.  As songs are played there is a progress bar shown to the operator (or not) for each verse – and clear indication of what is playing / what will happen next.

Other Features

Service Slides

There is a simple, but effective, system to create a sequence of images / songs into a complete service.  This sequence can then be displayed live, controlling when to start the next item.

It is relatively simple to prepare several songs, with the required verses / endings, and let the system show them automatically.

Live Control

This is impressive! – as a song is playing you can add the song you want next to the playlist (as the current one continues).  While you are viewing the dialogue on the iPad, only the songs/images are displayed on the projector screen.

You can also change what will play next in terms of a verse / chorus / instrumental section (features available vary with each song – but the one I used had been thought through with care).

Given the level /ease of control, I could easily see a worship leader using this system from the front, rather than a controller from the back of church.  Choices as to what happens next in a service could (with a little practice!) be effectively made.

Backing / Vocals

These are formed into three controllable elements:

• Track / Drums / Chords (on or off)
• Acoustic Guitars (on or off)
• Sung vocals (volume controlled)

Controls allow to switch the guitars / track on or off (but one or both must be on).  Vocals can be faded in / out as required at any time (all while the song is playing).

When items are turned on/off they are faded in/out (this time is also controllable but set to a sensible 2 seconds as default).

Song Chords

These can be displayed with the projected words, again very effectively done.  If the key of the song is changed, the change is reflected in the chords shown.

CCLI Number

This is a configurable entry, and a requirement if you want to project the words.  You will also need to report each time it is used in the usual way.  The CCLI number is displayed on the projected screen (bottom left) whenever a song is playing.

Background image

A good variety of images come with the system, all suitably muted to ensure the lyrics are clear.  Images are grouped into solid, abstract, seasons and several others.  Very usefully, this image can be changed mid-song, without any interruption to the playing.  When songs finish, the selected image is displayed with no words.

Key Change

While the key can be modified, and the backing changes, any vocals are immediately lost; this is noted (warning message displayed) in the system.

Song Purchase

To get the system working, two things need to happen:

• Download the software
• Create an ‘ISingWorship’ account

The account is a specific / church-based account, linked to your software (in which you also have to log in with the same account). 

Once you have an account, with a card number for purchases, songs can be purchased via the web site.  Once purchased, any purchased songs appear in your copy of the software.  Before you can use them in the system, the purchased songs must be downloaded to your iPad / laptop.  The download will necessitate a Wi-Fi / network connection; once the songs are downloaded, the Wi-Fi connection is not required.