Worship Pastor / Composer Travis L. Boyd & wife, Cynthia, sharing faith, inspiration, & discipleship resources, plus music & more for worship ministry. * We also provide info about Worship Sounds Music, found at the links to our Publishers & Distributors ~ Choral Anthems * Solos * Orchestrations * Worship Songs * Accompaniment Trax (See blog sidebar)

Posts tagged ‘sacred choral’

Mixed Choir Choral Music by Travis L. Boyd

At Worship Sounds Music, there are always new songs in progress.

See the links in our sidebar to publishers and music distributors which offer Travis L. Boyd’s music.

Click this image to go to the Adult  Choir tab on the General Usage Anthems page of our Worship Sounds Music website.

Click this image to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

Look for:

*  New Choral Anthems
Additional voicings of Anthems
New Anthem Orchestrations (which also work for our Medium Voice Solos)
New Solo Music (or additional keys for our Solos)
New Accompaniment Tracks for our Anthems and Solos

NOTE:  We also plan to add free downloads of Reader’s Theater Scripts to our blog (in PDF format, ready to print) in the near future.

Here’s our YouTube playlist of Video Demos for our
Mixed Choir Choral Anthems. 

*  Video demos of new Anthems are added to this playlist when they are prepared for an Anthem or voicing that is new.
*  The playlist includes Anthems in SATB, SSATB, SAB, and 2-part voicings.
*  All of our Choral Anthems are in the process of being added to Sheet Music Plus. We’ll let you know when they become available there.

TO VIEW THE PLAYLIST TITLES, CLICK THE ICON BESIDE THE WORD “PLAYLIST” IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE BLACK VIDEO FRAME. THEN, USE THE GRAY TAB ON THE FAR RIGHT OF THE LIST AT TOP TO PULL DOWN AND SCROLL THROUGH TITLES.

YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE BY CLICKING ON THE PLAYLIST NAME IN THE TOP OF THE BLACK VIDEO FRAME.

Thank you for taking the time to view and hear our Choral video demos.

Blessings to you in your life and ministry
as you seek to bring glory to God
through music.

For Christmas! SATB Choral Anthem or Vocal Solo, “A Christmas Hymn”

A  BRAND  NEW  SONG  FOR  CHRISTMAS!

Stained glass nativity“A Christmas Hymn” (subtitled “Christ is Born Today”) is a lovely ballad with meaningful lyrics and a memorable melody, written by Worship Pastor and Composer Travis L. Boyd. The message is a proclamation of Christ’s birth, sharing all He is as the “crowning jewel of God’s great plan”.

“For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given…” ~ Isaiah 9:6a

We decided to make a music video for this song as a way to introduce it and to share the good news of Christ’s birth this Christmas season. The audio for Travis’ demo of the Vocal Solo version has been combined with images of stained glass depictions of the nativity story.  He is singing with the Accompaniment track that he created for the song. Feel free to share this video in order to spread the good news.

Click on the photo above to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

Click on the photo above to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

*   “A Christmas Hymn” is available as an SATB Choral Anthem, in your choice of Full Page or Octavo format.

 It is also available as a Vocal Solo for male or female Soloist.

*  The Accompaniment Track, as heard in this music video, works for either the Choral or Solo version of the Song. It comes as an Mp3 download and also comes with a lead sheet PDF to assist you in learning the melody and lyrics.

“A Christmas Hymn” is available as an SATB Choral and as a Vocal Solo.

There is also a partial orchestration (strings and wood-winds, as heard in the Accompaniment Track on the video demo below). The Orchestration would work for wither the SATB Choral or the Vocal Solo version of the song, which would be especially beautiful with the live instruments.

Below, you will find the music video for “A Christmas Hymn.”

May God bless you and yours this Christmas season,
Travis and Cindy Boyd
Worship Sounds Music

“A Christmas Hymn” is dedicated first to the Lord and then in honor of one of our six sons.   All six of our boys and our daughter are wonderful blessings with loads of potential and promise.  For Logan, Autism makes some of the typical developmental tasks and milestones more challenging.  He is a joy, and he knows how to focus on what really matters.  Logan is tuned in to those he loves and to music and fun.  He works so hard to keep learning.  We are thankful for all of our blessings, and Logan reminds us that showing kindness and love are the most important things we will do in this life.

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Do you know someone who is looking for answers?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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Anthems of Praise and Thanksgiving

Click this image to go to our WorshipSounds website.

Click this image to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

At Worship Sounds Music, we have an entire playlist of video demos for our anthem options that are songs of Praise and Thanksgiving!

From the easy to learn 2-part arrangement of “Since I Have Been Redeemed” (also available in SATB w/ Solo Throughout and in SATB with optional 1st verse solo, sung by The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma in TTBB) to the SSATB arrangement of “One Like Me” (sung by The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma in SSAA), every difficulty level is represented.  (With a wide variety of voicings as well)
Some the anthems are written in a lyrical, ballad or hymn-like style, like the lovely creation hymn medley “The Father’s Beautiful World” and the majestic anthem, “Greater” (available in SSATB and SSAA, sung and recorded by the Jubalheirs).
Other anthems are more up-beat and syncopated, such as the jazzy SATB anthem, “Don’t Let the Rocks Cry Out” and the contemporary praise anthem, “For the Glory of God” (available in SATB, SSAA, and TTBB, with optional Full Orchestration or Accompaniment Track also available, also sung by The Jubalheirs).
There are anthems for all of your choirsAdult Choir “The Theme of Our Praise), Student Choir (“A Joyful Doxology”, in SAB), and Senior Adult Choir (“Thank You for the Journey”).
Some of our anthems have well-loved hymn texts set to beautiful new melodies, such as the SATB “O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”.

We invite you to take a few minutes to listen to the audio of voice parts and piano accompaniment as you view the music for our anthems with our Video Demo playlist on the Travis L. Boyd / Worship Sounds Music YouTube channel.

PLEASE VIEW PLAYLIST IN FULLSCREEN MODE TO SEE LYRICS BEST.
Please use “Back” and “Forward” arrows (on the YouTube toolbar at the bottom, between play/pause arrow and speaker icon) to go to the Next Video or Previous Video if desired.

*  Our anthems are the work of Music and Worship Minister and Composer Travis L. Boyd, who has published anthems with Lorenz Music, Shawnee Press / Hal Leonard, Choristers Guild, Lifeway, and Broadman.

* Many of our anthems have Full Orchestrations available. Included in the bundled PDF’s are a Director’s Score, String Reduction for keyboard, and reproducible parts for Strings, Winds, and Percussion.

* Many of our anthems have Accompaniment Tracks available, sent as an Mp3 download.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Composer Travis L. Boyd.
Thank you for your time and for your consideration of our music!  We consider it an honor to serve Ministers of Music and Worship and Church Choral Directors with the hope that we can provide support and resources for your Worship Ministry through this blog and through our music.
Blessings to you in your life and ministry,

Travis L. Boyd
Worship Sounds Music

Worship Sounds Music Christmas Anthems

Christmas Nativity shepherds

“When the fullness of time had come, God reached down and sent His Son.”

Christmas is coming!

Here are some SATB Christmas Anthems
from
Worship Sounds Music

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“A Christmas Hymn”
(subtitle:  Christ is Born Today, SATB)

Written by Worship Pastor and Composer Travis L. Boyd, “A Christmas Hymn” is subtitled “Christ is Born Today”.   The message is a proclamation of Christ’s birth, sharing all He came to be as the “crowning jewel of God’s great plan”.

The Accompaniment Track, as heard in this music video, works for either the Choral or Solo version of the Song.  “A Christmas Hymn” is available as an SATB Choral and as a Vocal Solo.  The mp3 Accompaniment Track also comes with a lead sheet.

“O, Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

MEDIUM DIFFICULTY SATB

A fresh, new arrangement of the well-loved Christmas carol, this anthem features a rhythmic verse section with a new melody in a minor key. The longing for the coming Messiah comes through clearly as the familiar words are heard in their new melodic setting. The traditional refrain is woven into this arrangement, with a special treatment for one of the verses. This anthem is suitable for Adult or Youth Choirs. It would be an excellent anthem for Advent or your Christmas program.

PLEASE VIEW THIS VIDEO DEMO IN FULLSCREEN MODE TO SEE LYRICS BEST.

“The Praises of the King”

MEDIUM DIFFICULTY SATB

This anthem is a rhythm, energetic song of praise that will have your choir and congregation rejoicing! It would work well as an opening song or closer for your Christmas program or a wonderful anthem to use during the advent season. Both the introduction and the ending for this anthem feature some of the melody from “For Unto Us a Child is Born”. Some creative options for this anthem include using it as a combined Adult and Student Choir anthem. The 2-Part verses could be sung by the Youth Choir, leading into the full SATB sections where the Adult Choir would join. In addition, the verses could be sung as a male/female duet, with the same duet on both verses or a different pair of singers for each verse. “The Praises of the King” is suitable for Adult or Youth Choirs.

“Glory to the Newborn King”

MODERATELY  DIFFICULT SATB

This anthem is a bluesy, rockin’ celebration of Christ’s birth. Your choir will find this one easy to learn and fun to sing, and the joyful message will resonate with your congregation.

“Christmas Joy”

MODERATELY DIFFICULT SATB

This 6/8 anthem is perfect for the Christmas Season. It could be sung by Youth or Adult Choirs or in a combined choir presentation. It’s length and the upbeat style and message make this anthem appropriate for any worship service or Advent program.

“God Reached Down”

MODERATELY DIFFICULT SATB

This anthem is a meaningful and lyrical testimony of God’s love for us as “reached down, and sent His Son”. It features an optional flute descant. Your choir and congregation will be touched by this message about the incredible gift given to us through the birth of Christ.

