Hello Friends of Rexchoir:
I am no longer the Ward Choir Director in the 19th Ward. But I plan to keep this site up as long as I am able and it is useful.
I am no longer the Ward Choir Director in the 19th Ward. But I plan to keep this site up as long as I am able and it is useful.
You'll notice that I've used several of Cathy Tibbetts' arrangements. She's a very talented arranger and I'm grateful to have been able to use her material.
She now has her own website up, where you can download her songs. Most are free. I strongly recommend her to you: http://www.cathytibbittsmusic.com/
"As We Walked Along That Road" listen view [Free}
Cathy Tibbitts' arrangement of the Frederic Voros song about the Road to Emmaus: "Did not our hearts burn within us, as we walked along that road?"
"Praise to the Man" listen view [Almost free]
From Rob Gardner's "Joseph Smith the Prophet," this is a powerful arrangement of Hymn #27. Especially appropriate for June or December.
"Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee " listen (choir) listen (midi) view [Free]
This beautiful piece gives the familiar hymn (#141) a new melody. It is by John Williams.
"Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" listen view [Free]
Another of Cathy Tibbitts' beautiful arrangements. Hymn #104.
"O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" listen view [Free] (The audio version here is an SSA women's choir, but the PDF arrangement is for SATB choir.)
Timothy Max's ethereal arrangement of Hymn #197 is sung to the tune of "If You Could Hie to Kolob."
"Turn It Over" listen view [Free]
This song by Sharlene Denney and Daniel Kerr debuted at the BYUI Hymnfest in 2014. It has a powerful message about turning our burdens over to the Lord.
"Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide" listen view [Free]
Cathy Tibbitts' arrangement is accessible for singers, and the piano accompaniment is gorgeous. Hymn #165.
"Silent Night" listen view [Free]
Irv Nelson's arrangement is lush and full. I've wanted to do this one for the past few years, and finally had the voices to pull it off.
"Praise to the Lord" listen view [Free]
The quintessential Thanksgiving hymn, this arrangement by Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman is joyous and triumphant.
"High on the Mountain Top" listen view [Free]
Craig Petrie's arrangement is enmeshed with "The Spirit of God." A powerful combination of two favorite hymns.
"Lord, When Thy Spirit's Love We Feel" listen view [Free]
This a cappella song by Timothy Max was first sung by the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir at a Devotional. It is very expressive.
"Secret Prayer" listen view [Free]
Cathy Tibbitt's arrangement of the familiar hymn is pretty. It switches from 4/4 to 3/4 time nicely and has interesting counterpoint melodies.
"Peace Like a River" listen view [$]
This song was requested to be sung at Bonnie Thomason's funeral. We used organ and also extracted parts for a string quartet.
"Jesus, Once of Humble Birth" listen view (score) view (choral) [Free]
This sensitive arrangement of the familiar hymn is by Timothy Max. It has a violin obbligato, but we used flute.
"Go Forth With Faith" listen view [Free]
This arrangement by Lindy Kerby is easy to learn, and has a fresh sound. It includes a snippet of "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise."
"Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" listen (SSAATTBB) view (SSAATTBB) view (SATB) [Free]
Rob Gardner's gorgeous song is arranged for choir by Ben Hoff. It includes an oboe obbligato. Words are by Orson F. Whitney, Hymn #112.
Ben's arrangement is SSAATTBB, which may be intimidating for some choirs, so I have included an SATB reduction which will make it more accessible
to the typical ward choir. This reduction is by John Williams.
"God So Loved the World" listen view [$, but most wards have copies of The Choirbook]
This song, from John 3:16-17 is an Easter standard. It is in The Choirbook.
"Love at Home" listen (all 3 verses) view (3rd verse) view (all 3 verses) [Free]
Arlen Wilcock arranged the 3rd verse of the hymn. Sing the first 2 verses however you like and then use his arrangement for the 3rd.
(The version here is a "cut and paste" compilation using parts from 3 different arrangements. If you are interested in getting the piano part, contact me.)
"'Tis on This Sweetest Day of Rest" listen view [Free]
A hymn about covenants by Danielle Anderson (a member of our stake) and Alex Isackson. It debuted at the 2013 HymnFest.
