Ridgecrest Music Week 2013 Reading Sessons

I wanted to list a few of my favorite anthems I discovered in reading sessions this week that I thought would be strong contenders for use with my choir or at my church.

I Know a Man Who Can (arr. Hamby, Brentwood Benson 45757-2229-7) I'm not a big a Southern Gospel Fan, as I've said many a time.  However, this medium tempo SG piece was really fun, and I think my folks would like this arrangement of this favorite,  http://www.brentwoodbenson.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=75722297

Somebody Died For Me (arr. Mauldin, Word 0-80869-22423-2) Patriotic story-telling piece, tear-jerker, parallel to Christ's sacrifice. This would be a good Memorial Day piece for next year.  http://wordmusic.com/somebody-died-for-me.html

Let the Bells Ring Loud (arr. Keveren, LifeWay 6-34337-335636) Nice Christmas opener. http://www.lifeway.com/Product/let-the-bells-ring-loud-anthem-P005562206

Glory All Around (arr. Singer, Lillenas 978-08341-8321-6). One of the freshest new Christmas songs I've heard in a long time.  Has the option for Children's Choir.  Has probably the most singable fun melody of any piece at Ridgecrest this year.  

As far as cantatas...

I should not be surprised that LifeWay's newest Let's Sing offering from Dennis Allen is another good one this year.  http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Christ-Was-Born-for-This-Let's-Sing-Christmas-Musical?Sz=20

A similar difficulty mini-Cantata that I really liked is from Lillenas.  It's called "Hallowed Manger Ground" and was really a stand-out for me, which was a surprise.  http://www.lillenas.com/nphweb/html/lmol/itempage.jsp?itemId=9780834182448&nid=srch

I have a couple of other cantata samples to wade through, though.  I am still also toying about putting together my own based on old favorites and a few new pieces.