What God Has Planned: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Mark Hayes
Item: 35-PK00252094
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Description
Choirs will be thrilled to learn this new Mark Hayes work, which we proudly present as part of the Gary Bonner Choral Series. Duration: ca. 4:30.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00252094
More about this title
About the Composer: Mark Hayes
Mark Hayes has spent his career creating music across virtually every genre and medium. His prolific output exceeds 1,750 published works, earned him a summa cum laude degree in piano performance from Baylor University in 1975, and established him as a sought-after conductor at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, the National Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall. Beyond choral writing, Hayes has made significant contributions to musical theater, orchestration, and record production, with particular mastery in piano composition spanning classical, gospel, jazz, and Broadway styles.
Recognition of Hayes's impact includes the 2010 Award for Exemplary Leadership in Christian Music from Baylor University's Center for Christian Music Studies. He has premiered major works internationally, from his Requiem at Lincoln Center in 2013 to commissions for institutional anniversaries in Hong Kong. Whether conducting orchestral premieres or composing at his Kansas City studio, Hayes remains committed to creating music of enduring beauty and accessibility.
Why we love this
Hayes brings orchestral sophistication to a piece that doesn't require a conservatory-level ensemble to sound polished. The orchestration supports rather than overwhelms singers, allowing the choir to maintain focus on text and ensemble blend while still achieving concert-worthy richness. For directors building programs around sacred works with genuine spiritual resonance, this fits the bill without demanding unrealistic instrumental resources.
What to expect
Hayes builds a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive; the orchestral padding creates warmth without the need for massive forces, allowing the message to land with clarity. The piece unfolds at a spacious tempo that invites reflection, giving singers room to inhabit the text rather than rush through it.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking repertoire that bridges contemporary sacred music with orchestral polish, especially those working with recorded accompaniment or flexible instrumentation. This works equally well for concert programming in church, community, or educational settings where the Gary Bonner Choral Series aesthetic aligns with your ensemble's voice.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir against the orchestration by maintaining vertical blend in your voice parts; the instruments will enhance rather than mask your sound if each section locks into its vowel and releases with precision.
- Work the text expression first without the accompaniment tracks, then layer in the recorded instruments so singers hear how phrasing and dynamic shape interact with the orchestral line.
- Set a clear tempo in early rehearsals and hold it steady; the 4:30 duration depends on rhythmic consistency, which the accompaniment will help reinforce once your ensemble is secure.
How to use it
Position this as the centerpiece of a sacred concert or as a standalone feature in a mixed program where you want a moment of genuine emotional weight. At just under five minutes, it pairs well with shorter works before or after, or stands alone as a concert closer when your ensemble is well-prepared enough to command the hall.
Skills your students will build
- Intonation across extended phrases with orchestra support
- Balancing choral tone with instrumental texture
- Text interpretation and expression in a contemporary sacred context
- Sustained vocal line control at slower tempos
- Ensemble cohesion with recorded accompaniment