recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist

Glad Adoration arr. Molly Ijames, SATB with piano and optional brass, winds & percussion
This memorable arrangement of LOBE DEN HERREN (Praise to the Lord, the Almighty) pulls out all the stops! Opening in 6/8, it features effective vocal layering, lush harmonies, some metric shifts, and a brilliant piano accompaniment. A key change signals the entrance of a contrasting 3/4 verse; the opening 6/8 material returns for a big finish. Equally at home in the sanctuary or concert hall, it boasts Optional accompaniment for brass, winds, and percussion.

To Sing Once More by Craig Courtney, SATB with piano
“Awake our souls to sing once more the songs that long have silent been…” Jonathan Cook’s text finds a poignant and rich musical setting from Craig Courtney in this anthem for Satb chorus and piano, suitable for general worship or comfort and healing after times of silence or loss.

Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
From the hymn collection “A Festival of Hymns,” this majestic arrangement of Amazing Grace resounds in a dynamic arrangement for choir, keyboard, and optional orchestra. The congregation can join the choir on verses one and five. Incorporating a shift into minor for the third verse, the message is given fresh life with a powerful key change that leads into a climactic ending.

Face to Face arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with piano
Opening with a vibrant 6/8 groove, this beloved southern gospel hymn will please choir and congregation alike. A contrasting 4/4 middle verse with straighter accompaniment provides a pleasant moment of repose until the 6/8 groove returns to close the anthem. The meaningful text is handled sensitively, and pianists will enjoy playing the authentic gospel accompaniment.

Glorious Name arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Arranged in a soulful gospel groove, this hymn classic opens with stylized three-part vocals, then layers in the basses, building in intensity through two key changes and the rising refrain, “Glorious is thy name!” The optional rhythm accompaniment adds to the fun.

Holy God, We Praise Your Name arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with organ and optional trumpet
This beloved, majestic hymn is one of the great treasures of Christian hymnody. Larry Shackley’s masterful arrangement perfectly captures its spirit, with creative choral writing, brilliant organ accompaniment, and a festive (opt.) trumpet obbligato. A soprano descant adds dimension and energy on the final verse.

I’m a-Rolling (with This World Is Not My Home) arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Enjoy this rollicking combination of the spiritual “I’m a-Rolling” and the gospel song “This World Is Not My Home.” Together they are a rousing reminder that, although a believer’s road may be rocky, there is a glorious reward at its end. The optional rhythm section parts will add an extra spark to the choir’s performance.

In the Shadow of His Wings by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
“As the path leads through sorrow, will the Lord still be my stay? Jesus answers with His presence and makes my spirit sing, in the shadow of His wing.” Lloyd Larson is at his best in this setting of Carol Hodge’s comforting text, providing an accessible anthem that speaks deeply of comfort and protection.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee arr. Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
This traditional spiritual is presented here in a sweeping, lush treatment with a mini-orchestration arranged by Ed Hogan. Briefly quoting, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” the combination of tunes and beautiful, slow, gospel harmonies build to a thrilling conclusion.

My Lord, What a Morning arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Here’s a beloved American spiritual, sensitively prepared for school and church singers by Victor C. Johnson. The familiar strophic melody is fully arranged with progressively richer sonorities throughout. Expressive tempo markings stretch the final moment of every phrase and suggest more motion for the “hear the trumpet sound” verse. A lovely piano accompaniment does not double, but rather decorates the satisfying choral parts. A gentle gem that grows to an impressive height before a quiet conclusion.

Living Christ, Our Rock and Foundation arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with organ and optional brass & percussion
After a sturdy choir introduction of original music, “The Church’s One Foundation” (AURELIA) opens this regal medley of three cherished hymn tunes. Nicely varied choral writing contrasts each of the verses. Moving more quickly, “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” enters with the hymn tune HOLY MANNA. “How Firm a Foundation” (FOUNDATION) completes the hymn trilogy before the opening music returns to close the anthem. Optional brass and percussion add to the majesty of this great offering for Reformation, Confirmation, or general occasions.

People Need the Lord arr. Mary McDonald, SAB with piano
This Quick Study Choral is easily prepared with a minimum of rehearsals. Limited SAB harmony and an alluring use of imitative choral entries in the refrain make this a captivating anthem expressing the timeless message that, “people need the Lord.”

Psalm 117 (From All That Dwell) by Dale Peterson, SATB with piano
An exciting call to worship or general anthem, this dynamic setting of Isaac Watt’s text on “Psalm 117 (From All that Dwell)” features memorable melodic gestures. A driving accompaniment supports the vocal syncopation and occasional mixed meter. Brief moments of a cappella singing provide nice contrast.

Shall We Gather at the River arr. David Lantz III, SATB with piano
Jazz harmonies and a vocal solo give new interest and life to the well-loved Robert Lowry folk hymn in this fresh setting by David Lantz. Smooth voice-leading means your church or community choir can focus on nuances of text and phrasing for meaningful communication that will resonate deeply with your audience.

A Thousand Tongues to Sing arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with organ and optional instrumental ensemble
This majestic hymn concertato, features, SATB voices, organ, a small instrumental ensemble, and optional congregation. Perfect for concert or celebration in worship. Join the thousand tongues, and sing!

We Gather to Praise arr. Mary McDonald, SATB or SAB with piano and optional rhythm
Masterfully weaving together two beloved Gaither songs, this alluring ballad gathers us in to “praise the Father, Holy Spirit, Son.” The optional rhythm embraces the warm, southern gospel groove.

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About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 20 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church, and sings in the First Church Choir and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.