A Shepherd's Psalm: Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Joseph M. Martin
Item: 35-PK00278900
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Description
Uses: Christ the Good Shepherd, General
Scripture: Psalm 23; Hebrews 13:20-21 The tender spirit of an English folk song joins the 23rd Psalm creating an "easy-to-prepare" sacred anthem that is sure to please. Unison writing presents the melody clearly, and voices are added gradually as the text develops. An a cappella section offers beautiful harmonic variety and paints the portrait of a gentle Shepherd who cares for His flock.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00278900
More about this title
About the Arranger: Joseph M. Martin
Joseph M. Martin studied piano performance at Furman University and earned his master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he later taught in the Piano Pedagogy Department. His performance career has taken him from solo recitals across the United States and Mexico to featured appearances with symphony orchestras, including a memorable performance with the Guadalajara Symphony after winning the Nina Plant Wideman Competition.
These days, Martin channels his artistry primarily through composition and arrangement work for worship settings. His music reaches audiences in unexpected places: Carnegie Hall, regional theaters, and most importantly, in the weekly services of churches throughout North America. Based in Austin, Texas, he continues to create music that surprises listeners with its musicality and accessibility.
Why we love this
The gradual voice layering makes this anthem feel completely natural to prepare, even with limited rehearsal time. Martin's choice to anchor the piece in unison before adding harmonic complexity gives singers confidence early on, and the a cappella section provides genuine musical substance without requiring instrumental support. The pairing of folk melody with the 23rd Psalm text creates an immediate emotional resonance that congregations recognize and connect with.
What to expect
Peaceful and pastoral, like stepping into the quiet safety that Psalm 23 describes. The English folk melody carries a timeless quality, familiar enough to feel welcoming but shaped with enough harmonic subtlety to hold musicians' attention throughout. The a cappella passage creates an intimate moment of pure human voice and tender theology.
Who it's for
This works beautifully for choirs of mixed abilities and sizes. The unison opening welcomes singers who are less confident with harmony, while the harmonic sections keep intermediate musicians engaged. It fits equally well in congregational settings, festival programs, or services where you need something substantial yet singable.
How to get the most out of it
- Begin with the unison section as your foundation. Have singers really settle into the melody before adding harmony parts; this clarity shapes everything that follows.
- Shape the gradual voice additions as actual development rather than mere stacking. Each new voice layer should bring fresh harmonic color, not just extra sound.
- Give the a cappella section space to breathe. Without instrumental support, these harmonies need slightly more time to bloom and reveal their gentleness.
- Let the text lead your interpretation. The imagery of Psalm 23 is tender and intimate; musical choices should reflect that pastoral warmth throughout.
How to use it
Place this as a quiet anchor in a Good Shepherd or Psalm 23 themed service, where its contemplative nature becomes the spiritual center of the program. It also works as an accessible opening anthem for a spring or Easter concert, especially if you're looking to balance more complex works on the same program. The modest preparation demands mean it pairs well with more demanding repertoire on the same rehearsal schedule.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained unison lines with focused intonation
- Adding harmony voices to existing melodic material
- Balancing part independence in a cappella contexts
- Connecting musical choices to scriptural text and emotional content
- Building confidence through gradual complexity rather than all-at-once demands