“Magnify”

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“Magnify” and “The Praises of the King”

                                             are also available as Vocal Solos.

Share this information with a friend!

Travis L. Boyd
Worship Sounds Music

Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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Our WorshipSounds Video Demos Are Now on YouTube!

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

In order to make it easier for those who are interested in our music to find and view our WorshipSounds Music Video Demos, we have uploaded all of them to YouTube.

The Video Demos have been placed in categorized playlists. 

 > The advantage of having the Video Demos in playlists is that a viewer can watch all of the videos in a playlist if desired or choose from the other videos in the playlist menu to see the next video of his or her choice.
> When you go to the playlist, the menu appears as a scroll-able list of video options (to the right of the Video Demo that you are viewing).
> It is best to change the Video Demo setting to FullScreen as you are viewing a video so that you can see lyrics and voice leading more clearly.
> To continue to access the menu of playlist choices, click the small frame option at the end of each Video Demo, and then return to Fullscreen Mode after the video that you have chosen begins to play.

*  All of our Choral Video demos have been edited and  prepared with complete information about the song and arrangement, including links to our website for purchase.

Here are the categorized Video Demo Playlists and their URLs:

A.  Mixed Choir Choral Music Video Demos

There are thirty one (31) SAB, SATB, and SSATB Choral Anthems in this playlist.

Some of the anthems are available in multiple Mixed Choir arrangements, so you will see the same title appear more than once.  However, when you view the Video Demos, the entire title of each is visible, specifying which arrangement you are viewing.  (For example, “Since I Have Been Redeemed” has 3 Mixed Choir arrangments:  2 – Part, SATB, and SATB with Solo Throughout.)

The Mixed Choir Video Demo Playlist can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkhSz9gJgiM&list=PLMJind8w21aQ26cyw7AKYC2xHGis9ZEG9

B.  Christmas Choral Music Video Demos

There are three (3) Christmas Choral Video Demos in this playlist.  All are arranged for SATB Choir.

The Christmas Choral Video Demo Playlist can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzE7uIXZ7xo&list=PLMJind8w21aTl5dK9YUmElwusw2Cioadl

C.  Choral Anthems for Women’s Choir (SSAA)

There are four (4) Video Demos in this playlist.

The Videos Demos for Women’s Choir can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izJQLUwJQ18&list=PLMJind8w21aQSAmFoAFFmzinodcHqFILg

D.  Choral Anthems for Men’s Choir (TTBB)

There are two (2) Video Demos in this playlist.

The Video Demos for Men’s Choir can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6K8oJ70pVI&list=PLMJind8w21aTIpu-JHPG8G32FNd1UiBOL

E.  Inspiring Secular Choral Anthem

There is one (1) Video Demo in this playlist.

Our inspiring secular choral anthem, “Music”, can be viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXuocDU_wCM&list=PLMJind8w21aRn2Nh6hRQ2k7siuyD2O738

F.  Vocal Solo Video Demos

Note:  Travis has recently made additional keys available for Vocal Soloists.  All of our Vocal Solos are available in 3 keys for Low, Medium and High Voice, with the exception of “, which is available in only two keys.  For those of you who are interested in our Vocal Solo Demos, please be patient with us as we work on all of the recently added videos.  We are still in the process of editing some of our Vocal Solo Video Demos, so there is an edited playlist and an unedited playlist of the Solos.  The Video Demo playlists and their URLs are as follows:

Vocal Solo Video Demos (edited)

There are six (6) video demos in this playlist.

The edited Vocal Solo Video Demo playlist can be viewed at:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzUExX3t2Rg&list=PLMJind8w21aTLmiWDbQJt2Fgbhx7gSR0d

2.  Unedited Vocal Solos

This playlist contains sixteen (16) videos.  Most of these videos have no information added below the video.  Only the titles have been edited for most of these.  As they are edited, they will be removed from this playlist and placed in the “Vocal Solo Video Demos” playlist.

The Unedited Vocal Solos playlist can be viewed at:   http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJind8w21aQGueRjVdkCihaZdGXd4IXQ

G.  If you wish to view all of the options available on our YouTube Channel, here is the Travis L. Boyd (WorshipSounds) Channel URL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrBoydbrain/videos?flow=grid&view=1

Website Revision, Music Viewing and Purchasing

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

Hello to all of our Boydbrain Music fans! 

We are now WorshipSounds Music !

As our last post announced. our downloadable music website is currently undergoing revision; and we have changed our company name to “WorshipSounds Music”.

Our website was temporarily down as we worked on the changes, but it is now back online.  We are still working on additions and revisions to the website that will improve its appearance and function, but the website is already re-published and fully functional !

YOU CAN ALSO SEE OUR CHORAL MUSIC VIDEO DEMOS ON FACEBOOK!

The demos for all of our Choral music are available in a Video Album on our Boydbrain Music facebook page.

Here’s the link to view video demos:

Click on this image to go directly to our Album of Choral Videos Demos

(Be sure to view them in full-screen mode to see the lyrics!)

There is information about each choral anthem posted along with its video demo that will take you back to our website for any purchases you wish to make.

Here is the link to our SHOPPING CART page, which has a nice feature.  There is a search capabiity on the shopping cart page which will allow you to look up anthems for a certain voicing or difficulty level.   Then, there is a “Return to Website”  link which will allow you to return to the Home page and go from there to either our Adult Choir website page or our Student, Sr. Adult, and School Choir website page in order to view all of the infomation and video demos for the anthems that have been identified in your searches. 

http://shop.worshipsounds.com/

We are excited about  the new WorshipSounds Music website!

http://www.worshipsounds.com

We have a new name!

WE  HAVE  BIG  NEWS !

After much thought and prayer, the name of our company has been changed

from “Boydbrain Music”  to  “WorshipSounds Music”

for both our primary blog

and our music website!

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

Our new URL for the website is

http://www.worshipsounds.com

The current URLs will continue to workfor both the website and the blog for a while.


*  OUR  COMPANY  FOCUS  REMAINS  THE  SAME ! 
*

Essentially, the name will be changed, but the focus of our Music Company will remain on providing excellent quality downloadable Choral Anthems, Orchestrations, Vocal Solos, and Congregational Praise Songs.  We will continue to expand our growing list of available music with the goal of providing music for worship and praise that is affordable, practical, Biblically sound, and musically memorable.  Our company will remain a resource for all types of worship ministry music needs and a friend of choral music as a meaningful expression of worship.

Here’s what has happened as we changed over to our new name:

* The old URL for the website has been re-directed to the new URL until at least March, so there will be no problem with finding our company website .

* The “WorshipSounds” blog URL has been changed and is now http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com   However, we have re-directed traffic from the old Boydbrain Music blog URL to the new WorshipSounds blog URL for several months to allow time for us to go back and change all of the old links.

* We have updated our website with a new look and new “WorshipSounds Music” logo photo, which will mean that all of our blog posts and links on other sites which featured the old “Boydbrain Music” logo photo will be updated as time permits.

* If you have copies of music that you have previously purchased, there is no problem with retaining them and even with making additional copies from your original PDF Master if some of yours become damaged or lost.  You are always given permission to make as many copies as needed for your own choir(s) and accompanist(s) for our low one-time Master Copy price.

* Travis will add a new webmail address to the “WorshipSounds Music” website, which will reflect the new site name.  His webmail address for any questions or problems with music orders will become Travis@worshipsoundsmusic.com, but he will keep the current webmail address of Travis@boydbrainmusic.com for a while just to make sure that we can help anyone who has previously used the old webmail address.

* Our Boydbrain Music Facebook page will stay the same for a while.  It will be more difficult to change since the current policy for pages is that name changes are not allowed for a page with more than 200 ‘likes’.  However, we can contact facebook support to ask for an exception.  There is a possibility that one will be granted and we will be able to keep our original fan page.  (Travis’ personal page was changed from Travis Boyd to Travis L. Boyd with permission after we discovered that there are so many other “Travis Boyds”  out there, including a hockey star, a football star, another worship leader with videos on Vimeo, and many more….).  If we are not allowed to change the name, we will start a new page with the new company name, invite our friends to ‘like” the new page, and eventually phase out the old page.

Why are we making this change?

Both Travis and I have known for a long time that we would eventually change the company and website name.  The Boydbrain Music name worked well for us initially because everyone who knew about Travis’ music in the early years was someone who knew us or knew of us because of our membership in and association with The Singing Churchmen and Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma and the Sons of Jubal and Jubalheirs of Georgia.  As our contacts have expanded and we have begun to have customers purchase our music who were not familiar with the name “Travis Boyd” and found us primarily because of our announcements and forum posts about Travis’ music on ChoralNet and other sites, it has become clear that a name change is needed.  In order to eventually allow others to find our website more easily when they are searching for music to be used in Worship Ministry, we need to have a company name that more accurately reflects the type of music that is available on our site.  The name change will hopefully allow a larger number of individuals, Worship Ministers, and Choral Directors to find and utilize this music to bring glory to God through worship ministry.  After considering several options, we felt that WorshipSounds Music was a good name for several reasons:

a.   The domain name and URL were available.
b.  There were not any competing downloadable music companies with simlar names showing up in our web searches.
c.  While much of our music is Choral, we also offer Vocal Solos, Orchestrations, and Congregational Worship Music.  Therefore, “Worship” was a more universal descriptive word for our offerings than “Choral”.  We will continue to list all of the available types of music in our website description and in tags associated with individual songs and with our website pages to enable people who are looking for all of these types of music to find us more easily.

Please be patient with us as all of these changes are being made.  The process will take some time.   Feel free to contact us through a message to our Boydbrain Music Facebook page or through either of the webmail addresses listed above if you have any questions about Travis’ music or about the changes.

