Father, Bless the Songs

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Composer
Olivia Turner
Difficulty
Moderately Easy radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Season
Thanksgiving Communion Epiphany (day and season) General
Voicing(s)
Children's Choir
Instruments
Keyboard [organ/piano]
Category
Anthems Children's Music
Collections
Blessings and Benedictions
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

  • Text Writer: Olivia Turner
  • Worship Use: Thanksgiving/Praise/Choir Dedication
  • Vocal Part(s): Unison
  • Vocal Range: e-e’
  • Key: G major
  • Meter: 2/2
  • Accompanying Instrument(s): Piano (or organ)

Target Age Group: Grades K-2 or Grades 3-6

Description: Father, Bless the Songs was composed for our Viva Voce curriculum. This sweet, lyrical anthem is ideal as a prayer for Choir Dedication Sunday and/or to be sung as a choral benediction at the conclusion of each week’s rehearsal. Although some of the phrases are somewhat long for younger children, this may serve as a useful vehicle for working on lengthening phrases your younger choristers are comfortable singing.

Anthem Warm-Ups

  • bar 5: “Fa-ther” – ascending minor 3rd
  • bar 7: “Fa-ther” – ascending major 3rd
  • bar 8: “as we sing to you” – ascending/descending minor 3rds  
  • bars 9, 10, 11: echoing each interval (experienced choristers should identify each interval by ear)

Teaching Points

  • Vocal Production: Learning to sing longer phrases, breath support
  • Intervallic Tuning: Tuning melodic intervals
  • Interpretation: Singing with dynamics; shaping phrases

 

Audio
Lyrics

Father, bless the songs we bring to you.
Father, lead us as we sing to you.
Keep us ever mindful that our
Music comes from you.

Father, keep us singing prayerfully.
Father, keep us listening carefully.
As we join our hearts and minds to
Better learn to worship you. Amen.