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" listen view [$]
This arrangement is stunningly beautiful, so eloquently expressive of the text. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it.
I bought 40 copies of the sheet music for my Ward Choir. But on listening to it more closely, I decided there were a few places where some of the
harmonies (although gorgeous) were perhaps a little too dissonant for Sacrament Meeting. So I had a friend of mine make those changes and send me
a pdf of the revised version. I printed 40 copies of that and we sang it for Christmas. If you are interested in that, please contact me using the Contacts
link above.
"God Whispers Love" listen view [$]
New Christmas words are sung to "Be Still, My Soul." We bought copies of the original music so I didn't mind making copies of this version.
"Now Thank We All Our God" listen view [Free]
This a cappella Thanksgiving hymn was arranged for my Ward Choir by a 16-year-old young man in my choir, Jared Coleman.
"No Other Name" listen view [$]
By Lynn S. Lund, this song is one of my favorites. The text is taken from Mosiah 3:17 and Moses 7:35.
"I Need Thee Every Hour" listen view [Free, since it is out of print.]
From Lex deAzevedo's "The Ward Choir" book, this piece is now out-of-print and unavailable for purchase. Luckily I have an original copy.
"Hold to the Rod" listen view [Free]
Craig Petrie's arrangement is a bit more difficult, but is very effective. It includes all five verses of the hymn.
"Count Your Blessings" listen view [Free]
In this hymn arrangement, Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman have incorporated a theme from "Though Deepening Trials."
"Come, Follow Me" listen view [Free]
This arrangement is from Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman. It includes a segment of "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go."
"When He Comes Again" listen view [$]
From "The Essential Ward Choir, Volume 1" this is the longtime favorite by Mirla Greenwood Thayne about the Savior's 2nd Coming
"How Gentle God's Commands" listen view clarinet [Free]
This arrangement of the Hymn by Stephen Smith includes a nice flute obbligato. We actually used clarinet and Adam Ballif transposed the part.
"The Resurrected Lord" listen view clarinet [$]
Tells the story of Mary and Christ meeting at the Garden Tomb. Includes a male and a female solo, and a beautiful clarinet part. Very nice for Easter!
I added one more verse at the end from "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" because we felt that it ended too abruptly and it also gave us the opportunity
to personalize it with our own testimonies. If you would like that version, contact me at the link above.
"Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #7, this is a nicely arranged hymn.
"Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" listen view [Free]
Stephen Smith's arrangement is tasteful and easy to learn.
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" listen view [Almost free]
This arrangement is from the Hymnplicity Christmas Book 2.
"Children of Light, Rejoice" listen view (original version) view (version with new lyrics) [$]
A joyful and triumphant Christmas carol with a powerful organ accompaniment.
"Away in a Manger" listen view [$]
Lowell Durham's arrangement is sensitive and moving. Listen to the Tabernacle Choir's rendition.
"All Creatures of Our God and King" listen view [Free]
John Ashley Hall's arrangement is fresh and interesting -- changes from 4/4 to 3/4 and back throughout.
"I Testify of Jesus Christ" listen view [$]
From "The Essential Ward Choir, Volume 1" the music is by Janice Kapp Perry and the words are by John V. Pearson -- gorgeous!
"Sabbath Day" listen view [$]
From Wilberg's and Barlow's "We'll Sing and We'll Shout," this is a slightly difficult version of the hymn.
"Abide With Me" listen view [Free, since it is out of print.]
From Lex deAzevedo's "The Ward Choir" book, this piece is now out-of-print and unavailable for purchase. Luckily I have an original copy.
"Battle Hymn of the Republic" listen view [Almost free]
This is from the Patriotic Hymnplicity book.
"My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee" listen view [Almost free]
From Rob Gardner's "Saints and Pioneers," this is a powerful and moving piece about the Lord's promises to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
"Teach Me to Walk in the Light" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #7, this is a nicely arranged hymn.
"There Is a Hill" listen view [$]
A variation of the familiar hymn, this piece has a slight contemporary feel.
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives" listen view [Almost free]
This Hymnplicity arrangement starts with a solo, adds harmony, then adds the whole choir. The congregation can join on the last verse.
"He Is Not Here" listen view [$, but most wards have copies of The Choirbook]
This beautiful Easter piece by Crawford Gates is faithful to the New Testament record. It is in The Choirbook.
