Anthem Reviews

Here are four very fine pieces from Hal Leonard Music, selected by their Church Choral Editor, Keith Christopher, for MME to review for them. You will find that each of these could fit into your worship experience well.  Enjoy!

The Cross Says, “Come,” Words/Music by Babbie Mason and Eulalia King, Arranged by Camp Kirkland, SATB, keyboard, Hal Leonard Music #08749321, $1.80; ChoirTrax # 0874932 $24.99; Orchestration #08749323, $55.00

  Would you like a very good recipe for a wonderful choral worship experience? Take a song by very talented song lady, Babbie Mason, add the creative efforts and remarkable skills of the master arranger, Camp Kirkland, and the result will be an anthem worthy of your exploration.

As usual, Camp’s orchestration doesn’t get in the way. It is very supportive and holds together very well. Babbie’s tune/text (written with Eulalia King) is most gentle and embraces the listener with warmth and security. The Cross of Christ indeed says, “Come,” and that message is provided in the context of beautiful lyric, tune and arrangement. This one is a MUST for every minister of music who loves beauty without volume.

Crown Him King!, Words/Music by Cindy Berry, SATB Piano, Hal Leonard # 08749009, $1.70; ChoirTrax: #08749010, $24.99; Orchestration #08749011 $55.00

Commissioned by the First Baptist Church, Simpsonville, SC, for the dedication of their new worship center, the talented and gifted composer, Cindy Berry, has provided an anthem of great praise and excitement, without “overdoing” it! This setting is very fine. Don’t allow the title to sway you to think this is an Easter anthem. It could be, certainly, but it is also one that can be done anytime of the year. Cindy’s main theme is very singable and really works well. The middle of this anthem has a congregational opportunity to sing the familiar hymn, “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” with soprano descant. Then, with a wonderful key change, Cindy takes us back to her original melody, ending with great flare and musical fireworks—double forte. If you are looking for a “barnburner” that has class and great orchestration to boot, look no further.

Prayer and Alleluia, Music by Keith Christopher, text adapted from Psalm 51:10-11, SATB/Keyboard, with optional strings and harp, Hal Leonard # 08748880, $1.70; ChoirTrax #08749063, $24.99; Orchestration #08749064, $25.00

If you are looking for a very delicate and intimate choral prayer response, benediction or worship service opener, or if you need an anthem that speaks to renewal in a most delicate manner, this is the one for you. Christopher has set this familiar text to a very beautiful melody line and has allowed the chorals match so beautifully and the string ensemble will only enhance the worship experience. This anthem is gentle, embracing, and will be meaningful to both choir and congregation. A very nice creation, Keith! This is the kind of anthem that makes me wish I’d written it!!!

We’ve Been Blessed, Words/Music by Keith Wilkerson, SATB, Keyboard, Hal Leonard  #08749321, $1.70; ChoirTrax #08749322, $24.99
Orchestration #08749323, $55.00

Commissioned by the First Baptist Church, Carthage, TX, Wilkerson has provided a meaningful text to match his music—strong, forthright, and challenging. It is a very upfront kind of anthem, no surprises, well written, and has a big, bold ending—destined to please congregation and the pastor! This anthem is medium difficulty and should be able to be prepared in 3-4 rehearsals.

 

Handbell Reviews

O Wally, Wally (Where Love Is Found and The Water Is Wide), Arr. Joshua A. Evanovich, 2-3 octaves with 2 octave optional handchimes, GIA Music, #G-7444, $4.50 (8 pages)

  Joshua is a relatively new handbell composer to the market and in this delightful arrangement, has given us a most charming setting of this most familiar tune, O Wally, Wally. It is quite easy (Level 2) and could be ready to play in three rehearsals with a good bell choir. The handchimes add so much flavor and spice to this setting—use them, if at all possible. Perhaps another bell group could play the chimes in another location in the sanctuary! There are two key changes that are smooth as silk—nicely done. Your bell choir and your people will thoroughly enjoy this setting! You'll be seeing more of Joshua A. Evanowich!

Holy, Holy, Holy (NICAEA), Arr. Kiyo Watanabe, 3. 4, 5 octave handbells OR handchimes! GIA #G-7449, Level 4, $5.00, 12 pages

Everyone needs another setting of the familiar hymn tune, “Holy, Holy, Holy” – right? Well, when you see this chart, you will agree that this arrangement is worthy of your time, energy, effort, rehearsal and performance!

The opening 10 measures, and repeated in Measure 93 to the end, is worth the price of the chart! These measures can be used to introduce several hymns (in the key of D major) and would make a wonderful opening.

