Jon Paige stands out among contemporary church musicians for his ability to honor familiar hymn texts while creating arrangements that demand something fresh from singers and audiences alike. His work balances accessibility with musical substance, making him a trusted voice in sacred choral music.
Why we love this
Brad Nix's arrangement transforms a beloved hymn into a ceremonial statement without abandoning the tune itself. The fanfare writing gives you an opening moment that feels genuinely significant, while the concertato section deepens the text in a way that reminds congregations why they sing these words.
What to expect
Processional and purposeful. The fanfare opens with formal splendor, then the arrangement settles into a warm, harmonic exploration of the hymn that feels both reverent and robust. Singers experience the familiar melody as something worth rediscovering.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for a fresh presentation of this foundational hymn tune, whether for a special Sunday service, festival program, or hymn festival context. This works equally well for volunteer church choirs and more advanced ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the fanfare material so it establishes authority without drowning the choir's entrance. The opening is about dignity, not volume.
Shape the concertato section with attention to text painting. Each phrase of the hymn carries theological weight that your singers should carry into their tone.
Let the accompaniment breathe where the arrangement provides space. This gives singers time to lock into the harmonic foundation before moving forward.
How to use it
Open a service with the fanfare to establish a formal or celebratory tone, or position it as a anthem on a program celebrating church history and hymnody. The eleven pages give you enough substance for a meaningful concert moment without overshadowing congregational singing elsewhere in the service.
Skills your students will build
Balancing fanfare-style articulation with legit hymn singing
Reading and executing figured accompaniment patterns that support harmonic awareness
Shaping longer phrases while maintaining text clarity through concertato-style voice leading
