Where does it say that???

Back in March of 2011 I wrote a post called "1+ 1=11" where I talked about taking a two-page lead sheet and creating a full arrangement out of it. Today, I want to break open that process with a piece of music by composer Brian Flynn: "We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar." This song is currently published as a two-page lead sheet by World Library Publications.

Upon examining this piece you will find that it is composed of four verses (no refrain) with essentially the same music, so it's in a hymn-style. Aside from the melody, lyrics, and chords there are really no other directives on how to play the piece, other than "Unhurried" at a tempo of 66. It is very common to see contemporary music published in this way. It leaves a lot of options.

There are cue notes indicating a line to be played by the piano, there are no harmonies written in, and it is intended to be played straight through from beginning to end.

On top of all of that, the recording is simply piano, solo voice, and cello. So how can we turn this into a piece for a contemporary ensemble at liturgy?

We sang and played this song this week at all of our Masses. By the 3rd time it had turned into the following arrangement. Look at the image below. I've indicated some ideas directly on the score.

As always, build the arrangement. Don't just start with everything all at once, otherwise there will be nowhere to go. This song would likely be used during the Offertory, so starting with just piano would work fine. Notice how we broke up the introduction melody between piano and a solo instrument. (Flute, Violin, Saxophone, etc.)  The solo instrument drops out and only comes back in during the interludes between verses, and again at the end. It does not need to play the whole time!

The bass player does not enter until the last word/note of verse 1 at measure 14. It then stays in throughout the piece...except to momentarily drop out where indicated by the brackets at measures 26, 39, and 49.  In those measures, the piano and guitar would 'strum' each chord one time and let them ring. This 'thinning out' at these measures creates a nice texture change that helps setup the next interlude.

We added a vocal harmony a sixth below during verse 2 on the 1st and 3rd phrases. (not indicated) We continued this in verses 3 and 4.

We saved the drumset until the interlude before verse 3. A nice, light pattern was played...nothing too heavy. I indicated on the music that the acoustic guitar and hi-hat should probably not play the same rhythm. If the guitar is strumming, the hi-hats should play quarters or eighths.  If the hi-hat is playing 16ths, the guitar should play quarter-note strums, otherwise they would be competing for the same part.

Finally, right before verse 4 we again dropped out everything except the piano, guitar, and vocal, then came in strong at measure 40 with a slight ritard and a big crescendo into the key change. Here, the drums came in full (snare) and everyone played out strong until measure 49 (as before).

This is just one example of how to play this song. It's written well, so there are lots of options. You don't need to mark up your score this way...we don't. I just did it for this post. Most of this can be decided ahead of time by just talking through it. Try different things. Practice different arrangements. Make music!

This song is in the new collection by World Library Publications called More Voices As One.

NOVEMBER 25, 2012

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (B)

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts.)

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

As It Is in Heaven by Ed Cash & Matt Maher (CCLI (EMI)) – Great as a gathering, offertory, or dismissal song. The Refrain is so singable and memorable: "Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Listen to the recording and see how Matt holds off on the drums until the second half of the verse...a great musical effect. I've done this song in G, mostly. It's very comfortable for the assembly in that range. (From the CD Empty and Beautiful)
Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

At the Name of Jesus by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – the text of this familiar hymn is set to new music in this arrangement from the CD Hymns. The recording starts out very strong, but no need to start it that way at Mass. Perhaps set up a nice rhythm with the acoustic guitar, or piano and light percussion. Build the song as you go, adding instruments and voices.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Communon

Come, Let Us Worship the King by Patrick Bradley (WLP) –  Listen to the recording on Cliff Petty's Touch Jesus CD. (FREE DOWNLOAD for this song) There's an easy-to-sing refrain with some nice chord changes and plenty of room for solo singing on the verses, or the choir can lead those as well.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal/Sending Forth

Give Glory by Jacob Villalobos, Matthew Leon, Michael Paul Leon (WLP) – a driving, upbeat song of praise. Recorded in B-flat the sheet music is down a third in the key of G. The Refrain sings "Give glory to our God who is and always was." The Bridge goes to half-time, powerfully setting the text "Holy, holy we proclaim Jesus Christ Lord and King!" (From the CD Every Day)

Suggested Use: Dismissal/Song of Thanksgiving

O Salutaris Hostia/O Saving Lamb by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) – you just need to learn this one and sing it with your assembly.  :-)  The verses are O Salutaris Hostia. Tom added a beautiful, fitting refrain. This song can be found on the CD, Captured.

Suggested Use: Communion, Second Communion

Salvation Belongs To Our God  by Howard/Turner (CCLI) – a beautiful, powerful setting of this scripture. This song can start simply and build in intensity, letting the Refrain echo over and over: "...be to our God for ever and ever." Check out the instrumental parts in the Voices As One C, B-flat, and Saxophones & Brass book.  The lead sheet and keyboard scores can be found in Voices As One vol. 2.
Suggested Use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Sing Hosanna by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) – from the CD Free, consider starting with the refrain to engage the assembly immediately, especially if it's a new song for your church. Check out the available instrumental parts if you've added some instruments for this day.
Suggested Use: Entrance/Gathering, Dismissal/Sending Forth

Worthy Is the Lamb by John Angotti (WLP) – The text is from the Entrance Antiphon: "How worthy is the Lamb who was slain." This song from John's liturgical collection Joy Beyond Our Dreams is in a comfortable range for the assembly. Let a cantor/soloist carry the verses if desired. Though the recording is very full, with lots of vocal parts and instruments, it can easily be done in a 'stripped down' style.
Suggested use: Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Please share your song ideas with me and I will post as many as I can so we can all share our knowledge of resources. Remember, what works for one parish might not work for another. We should be open-minded to all styles and preferences of music. As long as the music serves the liturgy, it may be listed here.