Jesus, Be My Shield (arr. Charles McCartha): SAB Choral Octavo

Grounded and protective, with the quality of a prayer offered with both vulnerability and trust. The harmonic language feels contemporary yet rooted in hymnic tradition, creating space for singers to inhabit the text fully.

Choirs working with three-part mixed voicings who want a sacred piece with spiritual authenticity and musical substance. This arrangement serves both church programs and concert settings where meaningful sacred music is needed.

• Shape each phrase with a sense of quiet conviction rather than dramatic gestures. The power here lives in restraint and clear diction.
• Attend closely to the interplay between the three voice parts. McCartha's voicings create subtle harmonic color when each section stays rhythmically secure.
• Let the text drive your interpretation. "Be my shield" functions both as petition and affirmation, and that dual character should inform your pacing and dynamics.

Pair this with other spirituals or contemporary sacred works in a concert that explores different expressions of faith through music. Its ten pages make it ideal for a spring or fall concert where you want a moment of genuine reflection alongside larger ensemble pieces.

• Singing with clarity and intention through slower harmonic movement
• Balancing three independent melodic lines while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Interpreting sacred text with appropriate weight and reverence
• Understanding voice leading in SAB voicing