Last year, I wrote out the following arrangements for my late elementary to early intermediate student who covered for me while I was out of town on a Sunday.
I created arrangements that would be easy for my student to learn in time to play. The student I’m speaking about is our Pastor’s daughter. She is now a true early intermediate and enjoys taking part in our music ministry. I’m excited with her progress! Would love to share what all she’s been doing but will save that for her interview after Thanksgiving.
Each of these arrangements include an introduction. The songs are also in a lower key for the benefit of our congregation. Our congregation sings out SO much more when we lower the hymns. These arrangements can be used for piano solos or congregational singing!
Five Late elementary Christmas congregational arrangements.
Each arrangement includes an introduction.
These arrangements can be used as piano solos or congregational singing.
Song list:
Away in a Manger,
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,
O Come All Ye Faithful,
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,
What Child is This?
Meet Maddie the church pianist who loves learning to play!
Maddie started out in Level 1A (Faber books) and reached level 5 in two years!
Watch this video to hear Maddie share her journey thus far… Please feel free to share by copying this link to your social platform Maddie the Church Pianist
Promo Sale! The collection is on sale through August 21st, 2023 until 10pm.
I had a person contact me recently requesting another collection of early intermediate congregational arrangements.
One of my daughter-in-laws will also benefit from this collection.
I decided to add an introduction to each arrangement. Also, most of the arrangements would make nice short piano solo offertories.
You could also use these arrangements for accompanying a soloist too!
Only two of the arrangements wouldn’t be able to stand alone as a piano solo…..”Are You Washed?” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The reason why is because the melody is not supported throughout the entire arrangement. Some church pianists may be comfortable adding the missing melody in the few places per arrangement. Otherwise, these two arrangements are missing the melody notes here and there since it’s more of an accompaniment style.
Early intermediate congregational arrangements by Jenifer Cook.
Ten hymns:
All Hail thePower, Are You Washed?, Have Thine Own Way, Higher Ground, I Love to Tell the Story, Revive Us Again, Sweet Hour of Prayer, Tell it to Jesus, Tis So Sweet, Where He Leads. Most of these arrangements can stand alone as a piano solo with the exception of: Are You Washed and Sweet Hour of Prayer. View the first three hymn arrangements by clicking on the COVER PHOTO
This collection will be published on July 20, 2023 at a special rate of $13 (sales price good for July 20th (3pm EST) through July 22nd (10pm EST) After this time, the regular price of $16 will apply.
I thought I would add a few extra thoughts on our role as church pianists.
I need to remember I am a servant of the Lord no matter what ministry I do.
Paid or unpaid…we are servants of the Lord.
Suggested tips for coaching vocalists:
Build a trusting relationship with someone before dishing out advice. Careful to admonish in a constructive manner. For example, “You have a wonderful voice but this particular song (though a great song) is outside your vocal range. Would you mind trying another song that better suits your voice? You will be so much more effective when you’re not having to struggle to reach real high or low notes.” * Sometimes high notes can be altered to make a song within means.
One thing I like to do when rehearsing with a vocalist is to call out question phrases ahead of each phrase being sung…forcing the singer to focus on the message of the song…thus making it more meaningful to them. * I do this more with ensembles.
