News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

New Church Anthems for Fall 2016 Friday, September 09, 2016

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Specialists

As church choirs start up for the fall and Christmas season, Stanton’s Sacred Choral Music staff has carefully chosen these pieces to be appropriate for a variety of worship styles and services throughout the coming months:

And the Father Will Dance by Mark Hayes
With text from the book of Zephaniah and the Psalms, Mark Hayes has created a timeless work already performed by thousands of choirs around the world. The pianistic accompaniment has proved to work well on the organ, also.

Seek the Lord by John Carter
This classic Hope anthem by John Carter is based on the familiar verse from Isaiah 55, “seek the Lord while he may be found, cll upon him while he is near.” A proven winner for church choirs, this all-time best-seller is now available for SAB choirs with an optional C instrument part included.

Hymn of Thanksgiving by Douglas E. Wagner
Douglas Wagner has taken the familiar ST DENIO hymn tune and created an accessible setting of this Cliffor Baz text for use at Thanksgiving. This festive anthem, with its inclusion of optional Brass and Timpani, is a bold yet highly accessible declaration of thanks to God.

Lord, Your Church Are We arr. Mary McDonald
“Lord, Your church are we; redeemed, Your own to be.” Full of thoughtful text and vivid scriptural images, Mary McDonald’s flowing setting of the early American folk tune PROSPECT is an ardent call to discipleship.

Celebrate the Day by Pepper Choplin
This festival anthem explodes with exuberant calls to celebrate alternating with time for contemplation and praise. The celebration is enhanced with the use of 2 trumpets, horn, 2 trombones and timpani.

For the Beauty of the Earth arr. Mark Hayes
A stately fanfare opens this masterful setting that reflects on the wonders of God’s creation. The subsequent section is much quieter, but the fullness of sound quickly returns as the congregation is invited to join in, leading to a vigorous and fulfilling finale.

We See Christ by Joel Raney
Based on Matthew 25, this original anthem by Joel Raney is ideal for themes on social justice, ministry, and mission. It opens with an optional reading of the scripture which then flows perfectly into the anthem proclaiming the powerful message: “When we look at the needy, we see Christ. We are yours, Lord, make us your instruments of peace, bringing hope when all seems hopeless, filling darkness with light.”

Come Home by Craig Courtney
This beautiful setting of the familiar SOFTLY AND TENDERLY is full of rich, pleading solo melody supported by warm, stirring choral development. Scored for SATB choir and piano with full score and parts for small string ensemble and oboe available for purchase. Perfect for All Saints, communion or memorial.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2016, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


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