Song ideas for Sunday, 6/16/13

Here are some song possibilities and suggestions for 

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Act of Contrition by Brian Flynn (WLP) - (from the CD “Born Again”)

*Amazing Love/You are My King by Billy James Foote (CCLI) - (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Anointing at Bethany by Danielle Rose (WLP) – (from the CD “Pursue Me”)

Be Forgiven by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Change Me”)

Christ in Me, Arise by Trevor Thompson (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Christ in Me Arise”)

Come to Jesus by Blakesley/Hart (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Waiting”)

Come to Me by John Angotti (WLP) – (from the CD “We Gather In Love”)

Faith Enough to Believe by Craig Colson (WLP) – (from the CD “I Am the Way”)

In the Arms of Jesus by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD "Extraordinary Love")

*Lord, You are Good by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - (from the CD "We are Faithful")

*Once Again by Matt Redman (CCLI) - (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Our Hope is In God by Brian Flynn (WLP) – (from the CD “Born Again”)

We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) - (from the CD “The Commons: by Request”)

*You Know Who I Am by Tom Booth and Matt Maher (spiritandsong) - (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

* indicates instrumental parts available in the Voices As One series. All titles from this series have C and B-flat instrument parts. Select titles have Saxophone and Brass parts.

Voices As One ® Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 C Instrument Book

Voices As One ® Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 Bb Instrument Book

Voices As One ® Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 Saxophone and Brass Instrument Book

When ordering from any publisher, always check to see if there are additional instrumental parts available for purchase!

Let us do this great work with love...

A beautiful post from my good, good friend, Tom Booth... 

"So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven 

because she has shown great love."

These words of Jesus say it all. If we get all the right notes, but have not love, we have failed as music ministers. Our primary call is to discipleship, and our secondary call is to musicianship. The disciple sings from the heart with great love and compassion. The "assembly" is a group of people; tired, hurting, sinful, faithful and needing hope. Just like you and I. May our music be a balm this summer. May the songs we choose and the way we "perform our ministry" bring strength to the faint of heart.

Maybe we even take the time to affirm our communities? When was the last time you told your parish, "You all sing so well. Thank you for the effort, thank you for the support, thank you for what you do all year, and thank you for singing every week - it matters to God, it matters to our visitors, and as your minister of music, it matters to me that you open yourselves to the word, the song... the Lord."

Let us imitate the love Jesus showed the woman in the gospel. These are tough times for people, for families, for teenagers... it is tough being a human. The church is a sacrament to the world. As musicians, let us be a sacrament to the assembly and LOVE them.

I have heard it said, "If we do not love the people of God, we have no business preaching to them." That is a good challenge, and we can apply that to our ministry as musicians: "If we do not love those to whom we sing, we have no business singing for them." Of course, we are there so THEY can sing. Let us do this great work with love - and musical proficiency.

Peace +

TB

Look for more song suggestions this Thursday. Next up is 11th Sunday in OT (C).

Song ideas for Sunday, 6/9/13

Here are some song possibilities and suggestions for 
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Alive Again by Maher/Ingram (Thankyou Music/spiritandsong) - (from the CD “Alive Again”)
Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “We Are the Beggars”)
Came to My Rescue by Sampson/Thomas/Davies (Hillsong (CCLI)
Christ in Me, Arise by Trevor Thompson (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Christ in Me Arise”)
Come to Jesus by Blakesley/Hart (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Waiting”)
Easter Morning by Danielle Rose (WLP) – (from the CD “Mysteries”)
I Am the Way by Craig Colson (WLP) – (from the CD “I Am the Way”)
I Believe Because You Love Me by John Angotti (WLP) – (from the CD “I Believe”)
I Will Arise by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Unravel”)
I Will Praise You, Lord by Ed Bolduc – (listen here and get the PDF here)
In the Arms of Jesus by Angotti/Hommerding (WLP) – (from the CD “Extraordinary Love”)
Our Hope is In God by Brian Flynn (WLP) – (from the CD “Born Again”)
Overflow by Matt Maher (spiritandsong) – (from the CD “Overflow’)
Psalm 30 by Craig Colson – (purchase from Craig's website)
Psalm 30 by Brian Flynn (WLP) – (from the CD “Beyond the Veil”)
Revive Us, O God by Jesse Manibusan (spiritandsong) – from the CD “Power of Peace”)
Step Up and Live! by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) – (download on iTunes)

Balancing Act

I've decided to repeat (and update) a post that was written in January of 2011. It's still, I think, very relevant.

