Author: Sandi Parks

A haunting, minor melody is passed through the choir in this fugal treatment of an expressive psalm text. What begins as artful simplicity develops into lush polyphony. “By the waters of Babylon, we sat down and wept.”

Pierpoint’s famous For the Beauty of the Earth text is given new energy with a contemporary groove. Canonic verses and sensible repetition make for easy learning. An exciting song of praise for developing school and church choirs!

A Wesleyan text of great meaning and depth is displayed with gorgeous music in this devotional octavo. The restrained and reverent theme develops slowly in perfect harmony with the text, incorporating “O Jesus, Full of Truth and Grace.” Reminding the believer that the greatest response to grace is a life of holiness, this anthem is literally a sermon in song. Destined to be a sacred standard!

If you buy only one new spiritual setting this year for your a cappella choir, this is the one you want!  Brimming with dynamic contrasts, rhythmic nuances and textual percussiveness, it is an absolute thrill to sing and hear.  “When I go to walk that golden street, nothin’ gonna stumble, stumble my feet!”

Here’s a spirited song that celebrates our personal faith through the gift of praise and worship. Written in a easy gospel jazz style, the part-writing invites blend, and the distinctive bass line is an idiomatic delight that will really resonate with your singers. An expressive solo accompanied by an orchestra of voices creates a nice contrast in the B section. The recap drives us with vigor and purpose to a flashy ending as the choir makes a joyful noise to the Lord!