Wantanabe has been very careful to use dynamics well, and when mastered, will add much to the performance of this piece.  It is extremely well done and would be good for a festival, special service, concert or dedication. This is one chart you will want in your collection!

New Product Review

Christmas Mosaic, A Festival of Carols for Any Choir, Arr. Marty Parks, Easy 2 Excel Series for smaller choirs, Lillenas Music Publishers #978-0-8341-7694-2, Performance Time: 40 minutes, $6.99

Companion Products include:

Stereo CD 765762109025 - $16.99              
Bulk CDs (each of 10) 765762109322 - $74.99              
Split-Channel Accomp CD 765762109124 - $90.00          
Stereo Accomp CD 765762109223 - $90.00              
Rehearsal CDs 765762109421 - .64 each
Duplication Fee - $60.00                  
Orchestration, Score/Parts 765762160309 - $350.00 Bulletin Blanks (each of 100) 765762160200 - $20.00 Preview Pack -  765762160101 - $12.95

Marty Parks has given us another of his very creative and usable works, titled Christmas Mosaic. This is a touching musical portrait of the wonder of Christ's incarnation and the mystery of His birth, expressed so well by Marty’s skills. These arrangements beautifully tie together familiar and well-known Christmas music spanning generations and expressing a broad spectrum of moods that one feels only at Christmas, including a holy hush, moments of quiet introspection, jubilant praise and full-voiced celebration!

My favorite of this fine collection is the stately, opening proclamation found in the Fanfare for the Messiah! It is so well done and lifts the spirit of those who will hear this introduction to a wonderful worship experience.

Featured carols include: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; Emmanuel, God with Us; How Great Our Joy! and others.

The format, usefulness, and flexibility provides you with several unique programming options for your use including using the book as a collection for Sunday Worship during Advent and throughout the Christmas season.
The songs may be used individually, as you program a concert, pageant or a Singing Christmas Tree. A Christmas Eve service is also available that includes several choral settings

So here it is—a mosaic of the sounds, colors, emotions and moods of Christmas that is within the reach of any choir to present with confidence.

CD Review

Hymns for Him--A Contemporary Collection of Timeless Treasures, Artist: Marvin Matthews; Marvin is making a MME Special available this week. You can get this album for $12 or any two of his CDs for $20--this is a real bargain. This offer is only available at marvinfmatthews@tx.rr.com You must mention "MME May Special" to get the discount. Provide your full address.

Esther and I were in Billings, Montana last month, for her to speak to a Women's Conference, and the worship leader was a new face to us, a gentleman by the name of Marvin Matthews. I was present for each of his worship sessions and to say I was impressed with his worship leadership, spiritual concept of music ministry, personality, gentleness--and his voice--would be an understatement! This gentleman is extremely gifted. His winsome personality draws you into the worship experience. If, by chance, you are looking for a fresh face with giftedness in worship leadership, MME will recommend to you this gentle gentleman! Go to his website: www.marvinmatthews.com - and take the grand tour. You will discover how talented he is.

His new album is titled Hymns for Him--A Contemporary Collection of Timeless Treasures,--and it is just that. Marvin and his team of excellent arrangers, have taken the "hymn classics," such as Crown Him With Many Crowns, My Jesus, I Love Thee, His Eye Is On the Sparrow, plus twelve more--and provided the listener with new concepts of musical vitality--poured generously into these timeless and beloved hymns. I was intrigued from the start of the album--because of the creativity displayed and energy obvious in each chart. Marvin believes what he sings.

MME highly recommends this album to our readers. It will provide you moments of worship as well as some very good "WOW" moments. You won't be disappointed.

Book Review

A Life In Music, Conversations with Sir David Willcocks and Friends, Edited by William Owens, Oxford University Press, $32.95; available from AMAZON.com for $29.22 and several are available used for $25.00; click on the book cover to go directly to Amazon.com

Once or twice in a lifetime, there comes such a strong force in the field of church music that the persona of this person seems to capture all those who come into contact with him or her. The master conductor, Robert Shaw, was such an influemce influence to many musicians in his lifetime.

When one comes into contact with Sir David Willcocks, immediately, there the presence of great musicianship, an intense love for God, and an immense feeling of discipline expected from all who are singing great music under his leadership. Sir David is 90 years old this year—and is still going strong, conducting concerts literally all over the world--and most of them from memory! He is an extraordinary church music personality of our day  

This great book contains conversations recorded with such an entertaining and illuminating look at Sir David’s life and it very successfully conveys the tremendous enthusiasm for all kinds of music-making that sustained Willcocks in his varied endeavors. Owens also communicates the profound musical wisdom, decency, and generosity of spirit by Sir David. The book is not merely a fascinating account of a distinguished musical career; it is also, and perhaps more importantly, the story of a rich life--lived through music. This is one of those books that is really worthwhile and a most enjoyable read for all those involved in any genru of church music.

