These new general anthems for adult choir are perfect for use throughout the church year and invaluable additions to your music library. These pieces are all Editors’ Choice selections, curated by our editors from the thousands of new submissions we receive annually from publishers worldwide. You can find many more Editors’ Choice selections online at jwpepper.com/EC.
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
arr. Victor C. Johnson – Choristers Guild
This jubilant setting of ODE TO JOY features a festive piano accompaniment with optional brass quartet, three octaves of handbells, and timpani. Arranged for combined choirs, it is a grand celebration of God’s goodness. Invite the congregation to join the adult and children’s choirs for a fantastic finish.
Starts at 1:01
A Giving Place
Heather Sorenson – Shawnee Press
This beautifully expressive anthem reminds congregations to create a welcoming space for all who enter. After opening with women’s voices, it moves to verse 2 opening with men’s voices, and then SATB. Following a key change, a soloist enters, accompanied by a more flowing keyboard and eventually the choir, adding emphasis to the text. The final verse is slower and affirming as all voices speak to the heart of our ministry.
Starts at 2:10
You Make the Sun to Rise
Craig Courtney – Beckenhorst Press
A vivid and profound text comes to life in this heartfelt setting pondering creation, seeking justice, encouraging the weary, and joining the song that connects us to our Creator. The music and text are exquisite and the choral parts accessible.
Starts at 3:16
Our Hope Is in Jesus
Mary McDonald – Hope Publishing Company
Based on John 16:33, this text is a plea for us to be strong and hold on, for there is hope in Jesus. Opening with unison voices, it gradually unfolds to SATB, especially strengthening the powerful refrain. Accompaniment options include keyboard or full orchestration.
Starts at 4:01
God Is Over All
Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson & Rich Thompson/arr. Terry D. Taylor – Celebrating Grace, Inc
A worship ballad from CityAlight has been arranged for SATB and optional children’s choir. This simple modern hymn explores the theme of God’s supremacy over all things. Close harmonies and unison sections make this piece accessible. The incorporation of This Is My Father’s World is a special feature. The optional children’s part is included. Score and parts for flute, percussion 1 & 2, harp, violins 1 & 2, viola, cello, string bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drum set, and piano are available separately.
Starts at 4:54
I Set My Hope On Jesus
A hymn by celebrated contemporary artists conveys a modern message for people struggling with their faith, based on Hebrews 10:23. The choral texture varies depending on the text, sometimes SA or TB, then SATB, with some cued divisi. Use the piano accompaniment alone or the very good orchestration.
Starts at 5:52
Jubilate Deo
This exhilarating anthem is set to Psalm 99-inspired lyrics in a bright and energetic fashion with mixed meter and joyous syncopation. An optional part for handbells and handchimes (both 3-octave) is also available. This one will ring with praise in your sanctuary!
Starts at 7:01
Any Editor’s Choices fir SAB choirs?
Hi Jeff, if you’re using EC Online with your Pepper login, there are SAB selections here: https://www.jwpepper.com/ec/results.jsp?cate=10&cata=C-C24F&YEAR=Active If you’re not logged in and want to find them on our website, under Departments (all the way to the left of the top menu), select Church. Use the menu on the left to select what type of music you’re looking for (Christmas, Easter, general, etc.) and the sub-category. From there, you can use the filters on the left side of the page to to show only Editors’ Choice (top selection) and if you scroll further down, you can select voicing. As an example, these are general music/hymn arrangements that are Editors’ Choice and SAB: https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/search.jsp?editorsChoiceFlag=true&pageview=grid-view&redirect=hymns-arrangements&facetVoiceGroups=SAB/Three-Part%20Mixed
Please let us know if we can help you find something. If you’re on Facebook, we have a new group dedicated to discussing church repertoire – please feel free to join us there! https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchmusicconnection