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Category Archives: Church
Psalm 145:13-21: My Mouth Will Speak the Praise of the Lord
The composition process is funny, because sometimes when you’re in the thick of writing something you begin to psych yourself out thinking that you’re polishing a fundamentally mediocre idea. I wrote a first draft of this yesterday, but by the … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, FAWM 2017, Psalms
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Psalm 46: The Lord of All Is with Us
In this, my third to last Adopt-a-Psalm song, knowing I was writing something to commemorate the Reformation—and especially because Luther himself set Psalm 46 to music—I knew this needed to be special. I’m a huge fan of the lively rhythmic … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Choir, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017
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Psalm 33: A Symphony of Praise
Psalm 33 was a refreshing change. I’ve been doing a lot of dark Psalms during my Adopt-a-Psalm month, so it was nice to have one that was joyful and musical. I use Psalm 33:3’s “new Psalm/skillfully” as the scripture for … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017, Psalms
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Rejoice in All Your Works, at Calvin’s LOFT
I recently completed a full choral arrangement of Wendell Kimbrough’s “Rejoice in All Your Works.” (Which reminds me that I’ve forgotten to post it here on my blog.) Paul Ryan led it at Sunday’s LOFT service at Calvin College with … Continue reading
Posted in Arrangement, Choir, Church, Congregational Songs, Live, Psalms
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Psalm 125: Those Who Trust in the Lord Shall Abide
This was one of the “easier” Psalms of my Adopt-a-Psalm month—lots of good images to work with, and no imprecations—but it gave me the hardest time. I think it was difficult because the song is so simple, and simple music … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017, Psalms
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Psalm 16: The Refuge of My Soul
Psalm 16 is the next in my Adopt-a-Psalm settings. I took a unique approach on this one. At first glance, it may seem like the song has little to do with the Psalm. It uses none of the “protect me, … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017
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Psalm 4, the ridiculous outtake
Things get a little weird when you’re recording with two teenagers. (Okay, and with me.)
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017, Psalms, Quirky
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Philippians 4:7 May the Peace of God
As I was working on Psalm 4, one of the commentaries I read mentioned the connection between Psalm 4’s deep peace amid distress and Philippians 4:7 “May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds … Continue reading
Posted in Choir, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017, Jazz
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Psalm 4: I Rest in You
Continuing on my Adopt-a-Psalm journey, we come to Psalm 4. At its core, Psalm 4 is the lament of someone whose honor has been impugned. You can hear the theme of shame and honor recurring throughout. Ultimately, though, the Psalmist … Continue reading
Psalm 12: I Will Now Arise
Continuing my Adopt-a-Psalm commission month, I turned my attention to Psalm 12. It’s another difficult Psalm, with abrasive sentiments like, “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips.” Underneath its prickly exterior, though, the Psalm is all about words and how … Continue reading
Posted in Adopt-a-Psalm, 2017, Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, FAWM 2017
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