It may be a surprise to some to learn that archival records depicting primitive praise bands date back to antiquity, and that our modern manifestations are in many ways not all that different. Though some aspects of praise music remain largely unchanged, it’s interesting to note the ways in which technological advances have altered the common practices of these ensembles over the centuries. For instance, the three players shown here are clearly reading from musical scores, an ability which mostly disappeared once electronic recording and amplification made it possible either to sing along with a track or simply lip sync.
The instruments themselves have also evolved. Though we can clearly see a precursor to the hammered dulcimer and some form of plucked-string proto-guitar in this image, the keyboard instrument to the rear has all but disappeared from churches which make use of praise bands in our post-modern age. Some musicologists theorize that the ancient pipe organ was gradually supplanted by the trap set as theological trends demanded a better beat. Other experts disagree, insisting that organs simply demanded far too much training and skill for a member of a praise band. Further research is needed.