When presented in an acoustic-pop style, the appeal of this piece will be immediate. Through the composer's beautiful baptismal text, which is both personal and communal, we are reminded of the wondrous gift that a helpless infant can be for us.ÊFor cantor or soloist

Composer: Michael Mahler

A setting of Psalm 145 for solo and assembly, with choral backup. With its soft-rock feel, it is well suited to youth choirs and contemporary ensembles. The refrain is a bit extended, giving the assembly a larger than customary role for a verse-refrain song.For cantor or soloistÊ

Composer: Chris de Silva

Composer: Paul Melley

A hymn addressed to Mary in a contemporary style. It addresses Mary's willingness to say yes to God's call. It calls upon Mary to teach us how to obey, to serve, to listen to God's voice.SATB refrain with unison verses, and a separate litany of petitions.An Advent piece.

Composer: Chris de Silva

"Don't be afraid" assures this comforting text written for those in suffering. The gentle folklike tune is scored for any combination of two voices with an accompaniment that consistently anticipates the third beat of the bar. The cello part could be played on another instrument capable of producing a legato line in a tenor register.

Composer: Tony Alonso

Great flexibility is afforded in this contemporary ballade that may be sung by a soloist or by sections of the choir. Have an ensemble that likes to improvise? This is a chart for them.

Arranger: Paul Melley | Composer: Paul Melley

Driving eighth notes (in the style of the 1980s hit "Gloria,") propel this piece based on Matthew 12:18. A song of praise, well suited to the contemporary ensemble or praise band. Mostly unison, but with enough harmony and a concluding descant to sustain good musical interest.Ê

Arranger: Mary Howarth | Composer: Tom Franzak

Composer: Paul Melley

Composer: Chris de Silva

From GIA's contemporary LeavenSong Series, composer and author Paul Melley brings us a text that reminds us all things are possible because Christ reigns. The piece may be performed as a solo or unison choir offering.Solo or Unison.

Arranger: Ed Bolduc | Composer: Paul Melley

This joyous gospel-rock tune celebrates the women's discovery of the empty tomb and the sheer ecstasy of proclaiming the good news. The octavo contains reproducible material for the assembly, as well as parts for two B instruments.For cantor or soloist.

Composer: Michael Mahler

Based on Psalm 36:5-9, this folk-style setting celebrates God's mercy, love, and protection. Both the verses and refrain are scored for SATB voices with the assembly singing the melody on the refrain. The keyboard score is well-conceived.

Composer: Greg Scheer

Here is another remarkable piece from the pen of Liam Lawton and arranged by Gary Fry. The text explores the meaning of church-not a stone edifice, but the people of God.For cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

Drawn from Luke's account of the Emmaus story, this rather folklike and systematically syncopated verse and refrain moves along at a good tempo making it an ideal processional. The essentially SAT scoring of the choral parts (basses can double the melody) lends a tight contemporary sound. Additional interest is created through a bridge section and instrumental interlude.Violin or C Instrument

Composer: Tony Alonso

A relaxed, funk-style setting of the "greatest of these is love" text. This one is certain to have the assembly on its feet, moved by the Spirit!For cantor or soloist.

Composer: Paul Melley

Upbeat and with an engaging refrain, this delightful piece is sure to please everyone in your assembly. Based on Psalm 90, the text communicates the jubilant entreaty "Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!" Choral harmonies on the refrain subtly enhance the piece, while the verses (sung by cantor alone or by 3-part choir) support the joyful message of the text.For cantor or soloist.

Composer: Paul Melley

Composer: Michael Mahler

Composer: Michael Mahler

The energetic refrain from this rousing piece based on Matthew 28:19-20 is infectious and will have the members of your assembly- no matter their age-eager to "tell all the good news!"

Composer: Chris de Silva

Composer: Paul Melley

Composer: Chris de Silva

For cantor or soloist.

Composer: Michael Mahler

For youth choir or contemporary ensemble, this setting from Psalm 40 has a laid-back soft-rock feel. Its compelling refrain for assembly and SATB voices alternates with verses for one or two cantors.For cantor or soloist

Composer: Tony Alonso

From the Leavensong Series, "His Cross Is Every Tree" has a contemporary folk style. This unison song with an easy harmony part in thirds is conceived for keyboard with descending bass and guitar sonorities. It would have a variety of uses expressing themes of the cross, but especially poignant for Palm Sunday or Good Friday. An assembly could be included in the refrain, or the song would also be effective as a tender solo or duet.Ê

Composer: Paul Melley

Quiet simplicity, profound petition, and unending hope characterize this piece in which the refrain concludes "Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison." The verses then take up a litanic form alternating between cantor invocations - e.g., "In the desert of despair" - and choir and assembly responses, "Be with us, Lord." A highly useful piece for Lent and reconciliation services.

