What Star Is This?

New from Lorenz for Christmas 2009, this anthem provides simplicity and a gradual crescendo to a triumphant ending. Of particular interest is the optional flute obbligato and percussion. I’m quite pleased at how this song turned out. And you heard it here first!

Here’s the publisher’s description:

This beloved 15th century tune has been the inspiration of numerous secular and sacred settings through the ages. In his extraordinary new setting, James Koerts suffuses the tune with the awe of Christmas Eve: “What star is this, with beams so bright, more lovely than the noonday light?” Harmonic colors surprise and delight, and optional flute and percussion add to the mood of this beautiful, yet accessible piece.

See the music here.

mikadoworship

The primary purpose of the Koerts Music blog is to keep you “up to date” with current projects and new releases. Occasionally, from time to time, I want to make you aware of things that I’m involved with. The most recent news involves the music at our church, Mikado Baptist Church, in Macon, Georgia. We just started a blog called mikadoworship. This blog provides an opportunity for me to effectively communicate with those with whom I serve, and it also allows members of our ministry to communicate and share positive feedback. It’s also a place where church members and visitors can visit and participate in the dialogue, sharing any form of encouragement they wish. The idea is not new, but we’re pretty excited about the potential.

Music Style

Recently our church held a Christian Music Sunday. It was a great day in which Pastor Smith reminded us of our responsibility to offer our praise through music, and the congregation enjoyed numerous favorites by our choir, various ensembles and musicians.

As a result of the special emphasis of the day, I was given the opportunity to share a few thoughts regarding music in our church bulletin. While I don’t claim to be some great philosophical thinker (I’d rather subscribe to a philosophy than prescribe one), I did receive some positive feedback, so I decided to share them here.

Welcome to Christian Music Day
a word from the worship pastor

MUSICAL STYLE
Mikado is a wonderful place that God has blessed with so much musical talent. I’m thankful for our Pastor, who loves God and loves music. He sets a dynamic and godly tone for our ministry. I’m also grateful to be able to serve in a church with such a rich heritage.

People often ask me, “What is the style of music at Mikado?” Since every church is different, my response typically includes the fact that our worship is “hymn-based,” which is a quick way to identify our music program as primarily traditional in focus. The hymns and Gospel songs provide a rich heritage and great source of encouragement. However, that doesn’t mean that we are not willing to sing “new” songs. In fact, a new song can be considered for use in our services as long as it meets the following criteria: 1) The new song must be Scriptural and doctrinally sound. 2) The new song must exhibit musical excellence, which includes balance in all musical areas (melody, harmony, rhythm, etc.). Any imbalance would typically constitute a song that would not fall in line with our “musical style” here at Mikado.

LET’S MAKE IT PERSONAL
While choosing music is a subjective task, these guidelines help us stay within the biblical parameters of “proving what is acceptable unto the Lord” (Eph. 5:10). These principles are also helpful to those seeking to honor God in their personal musical choices. The world has much to offer, and sadly many in the church have embraced music that does not honor God. In Colossians we are told to allow God’s Word to “dwell in you richly with all wisdom” (3:16). When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, and genuinely seek God’s mind, it will have a direct influence on our music. Our choices will please God, and He will reign in our lives.

In Christ,
Pastor James

Christian Music Day

Today was Christian Music Day at Mikado Baptist, and we had two wonderful morning worship services. The choir did an outstanding job with two of our favorite pieces, “Only By the Blood” and “One Final Lamb.” Pastor preached one of the best messages I’ve ever heard on the subject, “Why Do We Sing?” (You can listen to it here when it becomes available in a few days.) I’m still rejoicing, and looking forward to tonight’s sacred concert.

O For a Heart

This song of consecration is in essence a simple expression of profound truth. As believers, our desire is for a heart that is (as Wesley puts it) “perfect, right, pure, and good,” and as the final stanza indicates, it is not anything we can do ourselves. Just as our salvation is alone the work—or gift—of God (Ephesians 2:8), so, too, is our sanctification—that daily exemplification of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Here’s a word from the publisher:

The great hymn writer, Charles Wesley, gave special attention to the doctrine of scriptural holiness. His understanding of Christian holiness was expressed in his great prayer hymn “O for a Heart to Praise My God.” Your choir will love this sturdy new anthem by James Koerts. Challenge your choir and congregation to learn scriptural doctrines as they sing this reverent and accessible piece.

View a sample page, and while you’re there, check out the audio preview.

I’ll Cherish the Cross

This song, earlier released in my choral collection, “Come and Sing,” revisits the text from George Bennard’s classic, “The Old Rugged Cross.” I’m sure your choir or ensemble will enjoy this warm and meaningful selection. Try premiering it as a solo or duet, then later introduce it into your choral repertoire. Here’s what the publisher had to say…

Don’t let the Easter season go by without singing this exciting new setting of “The Old Rugged Cross.” James Koerts does an admirable job of resetting this timeless hymn and then weaving the original chorus back into the flow with such warmth, depth, and expression. Your choir will love the singable new melody, and your congregation will be filled with hope and joy as they consider once again the message of this time-honored hymn.

View a sample page and listen to a preview while you’re there.

Facebook

Not to be outdone by my dear mother (!), I decided to join the millions who use Facebook every day. (I probably won’t use it every day, but you get the point.) If you have a Facebook account, check it out!

Communion Anthem

The Mikado Choir at Mikado Baptist Church premiered this anthem roughly a year ago at a special “Lord’s Table Service” in which we singularly focused on the death and burial, and resurrection, of Jesus Christ. These unique communion services are such a joy for our congregation. Duane Nichols did an outstanding job with the text, and the music is jubilant and inviting, as the title indicates. Here’s the publisher’s description:

A joyful, folk-like invitation to gather at our Lord’s table, this communion offering exudes the love of Christ for His family of faith. The simple choral writing perfectly complements the richly flowing accompaniment. With an infectious spirit and a memorable melody, it is hard to forget, yet easily prepared!

Available in SATB and SAB, this anthem will work well with a full choir in mind, or with a small ensemble.

View the SATB version here.

Listen to the SATB version here.

View the SAB version here.

Listen to the SAB version here.

New SoundForth Anthems

SoundForth has just released “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “What a Friend We have in Jesus.” The Christmas anthem is an entirely new melody for the familiar seasonal text. On the other hand, I kept the original melody for the gospel song, except for the middle stanza, which breaks into an a cappella section. What’s the back story on these anthems? They were written quite awhile ago. “What a Friend” was written before our musical mission team traveled to Eastern Europe. (The summer I traveled on the team was 2000, to the best of my recollection.) And, as best as I can figure, “O Little Town” was written while I was still in school, which dates it back to possibly 10 years ago. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to edit and “update” the scores before they went to print. Check them out at www.soundforth.com.

New Christmas Anthem for ’08

Lorenz has just released a Christmas anthem that I am very excited about. This is an excellent Jonathan Cook text that will take you right to Bethlehem. The violin obligato throughout the piece adds such a nice touch. (It was written by Lorenz editor Lloyd Larson, who always offers excellent editorial suggestions.) Here’s the write-up for the piece:

Captivating and awe-inspiring are apt descriptions for this gentle Christmas ballad. Easily sung by choirs or ensembles of any size, it is the perfect choice for Christmas Eve worship. It is a poignant reminder of the significance of the Christmas story: “Salvation’s joy has come, God’s glory, our delight, and now new hope to all is giv’n on this still and silent night.”