Sing. Play. Edify.
Blog
Two congregational arrangements
Here are two new arrangements for congregational use, both Sovereign Grace songs. The piano parts are transcribed from a live performance, so they’re a little more rhythmically complex. I’ve included audio demos of them, which may be helpful. Glorious and Mighty (rhythm, piano, strings, flute) Your Hand Upon Me (piano, strings)
“Sovereign Ruler”: anthem for SATB, piano, strings
Here’s a new choral setting of “Sovereign Ruler,” a hymn on a lesser-known text by John Ryland, tune by Todd Murray and Zach Stanton. This arrangement is scored for SATB choir (easy parts), piano accompaniment, and optional string ensemble. To listen to a MIDI demo and download the scores, visit the song page:
Playing from charts, part 2: Basic chord voicing
Previous posts Part 1: Introduction and stylistic function Basic chord voicing [[For sake of brevity, I’m going to jump right into using chord symbols. If you need help with those, you can skim through this helpful chord primer.]] The first and most basic question pianists should ask when they’re starting to read charts is “How should […]
Playing from charts, part 1: Introduction and stylistic function
I believe there continues to be a need for a systematized approach to teaching pianists how to play from charts. By “charts,” I mean both chord charts (lyrics and chords only) and lead sheets (single-staff scores with melody, lyrics, chords, and sometimes thematic melodic lines for instruments to play). There are already resources out there. […]
A Dorico Review
One month ago, after following its development from a distance for a year or so, I downloaded a free trial of Dorico. And today, when my trial expired after a thirty-day test drive, I immediately purchased a license. Dorico has exceeded my expectations in every way, and it’s already changing the way I write and […]
Brass quartet: “Come, Thou Fount”
Here’s a new congregational arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount” for brass quartet (with optional piano ad lib). You can listen to a demo and download the scores by visiting the song page:
Hymnal engraving handbook
As the second edition of the hymnal nears the final editing stages, I’ve realized there’s a need to codify music engraving principles specifically for typesetting hymnals. More people are typesetting and printing hymnals and supplements for their own churches, and the quality of reference materials varies widely, even among mainline publications. I’ve compiled a short-form […]
Music for VBS 2018
VBS at Grace Immanuel is just over a week away! This year’s theme is “Strong Against the Gates,” teaching students about ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church). We’re singing four songs for VBS this year: Church of God, Elect and Glorious (1 Peter 2:9-12) I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:14-15) You Are the Light […]
Today: online guitar workshop with Patrick Anderson
If you play guitar in your church’s music ministry, join us today for an online guitar workshop with Patrick Anderson. You can read more about him here. The workshop will begin at 9:30 and go until mid-afternoon. You can watch online by clicking the link below: You can download the handouts here:
“Mighty Lord, Extend Your Kingdom”: score and recording
At our recent seminary graduation, our men’s ensemble performed an exciting new setting of “Mighty Lord, Extend Your Kingdom” by Greg Wilbur. The arrangement is for string ensemble, rhythm band, and piano. You can watch a live recording and download the scores from the song page below.
Hymnal update and samples
It’s been quiet around Grace Music lately as we’re working on the upcoming hymnal. It’s nearing completion! The editing phase is almost done, and next comes compiling the layout and creating indexes. The current song list sits at 326, which includes almost 80 new songs, and a total of 36 psalm settings. You can view […]
Worship at Grace Immanuel: April 29th
Here are the songs we’ll be singing together at Grace Immanuel Bible Church this Sunday, April 29th. AM Our Great God The Blood of Jesus Speaks For Me Psalm 103 (Bless the Lord) There is a Hope So Sure PM O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing Come, Ye Disconsolate Jesus, Thank You Jesus, Draw Me […]
