Composer: Words & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAB
Notes: Based on 2 Chronicles 5:13; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
This particular song is quite straight forward and should require little preparation time. Aim for a full-bodied unison sound with a balanced blend of all the voices. The two and three-part harmony likewise should be balanced and blended. Throughout the song
encourage the singers to sing with shape and expression as they reflect the simple, joyous message of the words.
Composer: Words & Music Phil Laeger
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Written for the Cadets Commissioning of 2009 Phil has tapped into the Christian's desire to allow God to soak into our lives and heart so we can in turn demonstrate to others the greatness of his love for the world. The song has a relaxed, contemporary gospel feel.
The song, while slow, should be sung with a positive and optimistic feel; keep the sound alive and buoyant. The rhythms of the song should maintain a speech-like quality and not be forced in any way; having the singers say the words in time is always an excellent way to learn and feel the flow of the melody.
Composer: Words & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: This is a song for Christmas time which focuses on the manger scene and how we may respond as we look upon the family. The song also cries out for “Peace on earth” just as the Angels announced on the first Christmas night.
Composer: Words & Music Lindsay Stow
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: There isn’t any particularly remarkable or compelling backstory to this song. The inspiration came simply through a time of quiet reflection during which I was struck once again by how vast and how enormous our God is, and yet, how intimately and completely he knows us, and despite our frailties and our failings, despite the fact that it’s so undeserved, He continues to pour out this amazing, unwavering and unconditional love.
Composer: Words Janet Muir & Music Nicola Poore
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: While the soloist certainly carries the greater part of the text in this song, it is important to note that the melodic and rhythmic interest is shared between the soloist and the choir. The rich choral texture should be a source of strength and majesty, particularly as the song builds into the key change.
The lyrics for “You Alone” were the inspired words of a triumphant soul following a time of great hardship and perseverance. The text conveys thanksgiving and gratitude to our Sovereign Lord in essence as a hymn of praise. As such, “You Alone” makes reference to the great hymn of the church, “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven.”
Composer: Words Annie Sherwood Hawks & Robert Lowry
Music Katherine Dent
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: The words to this well-known and well-loved song are found in The Salvation Army Song Book; number 587.
Lieutenant Katherine Dent has provided us with a simple yet heartfelt new melody which will ensure that the words will continue to bring comfort and inspiration. The original version, first published in November 1872 by the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, included the following final verse.
"I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son".
Composer: Words Adelaide A. Pollard & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: In 1907, Adelaide Pollard was of the belief that the Lord wanted her to be a missionary in Africa. Unable to raise the required funding for such an undertaking, she was confused and uncertain of her calling. While attending a prayer meeting one evening, an elderly woman prayed; her words brought comfort and encouragement to the author of this song. The elderly woman’s prayer was one of assurance and wisdom...
“It’s all right, Lord.
It doesn’t matter what You bring into our lives,
just have Your own way with us.”
Composer: Words & Music Marty Mikles & Phil Laeger Arr. Nicola Poore
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: This stirring song from two of The Salvation Army’s leading contemporary songwriters has found its place among the repertoire of battle and warfare songs already known to Salvationists. This is a call to arms and holiness expressed in terms understood by Salvationists of today.
Composer: Words John Gowans & Music Julia Roper
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: The words to this song are found in The Salvation Army Song Book (number 324; 1986 ed.) and they express much of the mission and vision of The Salvation Army.
Julia Roper, Songster Leader at Ringwood Corps and MSS Deputy, has provided a contemporary setting that is quite accessible. A confident Alto soloist will be required for the opening verse.
Composer: Words & Music Nicola Poore
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: The Genesis of this song was the 2010 International Youth Convention held in Sweden to which the composer was a delegate; the Convention was titled Raised Up.
While initially, the focus of the song may have been on youth, the lyric is equally applicable to all generations in its “Call to Battle” and challenge “to seek and save the lost”. This is a new contemporary song steeped in the vision of The Salvation Army.
Composer: Words Albert Orsborn & Music Geoff Webb
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: The composer of this song is currently the Training Principal in the Australia Southern Territory. The words, by one of the Army’s most prolific songwriters, are an affirmation of our relationship with Christ and the security we find in him. The brief homage to the tune Brantwood at bar 56 (that tune can be heard in the male voices) will provide a light contrast while maintaining the melodic intervals of the new tune in the ladies' parts. These few bars can be broad in approach but don’t allow the tempo to slow down.
Composer: Words Judson Van der Ventor & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: These well-known words were born out of the personal experience and struggle of the writer Judson Van der Ventor. A successful teacher and high school administrator, Van der Ventor struggled with the tension between seeking a career and being a member of an evangelistic team. It was while conducting music during a church service in 1896 that the tension found its release when he committed his life to become a full-time evangelist. The words of this song were penned sometime after that event.
