“When I Looked up to the Cross” is one of my most favorite songs written by my Dad, Reece Yandle.
This particular vocal solo is perfect for Easter. I love the phrase, “When I looked up to the cross and gaze on His face. That’s when I thank Him for His love and His grace.” It’s such a powerful song about the death and resurrection of Jesus. Click HEREto see Dad singing this piece.
Dad has another Easter type song entitled “Nevertheless Thy Will be Done” that’s also a great selection around Easter time. I arranged both of these songs of Dad’s. However, this second piece is only available through Lorenz who is now under GIA Publications. The lyrics to this reflective song… opens with a scene of Jesus kneeling in the garden of Gethsemane and his heart-rending prayer…”Let this cup pass from me…nevertheless Thy will be done.” The final phrase is “Thus cried the Savior God’s own Son, nevertheless Thy will be done.”
Also note, “Nevertheless Thy Will be Done”, is in a vocal book from various authors.
I do have another vocal arrangement in the same book written by one of my youth directors, Rusty Dillard, and it’s also a great song about the story of Joseph.
Click on the following song links for more information:
For those wanting more written examples… I’m sharing two more visuals of right hand runs using sixteenth notes.
Runs add a nice driving force to the music and creates energy if played correctly 🙂
Tip:
Emphasize the 1st note in each sixteenth note group for a more shapely sound. Emphasizing every note can sound mechanical.
In my earlier days of being church pianist, I would often rush a run. It’s so easy for our fingers to speed too much when viewing a sea of black notes that need to occur in a brief moment! I had to make myself slowly practice the run and count the main beats as I conquered the sea of notes in front of me. In time the run sounded like it fit! Just remember….not all runs mean “super fast!”
Click on the following title to download free pdf with two more examples of this right hand run:
Two Part Mixed Choir Arrangement (piano and vocal score included. Optional Violin
also included. Violin part is geared to the more Advanced Violinist. Listen to the
audio which includes piano vocal and violin score. *Special note: SAB on the last page.
Piano & vocal score arranged by Jenifer Cook
Price covers as many copies as needed for your ministry.
Violin accompaniment by Abby Phillips Lockaby
I’ve been fine tuning two vocal arrangements to use around Easter time.
The first one is complete! It’s a fairly easy two part ladies’ arrangement of “Jesus Paid it All” by John T. Grape.
I usually schedule at least 6 practices for this selection to make sure we have time to work on the expression once the notes are learned.
I’ll do my best to provide a video of this piece asap.
The second vocal arrangement of “The Cleansing Wave” is actually a two-part mixed choir piece with an optional beautiful violin accompaniment created by one of my music friends….(Abby Phillips) Lockaby. She added just the right texture/sound to this flowing arrangement. I’ll share an audio sample of the piano and violin score this week.
Sacred Two Part Ladies' Arrangement (for 2 or more vocalists)
Price covers as many copies as you need. Great selection for the Easter season.
Easy to learn! The most practice your ladies' group would need is maybe five rehearsals.
One of my viewers recently asked permission to play my arrangement of The First Noel for her church since they were livestreaming their service.
She did such a wonderful job that I just had to share it. Tamara played it slower than I would have but I kind of like it that way because it allows for more note clarity and expression.
Thanks Tamara Kim for your wonderful playing. You are a blessing! Beautiful expression too!
I’m hosting a giveaway for a free Choreo Keeper! (retails for $35.99)
No page turns?! It’s possible with the Choreo Keeper! I bought one of these notebooks a couple of years ago and absolutely LOVE it! I use it for offertories, choir arrangements and funerals, etc.
Meet Catherine, the designer of the Choreo Keeper in the video below. She will give the best description!
Thanks Catherine for providing this free giveaway!
Giveaway Guidelines:
Simply leave one comment below to enter the drawing. The giveaway will last until December 19th, 2021….8 pm EST.
The winner will be announced here on my website by 10 pm EST on 19th.
Please note: If you’re located outside the US, you can still enter and win, but will be asked to defray international shipping charges by paying $17 (US$). Please remember that the sheet protector pockets are sized for US Letter.
