New Publication!

Sing A New Song: New Tunes for Familiar Hymns has now been published! You can order this new hymn collection directly from BYU Creative Works. 

• The hymnal contains at least one new tune for every hymn text in the 1985 LDS hymnbook. 
  
  
• There are over 700 new hymn settings overall, using a variety of tunes ranging from American folk hymns and gospel songs to plainchant, chorales, and classical melodies. 
  
  
• This book is designed to be used at the piano (or organ), with a stay-open coil binding and hymns organized alphabetically by title, making it easy to find new settings. 
  
  
• These settings are particularly appropriate for church choirs and for those singing vocal solos. 
  
  
• For all of the hymns and texts that are in the public domain, we have provided online recordings and scores at singanewsong.org/hymnbook. These resources can be freely shared online and can be downloaded and printed out for choir members. 
  
  
• We encourage the creation of new hymn arrangements based on the settings in this collection. 
  
  
• Our goal is to combine words and music in a way that enhances the original message of the hymn text, putting the meaning of that text in a whole new light.
  
  
• The cost is meager ($29.99 + shipping, with an additional $10 discount if you have a BYU ID). Part of the proceeds go towards the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications (who generously supported this publication with a grant) and the BYU School of Music. 

Special thanks to Michael Young for collaborating with me on this project.

Hymn of the Week #24: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

Hymn of the Week #24: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

This simple SATB arrangement of the carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" is set to the well-beloved American folk hymn "My Shepherd Shall Supply My Need" (from Southern Harmony, 1835). Its calm, pastoral character offers a nice contrast to the upbeat Yorkshire melody to which it is usually sung. 

Listen / download here: http://bit.ly/1Nxs7fD

There is also a duet version for male/female voices with piano accompaniment: http://bit.ly/1HLwkzv

Hymn of the Week #23: "With Wondering Awe"

Hymn of the Week #23: "With Wondering Awe"

Here is a very nice new carol for your choirs to sing this Christmas. The words relate the story of the wise men following the star to find the newborn Savior. The music is joyful and features an echo effect that can be sung by a smaller part of the choir or by a quartet.

Listen / download here: http://bit.ly/1S8ziip

Hymn of the Week #22: "I Heard the Bells"

Hymn of the Week #22: "I Heard the Bells"

Based on the English carol "The Snow Lies Thick Upon the Earth," this new setting of the well-known Longfellow poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" helps us consider anew his plea for "peace on earth, good will to men." Just in time for Christmas!

Download here: http://store.singanewsong.org/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&path=62&product_id=236

New hymn setting for "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief"

New hymn setting for "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" to the tune SOCIAL BAND. Finally, a version that lets you get through all of the verses!

Listen here: http://www.singanewsong.org/mp3/APoorWayfaringManofGrief.mp3
Download here: http://www.singanewsong.org/hymns.php?keyword=wayfaring

Hymn of the Week #21: "O Thou Rock of Our Salvation"

Hymn of the Week #21: "O Thou Rock of Our Salvation"

Set to the American folk hymn HOLY MANNA, this robust hymn encourages us to "battle for the truth" and "wage a war against sin" so that we can win the "fight of faith." Onward! March firm and true to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1VO4SMmdeU

You can download this hymn here: http://www.singanewsong.org/hymns.php?keyword=manna
There is also a choral arrangement available here: http://bit.ly/1PpggFd

 

Find new tunes for familiar hymn texts at singanewsong.org

Hymn of the Week #20: "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer"

Hymn of the Week #20: "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer"

This sweet hymn reminds us of the all of the ways the Savior can help us. He can teach us ("Thy sweet message now impart.") He can strengthen us ("We are weak but thou art strong. / Enter every timid heart.") He can shelter and protect us ("Keep Thy loving arms around us / Keep us in the narrow way / Let us never from thee stray"). He can comfort us ("Let not sorrow overwhelm us / Dry the bitter tears that start."). And he can be a source of peace: ("Curb the winds and calm the billows / Bid the angry tempest cease / Grant us everlasting peace.") As we allow the Savior into our lives, we will feel his love and influence daily.

Two settings of this hymn are available: the first is a simple SATB setting: http://bit.ly/1NW7gpS

The second is an arrangement for SATB choir and a clarinet solo, with piano accompaniment:
Listen: http://bit.ly/1LfSgV2
Preview: http://bit.ly/1FClxXw
Download: http://bit.ly/1FClyKU

 

Find new tunes for familiar hymn texts at singanewsong.org