Songs for the Epiphany of the Lord 1/04/2015

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Featured song: *Every Nation on Earth by Aaron Thompson

(Responsorial Psalm for The Epiphany of the Lord)

Aaron has re-recorded this song on his NEW CD, Alive in Me. (see below)

The Voices as One arrangement and the octavo are available.  Listen to the recording to get the overall feel and spirit of this song, then play it accordingly, based on the instrumentation you have.

 

 

Other Songs for Epiphany:

 

Rise Up In Splendor, by Tom Booth - published by spiritandsong.com
I have always liked this song. The refrain is simple, singable, and can be used as a call and response if so desired. Verse one states so clearly, “Though darkness covers and we are blinded by sin our God shall save us and we shall walk in the light.” This is a great entrance song, and might also be used during the Preparation of the Gifts. (From the CD Cry the Gospel)

*Rise Up In Splendor, by Aaron Thompson - published by World Library Publications
A very upbeat setting of this text. Get some percussion going and some singers who can hold their own and this is a great opening to the Mass on Epiphany Sunday. You’ll want to teach the refrain and verse parts to the assembly (they’re the same) so they can truly participate. (From the CD 10,000 Angels.)

Lord, Every Nation, by Jesse Manibusan - published by spiritandsong.com
I love the feel and melody of this song. The verses are powerful and singable for all, though a soloist would serve them well. The refrain is very singable, especially for a Psalm setting. I seem to use this song whenever I get the chance!

Christmas Offering, by Paul Baloche - published by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music

The original version of this song was just called “Offering,” a beautiful text and melody that seemed to fit almost any time. Ref: “I bring an offering of worship to my king...”  With the added verse text, it is perfect for use on Epiphany: “Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star while angels sang to lowly shepherds.” I really encourage you to check out this song. Here is a very brief article along with some free downloads that Paul Baloche himself had written back in 2004.

All the Ends of the Earth by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word and found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

Come, Let Us Worship the King by Patrick Bradley (WLP) (recorded by W. Clifford Petty on his CD Touch Jesus)

*Let Me Be Your Bethlehem by Danielle Rose (WLP) from the CD Defining Beauty

Love Has Come by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) from the CD The End and the Beginning

Shine On Us by Michael W. Smith (CCLI)

Shine Through Us by Danielle Rose (WLP) - from the CD I Thirst and found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

Welcome Home by John Angotti (WLP) from the CD Welcome Home for Christmas

Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice (CCLI)

We Three Kings

What Child Is This?

The First Noel

We Exalt Your Name by Jobe/Maher (EMI)

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

 

When do those drums need to come in?

Hey everyone.  Thought I'd share a little sample from two of our Masses this past weekend. What you will hear is the Alleluia played by one ensemble at a Mass, and the same Alleluia played by another ensemble at a different Mass.  The drummers at each of these Masses play the Gospel Acclamation with pretty much the same feel, but they each come in at different times (and bass guitar follows).  Each has a different effect.

Here is the score:
Alleluia / Gospel Acclamation

1. Here's the first 'live recorded' version from our 8:30 am Mass. The bass and drummer come in right at the top, just like in the Glory to God and Amen from Mass of Saint Ann. (This is a different, newer Alleluia.)
Alleluia / Gospel Acclamation - 8:30 Mass

2. Here's the second one, from our 6:00 pm Mass.  Notice in this version, the piano and guitar set the song in motion first...voices leading the way.  Then, on the higher, more elongated 'Alleluia' part, both the bass and drums come in.  Everything backs down for the verse, then back up for the Refrain.
Alleluia / Gospel Acclamation - 6:00 Mass

Both work just fine, in my opinion, but they can help us start thinking about arranging songs in different ways for different effects.

One other note on this arrangement: notice the 'hole' in the sound, right at the end of the verse just before it goes back into the 'Alleluia.'  We sing, "all things in heaven and on earth are yours" and then there is a rest on beats 4–6.  I just think it's a nice effect and allows everything to breathe, while setting up the next big 'Alleluia.'  (Again, this is similar to the rests in the last Refrain of Mass of Saint Ann's Glory to God, right after the first "Glory!")