Composer: Chris de Silva

Based on Philippians 2:5-11, Paul Melley captured the heart of this text, then released it for all to hear, transforming us through the music that so aptly communicates the power of the Apostle Paul's words.For cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

"I am the Gate . . . the Vine . . . the Light . . . the Good Shepherd . . . the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Derived from John's gospel, this text centers around symbols Jesus used to explain himself. A gentle piece with verses for one or two soloists, with refrain for SAB voices and assembly.Cantors or Solos

Composer: Paul Melley

A joyful, energetic, and heavily syncopated setting of Psalm 111 that features a solid SATB sound over a highly rhythmic accompaniment. Core material for youth and contemporary choirs.

Composer: Chris de Silva

An easily singable setting of Psalm 118. Similar material is used for the psalm and for the Gospel acclamation. A part for 11 handbells is included in the octavo. Primarily for use at Easter, but appropriate for any festive occasion.

Composer: Chris de Silva

Composer: Paul Melley

It's all about joy! With a gospel swing, the choir answers the soloist in an exchange of 2-bar phrases. Though the choir's answers change and develop, the form remains consistent throughout. It's a contemporary, teen-friendly testimony to the joy of living in the light of Christ.

Composer: Jay Ricketts

Arranger: Paul A. Tate | Composer: Lori True

This hymn of praise to the Trinity comes alive through the musical inspiration of Paul Melley. The lilting 6/8 melody and rhythmic accompaniment let this piece shine!For cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

This simple, satisfying psalm setting will have many uses during your community's worship. In addition to its place in the Liturgy of the Word, you might also use it for services that focus on social justice or healing. ÊFor cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

Composer: Michael Mahler

It's a setting of Psalm 130, composed in a funky groove, for solo singer and backup choir. A fairly extended and somewhat complex setting. Probably more ideal as a processional or closing song than a responsorial.

Composer: Chris de Silva

A setting based on the Beatitudes that moves with an easy, rhythmic swing. The women and men of the choir dialog in the verses, which each culminate in a solid SATB that carries into the assembly-friendly refrain. Good material for youth choir's and contemporary ensembles.

Composer: Chris de Silva

Arranger: Paul A. Tate | Composer: Lori True

Arranger: Ed Bolduc | Composer: Paul Melley

Your choir and congregation will enjoy the driving beat and syncopated rhythms of this setting of Psalm 121. The three-part mixed harmonies are especially fun to sing!Ê

Composer: Paul Melley

An adaptation of the pleading text of Psalm 130 set to a haunting tune. An excellent choice for Lenten services.For cantor or soloistÊ

Composer: Paul Melley

Composer: Susan J. Paul

** GIA no longer publishes nor sponsors the work of Paul A. Tate.ÊPieces for which Tate served as an arranger remain on our website as the original work of the composer.Ê

Composer: Paul A. Tate

Unison or Solo

Arranger: Gary Daigle | Composer: Paul Melley

A song of total surrender to the Lord, this inspirational piece creates an atmosphere of meditation that invites each believer to examine their relationship with God. A beautiful choice on many different occasions!For cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

What a great choice for an evening Mass or other worship service at the end of the day! There is also an intergenerational appeal to this piece. The gentle syncopation in the vocal line can help focus the hearts and minds of worshipers in an attitude of prayer.Ê

Arranger: Paul A. Tate | Composer: Liam Lawton

This setting of Psalm 126, expressing the melancholy of captivity as well as thanksgiving for deliverance, is more syncopated and upbeat than most. The melodic repetition in the refrain makes it easy for the assembly to respond, and the harmonization is jazzy and wistful. Youth and adult choirs will love this piece, plus there's a chance for solo or section to shine on the verses. Appropriate for Advent, Lent, and Ordinary Time (30B).For cantor or soloist

Composer: Paul Melley

This beautiful prayer of comfort in times of sorrow assures us of God's presence in our lives and support in our suffering. For solo voice, cello, and keyboard, "The Other Side of Prayer" will make a wonderful addition to your repertoire for funerals or anointing of the sick.Unison or Solo.

Composer: Paul Melley

Drawing on Psalm 118 and the Gospel of John, Chris de Silva has written a rhythmic and truly joyful song of praise to the Maker and Source of all. The refrain is easily learned and quickly memorized, enabling the congregation's full participation.

Composer: Chris de Silva

A setting of John 12:24. The music is in a slow 4 with a syncopated sixteenth-note melodic and accompaniment pattern. The accompaniment is a la guitar picking, and the anticipated beats and half-beats of the melody seem highly natural. Unison verses with 3-part refrain until the coda, which incorporates three voices in canon-like imitation under a trio asks, "Would I lay my life down for you?" This final section can be repeated indefinitely. Nice!

Composer: Tom Franzak