• Once in Royal David's City (IRBY) – violin or cello

    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

    Prepare the Way, O Zion

    $0.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

    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

    Ready My Heart

    Price range: $0.00 through $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

    Refugee King – strings

    Price range: $0.00 through $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/2023/12/refugee_king_rosewood.m4a"][/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 recording of the string arrangement from Rosewood Church in December 2024.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20g05lJm0D8

     

  • Savior of the Nations, Come (Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland) – string orchestra

    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

    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.

  • The First Nowell

    The First Nowell

    $20.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
    [audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/scheer-the_first_nowell.mp3"][/audio]

    “The First Nowell” is the quintessential Christmas carol and a classic folk tune, but too many arrangements fetter the flowing melody with four-part harmony. My approach is simple: let the melody sing itself and support it with an accompaniment that keeps things moving forward. After a brief string intro, it starts small–just guitar and solo voice–and then builds momentum over the song’s 6 verses.

  • We Three Kings

    We Three Kings

    Price range: $10.00 through $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/2023/07/we_three_kings-strings.mp3"][/audio]

    A full, festive choir anthem that is easy to learn in one rehearsal. When else can you give your men some solos, let your strings get a little Motown, and include your rhythm section with your choir?

    No choir? No problem. The piano and string version can be used to accompany congregational singing.