RETURN TO WORSHIP: Anthems for Fall 2021 Wednesday, August 25, 2021
20 Anthems to Catch Up Your Choir
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recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
I’ve Got Peace Like a River arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
The theme of this bouncy spiritual is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace. Mary McDonald infuses the familiar melody with a swinging jazz feel and gives every section in the choir a place to shine. The optional rhythm section will truly make the joy overflow!
God’s Love and Power Proclaim! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional flute & hand drum
Lloyd Larson’s original music and a traditional text by Isaac Watts combine to form an energetic proclamation of God’s love, power, and providence! Optional parts for flute and drum create a driving rhythmic feel in this anthem for use throughout the year.
Endless Song (How Can I Keep from Singing?) arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Beautiful vocal lines and a rich piano accompaniment make Mary McDonald’s setting of this favorite Robert Lowry hymn majestic and memorable. “The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing; all things are mine since I am His. How can I keep from singing?”
Music of Heaven by Craig Courtney, SATB with piano and violin or flute
This tender prayer, suitable for a time of contemplation and petition in any worship service, is especially appropriate for Pentecost. Beautifully set for SATB Choir and piano, it is further enhanced by an optional violin/flute line. It incorporates OLD ONE HUNDREDTH (Thomas Ken) and the two melodies are subtly interwoven throughout.
This Train arr. Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This energetic, toe-tapping setting is fun to sing and filled with dynamic progressions and effective use of modulations. Combining hints of two other favorites: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “I Am Bound for the Promised Land,” this is ideal for church and community choirs alike.
Our Hymn of Gratitude by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Expressing our gratitude for gifts and blessings from God, this anthem with original words and music from Mary McDonald is beautifully singable and programmable for Thanksgiving or any time throughout the year. Intuitive choral parts and melodies make this easy to learn and execute with choirs of any size and is well-suited for re-introducing your choir into your worship service.
Let Everything That Hath Breath by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional brass quintet
With words expressing the joy of worshiping with music, this dynamic festival anthem is inspiring and joyful. This is easily learned and full of energy and excitement.
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 Your Maker Praise by Joyce Vickery/arr. Dan Forrest, SATB with piano
A robust and energetic call to recount the wonders of creation and to praise the Creator of everything, great and small. Scored for SATB Choir and Piano, it is appropriate for any occasion of worship.
Proclaim the Glory of the Lord! arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
Appropriate for the Christmas season, Thanksgiving, or all year long, this contemporary Christian classic comes alive anew. Lloyd Larson’s setting resonates with energetic praise and a crisp, inspiring text. The hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” is seamlessly interwoven emphasizing a strong message of praise.
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.
Like a River Glorious arr. Benjamin Harlan, SATB with organ
This arrangement of the familiar Frances Havergal tune is set in 6/8 and is reminiscent of a gentle, flowing river. Accessible part-writing and a well-written accompaniment.
He Who Began a Good Work in You by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional organ & orchestra
Based on Philippians 1:3–6, this majestic anthem by Lloyd Larson celebrates the promise of God’s faithfulness. The stunning optional orchestration adds shine to this anthem perfect for celebrating a life of service, as does the free downloadable organ part.
Just As I Am arr. Howard Helvey, SATB with piano
A time-honored favorite comes to life in a brand new way in this rich new arrangement of the well-known and beloved hymn by Charlotte Elliott. It brims with earnest dedication as it moves from the gentle presentation of the first verse through skillful modulations to the powerful statement of commitment in the final verse.
You Do Not Walk Alone by Elaine Hagenberg, SATB with piano
A traditional Irish Blessing set to a gentle, flowing melody, perfect for almost any occasion, but particularly comforting during a season of uncertainty or grief.
Hymn for Children arr. Marianne Forman, SATB with piano and optional children’s choir & violin or flute
Give your children’s choir an opportunity to participate in this tender anthem quoting the traditional Swedish melody TRUGGARE KAN INGEN VARA. The children’s line may also be sung by SA unison or a child or adult solo. The anthem is scored for unison children’s choir or solo, SATB Choir and piano. An optional solo violin or flute adds a beautiful dimension. The anthem is suitable for any service of worship and is within the reach of the average church choir.
Bring It Home by Marty Parks, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This soulful anthem by Marty Parks encourages us to lay our cares on Jesus. An optional rhythm accompaniment enhances the gospel feel in this reminder of our Savior’s comfort. “Ev’ry wound, ev’ry care, ev’ry burden that you bear; bring it home to the Father, bring it home.”
A Prayer for All Who Serve arr. Gerald Custer, SATB with organ or piano and optional trumpet
The hymn tune MELITA forms the foundation of this moving blessing. The text moves through the branches of service, offering a prayer of protection and mercy upon those who serve. Set with sensitive hands, this celebrated theme brings thoughtful new sounds and nuanced countermelodies into the accompaniment and harmonic writing. An alternate sacred hymn text brings a traditional sanctuary usage into play, making this octavo a versatile addition to your choral library. Powerful!
God Be in My Head by Robert A. Hobby, SATB a cappella
An a cappella setting of this lovely text that first appeared in the Sarum Primer of 1541. This setting features independent lines for each voice part that culminate in a rich, homophonic treatment of the last portion of the text. A moving benediction.
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.
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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 20 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 and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.