From "A Lot to Consider" (January 2011)

Each weekend I am responsible for choosing the music for many different liturgies. For me, it’s always a lot more involved than simply selecting music where the text matches the theme of the readings. That is where I always begin...the scripture readings for that Sunday, but there are a LOT of other factors to consider as well:

What have we sung recently at that time slot? 
Did we recently introduce a new song that could be repeated? Did the assembly really embrace it? Are they looking forward to singing it again?
Conversely, have we overused a song? Is it time to retire a particular title for a bit?

Is there a good flow to the music? Are there too many songs of the same tempo? Too many of the same style? A good variety always seems best. Would one of the song choices work better at a different point of the Mass?

Who are the musicians for that Mass? 
Will the players and singers at that particular liturgy perform these songs well? Are there other songs better suited for their style of playing and singing, or their ability? 

Who is in the assembly for that Mass? Mostly children? teens? adults?
A good variety is always good, but who are we leading in song? Are we choosing age-appropriate music for the assembly?

Have we been introducing and singing too many new songs? While fresh and exciting for the music ministry, this could be intimidating to the assembly. Songs we, as musicians, might consider 'old' or 'overused' might be a welcome addition to the people in the pews, on any given Sunday. Don't be afraid to sing some old 'stand-by's.' The assembly will thank you by singing loudly!

I typically spend a lot of my time considering all of these factors when choosing music. I like to write the list down on a board and stare at it a bit until I feel that I’ve gotten it as right as I can make it. I’ve been known to make some last minute changes when something doesn’t seem right, or when something doesn’t go over well in a rehearsal. Or...I might write something if it seems like there’s a need in a particular spot!

As we present and lead music week after week at our liturgies it’s important to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate our music and our musical performance. This is not to simply be critical of ourselves, but rather to be sure we are leading our assemblies the most effective way we can. 

**CHANGE** 

Music Suggestions will be posted every Thursday 

(The next suggestions are for June 9th, 10th Sunday in OT)

Song Suggestion: Blessed One

If you haven't discovered the song "Blessed One" by Aaron Thompson, yet, let me take this opportunity to introduce to you some of the reasons this has become my 'go-to' song for Marian feast days.  With this Sunday being Mother's Day, I thought it would be the perfect time.

It's a treasure to find a really good hymn-type song that holds its own in the contemporary style as it was originally written.  Some recent mentions on this blog have included "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord" (Evans), Christ in Me, Arise (Thomson), We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar (Flynn) and a few others. Aaron Thompson's "Blessed One" fits beautifully as a simple hymn for a cantor and traditional choir, as well as a piece for contemporary band and 'worship team.'

To begin with, the text is original and beautiful. Reading through it, you can see how it is fitting for any Marian feast.

Blessed One
O bright Mother of mercy so pure and so brave,
We honor your virtue and dignity praise.
Every angel salutes you, the earth calls you blessed.
We look to you, Mother, for mercy and rest

Ave, ave, ave, ave, ave, ave, Blessed One!

God exalted you, daughter, and called you in time
To offer your womb To bring forth the divine.
You were willing to serve though you knew not a man.
You trusted in God and said “yes” to his plan.

Your consent to God’s Spirit was fruitful and free,
Accepting God’s Son in a great mystery.
For the Lord you remained ever-virgin in faith,
Delivered from doubt and assisted by grace.

Now we hail you, O daughter of mercy and light;
O pray we embrace peace and good, Love and right.
You are splendid, enthroned above moon, star, and earth.
O queen of the heavens, Your Son saved the world!
© 2005 Aaron Thompson. Published by World Library Publications.

LISTEN HERE

All four verses have exactly the same music, and, in fact, they are even stacked atop one another in the score- very much like a hymn. The melody is repetitious, but never seems to get 'old' or 'tiresome.'  (Even the refrain melody uses the same intervals.)

The refrain is simply beautiful. Aaron creatively uses the same melodic figure three times in a row, changing the chords beneath so it seems like you're not just repeating the same thing over and over. Still, at the same time, that's what makes it so incredibly easy to sing! Your assembly may have never heard this song before, but will be singing the refrain immediately.

Whenever I lead this song at a liturgy I always begin with a refrain first- just piano and voices...twice...then I go to the Introduction and play the song as written. It engages the assembly right away. They can then listen to Verse 1 (if they don't already know it) and join in on the Refrain directly following. Here is the 'map' I use:

Refrain (piano and vocals only...making the melody very easy to hear)
Refrain (adding harmonies and, perhaps, guitar)
Introduction (adding electric guitar, C or B-flat instrument, light cymbals)
Verse 1 (adding bass guitar, solo voice on melody)
Refrain (adding drums, vocal harmonies)
Verse 2 etc.