There is included with the book a well-produced CD that includes a mix of Willcocks' memories and his music-making, including many of Sir David's famous recordings such as Handel’s “Zadok the Priest.” And parts of Britten’s “War Requiem,” among others.

The book contains Willcock’s reflections from a personal acquaintance with eminent composers, conductors, and friends, and it presents a portrait of a highly gifted musician whose leadership, decency, and humanity have inspired countless singers to follow his example and live a life in music.

MME most highly recommends this outstanding book. It is well-written, and once you begin, it will be difficult to put it down. God bless you, Sir David Willcocks, for all you have given to church music! You are, indeed, an inspiration to all.

 

 

 

New Children's Musical Review

Ultimate Superstar, The Search Is On! A Musical for Kids, Story/Lyrics by Sharon K. Turney, Music by Don Turney, based on Daniel 12:3, Available from the publisher: http://www.kidsworksmusic.com
through PayPal. Click on “Musicals” and then, click on “Ultimate Superstar.”

Products include:

• Kid’s Book: $6.95 (also available as a PDF download with unlimited copying privileges for the duration of the production: $29.95)
• Conductor’s Book: $14.95 (both books are available as a PDF download with unlimited copying privileges for the duration of the production: $39.95)
• Audio CD: $14.95 with full packaging in a jewel case; also available in bulk in paper sleeves, 10 for $49.95
• CD with Tracks: split tracks and stereo tracks available, each CD--$79.95
• Preview Pack: listed on the website, which includes the Choral Book and Listening CD--$9.95 (one per church, school or group)

If you are looking for a fabulous summer project with your children’s choir here  and perhaps, adding a few middle school singers, this is the one for you! From the very beginning, there is energy, life and it's just plain fun. Your kids will love it. MME suggests that you go to the website NOW and purchase the PREVIEW PACK. You will then be able to hear and see this outstanding musical work—designed just for children. The premise is a church talent show, and it has the option of be tailored to fit YOUR church situation, with piano, instrumental or vocal solos, men’s quartet, ladies trio and much more. Be creative here. There are wonderful Production Notes to help your creative juices flowing.

Don’t delay!  Get your Preview Pack today!! You’ll be ordering soon!

Conferences/Workshops

President Richard Suggs and the Baptist Church Music Conference Executive Council wishes to extend to you an invitation to enjoy artists, clinicians, guests, and features at the BCMC Conference, June 7-9, at Forest Hills Baptist Church, Brentwood, TN.

Here are just a few of the conference offerings:
 
• HYMNFEST - with orchestra and guest artists David Hamilton, Larnelle Harris, and Steve Green 
• The Combine State Baptist Men’s Chorales, under the direction of Milburn Price
• Mercer Children’s Choir
• Dick & Melodie Tunney
• Presenters: Mike Harland, Skip Cleavinger,  Terry York, Mark Edwards, Bob Burroughs, Esther Burroughs
• The Good News Singers
• HYMNPOSIUM: Introducing the Celebrating Grace Hymnal
• Anthem Reading Sessions
• Panel Discussions
• Receptions, Meals, Fellowship and Vendors to meet your music ministry needs

Go to www.sbcmc.org to see full details needed and the updated program, register online, to seek hotel reservation information, find out about early bird registration fees, and much more. Baptist Church Musicians and others are more than welcome and will enjoy quality presentations that have become the “hallmark” for this conference.

The Creative Choral Conductor

University of Kentucky School of Music 2009 Summer Choral Worship, June 14-16 on the Lexington, KY campus.

Guest Clinician: Dr. Jerry Blackstone is the Director of Choirs and Chair of the Conducting Department at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, Ann Arbor, MI.

This very professional development workshop is offered to choral directors, college professors, general music teachers, arts & humanities coordinators, and administrators of all levels.

Clinics presented by Dr. Blackstone include:

• Creative Rehearsal Techniques
• Working with Instruments
• Ideas for Church Musicians
• The Challenges of Middle School Choirs.

Other Workshops will include:

• Creative Rehearsal Techniques
• Working with Instruments
• Ideas for Church Musicians
• The Challenges of Middle School Choirs

The workshop is also an excellent opportunity for choral directors to hone their own musical skills with conducting sessions designed in both a group and one-on-one format with our noted clinicians.