"Home" listen view [$]
Newell Dayley has nicely arranged this song from the Children's Songbook. It was sung in the October 2010 General Conference.
"Fill My Soul with Peace" listen view [Almost free]
This a cappella piece by Rob Gardner is taken from his "Saints and Pioneers" work.
"Choose the Right" listen view [Free]
Arranged by Craig Petrie, this familiar hymn has a novel sound. It is a free download from his site.
"The First Noel / Jesus Once of Humble Birth" listen view [$]
David Zabriskie's medley weaves these two hymns together beautifully. From Plum Publishing, green labels are 85 cents each.
Three Christmas Carols for the Ward Christmas Activity on 12/17/11: [Free]
The Ward Choir was asked to sing these three songs as part of the Christmas program. They are all free from Sally DeFord's website.
"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" listen view
"What Child Is This?" listen view
"Angels We Have Heard on High" listen view
"Gratitude" listen view [Free]
A simple Thanksgiving hymn by Michael Page and David Love. It debuted at the 2010 Campus HymnFest.
"Saints, Behold How Great Jehovah" listen view [Free]
This triumphant arrangement is by Michelle Willis and is also available free at TetonMusic.com.
"Be Still and Know" listen view [Free]
This thoughtful hymn by Eda Ashby was sung at the 2010 Campus HymnFest.
"Faith in Every Footstep" listen view [Free]
Kaye Nally arranged this version for an MTC Choir which sang in the October 2006 General Conference. She has given me permission to share it here.
"Our Savior's Love" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #4, this is a nice arrangement of the familiar hymn.
"O Savior, Now We Humbly Bow" listen view [Free]
Bruce Kusch wrote new words for the familiar hymn, "As Now We Take the Sacrament."
"The Spirit of God" listen view SATB view Piano [Free]
The words of "The Spirit of God" are sung to the tune of "Now Let Us Rejoice." Both songs were written by W. W. Phelps.
Minutes of the Dedication of the Kirtland Temple indicate that "The Spirit of God" was actually sung to the tune "Now Let Us Rejoice."
Download both files, SATB for the choir to sing from, and Piano for the pianist. Page numbers don't match, so use measure numbers.
This is an excellent arrangement (Linda Chapman & Bonnie Heidenreich), and the tune/lyric effect is stunning.
Cathy Tibbitts' arrangement of the Frederic Voros song about the Road to Emmaus: "Did not our hearts burn within us, as we walked along that road?"
"Praise to the Man" listen view [Almost free]
From Rob Gardner's "Joseph Smith the Prophet," this is a powerful arrangement of Hymn #27. Especially appropriate for June or December.
"Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee " listen (choir) listen (midi) view [Free]
This beautiful piece gives the familiar hymn (#141) a new melody. It is by John Williams.
"Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" listen view [Free]
Another of Cathy Tibbitts' beautiful arrangements. Hymn #104.
"O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" listen view [Free] (The audio version here is an SSA women's choir, but the PDF arrangement is for SATB choir.)
Timothy Max's ethereal arrangement of Hymn #197 is sung to the tune of "If You Could Hie to Kolob."
"Turn It Over" listen view [Free]
This song by Sharlene Denney and Daniel Kerr debuted at the BYUI Hymnfest in 2014. It has a powerful message about turning our burdens over to the Lord.
"Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide" listen view [Free]
Cathy Tibbitts' arrangement is accessible for singers, and the piano accompaniment is gorgeous. Hymn #165.
"Silent Night" listen view [Free]
Irv Nelson's arrangement is lush and full. I've wanted to do this one for the past few years, and finally had the voices to pull it off.
"Praise to the Lord" listen view [Free]
The quintessential Thanksgiving hymn, this arrangement by Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman is joyous and triumphant.
"High on the Mountain Top" listen view [Free]
Craig Petrie's arrangement is enmeshed with "The Spirit of God." A powerful combination of two favorite hymns.
"Lord, When Thy Spirit's Love We Feel" listen view [Free]
This a cappella song by Timothy Max was first sung by the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir at a Devotional. It is very expressive.