Song Ideas for November 23rd, 2014 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

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Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith (Sony/Milene/CCLI)

**At the Name of Jesus by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD Hymns and found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

At the Sound by Ndolo/Seay (spiritandsong) (from the CD We are the Beggars)

Come Christians Join to Sing by Bateman/Bolduc (from the CD Hymns)

*Come, Now Is the Time to Worship by Brian Doerkson (Vineyard/CCLI) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Christ Is Lord by Ben Walthers (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Make Your Home In Me)

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

Come, Let Us Worship the King by Patrick Bradley (WLP) (recorded by W. Clifford Petty on his CD Touch Jesus)

Everlasting God by Brenton Brown (EMI/worssiptogether.com)

**Give Glory by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) (from the CD Every Day and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

Glorious Lord by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) (from the CD Every Day and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

*He Is Exalted by Twila Paris (EMI) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 1)

Here Is Our King by David Crowder (EMI/worshiptogether.com)

How Great is Our God by Tomlin/Reeves/Cash (worshiptogether.com)

Jesus, Messiah by Reeves/Carson/Cash/Tomlin (worshiptogether.com)

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

*The Lord is My Light by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Awake to the Day and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

*Lord Reign In Me by Brenton Brown (Vineyard) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Oh Our Lord by Leonard/Jordan/Baloche (EMI/CCLI)

Psalm 23 by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Immersed

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Aaron Thompson (WLP) found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 2

The Name of Jesus by Flynn/Thomas (WLP) (from the CD Born Again and found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

We Exalt Your Name by Jobe/Maher (EMI)

Whatever You Do by John Angotti (WLP) (from the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

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

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

Song Ideas for November 16, 2014 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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PSALM - FREE SONG AND DEMO - Blessed are Those Who Fear the Lord by Ed Bolduc
 - download sheet music and demo here

*Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD Awake to the Day)

*Be Still for the Presence of the Lord by David Evans (Kingsway/worshiptogether) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 1)

City of God by Dan Schutte (OCP)

*Come, Now Is the Time to Worship by Brian Doerkson (Vineyard/CCLI) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Find Us Ready by Tom Booth (OCP) (from the CD Find Us Ready)

Here In This Place by Brian Flynn (WLP) from the CD Born Again and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

*In the Light by Charlie Peacock (EMI) (found in the  collection Voices As One vol. 2)

*In the Light of the Lord by Michael John Poirier (from the CD In the Light and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 1)

*Live In Me by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD The Face of God and the collection Voices As One vol. 1)

More Than Yesterday by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) - (from the CD Cry the Gospel)

My Reward by Paul Baloche (Integrity/CCLI) (from the CD Offering of Worship)

Now We Remain by David Haas (GIA) (from the CD The Best of David Haas vol. 1)

*Reason to Live by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD We Are Faithful)

*The Lord is My Light by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Awake to the Day and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

You are the Light by Blakesley/Cash (spiritandsong) 

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

Advent Songs - Be the Light (and more)

Last year in our parish, our Advent theme was 'Be the Light.'   Jack Busche (our liturgist at the time) and I combined efforts and wrote a theme song to be used throughout the whole season.  I know we're all planning music for Christmas and Advent, so I thought I'd post it here if you'd like to use it.  Here is a simple video with the lyrics and audio combined:

You can download the music from the link below:

Be the Light (lead sheet) by Jack Busche and Ed Bolduc

If it works for you, great!

Here are some other Advent songs to consider as part of your liturgies:

Craig Colson has written a beautiful and simple setting of an Advent Penitential Act.  This comes fresh off of his new recording I Am the Way. (WLP)  It's even more effective if you sing his song This Is Your Justice as a gathering/entrance song.  The melodies and thematic material are the same for both.  It's a nice way of making the entire Gathering Rite unified for a given Sunday in Advent, or even all four weeks. (get the lead sheet online at voicesasone.com) There is also a flute part for this song. This Is Your Justice can also be found in More Voices As One vol. 2

Curtis Stephen's Ready the Way (spiritandsong.com) sings the phrase 'ready the way' over and over in a powerful way. We're so used to hearing 'prepare the way' that this slight variation makes it that much more interesting and attractive.  I love the melody and the chord changes in this song.  It's enjoyable to sing and play and the assembly can grab hold of it immediately. (get the lead sheet online at spiritandsong.com)

You have to check out Matt Maher (and friends') (worshiptogether.com) beautiful song Hope Is Dawning.  The musical setting of this original text is just powerful...and simple!  The sound is fresh, contemporary, and immediately accessible by everyone.  Again, I love this song.  :-)  (get the lead sheet online at worshiptogether.com)

Paul Tate and Deanna Light's  Come, Emmanuel (WLP) is a staple in our parish during advent.  The way Paul and Deanna have used the melody for 'Come, Emmanuel' over and over is genius. The lyrics are great, the chord progressions are beautiful, and the melody is easy to sing. Instrumental parts are available in the Voices As One instrumental books.

