April Church Music

This Sunday, I got to lead the music at church, but I gave up the Communion music to a young guy in the Communicants' class, who provided a beautiful classical piece. The selections (Italics are the piano solos of my choosing):

1. Hosanna, Loud Hosanna


2. I Will enter His Gates (He Has Made Me Glad)


3. Majesty


4. Hosanna


5. We Will Glorify


6. In The Garden*


7. (Doxology)


8. (Communion Music)


9. Alleluia


10. He Is Exalted


11. Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord


12. How Excellent Is Thy Name


13. I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

The choir asked to perform "In The Garden" as Special Music. They seemed to remember me telling them a story about how, growing up, Dad would oblige us to change the radio station, but not until after we heard In The Garden. This put me in an awkward position. For one, I didn't remember telling them that story (It was said I told the entire congregation when Corinne and I sang it a while back). For another, I didn't remember the story, I'm thinking maybe Steph told me just as Corinne and I were deciding on the music. Finally, the choir wanted to do it without any particular rehearsal, and I was of the opinion that the song isn't that easy to do well. Well, we did it, and it was fine. I just played, I didn't sing along.

I'd like to see if I can get them to do "Nearer, My God To Thee" on another Sunday, preferably with a few rehearsals. I think the choir is interested in doing special music every week, and always with no rehearsal. I'm not sure I know how best to discourage that.

March Church Music

I continue my monthly contribution at the piano during early service. This week's pieces for the contemporary service (Italics are the piano solos of my choosing):

1. O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
2. We Have Come Into His House
3. Praise the Name of Jesus
4. Almighty
5. Alleluia
6. Just As I Am*
7. (Doxology)
8. Am I A Soldier Of The Cross
9. The Church's One Foundation
10. The Family of God
11. His Name Is Wonderful
12. I Sing A Song Of The Saints Of God
13. Shine Jesus Shine

"Just As I Am" was used as the offeratory, and was played piano solo one verse and then sung in three parts with piano accompaniment for verse one only:

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

It was sung as a trio with less than a week's notice, and run through maybe a half dozen times. Brandon and I sang the bass clef, and Rinny took the melody, because if she sang the alto there'd be no one left for the melody. Thanks to both of you, well done, I appreciate the effort. The piece was special to me, although I don't know exactly why, and I was honored by your willingness to perform it on almost no notice. We may be able to do that again as a full(er?) choir and cover all the parts.

Still, I am not cool enough to post either the recorded performance or even the MIDI tunes, but I'm hoping one day...

Next service for me is Palm Sunday (and Grandma's birthday--April Fools). What can YOU suggest for favored Palm Sunday/Easter Season songs?

February Church Music

I have the honor of leading the "informal" church service (praise and worship, vs "traditional")on the first Sunday of the month on the piano, which means I get solo prelude/gathering music, offeratory, communion music, and postlude, as well as various group praise pieces, prayer response, doxology... I pick the solo pieces, the rest are assigned. This week's pieces (Italics are the solos):

1. These Things Are True of You
2. We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise
3. He Is Exalted
4. Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
5. Father, I Adore You
6. Pass Me Not
7. (Doxology)
8. I Need Thee Every Hour
9. Commune With Me
10. Be Thou My Vision
11. Make Me A Servant
12. Jesus, Name Above All Names
13. Safe In The Arms of Jesus

The Pass Me Not piece was kind of neat--it is played as a Blues Shuffle. (I am not yet sophisticated enough to post a recording.) It was well received I think. Anybody like or dislike any of these? I'd be very interested to hear your favorite Hymns, or Praise Music.