NOTE:  If you have not visited our website for a while, there have been many recent additions! 
We have lots of new anthems, available in a multitude of voicings.  We have also added Full Orchestrations for some Anthems and several Vocal Solos, which are available in multiple keys.  Our Choral Video Demos and our new Vocal Solo Demos  make it easy for you to see and hear the music!  Pay us a re-visit, and check out what’s new at WorshipSounds Music!  http://www.worshipsoundsmusic.com

Let us know what you think about all of our changes.   We’d love to hear from you!

Song Story: “The Father’s Beautiful World”

Two of the most beloved hymns with messages of God’s Creation and His majesty have been combined in this beautiful choral medley (available in both SATB and SSAA voicings),  “The Father’s Beautiful World.”  Following the sharing of the more contemporary history, you will find the history of the hymns, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “This is My Father’s World.”  The more contempory story of “The Father’s Beautiful World” began with composer Travis L. Boyd’s desire to honor the life of a very special person and to bring glory to God in a way that she would have loved.  My Grandmama, Mary Winonah McCoy White, was a beautiful lady who loved the Lord.  She loved her family, her church family, many long-time friends, her students, and everyone she met.  She was a very unique individual who left behind a lasting testimony of faith in God, perseverance through trials, and love for others.

Nonah at nineteen

Grandmama was an inspiration to me in so many ways.   She graduated in 1919 from Lander College.  I have the watch that her parents gave her as a graduation gift.  I wore it on the day that Travis and I were married as my ‘something old’; and, many years later, the watch was given to me.  After she graduated from college, Nonah (as she preferred to be called) married my Grandfather, Thomas Britton White; and they had four sons.  My Dad, Harold, was the third of the four boys.  When my Dad was thirteen years old, his father had a heart attack and died.  The family owned a farm, and Granddad also worked at a bank.  My grandmother had two teen-age sons at the time of T.B.’s death, my Dad and his older brother, Averil.  Younger brother Lawrence was a pre-teen; and the oldest brother, Thomas Jr., was a newlywed.  Grandmother found a job teaching in an elementary school and did what had to be done in order to keep the family together, hold on to the farm, and provide for her sons.  It must have been a very challenging time for her.

Grandmama is holding my hand in her gloved hand to show her watch peeking out from under my sleeve.

Grandmama was always incredibly proud of her four sons and of their wives and families.  She kept in touch with everyone and always had news about the latest happenings in the family and extended family.  She had a way of welcoming people, making them feel comfortable, and just communicating love that was a rare gift.  When she flew to Oklahoma to visit my family, she would always have stories to tell when she got off the plane.  Basically, no matter who was seated by my Grandmama, they would find themselves opening up to her and telling her their life story.  If there were any confidences shared, Grandmama kept them to herself; but she would tell us about the “dear young woman” or the “nice businessman” who had been her travelling companion, where the new friend lived, and other basic details.  She was genuinely interested in people, and people responded to that.  I remember that once, when I was a teenager, I was so excited about her upcoming visit that I couldn’t help talking to my friends about her.  By the time she arrived, all of my high school friends were eager to meet her.  We all had a lovely visit with Grandmama one day after school, and my friends loved her.  They all said things like, “I see what you mean.  Your Grandma is cool!”

Once, when Grandmama was interviewed by a reporter for the Camden Chronicle for a series of articles on retired teachers, the reporter noted what became obvious to anyone who was around her for any length of time.  The primary word that was used to describe Grandmama in both the article and the title was “serene”.   I loved that description.  There were many words that the reporter could have chosen.  After all, the subject of his article was a very bright, well-read, and lively person, always on the go during her healthy years.  Even so, it was impossible to miss the serenity of confident faith in God that was the primary foundation of her life.  She visited shut-ins (those who were confined to their homes due to illness or old age) for so many years that most of them were younger than she was.  She wrote notes and letters, made visits, memorized scripture, travelled in the United States and in Europe, talked to friends and family on the phone, spent time with her nearby family, and journeyed west every year to visit family in Oklahoma and Arizona.  She was often asked to speak or give devotionals, she knew everyone in her apartment complex, she cooked incredible meals in the tiniest kitchen I have ever seen, and she drove her own car until her eyesight failed.

My Grandmama, Mary Winonoah McCoy White

When Travis and I married, Grandmama just loved and adopted him immediately.  She was so happy and excited when Travis was called to worship ministry, and she was still able to travel and come to visit us during the early years of Travis’ ministry at his first two churches.  She would tell us often, “That’s a great work you’re doing!”   We always knew that she was praying for us during those early years and Travis’ seminary years.  She signed every letter and card with, “Love and Prayers”.  Grandmama called our daughter “dear little Meredith” and just loved her to pieces.  After every hug, she’d say, “That was worth a million dollars!”.   She always made me feel very greatly loved and highly valued.  Grandmama and I wrote letters back and forth for years.   I could tell her anything.   She kept me updated with family news and continued to write letters even when she had almost no vision left, relying on a machine called a “Visual Tech”, which projected any paper that she was writing on (or book that she was reading) onto a screen, in a bright and greatly magnified form.   She actually wrote letters in this manner for several years, and I have kept all of her letters to me.

When Grandmama’s health began to fail, she moved from her apartment to a very nice nursing home.  She stayed active as long as possible.  One of the things that she did was to participate in a talent show for residents of the nursing home.  She won first place with her recitation of the lyrics for the hymn “All Things Bringht and Beautiful”, and I have the trophy that she was given.  When Grandmama passed away, our oldest son was one month old.   I was glad that my Dad had been in South Carolina visiting relatives at the time of Jared’s birth.  He was able to tell Grandmama in person about the birth of her newest Great-Grandson and give her some exciting family news to share in her last month of life.

Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, my Grandmother’s church, is depicted in this painting of the church’s exterior.  The church family still worships in their historic santuary building, built in 1798.

After Grandmama went home to Heaven, Travis told me that he planned to do an arrangement of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and dedicate it in memory of Grandmama.  He wrote a lovely new melody for the hymn lyrics that she knew so well and created an SATB choral arrangement.  The “All Things Bright and Beautiful”  choral anthem was sung for the first time at my Grandmother’s church, Lyttleton Street United Methodist, in Camden, South Carolina.  Their Adult Choir premiered the anthem on Mother’s Day the year after Grandmama’s passing.  Since two of Grandmama’s four sons and their families attended the same church, there were many family members in the congregation that day.

The choir loft of Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church in Camden, South Carolina, was the location of the premiere of Travis' "All Things Bright and Beautiful" choral anthem.

The choir loft of Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church in Camden, South Carolina, was the location of the premiere of Travis’ “All Things Bright and Beautiful” choral anthem.

Although a number of churches, including the Lyttleton Street church, have shared Travis’ “All Things Bright and Beautiful” choral anthem many times in worship, it was never published.

A couple of months ago, Travis took a fresh look at “All Things Bright and Beautiful”.   He was inspired to create a medley using a portion of that anthem and a portion of the hymn, “This Is My Father’s World.”  The new anthem that resulted from his work contains portions of both hymns in a lovely choral medley and is called, “The Father’s Beautiful World”.   My Grandmother would be pleased to know that the lyrics which meant so much to her live on in a new arrangement with another of her favorite hymns.  We pray that “The Father’s Beautiful World” will touch many hearts with its message of the love and care that God has for His Creation.

NOTE:  Following the Anthem information found directly below, you will find histories and photographs related to the stories of both creation hymns, compiled by the author of this post for several websites, as noted.

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“The Father’s Beautiful World” Choral PDF Master is available on our website’s “General Use Anthems” music page in both SATB and SSAA voicing for only $15.00, with NO “per copy” fee!

(You will have permission to make an unlimited number of copies …for your own choir and accompanists only).
Below you will find the video demo for the SATB Choral Anthem.  The demo for the SSAA voicing can be found on our website’s “General Use Anthems” page.
Click the photo above to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

Click the photo above to go to our Worship Sounds Music website.

FIND THE VOCAL SOLO MUSIC FOR THIS SONG
There is also a Solo Version of this song, available in 3 keys on our website’s “Vocal Solos” music page
.  At a cost of only $5.00 for the PDF Solo Master, you are granted permission to make copies for your soloist, accompanists, and rhythm section players.

FIND THE CHORAL VERSIONS OF “The Father’s Beautiful World”
Click the image at right to go straight to the Worship Sounds Music Website’s “General Use Anthems” music page, where you will find the video demos and purchasing links for both the SSAA and for the SATB versions of “The Father’s Beautiful World”.
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“All Things Bright and Beautiful” (hymn lyrics)

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

Refrain (sung as desired between most verses)

[Most hymnals omit the following verse]

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
He made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The purple headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Below, you will find some information about the history of both of the original hymns, with links to further information.

Cecil F. Alexander

The author of the hymn lyrics for “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was  Ce­cil Frances Al­exander (1818 – 1895).  The lyrics were first published in the book Hymns for Lit­tle Child­ren in 1848. Alex­an­der is thought to have writ­ten these lyr­ics at Mark­ree Cas­tle, near Sli­go, Ire­land.  (Further information about this location is provided following the stories of both hymns.)

Cecil Frances Humphreys was born in Dublin, but spent a good part of her later life in Londonderry and Strabane.  Her husband, William Alexander, himself a Derry man, was appointed Church of Ireland bishop of that city in 1867.  He later became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.

Cecil Frances was a keen supporter of the Oxford Movement, and in 1848 published Hymns For Little Children, which includes three of the most popular hymns in the English language: “Once in Royal David’s City,” “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “There is a Green Hill Far Away.”  Charles Gounod, the composer of Faust, said that some of her lyrics “seemed to set themselves to music.”

A further selection of her works – hymns, tracts and poems – was published a year after her death.

