Advent/Christmas (Arrangements)

Showing 13–24 of 26 results

O Come, All Ye Faithful – strings
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[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/wendell-o_come_all_ye_faithful.mp3"][/audio]
Wendell Kimbrough’s finger-picking style is the backbone of this earthy arrangement of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” reminding us of Jesus’ flesh and blood entrance into history. The strings remind us of the heavens above, with angels singing and stars shining in the darkness.

Arrangement for strings to accompany congregational singing. Download includes score and parts for violins 1 and 2, viola, and cello. Purchase price allows you to print as many copies as needed for your ensemble.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (VENI IMMANUEL)
$5.00 Add to cart

[audio m4a="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arr-G-Scheer-O-Come-O-Come-Take-1-simple.m4a"][/audio]

This Just Add People arrangement includes an original piano accompaniment for congregational singing. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is an Advent favorite, the mesmerizing harp-like sound of this arrangement echoes the hopeful waiting expressed in the text.

Piano accompaniment for congregational singing.
O Sing a Song of Bethlehem (KINGSFOLD)
$0.00 – $25.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

[audio m4a="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arr-GScheer-O-Sing-a-Song-of-Bethlehem-12_8_20-9.34-PM.m4a"][/audio]
This hymn makes a great transition between the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany, following Jesus from his birth to his days on earth. This arrangement creates a sense of wonder with a sparkling intro/outro and fresh harmonies. It could also be used with the texts “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” and “We Sing the Mighty Power of God.” The string quartet arrangement available below can also be used for congregational singing and adds lyrical interludes between each verse.
O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright (PUER NOBIS NASCITUR)
$0.00 – $5.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/puer_nobis-on_jordans_banks.mp3"][/audio]
PUER NOBIS is one of the great hymn tunes of the Church and is matched with many texts, including “O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright” and “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry.” I tried to bring out its folk song flavor in a way that often gets lost in the four-part hymnal arrangement. (Note: the demo above uses the text “On Jordan’s Banks.”)
On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry (PUER NOBIS NASCITUR)
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https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/puer_nobis-on_jordans_banks.mp3

PUER NOBIS is one of the great hymn tunes of the Church and is matched with many texts, including “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry” and “O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright.” (This arrangement is available with either text.) I tried to bring out its folk song flavor with a piano accompaniment that is energetic. I feel like this arrangement brings out the sprightly nature of this tune in a way that often gets lost in the four-part hymnal.

Piano accompaniment for congregational singing, with C instrument descant. Purchase price allows you to make as many copies as you need for your ensemble.
Once in Royal David’s City – strings
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[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/wendell-once_in_royal-1.mp3"][/audio]
Wendell Kimbrough’s rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City” recasts this carol in a folksy style that allows it to speak like a ballad rather than a fanfare. The strings add a further layer of of emotion to the singing.

Arrangement for strings to accompany congregational singing. Download includes score and parts for violins 1 and 2, viola, and cello. Purchase price allows you to print as many copies as needed for your ensemble.
Once in Royal David’s City (IRBY) – violin or cello
$5.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/once_in_royal.mp3

This beloved Christmas carol arrangement was commissioned by violinist Sarah York. She needed a contemplative prelude for a Christmas service. In this arrangement, the familiar carol tune is passed back and forth between piano and violin (or cello), creating mesmerizing layers of echoed melody.
Prepare the Way, O Zion
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This Swedish Advent hymn is so lovely it deserves two arrangements! The first is a fairly straight ahead 4-part version of the tune in its original 6/4 meter. The second is a 4/4 swing leadsheet in a jazz style.
Ready My Heart
$0.00 – $5.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

I first heard “Ready My Heart” on Steve Bell’s CD Each Rare Moment a number of years ago and immediately fell in love with it. Lois Shuford has composed a unique Advent song, a devotional text in which we pray that our hearts would be prepared to cradle the coming Savior. Below is a video of Larry Figueroa and me introducing the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3aMobSfosM
Refugee King – strings
$0.00 – $25.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/refugee_king-strings-click.mp3"][/audio]
It was my great pleasure to work with Liz Vic, Wen Reagan, Bruce Benedict, and Lester Ruth to write this alternative to “Away in A Manger.” Most Christmas songs are all sweetness, with the baby Jesus sleeping contentedly, “no crying he makes.” This song turns that idyllic picture on its head, revealing the drama and stress of a real family with a real baby who was the target of a jealous politician’s wrath, forcing them to flee “away from the manger” to the safety of Egypt.

You can hear Liz Vice’s original recording below. Above is a click track demo of the string arrangement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20g05lJm0D8
Savior of the Nations, Come (Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland) – string orchestra
$35.00 Add to cart

http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/savior_of_the_nations_baylor.mp3

This theme and variations for string orchestra was commissioned by Carlos Colón for a 2017 Advent service at Baylor University. The stout hymn tune Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland is stated, then volleyed back and forth between different sections of the string orchestra. It could be used as a stand-alone concert piece or used as a prelude or instrumental selection in a worship setting. It is especially appropriate for Advent and Lessons and Carols services.

Score and orchestral parts for violin 1+2, viola, cello, and bass. Purchase price allows you to print as many copies as you need for your ensemble.
Silent Night – strings
$25.00 Add to cart

[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/wendell-silent_night.mp3"][/audio]
This string arrangement was written for Wendell Kimbrough and Church of the Incarnation, Dallas. Its understated style supports the song while maintaining the gentle “lullaby” style.

Arrangement for strings to accompany congregational singing. Download includes score and parts for violins 1 and 2, viola, and cello. Purchase price allows you to print as many copies as needed for your ensemble.