David Schwoebel has spent his career building comprehensive music programs from the ground up. Since 1997, he has served as Minister of Music and Composer in Residence at Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, where he oversees six choral ensembles, four handbell choirs, and a 32-piece orchestra. His training in voice, organ, and church music composition at McKendree College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary prepared him to work across multiple age groups and skill levels.
Schwoebel's hymn tunes appear in several major denominational hymnals, including the Baptist Hymnal, Celebrating Grace Hymnal, and Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal. Many bear the names of his family members, reflecting his deep integration of personal faith and musical ministry. His compositions balance accessibility with substance, crafted for singers who are learning alongside those with years of experience.
Why we love this
Schwoebel and Allen have created a declaration of faith that lets singers own the text fully. The music supports every word without drowning it out, which means your choir can shape the message phrase by phrase rather than simply executing the notes on the page.
What to expect
The piece radiates conviction without aggression. There is warmth in the harmonies and space in the writing that invites the listener into a moment of genuine expression rather than spectacle.
Who it's for
Sacred choirs preparing concert programs or worship services will find this octavo engaging for mixed ensembles at intermediate to advanced levels. The text works equally well in denominational settings and broader musical contexts where faith-based repertoire belongs on the program.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrases around the conviction in the text. These words deserve breath and intention, not mechanical phrasing.
Attend to the harmonic movement in the inner voices. The sopranos carry melody, but alto and tenor lines create depth that rewards clarity.
Find the emotional arc across all 14 pages. The piece builds, and that trajectory matters more than any single moment.
How to use it
Pair this with other sacred works of similar length to build a thematic concert around faith and belief. The 14-page format makes it substantial enough to anchor a program segment without overwhelming other selections. It also serves well as a congregational anthem when trained singers lead a worship service.
Skills your students will build
Balancing solo and choral textures when individual voices need to emerge
Sustaining focused tone across longer phrase lines
Interpreting text through harmonic color and musical gesture
Blend and balance in four-part writing with active inner voices
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