It’s hard to believe that July 4th is so close! Since I’ve been so busy…it takes less time for me to write an arrangement as opposed to a strict “teaching” article. Today’s free piano arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is arranged for congregational singing.
The hymnal version (voice parts) contain a lot of repeated notes making it necessary for the church pianist to create a more interesting sound to bring it to life!
In part one of this free arrangement…I added the vocal score above the piano score… so you could see what I’m playing as opposed to the written voice parts from the hymnal. I’ll provide an audio after I share the entire arrangement with you.
One of my readers recently asked if I knew where to find an arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” that wasn’t so elementary that a choir could sing to. Well…I decided to write an arrangement of “This Little Light” and really enjoyed creating it!
Since my time is limited due to the busy month of May…much to your advantage…everyone receives this arrangement…FREE… since that’s all I’ve had time to do this week 🙂
There are so many word variations to this song. You’re welcome to substitute your own verses 🙂
Let me say a big “thank you” to Sharon for unknowingly inspiring me to write this piano/choir arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” 🙂
I do not hear this song much anymore but it’s in most of our church hymnals and carries a comforting message of God’s protection over his children.
A friend of ours emailed the following video of “God Will Take Care of You” that’s absolutely a blessing! Just thought I’d share it with those of you who may not have seen it yet.
Piano introductions play a vital role in the music of the church service. Listen to the following audios and decide for yourself which one better prepares the congregation to enter with confidence.
Why are piano introductions so important? I plan on answering this question and sharing several introduction examples from commonly used hymns in the next article on piano introductions for congregational singing.
His Eye is on the Sparrow has always been a favorite of mine. On a recent visit to my parent’s house…I accompanied my dad to sing this old but comforting hymn.
Dad has always taught me to “feel” the words when I play or sing. He seems to make the words come to life as he sings from his heart to the Lord. Thanks Dad for being such a wonderful teacher! Thanks to a patient Mom who made me practice piano which prepared me for years of service to the Lord in the music ministry.
Please allow the message of this song to soothe your soul 🙂
Hmmm…accompaning vocalists…what a responsiblilty we have as church pianists to support the singer; allowing them to take the lead.
Our job as a pianist is to provide a nice backdrop of sound to enhance the singer’s message. This is an area I would like to expound upon…at a later time:)
Until then….the following tips for accompanying the vocalist makes a nice start.
I came across this practical, informative article today on Sheryl Welles’ Notable Music Studio blog. The article addresses the importance of learning to accompany the vocalist. Laura Lowe of The Piano Studio, authored this practical advice on accompanying.
I have compiled several of my free Christmas piano arrangements under the ” Free Hymns Pdf” page for easier access.
Most church pianists are gearing up for Christmas; searching out Christmas piano arrangements. Hope these free arrangements are a help to your music ministry.
Accompanying the vocalist is so different from playing for congregational singing. For the most part, a steady rhythm is maintained for congregational singing.
Not so for accompanying the vocalist. I would encourage all church pianists to sing along mentally as you play. Doing so will prevent the pianist from rushing the vocalist. So many vocalists over the years have expressed their concern over pianists that rush their singing…not allowing them time to breathe and freely interpret the hymn. It’s so easy to do! Think about it…the pianist doesn’t have to physically breathe at the end of a sentence…so he or she just moves right along…forgetting that the poor vocalist would like to breathe! I know…I’ve been guilty many times of this very thing 🙂
Just focus on the message of the hymn and allow the singer to lead you. I understand some vocalists feel more comfortable following the pianist. Please encourage them to take the lead once they have learned the song; allowing them more freedom of interpretation.
In the future, I hope to provide a video with helpful tips for accompanying the vocalist.
