Zachary Lavender has arranged this wonderful, old hymn for SATB choir (with some divisi). The text and the tune are simple and straightforward, but the dynamic range is expansive and the arrangement is expressive. On hearing this piece, the congregation will be roused by the middle and, at the end, led to a place of stillness where they can encounter Christ.

Arranger: Zachary W. Lavender | Composer: William J. Kirkpatrick

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Phillip K. Jones II has created what he describes as a "contemporary gospelized hymn arrangement" of the classic chorale ein' feste burg. Soprano and tenor soloists complement the SATB choral parts and the magnificent gospel-style keyboard part.Requires a reasonably proficient pianist.

Arranger: Phillip K. Jones, II | Composer: Martin Luther

Composer: Guy Robinson

Arranger: Wendell P. Whalum | Composer: H. Millard

Arranger: Richard N Ware

The percussion part is for drum set.

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II

Arranger: Richard N Ware

This one almost gives you double your money, because the highly developed "Alleluia" that begins and ends this piece totally stands on its own and has countless uses in worship. But in the middle, there's a motet-like section on the text "God is our refuge and strength . . . we shall not fear." It, too, could stand on its own. But put it all together and it is a strong a cappella choral anthem that would be at home in any tradition.

Composer: Charles D. Coleman

Recording of "Alleluia" sung by The Promise.

Composer: Eurydice V. Osterman

Arranger: Jason Max Ferdinand | Composer: Andrae Crouch

Arranger: Evelyn Simpson-Curenton

Recording of "Amazing Grace" sung by Oakwood University Aeolians.

Arranger: Eurydice V. Osterman

Arranger: Clayton White

Arranger: M. Roger Holland, II

Music from and for the contemporary Black church. "One look at Jesus and . . . my life would be forever changed . . . He blessed my soul." A tenor solo makes up the substance of this piece, supported by a gospelized piano accompaniment. But when the choir enters, it's a whole new day! The choir's bridge just before the ending is alone worth the price of this piece.Ê

Composer: Anita Watkins-Stevens

Two stanzas of the well-known carol have been set by Stanley Thurston, featuring a jazzy and rhythmic accompaniment. While intended to be a choral anthem, congregations will inevitably start singing along with the choir on this one!

Arranger: Stanley T. Thurston

Composer: V. Michael McKay

Rhythm section ad lib.Ê

Composer: Fred Nelson, III

This fanfare-like setting of Psalm 29 will capture the attention of your assembly, inviting them to give praise and glory to God. There is a nice interplay between the choir and the organist that occurs throughout, gently subsiding as the text closes with "the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace."

Composer: Calvin Fuller

Based on the old tune hudson with Watts's classic "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed," this setting is a first-rate gospel funk setting. Good to play, good to sing, and inspiring to hear.

Composer: Theola Booker

Composer: Braxton D. Shelley

The trumpet parts are optional.

Composer: Roy Belfield, Jr.

Arranger: Robert E. Wooten, Sr. | Composer: Charles A. Tindley

This song of repentance uses Booker's own text, which calls to mind Psalm 51. It is a plea to be forgiven, cleansed, and one with the Lord. The music is straightforward and accessible.

Composer: Theola Booker

Dynamic contrasts are only part of the formula for success in performing this piece. There is a restrained quality to the vocal writing and accompaniment that finally gives way to brief outbursts of praise. If you need a sign that God is in the quiet stillness, here it is!

Composer: Glenn Burleigh

Composer: Willis Barnett

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II

Composer: Thomas Whitfield

Arranger: Undine Smith Moore

This composition, in the gospel style, provides many possibilities for choirs and soloists, with unison verses and the recurrence of a sturdy, four-part refrain. The text is vaguely reminiscent of the familiar prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila "Christ has no hands but your hands..." The piece provides for flexibility and improvisation as it grows in intensity to the final refrain.

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II

Arranger: Jewel Taylor Thompson

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II

A festive setting of easter hymn. Brass quartet and percussion join the organ in an extended, marchlike introduction. Later, an instrumental interlude leads inevitably to the grandiose final verse with soprano descant. The assembly will join in with gusto like never before!

Arranger: M. Roger Holland, II

Tice succinctly proclaims the themes of Easter in the verses of this piece. Duncan provides a template of syncopation and harmony, with options for repetition and improvisation for as long as a celebration of Easter victory-and the choir-can go! Parts for two trumpets are available to add to the triumphant sound.Ê

An interesting Christmas piece from the African-American series. It begins as a quiet lullaby in G-flat major and gradually goes into a brief triumph praise section in E major. Then back again to the quiet G-flat lullaby.

Composer: H. Leslie Adams

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Arranger: Wendell P. Whalum

The assembly part is optional.

Arranger: John Stoddart

Keyboard part is optional. Ê

Composer: Margaret P. Douroux

Composer: Eurydice V. Osterman

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II

This one takes a deep bass soloist. The SATB choral accompaniment, which calls for some divisi, results in a rich, sonorous, setting that is best appreciated if sung a cappella. A keyboard reduction, however, is provided. If you want to feature your choir's best bass, this is the piece! He needs a good low F, but only has to sing up to the D above middle C. The alto, tenor and bass parts occasionally divide throughout the arrangement, but that shouldn't deter you from trying this gem with your singers.

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

An arrangement that offers broad-based appeal, Garner's treatment of this important spiritual offers imaginative harmonies and artistic writing. It was written in honor of the 2016 dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. This arrangement of "Deep River" will become a showcase piece for your choir.

Arranger: Charles Garner

Composer: Clayton White

Arranger: Frederick Young

Arranger: Thomas Whitfield | Composer: Ralph Hudson

Add sparkle to your Advent prayer celebrations with this contemporary arrangement of conditor alme siderum. The sixteenth-note apreggios in the accompaniment create a sense of fervent expectation in contrast to the gentle legato phrasing of the vocal line. The intensity quietly builds evenly throughout until the piano dramatically breaks in verse 3. The accompaniment returns in force for the final phrase, "Praise, honor, might, and glory be from age to age eternally."

Arranger: Markus Williams | Composer: William Howard Doane

A contemporary gospel setting of Psalm 27:4 that brought seven thousand people to their feet at its first performance. It has a refrain that you just don't ever want to stop singing. The well-scored accompaniment will make a gospel pianist out of anyone who can read music!

Composer: Gale Jones Murphy

Begins with a solo verse with a quasi-improvisatory piano accompaniment, and then moves into three straightforward SATB verses over a pulsing accompaniment with a repeated coda/refrain. This traditional hymn prays, "Lord, I hear of showers of blessings . . . let some drops now fall on me."

Arranger: Michael Reid | Composer: William B. Bradbury