“Shout for Joy, Ye People!” Monday, September 21, 2015
recommended by Judy Henry and Jennifer Fry, Sacred Choral Specialists
Prepare for Christmas with your church choir with one of these outstanding anthems, carefully selected by our experienced Sacred Choral Music staff:
Comfort, Comfort Ye My People a
rr. Howard Helvey
This spirited setting of the Goudimel melody is sure to be a favorite for Advent year after year. Scored for mixed choir, piano and optional tambourine, this delightful choral setting and rhythmic accompaniment bring new life to a familiar text.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel arr. Pamela Robertson
This familiar Advent text is paired here with the shape-note tune PISGAH, by our newest composer in the Hope catalog, Pamela Robertson. For SATB voices and piano, this joyful setting truly sparkles with the addition of the optional violin plus 4 handbells, written simply to be rung by singing members of the choir.
Shout for Joy, Ye People! by Victor Johnson
The prophetic scriptures of Isaiah provide inspiration for this festive message of celebration. Set to energizing music, this creative piece is a fresh choice for Advent. Solid part-writing gives each section a moment to shine, and the invigorating accompaniment offers ample variety and flourish. Sensational for sanctuary or concert hall usage!
Come, Let Us Adore Him 
arr. Mary McDonald
Mary McDonald has filled Gary Hallquist’s Christmas original with a driving energy. After quiet statements of the refrain from “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” it rises in dynamic, pitch, and key until bursting forth with hand claps and capped by a soaring solo. Add Ed Hogan’s brass and rhythm score to complete the fun!
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Howard Helvey
This glorious arrangement of the treasured original is scored for mixed choir and piano. A cappella sections are seamlessly woven into the fabric of voices in combination with exquisite accompaniment. There will be countless opportunities to program and appreciate this anthem.
Rise Up, Children, Arise! arr
. Mary McDonald
Everyone will want to “rise up” and spread the Good News with this lively, yet soulful choral from Mary McDonald. Absolutely filled with joy and style from beginning to end, it also incorporates “Rise Up Shepherd” and “Go, Tell it on the Mountain” with great effect!
Gotta Whisper, Gotta Shout! by Victor Johnson
Fun and full of energy, this original Christmas spiritual employs distinctive dynamic contrasts that both whisper and shout the good news! Call and response between soloist and choir add interest, and sequencing modulations build to a rousing finish.
Now My Spirit Sings by Lee Dengler
This fresh setting of The Magnificat captures the expressive and worshipful reverence of the moment. “The Sussex Carol” is also gently incorporated, adding a layer of richness to the anthem.
For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2015, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Judy Henry 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 Fry 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.
