Joseph M. Martin holds degrees in piano performance from Furman University and the University of Texas at Austin, where he also taught in the Piano Pedagogy Department for five years. His career as a concert pianist has taken him across the United States and Mexico, including performances with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra following his win of the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, and a nationally broadcast recital from Ex-convento del Carman in Mexico.
These days, Martin channels his compositional energy into church music and conference work, with his pieces performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to worship services across North America. Based in Austin, Texas, he remains known for the remarkable range of his output, continually crafting music that serves both liturgical and artistic purposes.
Why we love this
Martin writes choral music with genuine liturgical function but surprising musical substance. This setting captures the character of a psalm text without descending into predictability; the SATB writing breathes naturally and gives every section real moments to shine.
What to expect
The piece radiates forward momentum and celebration while maintaining the reverence appropriate to psalm-based texts. Harmonically accessible but never formulaic, it invites singers to participate in something both communal and musically satisfying.
Who it's for
This works for any SATB choir with modest to intermediate reading ability who want music that serves a worship context without sacrificing musical craftsmanship. It suits both volunteer church choirs and school choirs looking for sacred repertoire with genuine substance.
How to get the most out of it
Let the text drive your phrasing choices rather than squaring everything into regular four-bar units. Martin writes with attention to how language actually flows.
Balance the harmonic movement carefully in sustained passages; these moments define the piece's character, so intonation and blend matter enormously.
Encourage your singers to connect the title's energy to their interpretation. "Sing and shout" asks for vocal commitment, not just technical accuracy.
How to use it
Position this as a strong opening or closing anthem for a sacred concert, or use it as the emotional centerpiece in a worship service where congregational participation might follow. It pairs well with more introspective repertoire on the same program, providing textural and affective variety.
Skills your students will build
Balancing energy with reverence in sacred music
Ensemble blend and intonation in sustained harmonic passages
Textual expression and phrasing in SATB writing
Confidence singing in four-part harmony with clear voice leading
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