"Secret Prayer" listen view [Free]
Cathy Tibbitt's arrangement of the familiar hymn is pretty. It switches from 4/4 to 3/4 time nicely and has interesting counterpoint melodies.
"Peace Like a River" listen view [$]
This song was requested to be sung at Bonnie Thomason's funeral. We used organ and also extracted parts for a string quartet.
"Jesus, Once of Humble Birth" listen view (score) view (choral) [Free]
This sensitive arrangement of the familiar hymn is by Timothy Max. It has a violin obbligato, but we used flute.
"Go Forth With Faith" listen view [Free]
This arrangement by Lindy Kerby is easy to learn, and has a fresh sound. It includes a snippet of "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise."
"Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" listen (SSAATTBB) view (SSAATTBB) view (SATB) [Free]
Rob Gardner's gorgeous song is arranged for choir by Ben Hoff. It includes an oboe obbligato. Words are by Orson F. Whitney, Hymn #112.
Ben's arrangement is SSAATTBB, which may be intimidating for some choirs, so I have included an SATB reduction which will make it more accessible
to the typical ward choir. This reduction is by John Williams.
"God So Loved the World" listen view [$, but most wards have copies of The Choirbook]
This song, from John 3:16-17 is an Easter standard. It is in The Choirbook.
"Love at Home" listen (all 3 verses) view (3rd verse) view (all 3 verses) [Free]
Arlen Wilcock arranged the 3rd verse of the hymn. Sing the first 2 verses however you like and then use his arrangement for the 3rd.
(The version here is a "cut and paste" compilation using parts from 3 different arrangements. If you are interested in getting the piano part, contact me.)
"'Tis on This Sweetest Day of Rest" listen view [Free]
A hymn about covenants by Danielle Anderson (a member of our stake) and Alex Isackson. It debuted at the 2013 HymnFest.
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" listen view [$]
This arrangement is stunningly beautiful, so eloquently expressive of the text. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it.
I bought 40 copies of the sheet music for my Ward Choir. But on listening to it more closely, I decided there were a few places where some of the
harmonies (although gorgeous) were perhaps a little too dissonant for Sacrament Meeting. So I had a friend of mine make those changes and send me
a pdf of the revised version. I printed 40 copies of that and we sang it for Christmas. If you are interested in that, please contact me using the Contacts
link above.
"God Whispers Love" listen view [$]
New Christmas words are sung to "Be Still, My Soul." We bought copies of the original music so I didn't mind making copies of this version.
"Now Thank We All Our God" listen view [Free]
This a cappella Thanksgiving hymn was arranged for my Ward Choir by a 16-year-old young man in my choir, Jared Coleman.
"No Other Name" listen view [$]
By Lynn S. Lund, this song is one of my favorites. The text is taken from Mosiah 3:17 and Moses 7:35.
"I Need Thee Every Hour" listen view [Free, since it is out of print.]
From Lex deAzevedo's "The Ward Choir" book, this piece is now out-of-print and unavailable for purchase. Luckily I have an original copy.
"Hold to the Rod" listen view [Free]
Craig Petrie's arrangement is a bit more difficult, but is very effective. It includes all five verses of the hymn.
"Count Your Blessings" listen view [Free]
In this hymn arrangement, Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman have incorporated a theme from "Though Deepening Trials."
"Come, Follow Me" listen view [Free]
This arrangement is from Bonnie Heidenreich and Linda Chapman. It includes a segment of "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go."
"When He Comes Again" listen view [$]
From "The Essential Ward Choir, Volume 1" this is the longtime favorite by Mirla Greenwood Thayne about the Savior's 2nd Coming
"How Gentle God's Commands" listen view clarinet [Free]
This arrangement of the Hymn by Stephen Smith includes a nice flute obbligato. We actually used clarinet and Adam Ballif transposed the part.
"The Resurrected Lord" listen view clarinet [$]
Tells the story of Mary and Christ meeting at the Garden Tomb. Includes a male and a female solo, and a beautiful clarinet part. Very nice for Easter!
I added one more verse at the end from "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" because we felt that it ended too abruptly and it also gave us the opportunity
to personalize it with our own testimonies. If you would like that version, contact me at the link above.
"Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #7, this is a nicely arranged hymn.
"Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" listen view [Free]
Stephen Smith's arrangement is tasteful and easy to learn.
