Orphan Tunes

Tunes in need of a loving lyrical home:

DJ DEEP HOUSE (7.6.7.6.6.7.6.7)

I originally wrote this tune for David Diephouse's metrical setting of Psalm 107, "Thanks Be to God Our Savior." The song sounds great when led by guitars in a downhome folk style, as you can hear in this recording by the incomparable COS Guitarchestra. But it also works well in a more stately style, as heard on this recording by the inimitable COS Joyful Noise Orchestra. (PDF)

ICC (8.5.8.5 D)

You may remember that in 2007 I fulfilled the lifelong dream of having a college adopt one of my tunes as their school fight song. While my rousing "We Are the Cougars" won Illinois Central College's fight song contest, my entry for their alma mater tune contest didn't fare as well. But their loss is your gain. You can replace their "pride of Peoria" text with lyrics of your own! (PDF)

MAESTRO (8.6.8.6)

This Common Meter tune was first written for the text "Thoughout These Lenten Days," which is paired with TALLIS CANON in Sing! A New Creation. I love the Tallis tune, but it felt too static for the movement that takes place in the six verses of James Gertmenian's text. So I wrote this sweeping melody that is reminescent of English cathedral melodies such as KING'S WESTON. One of my choir members liked the tune so much that he took to calling me "maestro" ever since he sang it. Since the tune earned me that title, I thought it would be an appropriate title for the tune as well. (PDF)

RUSTY (8.6.8.6) CCLI#5131897

Sacred Harp (shape note) singing has provided me many deep moments of worship over the years.

SASQUATCH ( 8.7.8.7.D)

SEVENTH HEAVEN (8.7.8.7 D)

STICK IT TO THE MAN (7.6.7.6 D)

STUFEN (10.10.10.10.10)

SYCOPHANT (11.10.11.10.11.10)

TWISTER (8.7.8.7.D)