The second line of the hymn lyrics was used as the title to James Herriot’s book All Creatures Great and Small, which was centered around a veterinarian practice in 1930’s Yorkshire in Northern England.  Subsequently it became the title of the film and television series.  Herriot used the rest of the lines of the refrain for titles of the books that followed: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, “All Things Wise and Wonderful,” and “The Lord God Made Them All.”

The most commonly used hymn tune for “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is known as Roy­al Oak.  It is a 17th Cen­tu­ry Eng­lish mel­o­dy, which was ar­ranged by Mar­tin F. Shaw (1875 -1958) for use with the hymn text in around 1915.  There are several al­ter­nate hymn tunes for the “All Things Bright and Beautiful” lyrics.

  • Bright and Beau­ti­ful,
    Wil­liam H. Monk
  • Gerald,
    Lud­wig Spohr, 1834
  • Greystone, by
    W. R. Wag­horne, published in Songs for Lit­tle Peo­ple (Dan­i­el­son and Co­nant: 1905)

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“This is My Father’s World” is a well-known Christian hymn, with lyrics written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858 – 1901), a minister from New York.  Born Au­gust 3, 1858, in Syr­a­cuse, New York, Maltbie died at age 42 on May 18, 1901, in Na­ples, It­a­ly.  He was buried in Oak­wood Cem­e­te­ry, Syr­a­cuse, New York.

Maltbie D. Babcock

Babcock at­tend­ed Syr­a­cuse Un­i­ver­si­ty and Au­burn The­o­log­ic­al Sem­in­ary. He ranked high as a stu­dent and par­ti­ci­pat­ed in both ath­let­ic and mu­sic­al ac­ti­vi­ties. Tall, broad shoul­dered, and mus­cu­lar, he was pre­s­ident of the base­ball team, an ex­pert pitch­er, and a good swim­mer. He played sev­er­al mu­si­cal in­stru­ments, di­rect­ed the school or­ches­tra, and played the or­gan and com­posed for it. He was a sing­er and lead­er of the glee club. He could do im­per­so­na­tions, was clev­er at draw­ing, and had a knack with tools. He was al­so an av­id fish­er­man. He might have become a pro­fes­sion­al mu­si­cian had he not been called into the min­is­try.

The Niagara Escarpment near Lockport, where Maltbie stood to admire his Father’s world.

His first pas­to­rate was at the First Pres­by­te­r­ian Church, Lock­port, New York.  While a pas­tor in Lock­port, Bab­cock liked to hike in an ar­ea called “the es­carp­ment,” an an­cient up­thrust ledge near Lock­port. It has a mar­vel­ous view of farms, or­chards, and Lake On­tar­io, about 15 miles dis­tant.  It is said that those walks in the woods in­spired these lyr­ics. The ti­tle re­calls an ex­press­ion Bab­cock used when start­ing a walk: “I’m go­ing out to see my Fa­ther’s world.”  In 1886, he was called to Brown Me­mor­i­al Church, Bal­ti­more, Mar­y­land, where he of­ten coun­seled stu­dents at Johns Hop­kins Un­i­ver­si­ty.  As his fame spread, he was asked to preach at col­leg­es all over Amer­i­ca.  Bab­cock was not a great the­o­lo­gian or deep think­er, but he had a tal­ent for pre­sent­ing spir­it­ua­l and eth­ic­al truths with fresh­ness and ef­fect.  In do­ing this, he was aid­ed by his agile mind, wide range of knowledge, dra­ma­tic abil­i­ty, speech flu­en­cy, and mag­ne­tic per­son­al­i­ty.

Af­ter al­most 14 years in Bal­ti­more, Bab­cock was called to the pres­ti­gious pas­tor­ate of the Brick Pres­by­ter­i­an Church in New York Ci­ty, to fill the va­can­cy left by the re­tire­ment of Hen­ry Van Dyke.  Babcock had been there on­ly 18 months when he made a trip to the Ho­ly Land. While over­seas, he died of bru­cel­losis at the age of 42.

Though Bab­cock pub­lished no­thing dur­ing his life, his wife Cath­er­ine col­lect­ed and pub­lished ma­ny of his writ­ings af­ter his un­time­ly death. A vol­ume of his po­ems entitled Thoughts for Every-Day Living con­tained “This Is My Father’s World”. Bab­cock, of course, nev­er heard his fa­mous hymn sung.

(Sources:  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/b/a/b/babcock_md.htm)

The poem was set to music by Franklin L. Sheppard, who apparently did not want to call attention to himself and signed using his initials, rearranged as “S.F.L.” Most sources state that Sheppard adapted the music from a traditional English melody.   The original poem contained sixteen stanzas of four lines each.

Here is a portion of the beloved hymn lyrics:

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world.
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world:
the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

An instrumental version of “This is My Father’s World” is fittingly used in the Ken Burns documentary film, The National Parks, and the corresponding sponsorship slot for The Park Foundation.

(Sources:  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/b/a/b/babcock_md.htm and  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_is_My_Father’s_World )

The hymn tune for “This is My Father’s World” is known as “Terra Beata”.  It is thought to be a tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish mel­o­dy, ar­ranged by Frank­lin Lawrence Shep­pard as a setting for the text.  Frank­lin Lawrence Shep­pard was born on Au­gust 7, 1852,  in Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia.  Sheppard at­tend­ed Will­iam Few­smith’s Clas­sic­al School and the Un­i­ver­si­ty of Penn­syl­van­ia (val­e­dic­tor­i­an, 1872).  In 1875, he moved to Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts, to take charge of the found­ry for his fa­ther’s stove and heat­er man­u­fac­tur­ing com­pa­ny.  Franklin at­tend­ed the Zi­on Pro­test­ant Epis­co­pal Church in Bos­ton, but lat­er switched to Pres­by­ter­i­an­ism.  He event­u­al­ly joined the Se­cond Pres­by­ter­i­an Church in Bal­ti­more, Mar­y­land, and be­came pres­i­dent of the Pres­by­ter­i­an Board of Pub­li­ca­tions and Sab­bath-School Work.  In 1915, he ed­it­ed the Pres­by­ter­i­an song book, Al­le­lu­ia, published in 1915.  Sheppard died on Feb­ru­a­ry 15, 1930,  in Phil­a­del­phia,.

( Source: http://nethymnal.org/htm/t/i/tismyfw.htm)

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Places of inspiraton for the two hymns:

A view of the Markree Castle grounds

Markree Castle, the likely place of inspiration for “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, is located in Collooney, County Sligo, Ireland and is the ancestral seat of the Cooper family, partially moated by the River Unshin.  According to some sources, Cecil F. Alexander wrote her famous hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, while a guest at Markree in 1848.

In 1830, Col. Edward Joshua Cooper MP (1798-1863) eldest son of Edward Synge Cooper MP, and Ann, daughter of Henry Vansittart, Governor of Bengal, set up Markree Observatory in the castle grounds. For a number of years Cooper’s telescope was the largest in the world.

“The Observatory of Mr Cooper of Markree Castle was undoubtedly the most richly furnished private observatory known and was worked by Mr Cooper himself and by his very able assistant, Mr Andrew Graham.” (Royal Astronomical Society, 1851)

The observatory remained active until the death of Edward Henry Cooper MP in 1902.

The castle, as it exists today, dates from 1802, with exterior changes by the architect Francis Johnston and with some changes made, mainly to the interior, in 1896.  Today, Markree Castle operates as a hotel run by Charles and Mary Cooper, the 10th generation of the family to live there.
The 300-acre (1.2 km2) estate holds an array of wild life; from red squirrels, to otters, to kingfishers.

Pasture land with the Niagara Escarpement in the background

The Niagara Escarpment, the place of inspiration for “This is My Father’s World”,  is the most prominent of several escarpments formed in the bedrock of the Great Lakes basin. From its easternmost point near Watertown, New York, the escarpment shapes in part the individual basins and landforms of Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Michigan. In Rochester, New York, there are three waterfalls over the escarpment where the Genesee River flows through the city. The escarpment then runs westward to the Niagara River, forming a deep gorge north of Niagara Falls, which itself cascades over the escarpment. In southern Ontario, the escarpment spans the Niagara Peninsula, closely following the Lake Ontario shore through the cities of St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Dundas, where it takes a sharp turn north in the town of Milton toward Georgian Bay. It then follows the Georgian Bay shore northwestwards to form the spine of the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island, as well as several smaller islands located in northern Lake Huron, where it turns westwards into the Upper Peninsula of northern Michigan, south of Sault Ste. Marie. It then extends southwards into Wisconsin, following the Door Peninsula through the Bayshore Blufflands, and then more inland from the western coast of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee, ending northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

(Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Escarpment )

The Niagara Escarpment stretches 450 miles from Wisconsin through Canada to Rochester and is most famous for Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge.  Its unique rock formations, shaped by sedimentary deposits and erosion, result in ecosystems that vary from deciduous maple forests and oak-hickory forests, to wetlands with cottonwoods and willows, to streams and waterfalls overlooked by cliff faces.

(from Western New York Land Conservancy website  http://www.wnylc.org/enews_files/enews106.html )

Lockport, where Maltbie Babcok lived when he took walks along the escarpment and was inspired to write the poem, “My Father’s World”, is a city  in Niagara County, in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga metro area.  It is the county seat.  The community  was named for the Erie Canal locks still in evidence here.

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MORE INFORMATION ON BOOKS RELATED TO THE TWO HYMNS

(A)  All Things Bright and Beautiful

You can view the entire book of poems by Cecil Frances Alexander, entitled “Hymns for Little Children,” in which the poem that became the hymn lyrics for “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was first printed, at this link:  http://archive.org/details/hymnsforlittlech00alex

Note:  Select the “Read Online” option.  You can turn pages using the arrows at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.  “All Things Bright and Beautiful” can be found on pages 27 and 28, pictured below, along with the inside title page.