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" listen view [Almost free]
This arrangement is from the Hymnplicity Christmas Book 2.
"Children of Light, Rejoice" listen view (original version) view (version with new lyrics) [$]
A joyful and triumphant Christmas carol with a powerful organ accompaniment.
"Away in a Manger" listen view [$]
Lowell Durham's arrangement is sensitive and moving. Listen to the Tabernacle Choir's rendition.
"All Creatures of Our God and King" listen view [Free]
John Ashley Hall's arrangement is fresh and interesting -- changes from 4/4 to 3/4 and back throughout.
"I Testify of Jesus Christ" listen view [$]
From "The Essential Ward Choir, Volume 1" the music is by Janice Kapp Perry and the words are by John V. Pearson -- gorgeous!
"Sabbath Day" listen view [$]
From Wilberg's and Barlow's "We'll Sing and We'll Shout," this is a slightly difficult version of the hymn.
"Abide With Me" listen view [Free, since it is out of print.]
From Lex deAzevedo's "The Ward Choir" book, this piece is now out-of-print and unavailable for purchase. Luckily I have an original copy.
"Battle Hymn of the Republic" listen view [Almost free]
This is from the Patriotic Hymnplicity book.
"My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee" listen view [Almost free]
From Rob Gardner's "Saints and Pioneers," this is a powerful and moving piece about the Lord's promises to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
"Teach Me to Walk in the Light" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #7, this is a nicely arranged hymn.
"There Is a Hill" listen view [$]
A variation of the familiar hymn, this piece has a slight contemporary feel.
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives" listen view [Almost free]
This Hymnplicity arrangement starts with a solo, adds harmony, then adds the whole choir. The congregation can join on the last verse.
"He Is Not Here" listen view [$, but most wards have copies of The Choirbook]
This beautiful Easter piece by Crawford Gates is faithful to the New Testament record. It is in The Choirbook.
"Home" listen view [$]
Newell Dayley has nicely arranged this song from the Children's Songbook. It was sung in the October 2010 General Conference.
"Fill My Soul with Peace" listen view [Almost free]
This a cappella piece by Rob Gardner is taken from his "Saints and Pioneers" work.
"Choose the Right" listen view [Free]
Arranged by Craig Petrie, this familiar hymn has a novel sound. It is a free download from his site.
"The First Noel / Jesus Once of Humble Birth" listen view [$]
David Zabriskie's medley weaves these two hymns together beautifully. From Plum Publishing, green labels are 85 cents each.
Three Christmas Carols for the Ward Christmas Activity on 12/17/11: [Free]
The Ward Choir was asked to sing these three songs as part of the Christmas program. They are all free from Sally DeFord's website.
"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" listen view
"What Child Is This?" listen view
"Angels We Have Heard on High" listen view
"Gratitude" listen view [Free]
A simple Thanksgiving hymn by Michael Page and David Love. It debuted at the 2010 Campus HymnFest.
"Saints, Behold How Great Jehovah" listen view [Free]
This triumphant arrangement is by Michelle Willis and is also available free at TetonMusic.com.
"Be Still and Know" listen view [Free]
This thoughtful hymn by Eda Ashby was sung at the 2010 Campus HymnFest.
"Faith in Every Footstep" listen view [Free]
Kaye Nally arranged this version for an MTC Choir which sang in the October 2006 General Conference. She has given me permission to share it here.
"Our Savior's Love" listen view [Almost free]
From the Hymnplicity book #4, this is a nice arrangement of the familiar hymn.
"O Savior, Now We Humbly Bow" listen view [Free]
Bruce Kusch wrote new words for the familiar hymn, "As Now We Take the Sacrament."
"The Spirit of God" listen view SATB view Piano [Free]
The words of "The Spirit of God" are sung to the tune of "Now Let Us Rejoice." Both songs were written by W. W. Phelps.
Minutes of the Dedication of the Kirtland Temple indicate that "The Spirit of God" was actually sung to the tune "Now Let Us Rejoice."
Download both files, SATB for the choir to sing from, and Piano for the pianist. Page numbers don't match, so use measure numbers.
This is an excellent arrangement (Linda Chapman & Bonnie Heidenreich), and the tune/lyric effect is stunning.