Merry Christmas 2013!

Enjoy the music of the season!

A First Christmas Duet: beginner piano duet, PDF

Christmas to Me: vocal solo or group sing, PDF

God Bless Us, Everyone: vocal solo or group sing, PDF

Here We Come A-Caroling: intermediate piano solo, PDF

If Stars and Sheep Could Speak: vocal solo, PDF; duet, PDF

O Holy Night: vocal solo, PDF

Oh, How Joyfully (O du fröhliche): SATB choir and piano, PDF

Merry Christmas, and may God bless us, everyone!

God Bless Us, Everyone

God Bless Us, Everyone: A Christmas Carol, PDF, mp3
for Voice and Piano

I recently finished reading Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. As I read of the change of heart that Scrooge experienced, I felt the music inside his words:

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the Year. I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach" (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Barnes and Noble Classic. 81).

Each of us can keep the Christmas Spirit with us throughout the year as we look for opportunities to serve and help others. Scrooge learned it and changed his heart and the lives of those around him. Such can be our opportunity with those with whom we come in contact.

May the Spirit of Christmas and the Peace of our Savior be with each of us this Christmastime, and always.

God Bless Us, Everyone!

Oh, How Joyfully (O du fröliche)

Oh, How Joyfully, PDF, audio file
for SATB Choir and Piano

This is my favorite German Christmas carol! O du fröliche! This carol is Christmas to me. (Don't worry, only the first two phrases are in German!)

This song joyfully welcomes in the Christmas season with singing and dancing! Don't be scared by the 7/8 time signature; just play the dance! This time of year really is "Joy to the World"!

Enjoy!

O Holy Night

O Holy Night, voice and piano, PDF (vocal solo, optional duet) [piano solo to come!]
[Intermediate piano and voice]

What a beautiful song to bring in the Christmas season! These words ring true to me: "Truly, He taught us to love one another/His law is love and His gospel is peace." May we all love each other a little more, and work to bring about peace in our lives and to those around us.

Here We Come A-Caroling

Here We Come A-Caroling
Intermediate Piano Solo, PDF

Just to start the Christmas mood... who doesn't like caroling?! This is quintessential Christmas! Hopefully this arrangement of this traditional carol about caroling (or wassail, depending) is accessible to a wide range of pianists, and we can all enjoy bringing in the Christmas season!

As a good friend once told me: "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing [and playing the piano] loud for all to hear!"

Joy and Happiness; that's what this time of year is all about! Enjoy!

(This is a picture of the Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt... I'm getting Germany homesick!)

Christmas to Me

Christmas to Me, for piano and voice PDF

I know it's early, but Christmas is my favorite time of year! I wrote this song several years ago, but it still captures why I love the Christmas season so much! It can be sung as a solo, a choir, a small group, or by just about any group!

This is a time of year to refocus ourselves on the things that matter most: family, love, service, sharing, and the Reason for the Season, even Jesus Christ. May we all be more like Him.

A First Christmas Duet

A First Christmas Duet
Beginner Piano, 4-hands, one piano PDF, audio
(Away In A Manger, The First Noel)

Christmas is such a magical time! There is nothing quite like seeing the twinkle in a child's eye around Christmastime. The lights and sounds and magic are thick in the air! But I have recognized how among all the gifts and presents and celebrations, these little children seem to never forget the reason for the season: our Savior, Jesus Christ. This piano duet tries to bring the simplicity of a child together with the spirit of the season.

Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise

Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise, violin and piano PDF, audio

This is one of my all-time favorite hymns! I found out the other day that my family history lines go back to the Schwartz and Kirschenman families, who lived in Württemburg, Germany in the 1700's, exactly when and where this music was written! So this is also my pioneer tribute, to them.

This song always reminds me of a rising sun, growing brighter and brighter, eliminating all the shadow which the light touches, filling the whole land. So it is with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the Lord has put forth his hand again to restore His true and living Church and Gospel to the earth, exactly as He has done before, and promised to do again in our day. All this is in preparation for His majestic return. His truth will go forth to every Nation, Kindred, Tongue, and People, for so He said. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Doctrine and Covenants 1:5; Mosiah 3:20)

1. 1. Let Zion in her beauty rise;
   Her light begins to shine.
   Ere long her King will rend the skies,
   Majestic and divine,
   The gospel spreading thru the land,
   A people to prepare
   To meet the Lord and Enoch's band
   Triumphant in the air.
2. 2. Ye heralds, sound the golden trump
   To earth's remotest bound.
   Go spread the news from pole to pole
   In all the nations round:
   That Jesus in the clouds above,
   With hosts of angels too,
   Will soon appear, his Saints to save,
   His enemies subdue.
3. 3. That glorious rest will then commence
   Which prophets did foretell,
   When Saints will reign with Christ on earth,
   And in his presence dwell
   A thousand years, oh, glorious day!
   Dear Lord, prepare my heart
   To stand with thee on Zion's mount
   And nevermore to part.

