26 May 2014

Joy in the Journey

Everyone has their own journey that they alone must travel. The journey may be filled with trials, but if we can remember that our journey-master is always there to show us the way, we can have - Joy in the Journey.

MP3 - Joy in the Journey
PDF - Joy in the Journey

19 May 2014

Memorial Day

PDF - Memorial Day Hymn
MP3 - Memorial Day Hymn

I had this tune for over two years. My original intent was to create a nice orchestration out of it, but every time I sat down to orchestrate it, I didn't feel good about it. So, I decided to make it into a hymn-like tune. The words are not mine - they are from Joyce Kilmer's poem titled Memorial Day. When I read this poem the melody came instantly into my head and I knew I had to do something with it. It's my way of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope you enjoy.

Memorial Day Hymn

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings today.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
on tombs where weary soldiers lie;
flags wave above the honored dead
and martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
they kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
they plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
who went through fire and death to earn
at last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
they march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace - Who brought a sword.

10 May 2014

Mary's Medley

MP3 - Mary's Medley

I can think of no better way to honor my Grandmother (who raised me) on Mother's Day than to arrange a medley of her best loved songs.

The Songs are:

Mother, Here's a Red, Red Rose (she wrote the words)
To a Wild Rose
Songs my Mother Taught Me

She instilled the gift of music in me, and I am eternally grateful to her for that. Happy (Grand)Mother's Day. I love you!

E'en so Lord Jesus, Quickly Come