If you're looking for something really upbeat, check out Lorraine Hess and Jaime Dilberto's Prepare Ye.  The assembly will easily be able to sing this refrain, and there's an assembly part in the verses as well. Your singers will enjoy the harmonies in the chorus and verses. It can also be found in More Voices As One vol. 2

Awake to the Day (WLP) has a piano intro that really sets the tone, and it's not difficult to play. This song can be played with just piano and or guitar, or with a full band playing out.  The assembly sings a recurring 'We prepare for you, Lord' in both verses.  Feel free to let a cantor sing the first part of the verse while bringing in the assembly on the "we prepares..." and the last couple of phrases.  Instrumental parts are available in the Voices As One instrumental books.

Tom Booth's 'Find Us Ready' has powerful lyrics: "Find us ready, Lord, not standing still."  The whole song has a gospel feel to it and is, of course, very accessible...as is all of Tom's music.  This is classic Booth at its best! (get the lead sheet online at spiritandsong.com)

Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – this song starts simply, building from the beginning. "In the darkest times of life when our lights refuse to shine you are there." A good medium-tempo song that works great at entrance, offertory, or closing. From the CD We are the Beggars.

Oh, Our Lord by Leonard/Jordan/Baloche (Integrity/EMI) is a good possibility as a Dismissal Song/Song of Thanksgiving that's not too crazy upbeat, if you're trying to stay a little more mellow during Advent.  Here are some of the lyrics:

We behold the breaking dawn The light that shines over ev'ryone

We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord.

We behold the rising sun, The earth awakes, Your hope has come

We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord.

The King Shall Come by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong) is a beautiful setting of a wonderful text. It can be played stripped-down to just piano or guitar, or with a full band. Careful not to add a 'groove' to it. Listen to the use of cymbal swells and orchestral playing in the recording. Let the voices lead.

And don't forget to sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel!


Here's a link to a previous blog post where I presented some options for the Gospel Acclamation and the Holy.

Song Ideas for November 9, 2014 - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

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All are Welcome by Marty Haugen (GIA) (from the CD All are Welcome)

Arise, O Church, Arise! by John Angotti (WLP) (from the CD We Gather in Love and the collection More Voices As One vol. 2)

*Be Still for the Presence of the Lord by David Evans (Kingsway/worshiptogether) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 1)

*Better Is One Day by Matt Redman (worshiptogether.com) (from the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

*Build a Family by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the collections "Voices As One vol. 1" and "Love One Another")

*Flowing River by Rita Baloche (Integrity/EMI/CCLI) (from the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Healing Waters by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD "Eyes to You")

*Healing Waters by Chris Springer and Eric Thomason (Integrity) (from the collection "Voices As One vol. 2"and the CD "Fountain of Mercy")

He Lives In Us by Amelia Acosta (WLP) (from the collection More Voices As One vol. 2)

Here In This Place by Brian Flynn (WLP) from the CD Born Again and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

How Great Thou Art (Traditional)

I Am the Bread of Life by Suzanne Toolan (GIA)

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

*Lord, I Come by Billy Funk (Integrity/CCLI) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

Many and One by Angrisano/Hart/Liles (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Inescapable Love)

Revelation Song by Jennie Lee Riddle (EMI/CCLI)

*The Lord is My Light by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Awake to the Day and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

*The Rock of Faith by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD Awake to the Day and the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

*Waters of Life by Laura Kutscher (WLP) (from the collection "Voices As One vol. 1)

We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD The Commons: by Request)

We Gather As the Body of Christ by John Angotti (WLP) (from the CD We Gather in Love)

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

Song Ideas for November 2nd - Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

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10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman (CCLI)

Beautiful One by Tim Hughes (worshiptogether/EMI)

*Better Is One Day by Matt Redman (worshiptogether.com) (from the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

Burning in My Soul by Younker/Maher/Reeves/Carson from the CD All the People Said Amen

Christ Is Lord by Ben Walthers (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Make Your Home In Me)

For You I Long by John Angotti (WLP) from the CD We Gather in Love

How Great Thou Art (Traditional)

I Am the Bread of Life by Suzanne Toolan (GIA)

I Am Yours (Consume Me, Completely) by Trevor Thomson (WLP) (found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 2)

*I Know that My Redeemer Lives by David Haas (GIA) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

I Lift My Soul to You by Ed Bolduc / found in the collection A Collection of Songs and Psalms

I Lift Up My Soul by Tim Manion (OCP) ("To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul, O my God.")

