Lift High The Cross (arr. Richard A. Nichols): Choral Instrumental Pak

This arrangement gives brass and percussion a genuine role in a beloved hymn rather than relegating them to filler status. Nichols respects both the tune's dignity and the ensemble's desire to contribute something meaningful, making it an excellent choice for mixed services or festival performances where you need a bigger sound without sacrificing the hymn's spiritual core.

Steady, reverent, and grounded. The brass and percussion support the text and tune with quiet strength rather than fanfare, creating an atmosphere of corporate devotion. It feels like tradition honored through careful orchestration.

Church choirs and worship teams looking to reinvigorate a standard hymn without radical reinterpretation. Directors of community or festival choruses who want to include brass and percussion players alongside singers in service music or mixed sacred programming.

• Balance the brass softly at first; the hymn's familiarity means your singers will carry the melody naturally, so let the instruments add color rather than compete
• Shape the phrase endings with the percussion section to avoid a flat, static quality that can plague hymn arrangements
• Prepare your brass to sit back behind the vocal line during verses where it enters; this is an accompanying role, not a feature

Anchor this as a substantial hymn feature during a service of lessons and carols, or use it as a processional piece that combines vocal and instrumental forces without demanding extensive rehearsal time. It works equally well as a concert opener that sets a contemplative tone before moving into other repertoire.

• Playing the hymn tune within a larger ensemble texture
• Rhythmic precision with vocal entries and releases
• Dynamic restraint and supportive accompaniment writing
• Balancing sustained harmony parts with melodic content