This is a photo of the inside cover page of “Hymns for Little Children,” in which “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was first published.

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(B)  This is my Father’s World

The spoken words, poems, letters, sermons, and other writings of Maltbie Davenport Babcock, which include the poem “My Father’s World” (later serving as the hymn lyrics for “This is My Father’s World”), were collected, edited, and printed in 1902 in the book Thoughts for Every-day Living.   Babcock’s widow, Katherine Tallman Babcock, who compiled the volume, wrote that it was “printed in loving memory of one who lived what he taught.”

The inside title page of the book is below, as are pages 180 and 181, which contain the first 11 stanza’s of Babcock’s poem, “My Father’s World”.  Unfortunately, there was an error made in the photocopying of page 182, which contains the remaining stanzas.  The page is twisted, making the words unreadable.  You can access the book online in its entirety at http://archive.org/details/thoughtsforever00babcgoog

Note:  Select the “Read Online” option.  You can turn pages using the arrows at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.  “All Things Bright and Beautiful” can be found on pages 27 and 28, pictured below, along with the inside title page.

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(C)  The book, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, written by James Herriot, which was made into a movie and TV series, is still available on Amazon.  Herriot borrowed lines from the poem as titles to his books about a veterinarian in Yorkshire.  Here is the description of this particular book:

“The world’s most beloved animal doctor delightfully continues where he left off in All Creatures Great and Small with new adventures through the Yorkshire dales– and a whole new menagerie of memorable patients.
Young James, now married and working as a small-town vet, encounters a cast of extraordinary characters as he makes his way through the Yorkshire countryside tending to sick cattle, pregnant ewes, ailing dogs– and their eccentric owners. As always, Herriot’s warmth, humor, and singular view of life make us laugh and cry, as we marvel at the everyday miracles he creates.”
Here is the link to the Amazon listing for this book.   http://www.amazon.com/Things-Bright-Beautiful-James-Herriot/dp/0312966199

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This post was written and compiled by C. Boyd

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Looking for answers for yourself or for a friend?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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New on our Website: “Since I Have Been Redeemed”

Our newest Choral Anthem, “Since I Have Been Redeemed”  is now available in 3 Choral Arrangement options and 3 Vocal Solo options.

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

As always, our downloadable PDF Master copies are available in your choice of Octavo format or full-page format for each option.  (See the information at the top of our Shopping Cart page to determine which printing format will work best with your copier.)

WITH THIS ANTHEM, WE ARE OFFERING MORE CHOICES THAN EVER BEFORE!

Our Choral Anthem and Vocal Solo arrangements of “Since I Have Been Redeemed” feature this favorite hymn text by Edwin O. Excell, set to a beautiful new melody!  The SATB and 2-Part anthem arrangements have an optional solo at the beginning, and “Since I Have Been Redeemed” is available in several different formats. 

* The SATB version would be perfect for Adult Choirs and more advanced Sr. Adult Choirs.

* There is a special 2-part version for smaller or less-experienced choirs. 

* There is also a Solo w/ SATB Choir version (solo continues throughout). 

*  Finally, we have added a Vocal Solo sheet music version in 3 different keys on our Solo Music Section (The tan-colored sidebar on our Website’s Home Page).

* “Since I Have Been Redeemed” is easy to learn and a joy to sing!  It is a testimony of thankfulness for salvation in Christ.

An earlier arrangement of “Since I Have Been Redeemed” has been sung and recorded by The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, with Dr. Bill Green as Director of the group.

Following your Choral Music PDF order, the instructions for downloading your PDF Master Copy will be sent to you via e-mail (as soon as your order is processed by PayPal).
* You will be able to download and print your PDF Master and then make an unlimited number of copies for your choir for the low price of $15.00.
* There are no ‘per copy’ fees and no shipping costs!
* Your Choir or Soloist could begin work on “Since I Have Been Redeemed” (or any of our other Choral Anthems and Vocal Solos) at your next rehearsal. 
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NOTE:  We have a wide variety of Choral Anthems available on our website, and many have Full Orchestrations available as well.  You’ll find anthems that are appropriate for Adult Choir, Senior Adult Choir, and Student Choirs.  All anthems are priced between $8.00 to $15.00 for the PDF Master Copy, with no per copy fee and permission to make an unlimited number of copies (for your choir and accompanists only).
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LINKS  FOR  CHORAL  VERSIONS  OF  “Since I Have Been Redeemed”
SOLO VERSIONS CAN BE PURCHASED ON OUR WEBSITE’S SHOPPING CART PAGE.  Each Vocal Solo PDF Master costs $5.00, with permission to make copies for your soloist and accompanists or rhythm section.  Chord symbols are included on the piano score.
Look for this identifying thumbnail photo on both our Adult Choir Website Page and on our Shopping Cart page to designate all of the products associated with “Since I Have Been Redeemed”
NEW!!  SOLO VERSIONS!!

“Since I Have Been Redeemed”

*   In low, medium and high voice Vocal Solos!

*  Plus 3 different Choral arrangements! 

You’ll find them all at  http://www.worshipsounds.com

Purchase Now   $5.00
Purchase Now   $5.00

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Song Story: “Walking by Faith”

The song, “Walking By Faith,” was composed by Travis L. Boyd, inspired by scripture and by the testimony of an Oklahoma Minister of Music and Worship.  Royce Brown lived his life by faith, walking with Jesus and serving the Lord through every challenge he faced.  Though he had lost his eyesight, Royce not only served faithfully in his ministry calling but also in his community.  He was known as an effective, servant leader, whose community involvement and faithful perseverance was an inspiration to his family, friends, neighbors, and his colleagues in ministry.   “Walking by Faith” was written with the ministry and character of this man (and the faithfulness of God as our Shepherd and guide) uppermost in Travis’s mind.

Royce Brown, a long-time Minister of Worship and Music, community volunteer, charter member of The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, and Minister of Music Emeritus for the First Baptist Church of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was a man who walked by faith, both spiritually and physically.  He left behind a legacy of service and faithfulness as well as a testimony of trust in God and a transparent love for his Lord and Savior.  Royce and his family moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma in 1966, when he became the Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church there.  After more than 5o years of service in ministry at Sapulpa and in other communities such as Blackwell, Ada, and Pauls Valley, Royce retired from full-time ministry. Continuing to live in the community of Sapulpa, Royce sang in local nursing homes every week.  He was also involved in the Sapulpa Ministerial Alliance and in the local Lions Club.  Royce was named Citizen of the Year by the Sertoma Club of Sapulpa, and June 9, 2002, was proclaimed Royce Brown Day by the Sapulpa Mayor, in honor of Royce’s long history of community service and ministy.

The Logo for The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma

Royce had been widowed in 2001, and he had also lost his eyesight.  However, he never lost his love for the Lord or his desire to serve.  He continued to sing with the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, depending on friends within the group for transportation to and from concerts all over the State of Oklahoma and around the world on Churchmen Mission trips.  Royce inspired fellow Ministers of Music and Worship with his dedication and perseverance, memorizing all of his music and accepting the help of others as he navigated through the buildings and upon the worship center platforms of the churches where concerts were held.

Due to his longevity and faithfulness in ministry, Royce was recognized by the Historical Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma as Music Minister Emeritus of the First Baptist Church of Sapulpa.  In addition. he was also presented the Lifetime Music Ministry Award, instituted in Royce’s honor, by Dr. Bill Green, Associate Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and, at that time, Director of both The Singing Churchmen and The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma.  This award continues to be given to Music and Worship Ministers in the State of Oklahoma who have served faithfully for many years.

Introducing “Walking by Faith”

Travis played “Walking by Faith” for Royce in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

After Travis had written a TTBB arrangement of “Walking By Faith” with a tenor solo; and Dr. Bill Green had selected the song for inclusion in the repertoire of The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, Travis and I travelled to Sapulpa to share the song with Royce and introduce him to the solo.  Royce had a mellow tenor voice, and he did not hesitate to use it in praise to his Lord.  I am smiling even now as I recall meeting Royce in the Worship Center of his church, where Travis sat down at the piano with Royce just behind him, listening and ready to sing.  Royce picked up on the song so quickly that it seemed miraculous.  He was singing along with portions of the song before he had even heard them being played or sung and without the benefit of being able to see the music.   It was definitely a very spiritual experience to hear Royce singing “Walking By Faith”, knowing that the Lord had inspired Travis to write the song so that Royce could have further opportunity to proclaim the message of God’s goodness and guidance throughout life.  Travis knew that the message of “Walking By Faith” would be shared with integrity and conviction by this man who had lived his own faith walk through many decades of ministry and service.

From the July 11, 2002 Baptist Messenger: HONORED: Royce Brown, left, Music Minister Emeritus at Sapulpa, First, accepts congratulations from Ron Fannin, Associate Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, right, and Bill Green, BGCO Associate Executive Director of Church and Family Equipping Ministries and Director of The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, of which Brown is a charter member. Brown was honored by Sapulpa, First, for more than 50 years of ministry. Fannin presented an award from the BGCO Historical Commission, and Green announced the establishment of the Royce Brown Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Ministry.

From the July 11, 2002 Baptist Messenger: HONORED: Royce Brown, left, Music Minister Emeritus at Sapulpa, First, accepts congratulations from Ron Fannin, Associate Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, right, and Bill Green, BGCO Associate Executive Director of Church and Family Equipping Ministries and Director of The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, of which Brown is a charter member. Brown was honored by Sapulpa, First, for more than 50 years of ministry. Fannin presented an award from the BGCO Historical Commission, and Green announced the establishment of the Royce Brown Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Ministry.