I Shall Not Want by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) from the CD Cry the Gospel

I Will Rise by Giglio/Tomlin/Reeves/Maher (worshiptogether/EMI)

*Lord, I Come by Billy Funk (Integrity/CCLI) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

My Heart Belongs to You by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) (from the CD Cry the Gospel)

*My Soul Is Thirsting by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong) from the CD Make a Difference and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

My Soul Rejoices by Jackie Francois (spiritandsong) from the CD Your Kingdom is Glorious

Oceans by Houston/Crocker/Lighthelm (Hillsong/EMI)

Psalm 23 by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word

The Beatitudes by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

*The Lord is My Light by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Awake to the Day and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Immersed

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Aaron Thompson (WLP) found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 2

The Saint that is Just Me by Danielle Rose (WLP) mp3 single

*Reason to Live by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD We are Faithful and the collection Voices as One vol. 1

Take My Life by Tomlin/Giglio (EMI)

*Take My Life by Scott Underwood (Mercy/Vineyard) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

Song Ideas for October 26, 2014 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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And We Cry, 'Holy' by Aaron Thompson (WLP) from the CD 10,000 Angels and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1

By Our Love by Christy Nockels (EMI/worshiptogether.com)

Can We Love? by Tom Booth (spiritandsong) (from the CD Captured)

Find Us Ready by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Find Us Ready

He Lives In Us by Amelia Acosta (WLP) (from the collection More Voices As One vol. 2)

I Love You, Lord by Craig and Kristen Colson (spiritandsong.com) from the CD Fill Us With Your Love

I Love You, Lord by Matt Maher (spiritandsong) from the CD Welcome to Life

I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Find Us Ready)

*Lord, You Have the Words by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD The Face of God and the collection Voices As One vol. 1

Love by Reeves/Cash/Pierce/Tomlin/Finley (EMI/worshiptogether.com)

Love by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Word for Word and the

Love the Lord by Lincoln Brewster (Integrity Praise/CMG)

Love the Lord, Your God by Valverde/Cabrera (OCP)

*More Love, More Power by Jude Del Hierro (Vineyard/CCLI) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

O God of Love by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD Hymns

Oh, Our Lord by Leonard/Jordan/Baloche (Integrity/EMI)

*Reason to Live by Ed Bolduc (WLP) from the CD We are Faithful and the collection Voices as One vol. 1

Take My Life by Tomlin/Giglio (EMI)

*Take My Life by Scott Underwood (Mercy/Vineyard) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

*You are the Voice by David Haas (GIA) found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)

Song Ideas for October 19, 2014 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

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All the Ends of the Earth by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD "Word for Word" and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

Christ Is Lord by Ben Walthers (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Make Your Home In Me)

*Everything by Tomlin/Reeves (worshiptogether/EMI) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

**Give Glory by Jacob and Matthew Band (WLP) (from the CD "Every Day" and the collection More Voices As One vol. 1)

*God of Wonders by Byrd/Hindalong (worshiptogether/EMI) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

How Great is Our God by Tomlin/Reeves/Cash (worshiptogether.com)

I Am Yours by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong) (from the CD Set Free)

I Am Yours (Consume Me, Completely) by Trevor Thomson (WLP) (found in the collection More Voices As One vol. 2)

I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Find Us Ready)

Lay It Down by Maher/Brown (EMI) (from the CD Empty and Beautiful)

*Make Us Your Own by Ed Bolduc (WLP) (from the CD Awake to the Day and found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

My Heart Belongs to You by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD Cry the Gospel)

Now We Remain by David Haas (GIA)

Oh, Our Lord by Leonard/Jordan/Baloche (Integrity/EMI)

Take My Life by Tomlin/Giglio (EMI)

*Take My Life by Scott Underwood (Mercy/Vineyard) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

We Come to You by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com) – (from the CD Waiting)

We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson (spiritandsong.com) (from the CD The Commons: by Request)

*You're Worthy of My Praise by David Ruis (Maranatha) (found in the collection Voices As One vol. 2)

* indicates instrumental parts available for these titles 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 and 2 C Instrument Book

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

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

** available as an eBundle (contains various instrumentation depending on the specific title)