Let the Trumpet Sound (arr. John Leavitt): Choral Instrumental Pak

John Leavitt's arrangement preserves the anthem's infectious energy while giving it contemporary polish and clear textural variety. The trumpet writing is genuinely idiomatic rather than tacked-on, and the flexibility to use either SATB or 2-Part voicing (or both) means this works whether you're in a large cathedral program or a smaller church setting. You get a piece that sounds festive and celebratory without becoming trite.

Buoyant and bright, with a sense of joyful proclamation that the trumpet enhances beautifully. The arrangement maintains the anthem's straightforward warmth while adding modern orchestration touches that feel energetic without being overwrought. There is genuine lift here, the kind that carries a congregation or audience along with genuine musical conviction.

Church music directors seeking celebratory Easter or general praise anthems with real substance and flexible scoring options. This works equally well in traditional liturgical settings and contemporary worship contexts where instrumental color enhances rather than replaces vocal excellence.

• Balance the trumpet line carefully against the choir so the instrument cuts through without overwhelming the singers; the arrangement gives the horn plenty of exciting material, so let it breathe as a featured color rather than background accompaniment.
• If combining both SATB and 2-Part voicings, rehearse them separately first to ensure each group owns its part, then layer them gradually during combined rehearsals to build confidence and blend.
• Pay attention to the harmonic rhythm in Leavitt's arrangement; it often moves faster than the original melody, creating momentum that requires crisp articulation from both instrumental and vocal lines.
• Consider the handbells and string bass parts as genuine ensemble contributors, not mere doubling; if you have access to these instruments, they add textural dimension and festive character that justifies their inclusion.

Perfect for Easter services, spring celebrations, or moments in your program calling for unambiguous joy and hope. The piece also works well as a closing number when you want to send people out with brightness and affirmation. If you are looking to bridge generational singing (combining adult and youth choirs), the dual voicing option gives you a natural programming solution.

• Blending trumpet timbre with choral sonority
• Phrasing across harmonic rhythm that moves independently of text stress
• Balancing melodic independence with ensemble unity
• Sight-reading in styles ranging from traditional hymnal approach to contemporary choral idiom