Hearing Royce sing “Walking By Faith” was something very special to Travis, to our brother, Dr. Bill Green, and to all of The Singing Churchmen and the audiences at each of the Worship Concerts.  Beyond the sound of Royce’s beautiful tenor voice singing a pleasant tune with with a message of encouragement and challenge, the Holy Spirit used the life and spirit of the man singing the solo and the testimony of The Singing Churchmen singing the choral parts to touch the hearts of all who heard “Walking by Faith” during this time period. On one occasion, Travis and some friends stopped at a restaurant after a concert during which “Walking By Faith” was one of the anthems sung by The Churchmen, with Royce as the soloist.  Royce and his traveling buddy had also stopped at the same place; and Travis witnessed a woman who had been at the concert and recognized Royce as she told him how blessed she had been by his solo on “Walking By Faith.”  Royce had beamed as he thanked her, and we are so pleased that God allowed Royce to share the testimony of his spiritual journey with Jesus through this song.

Our brother Royce went home to be with His Lord in June of 2003.  The Singing Churchmen sang “Walking By Faith” and other songs of testimony at his funeral service.  For those who witnessed his life, there remains an unforgettable testimony of the faithfulness of God and the faith journey of a man of God that will live on in our hearts.

There are so many faithful servants of God who have the same testimony of walking by faith and trusting the Lord throughout their lives.  Along the way on our journey, we are thankful to have met so many wonderful people who love the Lord and are walking with Him one step at a time.  Most of all, we are thankful to know the Lord and to be able to trust Him throughout our lives as we continue walking by faith.

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The track below is the publisher’s demo version of,”Walking by Faith,” with the solo sung by Sue Martin.  Click “Listen in browser” to hear it (unless you already have or want to install the Sound Cloud app).

“Walking by Faith” was published as an SAB Choral anthem with Solo by Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard.  The anthem is still available at the links below, and a Performance/Accompaniment CD is also available.

One step at a time…

Lyrics for “Walking By Faith”:

Walking by faith and not by sight,
Guided by a Holy light.
Step by step, the way is clear.
The Spirit of the Lord is near.

I will follow where He leads,
For I know the path is right
When I’m walking by faith
And not by sight.

Trusting in One I cannot see,
For He knows what’s best for me.
Tenderly, the Shepherd guides.
The Spirit of the Lord abides.

I will follow where He leads,
For the Lord will be my light
When I’m walking by faith
And not by sight.

(Bridge section)
Though at times I stumble,
I will never fall;
For I know God is always faithful
To hold my hand, and lift me up,
And see me through it all.

When I’m living by faith, I’m not alone.
As I travel on toward home.
When the road is hard to bear,
The Spirit of the Lord is there.

I will follow where He leads,
For the way is always right
When I’m walking by faith
And not by sight.

(Tag ending)
I’m walking by faith and not by sight.

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HERE IS THE PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION of “Walking By Faith”:

“Full of youthful confidence and motivational lyrics, “Walking By Faith” is a challenge to Christians of all ages to “walk by faith and not by sight.” Gentle syncopations are easily learned and help give the piece a nice contemporary feel. The SAB voicing is particularly well suited to youth choirs.”

“Walking by Faith”  is available from:

Shawnee Press at:  http://www.shawneepress.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=35024936

Hal Leonard at:  http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=35024936&lid=1&keywords=TravisBoyd&subsiteid=1

Sheet Music Plus (with 2 sample pages to view plus a listening link) at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Walking-by-Faith/5206355

J. W. Pepper at  http://www.jwpepper.com/8065838.item

 

The first page of “Walkig By Faith”, copyright Shawnee Press, with the dedication, “For Royce Brown”, appearing above the title.

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This post was written by C. Boyd

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Do you know Jesus? 

The decision to ask Jesus to come into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior is the best decision you could ever make!  The one true God is ready to give you forgiveness and eternal life as soon as you understand your need for Him and believe on the name of His only Son, Jesus, for your salvation.

Here’s a blog page link to help you find the answers to your questions about Jesus.  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

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* NEW * on our website: “Let the Trumpet Sound!” SATB Choral

“Let the Trumpet Sound”
is a choral anthem with a classical sound and a trumpet obbligato throughout.
This majestic, joyful, and celebratory anthem works well as the opening song for a worship service or concert (or for general use).  It has been sung in an SSAA arrangement by The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, under the direction of Dr. Bill Green.

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

Click the photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website!

As always, our PDF Master Copy of the anthem is available in either full page or octavo format.   With our easy and quick e-mail delivery of your download instructions and the convenience of PayPal, you could begin working on the “Let the Trumpet Sound” at your next choir rehearsal.

*  The PDF Master Copy is available for $15.00.
*  Permission is given with purchase to make as many copies as needed (for your choir and accompanists only).
*  THERE IS NO ‘per copy’ FEE!
$15.00  IS  ALL  THAT  YOU  WILL   PAY  FOR  ALL  THE  COPIES  YOU  NEED!
If a copy becomes lost or damaged, print another at no extra cost, even if it has been years since your purchase!
 
*  No waiting for your anthem to arrive by mail!   
*  You will be sent instructions for downloading your Master Copy shortly    after your order has been placed.
*  You can print your copies as soon as your download is complete.

(Wait a few minutes after your order to allow for Paypal processing.  Then, check for your e-mail with download instructions.) 
 
If you have any difficulty, contact us immediately at Travis’ web mail address:  Travis@worshipsounds.com  (same webmail address that is on our website’s home page). 

Click photo to go directly to the Video Demo for this anthem, with a link to the Adult Choir website page below in the Video info.

Look for this identifying thumbnail photo on our Adult Choir website page, where the anthems are listed in alphabetical order (with the exception of our Christmas anthems, which are found at the bottom of the page.)  http://www.worshipsounds.com

The trumpet obbligato is free but must be ordered separately on our WorshipSounds Music website’s Shopping Cart page.  You’ll find the obbligato adjacent to the “Let the Trumpet Sound” Anthem PDFs, with the same identifying thumbnail photo.

With  WorshipSounds  Music,  you can purchase any  NEW CHORAL ANTHEM  and have all of the copies you need (for your choir and accompanists)  for as little as $8.oo to $15.00 plus your printing costs, depending upon which anthem you choose (U.S. currency, Paypal converts).

Our goal at WorshipSounds Music is to make it possible for Choral Directors to purchase anthems for choir and ensembles, anthem orchestrations, and music for soloists that will allow the musicicans in your Church or Christian School to sing and play for God’s glory, sharing a message that will draw hearts to Him.  We believe that Choral Music is an important part of Worship Ministry and that messages can be shared through the ministry of a choir that will not have the same impact if shared in any other way.

We are a friend to Worship Ministry in general, to Choral Music in particular, and to music budgets!

We also offer many choral anthems that are fully orchestrated, with orchestrations costing $25.00 or $30.00.  All of our orchestration include all parts for strings, winds, and percussion, a full score, and a string reduction for keyboard.  They are written to be practical for church musicians and to sound wonderful no matter what your group’s instrumentation may be.  Great care is taken during the arranging process to make certain that the instrumental parts complement the message of the anthem without “covering up” the choir. 

CHECK OUT our WorshipSounds website today! 

http://www.worshipsounds.com

You will find excellent choral music that is meaningful and memorable, that has a Biblically sound message of praise and hope, and that is a joy to sing!

 

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This post was written by C. Boyd

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Do you know someone who is looking for answers?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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There’s a BRAND NEW Song on our Website!

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“THE  FATHER’S  BEAUTIFUL  WORLD”  
SATB or SSAA Choral arrangement, with piano accompaniment and chord symbols
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For Adult or Student Church Choirs, Ensembles, and Christian School Choirs!
*
This beautiful choral anthem, written by Travis L. Boyd, has a message of thankfulness for God’s wonderful creation and celebration of God’s majesty as revealed in His creation.  It utilizes two well-loved hymns, interwoven in a glorious medley.
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The hymn text for “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is combined with a gentle and lyrical new melody.
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In addition, a portion of the beloved hymn, “This is My Father’s World” is featured, with the familiar tune & text.
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The resulting choral arrangement brings refreshing to some of the best loved hymn lyrics of all time!
*
Your choir and congregation will love “The Father’s Beautiful World”.
*
Combine your choir’s performance with a media slideshow of wonderful nature photos for even greater impact!
*
Sensible voice-leading allows choral parts to be learned easily.
*
Our fast and affordable “you print” method for music delivery means no waiting for your new music, and it’s the best value for your music budget!
*
Both the SATB Version and the SSAA Version would also work well for ensembles.
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*
“The Father’s Beautiful World”  Choral PDF Master is available on our website’s Adult Choir page in both SATB and SSAA voicing for only $15.00, with  NO “per copy” fee!
(you will have permission to make an unlimited number of copies …for your own choir and accompanists only).
*
There is also a Vocal Solo Version of this song, available in Low, Medium, and High Voice versions on our website’s Home Page in the red sidebar at left, at a cost of only $5.00 for the PDF Solo Master, with permission to make copies for your solo, accompanists, and rhythm section players.
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Link to Video Demo

Look for this identifying thumbnail photo on our Website’s Adult Choir page (where the anthems are listed in alphabetical order)
@ http://www.worshipsounds.com/Adult_Choirs.php

Or, click the image at right to go straight to the video demo.
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This post was written by  C. A. Boyd
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Do you know someone who is looking for answers?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL wi

Song story for “Jesus, My Redeemer”

“Jesus, My Redeemer” is an SATB choral anthem written by Travis L. Boyd and published by Shawnee Press (Hal Leonard).  It will always be one of my favorites of all of the choral anthems that Travis has written.  I can take credit only for loving the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision,” from which the tune for this anthem was taken.  I love both the original hymn tune and the traditional lyrics, but the “Jesus, My Redeemer”  lyrics and Travis’ accompaniment and choral arrangement are so meaningful and beautiful to me that I am more than willing to expand my love for the old hymn and include this new version.  Some readers may not be acquainted with the original hymn, so this song story will include some information about “Be Thou My Vision”  as well as the tale of how it inspired Travis to write “Jesus, My Redeemer.”

