The Shepherds

Here is an upbeat composition for SATB for Christmas. It talks about the nativity from the shepherds perspective.

The shepherds tending to their flocks one dark and lonesome night.

While sheep were grazing on the plains, the moon; only source of light.

The shepherds kept a watchful eye upon their precious fold,

to keep them safe, secure from harm, from the winds and from the cold.

A light appeared quite suddenly; a new star shown in might,

'twas bright and strong, its beams shone down and pointed to a site.

Then heavily guides appeared and bade to Bethlehem, go with haste,

a child is born this blessed eve, it is Christ, the newborn babe.

The shepherds ran quickly to see a child in swathing bands.

They know at once, the promise kept, Messiah! mortal man.

Oh run and fall before your Lord to worship Him and sing,

our Lamb of God, beloved One, He is the King of Kings!

He is the King of Kings!

King of Kings!

MP3: The Shepherds

PDF: The Shepherds

Enter This Door

This piece has been in my brain for over 30 years and finally I had the opportunity to score it. It is inspired by a plaque in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Washington DC Temple. It is attributed to President Spencer W. Kimball are reads:

Enter this door as if the floor were gold;
and every wall of jewels all of wealth untold;
As if a choir in robes of fire were singing here;
No shout, nor rush, but hush, for God is here.

MP3: Enter This Door

PDF: Enter This Door

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

When I sang with The Tabernacle Choir of Temple Square, I had the privilege of singing many beautiful compositions and arrangements. When I retired from the choir (released from the calling of a musical missionary after serving for 20 years, or age 60 - whichever occurs first), I was sad to not sing that wonderful music, but was elated that some of that music is being included in the new Hymns for Home and Church. 

This piano arrangement is the result of one of those beautifully arranged hymns. My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs is a fresh variation of the 23rd Psalm.

I hope it conveys peace to you.

My Shepherd will supply my need

Jehovah is His name. 

In pastures fresh He makes me feed 

beside the living stream. 

He brings my wand’ring spirit back 

when I forsake His ways 

And leads me for His mercy’s sake 

in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death,

Thy presence is my stay;

One word of Thy supporting breath

drives all my fears away.

Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,

doth still my table spread.

My cup with blessings overflows;

Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God

attend me all my days.

O may Thy house be mine abode

and all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled rest

while others go and come—

No more a stranger nor a guest,

but like a child at home.

PDF: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

MP3: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Come and Sing With Me

This tune has been in my brain and on the computer for several years. I knew it was a Primary Song, but didn't know it was going to be a WIGGLE song (for those who don't know) this a type of song with actions to help the children "let loose" with some actions (dancing, jumping, etc.) before they settle down for Primary Singing and Sharing Time. I had some of the basics, but needed some help. Enter Dixie Henrie! She helped me develop this into a fun song. I hope you like it.

MP3 - Come and Sing With Me
PDF - Come and Sing With Me

We are singing, merrily singing, we are singing, come and sing with me.
We can sing this happy song, loud and strong, all day long.
We can sing both high and low, fast or slow.
We are singing, merrily singing, we are singing, come and sing with me.


We are dancing, happily dancing, we are dancing, come and dance with me.
We can dance and spin around, raise our arms up then down.
We can sway from side to side, let our arms glide.
We are dancing, happily dancing, we are dancing, come and dance with me.


We are jumping, joyfully jumping, we are jumping, come and jump with me.
We can jump on just one foot, jump in place, staying put.
Switching feet we jump some more, one, two, three, four!
We are jumping, joyfully jumping, we are jumping, come and jump with me.


We are rev'rent, quietly rev'rent, we are rev'rent, rev'rent as can be.
Now our wiggling is complete, fold our arms, take our seat.
We will be as quiet as quiet can be.
We are rev'rent, quietly rev'rent, we are rev'rent, rev'rent as can be.

The Fourth Article of Faith

I was asked to write a new tune for the Fourth Article of Faith. They did not care for the one that is in the Children's Songbook (no offense to the composer). So here is my attempt at it.

MP3 - The Fourth Article of Faith
PDF - The Fourth Article of Faith

I am Jesus' Little Lamb

I was looking through some lyrics for something completely different when this almost jumped off the page at me and almost instantaneously this tune came to my mind. I am grateful that I was able to capture it so very quickly. It is a sweet hymn that a choir could do marvelous things with. I hope you do enjoy it.

MP3 - I am Jesus' Little Lamb
PDF - I am Jesus' Little Lamb

I am Jesus' little lamb, ever glad at heart I am;
for my Shepherd gently guides me, knows my need, and well provides me,
loves me ev'ry day the same, even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am, even now the Shepherd's lamb?
And when my short life is ended, by His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast, there within His arms to rest.

By Night When Others Soundly Slept

This is unusual by LDS standards, but I found the words of a poem and knew I had to write a hymn. Some of the words of the poem have been modernized. Perhaps the timbre/solemness of where in Europe I am presently is influencing my music. But it would be suitable for a choir to sing and mix the verses amongst the choir. I was also thinking about making a soprano descant for the final verse. If that would interest you, let me know.

By night when others soundly slept
And hath at once both ease and Rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.

I sought him whom my Soul did Love,
With tears I sought him earnestly.
He bow’d his ear down from Above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.

My hungry Soul he fill’d with Good;
He in his Bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washed in his blood,
And banished thence my Doubts and fears.

What to my Savior shall I give
Who freely hath done this for me?
I’ll serve him here whilst I shall live
And Love him to Eternity.

MP3: By Night When Others Soundly Slept
PDF: By Night When Others Soundly Slept