Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace (arr. John Leavitt): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00427780
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Description
When hymnody is made into an anthem, it connects with the congregation in a profound way. The early-American hymn tune NETTLETON appears in nearly every denominational hymnal and this incarnation speaks with inspiring grace. The part-writing is solid and approachable with glistening innovations in the upper voices and variety which moves the parts from unison to two-part and then to full four-part textures. A refreshing quieter ending with the use of a lesser-known verse puts a devotional spin on this classic and opens it up to a variety of usages.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00427780
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Leavitt
John Leavitt has spent decades crafting choral arrangements that honor traditional hymnody while bringing fresh musical energy to the concert stage. His work consistently balances accessibility with artistic sophistication, making him a trusted voice in sacred choral music for churches and schools alike.
Why we love this
Leavitt's treatment of NETTLETON respects the hymn's congregational roots while using textural variety and upper voice innovations to sustain interest across a full performance. The progression from unison through two-part writing to four-part harmony keeps singers engaged and gives younger ensembles clear stepping stones. That final verse, set more intimately, provides a genuinely moving conclusion rather than just a repeat of what came before.
What to expect
A hymn that steps into the chancel with quiet confidence, gradually revealing layers of musical craft and spiritual warmth. The opening clarity gives way to moments of harmonic richness, then settles into a reflective close that feels like a conversation rather than a pronouncement.
Who it's for
Church choirs looking for an anthem that honors their congregational repertoire while offering something substantial for the choir to sing. Secondary and adult choirs of all sizes will find the part-writing accessible yet rewarding, especially ensembles seeking music that bridges worship and concert performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the glistening upper voice innovations against the solid foundation below; these are ornaments, not the main story.
- Treat the unison opening as a moment of clarity and directness. Let the congregation's familiarity with the tune shine through before the parts expand.
- Shape the transition into two-part and four-part textures as a natural musical building, not an abrupt shift. Smooth voice leading is your ally here.
- Give the quieter final verse room to breathe. This devotional moment deserves enough space and softness to feel like a genuine shift in character.
How to use it
Open a service of lessons and carols with this arrangement to establish a bridge between congregational singing and choral artistry. Pair it with instrumental texts in a mid-Lenten or Advent program, or use it as an opening anthem when you want to invite the congregation into the musical moment before building to stronger climactic pieces.
Skills your students will build
- Singing through textural transitions (unison to two-part to four-part harmony)
- Balancing independent voice lines against a familiar melodic center
- Shaping longer phrases across harmonic changes without losing forward motion
- Executing dynamic and tonal shifts that serve theological or devotional content