Here’s the story of “Be Thou My Vision,” as written by Sarah McCabe on suite101.com  (see the article URL at the end of this post):

“”Be Thou My Vision” is a Christian hymn written by  an Irish poet, and put to the tune of an old Irish folk song.  It has deep roots in the history  of Ireland.  St. Patrick played a major role in its inspiration, as did a pagan  king and a forbidden fire.  In 433 AD St. Patrick came to  the Hill  of Slane in County Meath. It was the night before Easter, as well as the beginning of  the Spring Equinox. High King Leoghaire (pronounced “Leary”) mac Neill had  issued a decree that no  fires were to be lit until the lighting of the blaze atop nearby Tara Hill  that would usher in the Spring Equinox.  The first fire, however, was not that of King Leoghaire. Rather, it was a  flame lit by St. Patrick to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  Instead of executing him, King Leoghaire was so impressed by St. Patrick’s  courage that he allowed him to continue with his missionary work throughout  Ireland.
Considered Ireland’s chief poet during his time, Dallan Forgaill, who was  killed by pirates in 598, was known as a studious and scholarly man. It was said  that he spent so much time reading, writing, and studying that he became  blind.  Inspired by the events on the Hill of Slane about 100 years earlier, Dallan  Forgaill wrote the original words to “Be Thou My Vision” in old Irish, as a poem  entitled ” Rop tu mo baile.”  The poem was not translated into English until 1905 when Mary E. Byrne  (1880-1931) wrote a literal  translation of the words in English prose. The words were made into verse  and published by Eleanor H. Hull (1860-1935) in her 1913 work entitled Poem Book of the Gael.

The tune to “Be Thou My Vision” is called SLANE, an old Irish folk melody,  named for the Hill of Slane. Though centuries old, the melody was first  published by Patrick W. Joyce (1827-1914) in his 1909 collection, Old  Irish Folk Music and Songs, under the title “By the Banks of the  Bann.”  The melody was first coupled with Hull’s versified words to “Be Thou My  Vision” in 1919 by Leopold Dix (1861-1935) in the Irish Church  Hymnal.

Inspired by an event that helped change the spiritual climate of Ireland,  penned by a renowned Irish poet, and paired with the tune of an old Irish folk  song, “Be Thou My Vision” stands as a link between Ireland and its Christian  heritage. It is a tribute to a significant event in Ireland’s history and a reminder of the sovereignty, strength, and joy of Jesus.”

THE STORY OF “JESUS, MY REDEEMER”

“Jesus, my Redeemer, You died in my place… brought me salvation through Your matchless grace.”

Travis began to look at the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” with the initial goal of doing a choral arrangement of the hymn with the well-known lyrics.  However, as he began to work with the hymn, he was inspired to write a new text with a different type of lyrical content.  The original lyrics are a prayer asking for the continued nearness of God’s presence to the heart of the believer and for the clarity of vision that comes with knowing Him through His word and through revelation.  The new lyrics for “Jesus, My Redeemer” are a text of testimony.   The believer thanks God for sending Jesus, for His power to save, and for his certain return and the eventual home in Heaven.  Both sets of lyrics have something very important to say, and both texts end with a final verse that talks about Heaven.

Travis’ SATB choral anthem, “Jesus, My Redeemer” was published by Shawnee Press (now with Hal Leonard) and is available through Hal Leonard at this link:  http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=35011508&lid=0&keywords=Travisboyd&subsiteid=1&

“Jesus, My Redeemer” is available from J. W. Pepper, where the entire publisher’s studio demo recording of “Jesus, My Redeemer” can be heard at this link:  http://www.jwpepper.com/8036907.item

It is also available from Sheet Music Plus at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Jesus-My-Redeemer/3734672

The publisher’s description of this anthem reads:
“Traditional Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision; flowing accompaniment; easily learned – This anthem utilizes an original text set to the familiar Irish air commonly known as Be Thou My Vision. The accompaniment features a flowing motif, which recurs throughout the piece and is sure to appeal to your pianist. Jesus, My Redeemer contains wonderful harmonies that emphasize a rich text, thanking and praising the Savior for our redemption and grace. ”

“Forever we’ll sing…Amen!”

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Here’s the audio for the Publisher’s Studio Demo from our Sound Cloud recording of “Jesus, My Redeemer.”  (see lyrics below!)

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* A  TESTIMONY  OF  GRACE  AND  SALVATION *
The lyrics of  “Jesus, My Redeemer”, as written for the Slane hymn tune by Travis L. Boyd

Jesus, my Redeemer, My Savior and friend,
Author and giver of life without end,
Alpha, Omega, the Great I Am, Lion of Judah,
God’s meekly, lowly Lamb.

Jesus, my Redeemer, You died in my place,
Brought me salvation through your matchless grace
Your sacrifice came at such a great cost…
Bloodshed and agony on Calvary’s cross.

Such power to save!

Such power to save!

Jesus, my Redeemer, Such power to save!
On the third day, You arose from the grave,
Sealing my pardon and setting me free,
Building a mansion in Heaven for me.

Jesus, my Redeemer, Returning some day!
All Your creation will bow down and say,
“You are Messiah!  Our Savior!  Our King!
Lord God Almighty, forever we’ll sing!” Amen!

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* A  PRAYER  OF  FAITH *
The lyrics to “Be Thou My Vision”  as written by Irish poet Dallan Forgaill,
translated in 1905 by Mary E. Byrne, and converted from English prose to verse by Eleanor H. Hull:

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

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This post was written by Cynthia A. Boyd  (with the exception of the excerpt from the article mentioned below).

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green celtic crossHere’s a link to the article “Be Thou My Vision:  The History of a Christian Hymn”
(which was edited by the author of this post and included in the article as informational background):

http://suite101.com/article/be-thou-my-vision-a249138

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Youtube video of  “Be Thou My Vision”  (with lyrics), by Robin Mark from “The Mandate”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zstKjGb6uAE&feature=related

There are many other videos of “Be Thou My Vision” on Youtube by such artists as 4Him, Selah, Allison Kraus, Eden’s Bridge, the Irish Tenors, and the Azuza Pacific University Men’s Chorale.

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The Old Irish poem from which the lyrics of the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision”, were translated:

Rop tú mo baile, a Choimdiu cride: ní ní nech aile acht Rí secht nime.
Rop tú mo scrútain i l-ló ‘s i n-aidche; rop tú ad-chëar im chotlud caidche.
Rop tú mo labra, rop tú mo thuicsiu; rop tussu dam-sa, rob misse duit-siu.
Rop tussu m’athair, rob mé do mac-su; rop tussu lem-sa, rob misse lat-su.
Rop tú mo chathscíath, rop tú mo chlaideb; rop tussu m’ordan, rop tussu m’airer.
Rop tú mo dítiu, rop tú mo daingen; rop tú nom-thocba i n-áentaid n-aingel.
Rop tú cech maithius dom churp, dom anmain; rop tú mo flaithius i n-nim ‘s i talmain.
Rop tussu t’ áenur sainserc mo chride; ní rop nech aile acht Airdrí nime.
Co talla forum, ré n-dul it láma, mo chuit, mo chotlud, ar méit do gráda.
Rop tussu t’ áenur m’ urrann úais amra: ní chuinngim daíne ná maíne marba.
Rop amlaid dínsiur cech sel, cech sáegul, mar marb oc brénad, ar t’ fégad t’ áenur.
Do serc im anmain, do grád im chride, tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime.
Tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime, do serc im anmain, do grád im chride.
Go Ríg na n-uile rís íar m-búaid léire; ro béo i flaith nime i n-gile gréine A Athair inmain,
cluinte mo núall-sa: mithig (mo-núarán!) lasin trúagán trúag-sa.
A Chríst mo chride, cip ed dom-aire, a Flaith na n-uile, rop tú mo baile.

(Wouldn’t the original author be amazed to know that these words still live and inspire the hearts of millions of believers!)

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WOULD  YOU LIKE TO READ MORE POSTS LIKE THIS ONE?

Here’s a link to our  “Song Stories”  category to see all of the song story posts:
https://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/category/song-stories/

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Click this image to go to our WorshipSounds website.

Click this image to go to our WorshipSounds website.

More Music by Travis L. Boyd

Many more Choral Anthems written by Travis L. Boyd can be found on our Worship Sounds Music website.  Our Choral Anthems are written to be practical for use in local church ministry and in Christian schools and Universities.  You will find that our music is worshipful, memorable, and very affordable.  We also have Anthem Orchestrations, Accompaniment Tracks, Vocal Solos, and Congregational Worship music.

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Looking for answers for yourself or for a friend?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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Song Story: “For the Glory of God”

“For the Glory of God”  is a choral anthem written by Travis L. Boyd, which can currently be found on our website’s Adult Choir music page in SATB, SSAA, and TTBB voicings.  There is also a full orchestration available for this anthem.   “For the Glory of God”  features gently syncopated verses which lyrically extol the character and person of our great God, along with a strong chorus that begins with a statement of who God is in our lives, leading into an “Alleluia”  section that ends with a description of our praise for Him and a re-statement of the reason for our praise.  This anthem is in the current repertoire of the Georgia Baptist Convention’s Jubalheirs, under the direction of Dr. Jon Duncan

First Baptist Church of Dublin, Georgia

A SONG STORY
“For the Glory of God” has been a demonstration of love that began as a desire to glorify God while also encouraging the heart of a Georgia Minister of Worship.  Travis was contacted by some people who were active members of the Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church of Dublin, Georgia.  They wanted to commission an anthem in honor of the 25th Anniversary of service to the Lord and to their congregation by their Minister of Worship and Music, Dick Burrell.  It was the desire of these good people to encourage the heart of this dear servant of God through a worship song that could be sung by the choir on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary and would also then be sung by countless churches all around the world for the glory of God.  Travis normally takes as inspiration for any commission work the favorite scripture and favorite hymn title of the person or group the song is being written for.   In this case, there were no specifics given along these lines.   Travis was told that Dick likes rhythmic choral anthems.   Of course, the ultimate purpose of the piece would be to bring glory to God while also being a personal expression of love and encouragement from the choir members to their Director and Minister of Worship, who had served faithfully for many years and had recently lost his dear wife, Vicki.