EILA/KDE credit and professional development credit are offered for attending this workshop.  In addition, UK graduate credit is available for an additional fee through the UK Graduate School.

So…here’s your chance to bone up with the best and come away with fresh ideas, rehearsal tips, and honing of your own skills! You will be better for attending—and so will your church!

For complete information for this outstanding workshop, go to www.uky.edu/FineArts/Music/summer/choral/index.php

 

Presbyterian Association of  Musicians

Three of the better week-long conferences available this summer are sponsored by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, in three separate places across the USA--designed to meet the most people interested in worship, great music, honing of personal sklls, creative sermons, and grand fellowship. These conference have it all. The one in the picture on the left is the Montreat, North Carolina Conference. It is easily within driving range, just outside of Asheville, NC. If you can spare the time, there are wonderful accomodations, great food, beautiful mountain scenery, places in the area to see, including the beautiful Biltmore Estates!

You may receive full and complete information about each conference, including cost, housing, classes, ensembles, children's events and more by going to www.presbymusicorg or double click on the picture. Have a grand experience and attend one of these events. 

Baylor University Center for Christian Music Studies

Presents the Annual Music & Worship Conference

July 21-24, 2009

 

How good is this conference? Just go to their website and you will find a virtual who's who of personalities that are known through out all of church music. These men and women are tops in their field, respected and appreciated for their special gifts--and you will have opportunity to study and fellowship them, as well as receive outstanding inspiration, worship, and much more.

For complete information on faculty, classes, cost, housing and more , go to www.baylor.edu/Christian_music (Note: there is a _ between Christian and Music!)

 

The Willow Creek Leadership Summit
August 6-7, 2009

One Man's Story to Reach the Middle East

Fady Eldeiry grew up the son of a pastor, who led an evangelical church in Alexandria, Egypt. He now lives in the U.S. and first attended The Leadership Summit in 2001. At the end of the Summit, he was transformed. When he heard and grasped the idea that the local church is the hope of the world, he knew that his life would never be the same.

For the past seven years, Fady has worked relentlessly to bring the Global Leadership Summit to Egypt--so that others would hear the transforming message of the local church. Finally, in 2008, Fady saw his dream turned into reality as the first Egyptian GLS was held outside the city of Cairo. More than 450 Egyptian leaders, including 120 pastors, attended The Global Summit along with Christians from 20 other Arab countries including Libya, Sudan, Syria, Jordon, Morocco, and Palestine. Many who attended are leaders of underground churches.

Fady's vision continues to be about bringing the best leadership principles available to support Christian leaders serving the Arab World. After the GLS concluded, its impact expanded as it was broadcast via satellite to a television audience reaching 10 to 12 million Arabs. Bill Hybels' book, Courageous Leadership, has been translated into Arabic and a professor at the seminary in Cairo is using the book and content from the GLS to continue developing country leaders.

To find out how you can get involved supporting leaders like Fady in their efforts to take leadership development to every leader in this world, go to WillowCreekGlobalSummit.com or call 800-570-9812.

For full and complete information about this years Leadership Summit, go to www.willowcreek.com/lds/events_LS_2009.asp

Bits 'n Pieces

MME wishes to express our deep appreciation to Kid’s Works Music (www.kidsworksmusic.com) with Sharon and Don Turney, have offices in California and Maryland. Their Senior Sales Representative is Betty in the Maryland office. Betty's email is betty.kidsworksmusic@comcast.net and her office phone is: (410) 751-7086. Their new musical, reviewed above, is self-published, so it can only be purchased from their website. MME highly recommends this very delightful musical as a summer music project for your children’s choir(s), or certainly a spring production that would be very well received by your congregation! Order the Preview Pack—you can’t go wrong here. Thank you Sharon and Don for your faith in MME. If you wish their email address for additional questions, it is sharon@dksproductions.com

It's not too early--to begin planning your summer renewal experience, such as a workshop, clinic or conference that will challene you to become a stronger and more effective music leader. MME has listed several above that are some of the very best around, and you will do yourself and your church/school a favor if you can find time to be inspired and refreshed in a summer event!

Final Thought

In these difficult times of financial stress, remember these words from Isaiah 52:13:  "Behold, My Servant shall deal wisely and shall prosper: He shall be exalted and extolled and shall stand very high."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Burroughs -  bobburroughs@mac.com

 

 

 

 

 © 2009 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved

 To download a PDF of this week's MME, please click here.