I'd Rather Have Jesus: TTBB Choral Octavo

Joseph M. Martin's arrangement preserves the hymn's integrity while giving men's voices genuine musical material. The voicing options (TB, TTB, TBB, TTBB) mean you're not forced into one formation; you can adapt based on who shows up on any given rehearsal night. It's the kind of flexible, musician-friendly work that respects both the original tune and the singers performing it.

The piece carries the warmth of a testimony offered sincerely. There's no artifice; the melody sits naturally on the voice, and the arrangement supports rather than complicates the message. Singing it leaves both performer and listener with something to carry forward.

Men's choirs at the intermediate level will find clear vocal writing and accessible ranges here. Whether you're building a sacred concert or rounding out a Sunday service, this octavo works for groups with modest rehearsal time who want something that lands with conviction.

• Balance the melody clearly against inner parts; the tune's strength depends on it being heard without effort.
• Shape each phrase with a slight lift rather than letting it flatten; the text deserves that kind of intentionality.
• Approach the harmonic progressions with care at tempo changes or dynamic shifts so the arrangement's architecture stays visible.
• Let the recorded accompaniment lock your tempo, but rehearse without it so singers own the rhythmic stability themselves.

Slot this into a sacred or choral concert as an anchor piece that needs no apology or explanation. It pairs well with both traditional hymn arrangements and contemporary spiritual music, giving your program depth without requiring a thematic connection. Many directors program it in the spring, where its affirmation lands especially well.

• Balancing melody and supporting harmony in four-part writing
• Sustaining legit tone through longer phrases
• Executing articulation in hymn-style text setting
• Blend and blend adjustments across varying voicing combinations