If Stars and Sheep Could Speak

If Stars and Sheep Could Speak, Vocal solo PDF, Vocal duet PDF, audio

Christmas in July!

This song was first performed in Dortmund, Germany at the Dortmund Ward 2012 Christmas Concert. I have often thought about the events surrounding the humble birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This song provides a scene of a clear, starry sky, with joy and peace in the air. If the stars and sheep could tell us of what they saw and felt and experienced that sacred night, oh, what glorious stories they would tell us! God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

The Winds of a Dream

The Winds of a Dream, spoken word PDF

While this is not a piece of music (yet!), I felt to do something to celebrate by favorite holiday of the year: Independence Day! America was founded on the ideals of family, faith, freedom, work, and progress; or, in other words, on the American Dream. This poem includes some of my reflections on this topic of the American Dream, and how a bright future is still in store for us, if we hold true to the ideals that founded this country.

I know the Founding Fathers were inspired by Almighty God in the founding of this country. The ideals of freedom and liberty are eternal truths that the Lord has taught us through His holy word:

• "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17, Bible)
• "...the spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom" (Alma 61:15, The Book of Mormon)
• "[We] are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil." (2 Nephi 2:27, The Book of Mormon)

May we continue to live as we should, so God may continue to bless America.

Praise to the Man

Praise to the Man, SATB Choir, PDF, audio
Summer Series #3

On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, sealed his testimony with his blood as he was martyred in Carthage, Illinois. I know that God and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph and raised him to be the prophet who would restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. Today, Thomas S. Monson is the called and authorized Prophet to lead and guide us. Glory and thanks be to the Father for continuing to call prophets in these latter-days! Oh, how greatly we need their counsel and direction today!

Großer Gott, wir loben dich

Großer Gott, wir loben dich, SATB Choir, PDF, mp3 (click Download on the next screen)
(English Translation on the way!)
Summer Series #2

Having spent two years in Germany serving the wonderful German people, I felt it my duty to arrange a piece of music in love and honor of this great land and people. This is my favorite German hymn! It is so beautiful and powerful, yet simple and pure. I think of the majestic churches and cathedrals on Sunday morning, when the bells would start ringing, and then grow into a massive chiming chorus of praise to God! It is, to me, a legacy of the rich religious roots and tradition that Europe, and especially Germany, have. I think my time in Germany means so much to me because it was the time that I really came to know my Savior, and see His hand in the lives of so many people. He lives! And I praise His name forever. I tried to imitate my wonderful experience in Germany in this song. Ich liebe dich, Deutschland!

Ich habe zwei Jahre in Deutschland vollbracht im Dienst am Nächsten. Ich habe gespürt, dass es Recht war, ein Lied zu arrangieren, das meine Liebe und Lob für Deutschland und die Deutschen represantieren würde. Dies ist mein lieblings deutches Lied! Es ist schön und machvoll, auch einfach und rein. Ich denke an die majestätische Kirchen und Dome, die an Sonntag morgens ihre Glocken ringen lassen, um Gott zu loben und preisen. Es ist mir ein Zeichen die tiefe religiöse Traditionen in Deutschland. Ich denke, dass Deutschland mir so viel bedeutet, weil ich den Herrn dort kennen gelernt habe. Ich habe sah sein Hand so oft die Kinder Gottes helfen. Er lebt! Ich preise und lobe sein Name für immer. Ich habe versucht, meine wunderschöne Erfahrung in Deutschland in diesem Lied auszudrücken. Ich liebe dich, Deutschland!

(A week-by-week account of my Mission in Germany can be found here: www.eldergarlickgermany.blogspot.com)

They, the Builders of the Nation

They, they Builders of the Nation, SATB Choir PDF midi
Summer Series #1

"Pioneer" according to the Oxford dictionary means: "a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area." When I think of pioneers, I think of the Founding Fathers of the United States, as well as the Mormon Pioneers. Both of these opened up new opportunities and went before, paving the way for others to follow.

The arrangement of this hymn is a reminder of the impact that each of us may have, as pioneers: each of us can have courage and the will to mark a path for others to follow: a brighter future, a stronger faith, a more loving heart.

"...Honor, praise, and veneration

To the founders we revere!

List our song of adoration,

Blessed, honored Pioneer!"

