One of my readers asked me how I keep my music organized for services.

I just came up with a more reasonable way this past Sunday.

I created two sticky tabs to use in the hymnal for our two congregationals per service. The third sticky tab marked with a “C” stands for choir special.

Our choir typically sings a song from the hymnal for Sunday mornings because we don’t have everyone with us until Sunday night service.  Quite a few of our choir members either work in our children’s ministry or work in the nursery.

That’s just part of having a small church 🙂

My son, the choir director, has a notebook full of our 8.5 x 11 sheet music for the choir.  I have the same type notebook.

I think we’re going to create a hanging file for each of our notebooks because the notebooks are getting full!

We already have all of our choir music in hanging file folders in alphabetical order.

I also carry around a two pocket folder that houses my AM & PM sheet music for upcoming vocal & offertory specials.  Works great for me!

It’s also been helpful to have a hanging file folder for each person who sings on a regular basis.  They can always fall back on a song they’ve done before  in case they’re filling in at the last minute.

Here’s how my pianist hymnal would look like on a typical Sunday morning.

I included a pic of our “order of service” which the Pastor provides for us.

I’m sharing a brief list (below) of some of the ideas I walked away with after my annual meeting with my piano friend Meryt Wilson.

Hopefully they are a benefit to you as well.

Before I forget, one of the sacred piano books I recommended to Meryt was “Sacred Reflections” by Virginia Halberg.

This book has my favorite arrangement of “Great is Thy Faithfulness”  Suggestion:  I delete measures 45-50 and I end earlier at measure #91. (see image below)

I ended earlier because I didn’t feel the need to continue any further with the extra triplet note section. (personal opinion)

Thinking about Dad a lot lately. He’s been in heaven a little over a year now. (June 2)

I will always remember how Dad sang with gusto not only in his vocal solos but also while leading the congregational singing.
He truly felt the music.

The following tip is for church pianists who accompany vocal or instrumental solos. This pertains to soloists who are comfortable “taking the lead”.

It’s helpful to slow down prior to a fermata or slower section for emphasis.  Also, I try to keep the music moving forward during a held word to keep the music alive.  Basically,  FEEL the music with the soloist to give he or she the best “behind the scenes” support.  Remember to constantly monitor your accompaniment volume so as not to drown out the singer or instrumentalist. Have someone sit out toward the back of the auditorium during practice… to check volume between pianist and soloist.

Here’s Dad directing the congregational singing at the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools 50th Teacher Convention in 2017. The second video is me accompanying Dad.

Here’s a list at what I’ve been writing and hope to publish very soon!

One Day (congregational) *early advanced

Wonderful Grace of Jesus (congregational)* early advanced

My Country Tis of Thee (piano trio) Levels:  Early elementary, Late elementary & early intermediate

My grandson and two other pianists will be playing My Country Tis of Thee for July 2nd am service.

I just wrote two piano hymn arrangements yesterday with my students in mind. They’re still in the handwritten stage right now.

The names of the pieces are All Hail the Power (late elementary)  and Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (early intermediate)

These two arrangements came about after turning up a limited supply of hymn arrangements at these levels.

I’m sure there are more nice selections at this level depending on what style you’re looking for. I prefer to expose my students to different arrangers for a more diverse experience at playing the piano.

Some of my favorite books near the late elementary to early intermediate are…  (Click on book images to view more information)

Maybe some of you could suggest your favorite books or sheet music at these levels for us to glean from.  Thanks!

For those who purchased my advanced piano arrangement for “One Day”.

Here are several tips that may help as you practice this piece for Easter.

About a month until Easter to learn this very advanced piano solo.

I like how this hymn summarizes Jesus’ life.

This would make a great Christmas or Easter arrangement!

We use this hymn all year round in our congregational singing or for a choir special.

One Day!

Very advanced sacred piano solo arranged by Jenifer Cook Two verses and choruses. Begins in C major and ends in E flat major.

Price: $5.25

Surprise!  “One Day” is public domain!  Here’s the note I received last week giving me the green light to publish this beautiful Easter hymn.

From CCLI Song Select (customer service).

I will publish “One Day” advanced piano solo tomorrow March 10th 2023

I just finished inputting the surprise Easter piano solo arrangement into my note software!

Now for the final touches before publication. It’s four pages in length (Two verses and two choruses)

Here’s a peek at one of the measures…

One of my piano students requested this arrangement of Then Sings My Soul for a piano competition piece.

If you’ve been following my posts over the years, Allissa will sound familiar to you. Allissa has just recently approached a true intermediate level.

She is the one who requested an arrangement of this well-loved hymn.

I tried to add some phrases that sound similar to my advanced version of this hymn.  Below….is  the video of the early intermediate arrangement for Then Sings My Soul.

Then Sings My Soul

Early intermediate sacred piano solo arranged by Jenifer Cook. 3 pgs. Key of B flat major to C major. Two verses and choruses. This arrangement was written for one of my piano students to play for competition. Some of the phrases will sound similar to my advanced version of Then Sings My Soul. Listen to the video below.

Price: $3.75