RESOURCES AND ARRANGEMENTS

This song is available as an octavo in print and digital format, in the Voices As One vol. 2 collection, and in the Love One Another wedding collection.

Instrumental parts are available in the following books:
Voices As One vol. 1 & 2 C Instrument Book
Voices As One vol. 1 & 2 B-flat Instrument Book
Love One Another C Instrument Book

A recording can be found on the following CDs:
10,000 Angels performed by Aaron Thompson
Surrender performed by Danielle Rose
Love One Another the Wedding Collection

May 26, 2013 – Most Holy Trinity

(Once again, I asked my fellow composers and friends to suggest some of their own songs they felt would work well for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Come, Holy Spirit by Tom Booth and Robert Fedducia (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Captured)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Second Communion)

Glory Be by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - (from the CD Word for Word)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Second Communion

God Is Love by Paul Melley (GIA) - (from the CD God Is Love)

Suggested use: Offertory, Dismissal

Holy, Holy by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) - (from the CD Every Day)

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Jesus Reigns by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD We Gather In Love)

Suggested use: Offertory, Dismissal

Let There be Light by Paul Melley (GIA) - (from the CD Humbled)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offering, Communion

Love Unfolding by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Free)

Suggested use: Dismissal

Our God by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - (from the CD We are Faithful)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Second Communion

Prosper the Work of Our Hands by Tom Booth, ValLimar Jansen, and Tom Tomaszek (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Give God the Glory)

Suggested use: Offertory, Dismissal

Sacred Silence by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Unravel)

Suggesgted use: Second Communion

Send Your Glory Down by Trevor Thomson and Tom Booth (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Christ in Me Arise)

Suggested use: Dismissal

Something "old" that never gets old

I have often said that my main goal when choosing and leading music at liturgy is congregational singing, or assembly singing.  I think when an assembly actually really hears themselves sing, they are more inspired to continue. This is one of the reasons I always jump at the opportunity to get away from the mic and take my hands off of the keys, even if for just a short time.

This past Sunday evening we celebrated the 6:00 pm mass as usual. I had chosen "Blessed One" by Aaron Thompson as a second communion song, in honor of Mother's Day and our Blessed Mother. Emily led the song beautifully, and we ended like we normally would. Then, as the rest of the musicians went to receive communion, I stayed at the piano, played a brief instrumental verse, then invited the assembly to sing. I played along for one refrain, then asked them to sing again. This time, I physically stepped away from the piano to receive communion while the assembly continued to sing on their own.

Listen here:

http://youtu.be/1bnvahM-NE4

It's beautiful. It's a sound that is as old as music itself, yet it never gets old. The human voice...especially the singing, praying human voice.

Look for those opportunities to let your assembly sing without the drums and guitars.  It's an amazing sound and, while in church, I think, an amazing worship experience.

June 2, 2013 – Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

(Once again, I asked my fellow composers and friends to suggest some of their own songs they felt would work well for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Come to the Feast by Craig and Kristen Colson (spiritandsong) - (from Spirit and Song 2)
Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Communion

He Lives In Us by Amelia Acosta (WLP)
Suggested use: Communion

Heavenly Bread by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - (from the CD 10,000 Angels)
Suggested use: Communion

If I Touch Him by Danielle Rose (WLP) - (from the CD I Thirst)
Suggested use: Second Communion

In This Place by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) - (from the CD In This Place)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory

Jesus Reigns by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD We Gather In Love)

Suggested use: Offertory, Dismissal

Many and One by Steve Angrisano and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Inescapable Love)

Suggested use: Entrance, Offertory, Communion

Miracle of Grace by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Amid Passing Things)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

O Salutaris Hostia/O Saving Lamb by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Captured)
Suggested use: Communion

Panis Vere by Brian Flynn (WLP) - (from the CD Beyond the Veil)

Suggested use: Communion

See You In the Eucharist by Danielle Rose (WLP) - (from the CD Pursue Me)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

So Beautiful by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) - (from the CD Every Day)

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Taste and See by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Welcome Home)
Suggested use: Psalm, Communion

That We Might Live by Josh Blakesley, Sarah Hart, and Marc Byrd (spiritandsong) - (from the CD You are the Light)
Suggested us: Offertory, Communion

True Love by Amelia Acosta (WLP)
Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong)

Suggested use: Offertory, Communion

We Come to You by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Waiting)
Suggested use: Communion

We Gather as the Body of Christ by John Angotti (WLP) - (from the CD We Gather in Love)
Suggested use: Entrance. Offertory

You are All I Need by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) - (from the CD Christ in Me Arise)
Suggested use: Second Communion