Anthems for Worship: Spring 2021 Wednesday, March 03, 2021
15 fresh favorites for worshiping this Spring!
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recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
I Need Thee Every Hour arr. John Ness Beck, SATB with piano or organ
John Ness Beck’s setting of the hymn-tune NEED is scored for SATB choir and organ or piano. Appropriate for the Lenten season or any time of the year.
This Is the Day the Lord Has Made by Mark Hayes, SAB with piano and optional brass & percussion
Mark Hayes brings us an exciting setting of Psalm 118:24 that is perfect for any occasion. Scored for SAB choir and keyboard, there are also parts for brass and percussion available.
All Who Believe by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
Lloyd Larson provides us with a sincere, heart-felt anthem declaring that our actions flow from our faith. You will find this octavo useful for many services throughout the year when we would echo the cry, “Send me, Lord, here am I!”
The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr. John Ness Beck, SATB with piano
This John Ness Beck classic arrangement is warm and assuring. It is appropriate not only during Lent, but anytime during the calendar year.
Down by the Riverside (with Standing in the Need of Prayer) arr. Mary McDonald, SAB with piano and optional rhythm
Mary McDonald combines two familiar Spirituals, “Down By the Riverside” and “Standin’ In The Need Of Prayer.” This dazzling arrangement utilizes an abundance of rhythmic energy to express the need to lay down our burdens and stand before the Lord in prayer.
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me arr. David M. Cherwien, SAB or 2-part mixed with piano
With simple choral parts and a crafty blues piano accompaniment, David Cherwien’s anthem is perfect for large and small choirs alike. The work is mostly in two parts, but there are about eleven measures where the women divide into soprano and alto.
He Shall Feed His Flock by John Ness Beck, SATB with piano
Tender and sincere are the two words which characterize John Ness Beck’s setting of these beloved verses from Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23. This is an obvious choice for Good Shepherd Sunday, but the theme of God’s care is applicable throughout the entire liturgical year.
Be Still by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
With text based on Psalm 46:10, this Mary McDonald anthem offers tender guidance to “be still and know that I am God” balanced with the quiet promise of the gift of peace.
Praise Him! by Craig Courtney, 2-part any combination with piano and optional brass quartet
Craig Courtney has based this anthem on Psalms 145 and 150. This arrangement, which also contains a modal setting of the doxology text, can be done with any 2-part choir or, by using the alternate voicing indications, with SATB choir. Optional brass quartet heightens the fanfare quality of the anthem.
A Joyful Noise by John Ness Beck, Unison (treble or mixed) with piano
Written in 1977, John Ness Beck pairs the words of Psalm 100 with a jazz style accompaniment. Written for unison voices, this piece is just as effective with SATB choir.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand arr. Howard Helvey, SATB a cappella
This piece was written for the celebration of Dr. Ronald L. Jenkins’ 35th anniversary as Minister of Music and Liturgy at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio. Howard takes this simple hymn and creates a memorable experience for singers and listeners alike.
Sing and Shout Together, Children by Mary McDonald, SAB with piano and optional double bass
Your choir will absolutely love singing this soulful anthem and your congregation will love hearing it! Incorporating the spiritual “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” with her gospel-swing original melody, Mary McDonald has created a real gem for any worship setting. This anthem also features a part for optional double bass, which is included in the score.
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me arr. Christopher Aspaas, SATB divisi a cappella with optional congregation
Rich, soulful, and legato, this spiritual arrangement includes a stanza with optional assembly. Altos get to demonstrate the idea of journeying with an aleatoric passage sung freely by each singer.
Sweet Hour of Prayer arr. Kenneth Dake, SATB divisi a cappella
Ken Dake uses the original tune and text for this a cappella setting in a slow 6/8 meter. The vocal lines are completely manageable, however it does require SSAA/TTBB divisi.
Come By Here arr. Kyle Pederson, SATB with piano
This sensitive setting is not to be missed. In one spot the piano plays a guided improvisation over the choir singing neutral syllables. In another there is the option to sing unaccompanied. An emotional high point occurs when the sections each sing out their situations, “longing, falling, hiding,” then answer together, “You are here.” This work hits every high mark in terms of vocal writing, a skillful accompaniment, and a beautiful effect.
No matter what your in-person or remote worship requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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 15 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 at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.