The First Baptist, Dublin, ministry team did a great job pulling off the surprise for our brother Dick Burrell.  What a great testimony of love from these people, who began working on this surprise months in advance.  I know that brother Dick and all of their church would join with Travis and myself in praying that this song will go on to touch and reach hearts that we will not know on this side of Heaven.  Here is the thank you
e-mail that brother Dick sent to Travis on Monday, Jan. 9th, 2012, after he been surprised with the anthem the day before:

Dick Burrell leading in worship, with the FBC Dublin Chancel Choir

“Dear Travis,

Thank you so much for the anthem, For the Glory of God.  The Chancel Choir (over 40 voices yesterday) sang it in our morning worship.  They had rehearsed whenever I was out of town at our church and other times when I was in town at either Pine Forest Methodist or FUMC.  They did a wonderful job.  Our pianist was a piano performance major at Shorter in the early 70’s and did post grad work at the Mozarteum in Austria.  They all got such a kick out of keeping this from me—-I had no clue.  I look forward to a bit later working on it with them and doing the anthem again.  You may not know that the Jubals sang God Is Faithful at my sweet Vicki’s memorial service last March, so, it was most appropriate that they commissioned you to compose the anthem for my 25th anniversary.

Dick Burrell

Thank you, again.

Dick Burrell”
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May God use this anthem and all who direct or sing or play it for His glory!
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“For the Glory of God,”  like all of Travis’ anthems, is written to be performed with or without the full orchestration.  The piano part is supportive, and chord symbols are included on the music for a rhythm section.   The orchestration is written to be practical for church orchestra and will work with a wide variety of instrumentation, though all of the parts are available for full instrumentation.  Travis is always careful in the writing of an orchestration to allow the orchestra to meaningfully enhance the performance of the anthem but also to make sure that the choir is not “covered up” when the orchestra plays.  You will be more than happy with the results of this attention to detail and to the communication of the message.

“For the Glory of God” is available on our website’s adult choir page @ http://www.worshipsounds.com   You purchase the PDF master copy in your choice of full page or octavo format for $15.00, and then you are allowed to make an unlimited number of copies (for your own choir and rhythm section only).  The orchestration, which includes parts for all instruments, a full score, and a string reduction for keyboard, is $30.00.

“For the Glory of God” can be found on our Worship Sounds Music website, on the Adult Choir music page.  http://www.worshipsounds.com

Or, to view the VIDEO DEMO without going to the website, “For the Glory of God,”  go to:  https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=419798804706616&saved
There is a link to the website page within the information for the video demo, so you can still get to the page for purchase if desired.

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This post was written by Cynthia A. Boyd

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Looking for answers for yourself or for a friend?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about a relationship to God through Jesus Christ or about life and eternity.

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WOULD   YOU  LIKE  TO  READ  MORE  POSTS  LIKE  THIS  ONE?
Link to our  “Song Stories”  category to see all of the song story posts:  https://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/category/song-stories/

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Blessings through community

* The CHORAL GUILD of ATLANTA*

The Choral Guild of Atlanta is an organization with a long history of service and commitment to the cultural environment in the Atlanta area and beyond.  In its 72nd year, the Choral Guild is a true community chorus, with membership open to anyone who meets musical qualifications.  Their concert of May 6th, 2012 was titled “Georgia:  The Past Meets the Present.”  It featured choral settings of music from the Civil War era in the first half of the program and choral works by contemporary composers who have a connection to Georgia in the second program section.  A few weeks before the concert, Travis was notified by Director Clair Maxwell that his anthem, “Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  had been selected for inclusion in the second half of the program.  Travis was also invited to attend the concert and to introduce the anthem, which was the first selection in the second half of the program.

Travis and I went to the May 6th afternoon concert without knowing exactly what to expect, although we did know that the chorus has a reputation for excellence.  The concert was held in the Chapel of Northside Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta.  It’s a great place for singing, with acoustics that enliven the sound without adding an echo.  Our musical impressions were very favorable, and we really enjoyed the concert.  Here is an excerpt from a post we placed on the Choral Guild’s facebook page so all of the membership could see it, thanking the group for the experience and for the honor of having one of Travis’ works performed:

“It was great to be able to join you for the afternoon concert.  You sang (and conducted…and played) with sensitivity and artistry as you shared a variety of lyrical content.  The emphasis on the value of various musical styles and genres was reflected in the eclectic nature of your program and in your attention to lyrical messages that were sometimes historical and sometimes literary or spiritual.  My wife and I greatly enjoyed the concert, and I am honored that you chose to perform “Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!’ and did so with excellence.  We also enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk with many of you in person.  Blessings to you all as you continue to use your God-given talents and sing together with your Atlanta Choral Guild family.

Sincerely, Travis L. Boyd”

Even though all of the Choral Guild’s repertoire was very well performed, musical excellence was not the only impression that has stayed with us from the concert and the reception that followed.  Our primary observation about the group is that they are a community of musicians who share a love for choral music, with all of the depth of relationship that the word “community” implies.  For example, the following elements of community were very evident in the conversations that we were able to join:

* A community is a group of people who care about one another.
It was obvious that many of the people in the Choral Guild have been members for a long time and have grown to love one another like an extended family.

* A community works together to accomplish common goals.
Whether rehearsing for a concert, recording a CD, or touring around the world, the Choral Guild has obviously been working together to promote and enjoy choral music for many years.

* A community welcomes opportunities for growth and for new community members.
Through the eclectic and historical nature of their program, the premiere of a new work, the inclusion of contemporary composers, the opportunity for composers to be invited to attend the concert and introduce their works and then spend time in conversation with chorus members, other composers, and guests, the Choral Guild of Atlanta has demonstrated a desire to embrace both historical and contemporary music as well as works in various styles and with both sacred and secular texts.  Their website offers audition information for anyone wishing to become a member of the Atlanta Choral Guild.  From our experience, I am sure that along with becoming a representative of the organization and a member of the chorus comes a membership that is of even higher importance:  inclusion in a community of committed volunteers who are doing their part to see that choral music remains an important cultural force and a viable and valuable form of musical expression.

This photo of the Atlanta Choral Guild was taken at the concert described in this blog post.

This photo of the Atlanta Choral Guild was taken at the concert described in this blog post.

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“Amazing Grace! Eternal Life!” SATB Choral Anthem written by Travis L. Boyd
Performed by The Choral Guild of Atlanta on May 6th, 2012, at Northside Baptist Church, Atlanta

The Choral Guild of Atlanta’s website:  http://www.cgatl.org/

CGA’s facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Choral-Guild-of-Atlanta/124363076808#!/pages/Choral-Guild-of-Atlanta/116706391727663

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“Amazing Grace, Eternal Life!”

“Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  was published by the Lorenz Corporation’s Monarch Division.  The anthem and Travis’ accompanying orchestration (as heard on the publisher’s studio demo) are still available at this link:

http://www.lorenz.com/product.aspx?id=10_3228M

To hear the original studio demo while viewing the music on the Lorenz product page link above, click the demo link (music notes), minimize immediately, and then click the sample pages link (Adobe icon).

A performance/accompaniment CD which features the full orchestration is also available.

“Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  has been performed and recorded by  over 700 musicians from the The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony at their “Foundations” concert, with the CD and DVD of the concert also being titled, “Foundations.”

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“Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  has also been performed and recorded by the Farrells of the Tom Farrell Evangelistic Ministries as the title song on one of their CDs.  The CD is still widely available in many Christian bookstores.

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“Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!” has been translated into the Mandarin language and printed in a choral book for Chinese choirs.  Several performances of the anthem have been posted on youtube and other video hosting sites in Chinese, and we’ve found some postings of performance videos in English as well.  For more information about the Mandarin version used in Chinese churches, contact Lorenz music, which holds the copyright.  To view the lyrics in Mandarin and see a link to one of our favorite videos of the song in Mandarin, go to our Song Story post for “Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  at this link: https://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/song-story-amazing-grace-eternal-life/

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There are many more songs written by Travis L. Boyd
on our WorshipSounds Music website

Worshipful and affordable music for Choirs, Ensembles, Soloists, Orchestras, and Congregational praise
Inspiring music for School, University, or Community Choirs

http://www.worshipsounds.com

Click photo above to go to our WorshipSounds website

Click photo above to go to our WorshipSounds website

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There are two additional posts about “Amazing Grace! Eternal Life!” on this blog. 
They are:

Blessings through worshipping together  (about the “Foundations” Concert and recordings, with The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Bill Green)

and  Song Story:  “Amazing Grace!  Eternal Life!”  (back story about how the anthem came to be written)

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This post was written by Cynthia A. Boyd

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Do you know someone who is looking for answers?

Thank you for spending your valuable time reading the contents of this page.  We hope that it has been helpful to you.   If you or someone that you know is looking for answers about life, we hope that you will visit our page called “Do You Know Jesus?”.   The links provided on this page will help to answer life’s deepest questions.   Here is the link to “Do You Know Jesus?”:  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

Please feel free to share this URL with anyone who is looking for answers about life and eternity.

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