Come to Jesus (Untitled Hymn) (arr. Mark Hayes): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Hayes's arrangement respects the intimacy of Rice's original melody while opening it up for three-part mixed voices. The 10-page score manages accessibility without sacrificing musical substance, making it equally effective for volunteer church choirs and school ensembles seeking contemporary sacred repertoire.

Warm and invitational. This arrangement has the feel of a gentle conversation rather than a proclamation; the harmonies are approachable without feeling simplistic, and the text lands naturally within each voice part.

Church choirs of all skill levels will find this straightforward to prepare. It also works well for secondary school choral programs introducing students to contemporary sacred music that extends beyond traditional hymns.

• Balance the alto line carefully in the verse sections; Hayes often gives it the harmonic anchor that needs to sit clearly without overwhelming the sopranos.
• Find the emotional arc across the full arrangement rather than treating each section as isolated. This hymn's power comes from its cumulative effect.
• Let the accompaniment breathe. The harmonic support is there, but resist the urge to rush; the song's appeal lies in its unhurried approach to the text.

Include this in a service of contemporary worship music, or pair it with traditional hymns to show stylistic range within the sacred repertoire. Its moderate length makes it suitable for both concert settings and liturgical use.

• Singing in three-part mixed voicing with clear harmonic function
• Sustaining focus through text-driven arrangements
• Blending contemporary song craft with choral discipline
• Balancing independent lines within a simple harmonic framework