Composer: Words & Music Chris Brindley
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Chris Brindley is the Songster Leader at Brisbane City Temple and we are pleased to provide this original song from his ‘pen’. Lord, You Gave Me Life is a bright evangelical song celebrating the joy of salvation and the promise of eternal life. It is important to let the tempo sit in a comfortable groove to allow syncopated figures to feel natural and the lyric to be clear especially in bar 58.
The style is contemporary; little difficulty will be found in the song other than the attention that needs to be given to rhythms and diction. Time spent going over rhythms will be time well spent; slow down the tempo and gradually increase the speed as the singers become more comfortable with the words.
Composer: Words & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Originally written as the Witnesses For Christ (2007-2008) Sessional Song; the lyric of the chorus is based on the text found in Isaiah 43:10.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.” (NIV)
The song challenges us to take a stand and be recognised as witnesses for Christ. Yet at the same time, there is a security in knowing that we are called and chosen to be God’s people in the world.
Composer: Words & Music Dianne Littlechild Arr. Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Dianne Littlechild has presented us with a song that affirms the value and importance we give to the Word of God and reminds us of our need to rely on the teaching we find within the pages of the Bible. It was written to reinforce the need for us all to lean on God’s word in everything we do – something that is so easily neglected in our busy lives. Dianne attends the Tea Tree Gully in the South Australia Division.
Composer: Words Judi Leggett Agnew & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Judi Leggett Agnew is a member of the Melbourne Staff Songsters and attends the Box Hill Corps in the Eastern Victoria Division. Judi’s words represent a personal journey that progresses from loneliness and darkness to the realisation that we are always safe in the care of our Father.
The words of the chorus, where the men sing, are the reassuring words of a father who continually cares for his children, regardless of the dark places we may have journeyed through or in which we may find ourselves.
Composer: Words & Music Chris Brindley
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: This anthem was written and performed at the Australian Eastern Territory’s 2010 Gospel Arts Camp. As a song built on the personal experiences of the Vocal Major students, the lyrics speak with clarity and passion. The second verse should feature an emotional contrast from anger to compassion by dynamic contrast, with tears reflected in piano in bars 32-33.
The repeated lines which decrescendo toward the end should not be seen as a fading of purpose but as a prayer of peace. The final unresolved chord indicates there is still work to do and will provide an opportunity for effective framing.
Composer: Words & Music Lindsay Stow
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Psalm 118:24 teaches us to rejoice in the day God has given us; Bandmaster Lindsay Stow (Warrnambool, Victoria) uses the familiar words in the chorus of this new song. The song provides an ‘upbeat’ setting of words that are not only familiar but which are central to the Christian life.
A lot of energy will be required from the singers along with clarity of diction throughout the song. The rhythm of the melody in the chorus is easy to pick up despite the unfamiliar time signature.
Composer: Words & Music Chris Brindley
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Written for the Gospel Choir elective of the Melbourne Staff Songster’s Sing It Up weekend, the piece is strongly set in the classic southern style. The lyric claims the amazing grace and love shown in Jesus’ death on the cross, and that the redemption found through it is available to each one of us.
Composer: Words & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAB
Notes: Written for the Cadets of the Visionaries Session (2005) Just One Heart reinforces the thought that God’s vision for his church is shared through individuals and, while we may only be one person, we can share and participate in the working out of his vision in the world.
Composer: Words & Music Matt & Clare Reeve
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Matt & Clare Reeve are currently the Corps Officers at Adelaide Congress Hall; this song was penned during their time at Catherine Booth College in Melbourne.
The music is quite straight forward and will present little difficulty for the singers. The message of the song is a simple one of surrender and commitment; this will make it ideal for use in worship and suitable to teach the congregation.
The inclusion of this song in Sing A New Song, is with the hope that Songster Brigades and Choirs will use it as an opportunity to lead and involve the congregation in collective singing and worship.
Composer: Words & Music Nathan Rowe
Voices: SAT
Notes: Nathan Rowe is well known within The Salvation Army, here in Australia, as a songwriter and worship leader. Nathan composed this song on request for the Heralds Of Grace Session.
Some time will need to be spent with the singers to understand and capture a natural, speech-like pattern to the rhythms; it will be extremely important for the group to count and feel the music in quavers (1/8th notes). Care will also need to be taken with the harmony at the end of the chorus; be careful to accurately pitch the seventh which exists between the outer parts. The song speaks of the great love of God and our response to him. The chorus, in particular, is rhythmically energetic and captures the heart of the Heralds Of Grace Session to tell the world of God’s love for all.
Composer: Words & Music Lindsay Stow
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: As Christians, we are the ones who are to represent Christ to those around us; Jesus said “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. The song takes this thought one step further though, and asks a question of personal reflection; if I am Christ’s representative, what kind of a job am I doing?
Composer: Words & Music Brian Hogg
Voices: SAT(B)
Notes: Originally written as the Sessional Song for the Cadets of the Joyful Intercessors, 2015 this song will require some careful attention to rhythm and clear enunciation as well as articulation of words. The message of the song is focused on an outward mission into the world recognising we are supported by God’s strength, grace & love.
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