It is that time of the year again when we celebrate our nation's independence. This week's "hymn of the week" is actually a hymn arrangement of America The Beautiful, using the original tune. Our church choir has been singing this each summer with great success. It is not hard to learn and it has a piano part that always reminds me of "The Little Drummer Boy."
When we sing this piece, I like to read the follow scriptures as an introduction: "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12) "... And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity...but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever." (2 Nephi 1:7)
If you would like to sing this hymn arrangement with your choir, the music is available here: http://store.singanewsong.org/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=54