When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is, perhaps, one of the most profound hymns of all time. Its lyrics convey the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with an unmatched economy of words: When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour …
Tag: Larry Sue
Larry Sue is the owner, composer/arranger, and publisher at Choraegus. He and his wife Carla are West Michigan's Smallest Handbell Ensemble.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (HAMBURG) – Six handbells and piano
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is, perhaps, one of the most profound hymns of all time. Its lyrics convey the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with an unmatched economy of words: “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour …
Vowels
Vowels are the means by which we unify choral sound. They determine pitch and are the primary determiner of dynamic volume. If they’re enunciated consistently between singers, they also express the unity of the entire ensemble. It’s necessary to agree on how we’re going to sing our vowels. I’ve found that the most reasonable choice …
Long Vowels, Short Consonants
Unified, coordinated expression is one of the hallmarks of a great choir. In simple terms, we need to sound as if our voices belong together. One of the many factors important to that unity can be summed up in the following phrase: Long Vowels, Short Consonants Here are the assumptions behind this idea: We get …
Jingle Bells – for eight handbells plus piano
James Murray wrote Jingle Bells in 1857. We understand that it actually was a Thanksgiving song for a children’s play at his church… but history has made it into a Christmas song. That probably makes sense since December is snowier than November in most areas (well… if you’re far north enough). Dashing through the snow …
Shall We Gather at the River? (eight handbells and piano)
Shall We Gather at the River, traditionally, is regarded as a baptism hymn, but it also reminds us of the wonder and glory of that day when we shall be in heaven with God. Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod; With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne …
Blessed Assurance (ASSURANCE) (eight handbells and piano)
Blessed Assurance is one of Fanny Crosby’s all-time classic hymns. It speaks of faith, dependence, and triumph through having an absolute reliance on God and His power. Our arrangement is for two octaves, and will be a welcome addition to your ensemble’s repertoire. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! …
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (eight handbells and piano)
Be Thou My Vision, usually sung to the hymn tune SLANE, is a heartfelt and eloquent prayer by a believer who wants to follow the path God offers. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best Thought, by day or by …
Resonance center
Choral singing requires a solid sound. That solid sound can happen only if it has a definite focus point where it can live. I define this as having a “resonance center”, a place in which to focus the singing voice. Visualization of the Resonance Center I visualize the vocal resonance center as a small sphere …
Dec 24
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Choraegus
The snow started falling this morning at our place. Millions of tiny bits of ice surround us, and we’re safe and warm inside. Shoveling awaits… It’s the end of 2020, and as we’ve had a fairly wild December, we’ve decided to take a break from our rather manic two-a-week publication pace and get a little …