This arrangement is the first in a Summer Series of arrangements focused on patriotism and our rich heritage of both the community and of God's kingdom.

I Feel My Savior's Love

I Feel My Savior's Love, violin solo PDF

This is an arrangement for violin and piano of a beloved primary song reminding us of the love Jesus Christ has for us, reassuring us in times of sorrow or struggle that His love is powerful and real.

(PS. The violin solo line may be replaced with a solo vocalist, singing three verses and a chorus after each verse!)

1. I feel my Savior's love
In all the world around me.
His Spirit warms my soul
Through ev'rything I see.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior's love,
The love he freely gives me.

2. I feel my Savior's love;

Its gentleness enfolds me,
And when I kneel to pray,
My heart is filled with peace.

3. I feel my Savior's love

And know that he will bless me.
I offer him my heart;
My shepherd he will be.

4. I'll share my Savior's love

By serving others freely.
In serving I am blessed.
In giving I receive.

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, Men's Choir PDF
Piano only audio

"Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:37-40)

Each opportunity we have to bless and serve and help others is an chance to touch their lives with the love and Spirit of Christ. And in turn, we, too, are blessed. This arrangement for 4-part men's choir (or women... the vocals are the same as in the hymn book!) helps us all remember that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. (see Mosiah 2:17)

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy, piano solo PDF audio

Lighthouses are one of my favorite things, and this is one of my all-time favorite hymns! This piano solo invokes images of the constant beacon of a lighthouse up on a cliff, guiding sailors safely home through a storm.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Such is the opportunity that each of us has to be a beacon of light to help and serve and save others, guiding them home to our Father in Heaven.

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From his lighthouse evermore,

But to us he gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

(Chorus) Let the lower lights be burning;

Send a gleam across the wave.

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled;

Loud the angry billows roar.

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;

Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,

Trying now to make the harbor,

In the darkness may be lost.

(may edit minor errors and add an updated version this weekend)

Now Let Us Rejoice

Now Let Us Rejoice, piano solo PDF, audio

This is one of my favorite hymns! Full of joy and power, it speaks of the saints of the Church of Christ rejoicing in the coming day of the Lord. The Lord will fulfill His promises, and He does reach out to each of us today, as we work to prepare the way for His second coming.

The early Mormon Pioneers are examples of this trust in the Lord. Their faith and legacy live on, helping us all to rejoice and look to the Lord.

This piano solo is medium difficulty, and you can sing right along! Here are the words to this hymn: (by W.W. Phelps, and was included in the first LDS hymn book)

1. 1. Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
   No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
   Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
   And shortly the hour of redemption will come,
   When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
2. 2. We'll love one another and never dissemble
   But cease to do evil and ever be one.
   And when the ungodly are fearing and tremble,
   We'll watch for the day when the Savior will come,
   When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
3. 3. In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah
   To guide thru these last days of trouble and gloom,
   And after the scourges and harvest are over,
   We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.
   Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And they will be crown'd with the angels of heav'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Christ and his people will ever be one.

How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art, violin and piano, PDF

This is a song written for my sister, Makell. She plays the violin beautifully, and I always feel the Spirit when she plays. The music of this hymn is an imagery to me of the majesty of God found in all creations on this earth, all bearing record that He lives, or as the scriptures say: "God moving in his majesty and power." (D&C 88:47) These words from this hymn always ring true to my heart:

Oh Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made.
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder;
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, 

My Savior, God to thee,

How great thou art,

How great thou art.

More Holiness Give Me

More Holiness Give Me, SATB and piano, PDF, audio

I was serving as the ward choir director of my young single adult ward in Texas when I arranged this hymn. We were asked to perform a special musical number at Stake Conference, which was an exciting and new experience for us! This song begins with the soft, humble pleadings, as a prayer, to develop the attributes of the Savior, growing into a majestic plea for Him to change us, making us more like Him.

For the Savior thus taught:

"Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; and thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God." (Mosiah 27:25-26, The Book of Mormon)

It is only through Jesus Christ that we can become worthy to again stand in the presence of our Heavenly Father: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6, The Bible)

One by One

One by One, voice and piano, PDF, mp3 (missionaries).
**New Recording** Dortmund, Germany Stake Choir, 2013 mp3

Check out the recording on YouTube! here 

I was asked to write the mission song for the Germany Frankfurt Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March 2012. It is titled, "One by One" to remind us how the Savior reached out to each individual, helping them to their specific needs. This is my testimony of Missionary Work, the charge from the Lord to "go ye, therefore, and teach all nations," (Matthew 28:19) To view a weekly record of my two-year mission in Germany, click HERE.