News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

“Child of the Promise” Monday, September 25, 2017

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

Prepare for Christmas with your church choir with one of these outstanding anthems, carefully selected by our experienced Sacred Choral Music staff.

alfred-46503-fPeople, Look East arr. Howard Helvey
With an optional, brief a cappella opening, this anthem continues with a refreshing and hopeful tone for a people longing for the Messiah. This traditional Advent French carol is a staple in choral repertoire, and Howard Helvey’s setting is welcome and delightful.

All My Heart This Night Rejoices arr. Trevor Manor
This beautiful arrangement of the traditional German carol, scored for SATB choir and optional French horn or optional brass quintet, harp, organ and percussion, is rich and warm in its harmonies and gentle rhythms.

Fear Not! by Mary McDonald
The soulful, gospel touch to this anthem is the perfect musical connection to enrich words of comfort and celebration to “fear not.” Also incorporating the carol “How Great Our Joy,” this offering is a celebration of good tidings of great joy!

HopeChoralTemplateIt Came Upon the Midnight Clear arr. Joel Raney
This lovely, artistic setting is sure to be a highlight of many Christmas concerts, school programs, and Christmas worship services. The piano part plays a significant role in creating an ethereal, peaceful, and solemn Christmas night building to the moment when “all the weary world rejoice!”-simply stunning!

Bring Us Hope by Ruth Elaine Schram
Choirs large and small will find this flexible anthem to be a tender, readily learned addition to their Advent programs. The message touches on several prominent themes, making it an ideal option to return to again and again: “Bring us hope, bring us love, bring us peace from above.”

lorenz-515080Child of the Promise by Jay Rouse
From the very beginning, this anthem draws you in with its stirring original text from Rose Aspinall. Combined with a lovely melody from Jay Rouse, this piece invites us all to worship the Child of the Promise. Jay creatively pairs the chorus melody with an excerpt of “O Holy Night” in the latter part of the piece to add familiarity and further draw in the listener.

Once In Royal Bethlehem by Ruth Elaine Schram
Cleverly combining two Christmas favorites, this tender anthem provides the opportunity for a children’s choir to open with the melody to “Once in Royal David’s City.” Transitioning seamlessly into “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the optional cello accompaniment beautifully sets a tone of peace and comfort.

When Came In Flesh the Incarnate Word by Howard Helvey
New music from the uncommonly creative Howard Helvey is paired with a poetic 19th century text to create a quietly majestic new anthem. The exquisite organ accompaniment provides a solid foundation for this message of hope and contemplation.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, visit our website 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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