This arrangement for SATB and piano is an elegant and expressive journey. The text is especially suited for Lent, but could also be used any time a song about devotion or faithfulness is needed. Sections of unison singing give way to rich harmonies and independent 4-part textures that are beautiful without being difficult.
Here’s a new piece based on the tune “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” that also includes an optional narrator. This would be great for Good Friday or any Lenten service.
This flowing setting of the well-known “Abide with Me” proves that you don’t have to sing 4-part harmony to make beautiful choral music. The familiar hymn tune is interposed with elegant countermelody in stanza two and in the soaring final stanza.
“Jubilant Praise” was written to honor Connie Nicholson’s 29 years of handbell directing and 44 years of ringing handbells at Midland First United Methodist Church, in Midland, MI. The rhythmic and upbeat theme give way to a warm and lyrical middle section played with optional hand chimes. An optional percussion part is also included.
This “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” arrangement for 6 ringers and piano is an energetic addition to any Palm Sunday service or when you don’t have enough ringers for a full 3-6 octave piece.
Here’s Jantz’s first release from Shawnee Press (Hal Leonard). The ancient chant is creatively and expressively updated for a modern audience but still retains its timeless lyrical quality.
This lightly syncopated arrangement of the familiar hymn tune “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” gives a new lilt to an otherwise straightforward favorite. The middle legato section provides musical contrast, and all the part writing is straightforward and accessible.
On Sunday, April 17 (Easter Sunday), a new arrangement was premiered for handbells and string quintet.
On October 17, 2021, Jantz Black’s new composition “Jubilant Praise” was premiered by the combined handbell programs of Midland First United Methodist Church, Midland, MI. The piece was commissioned in honor of Connie Nicholson, longtime ringer and director. Jantz was on hand to conduct the premiere. The dedication of the piece reads:
Commissioned in honor of Connie Nicholson for her twenty-nine exemplary years directing Prime Chimers, Genesis Ringers, Rejoice Ringers, Joyful Bells, and the Carillon Choir, and forty-four dedicated years ringing bells at the First United Methodist Church of Midland, Michigan. Through her music ministry, Connie taught others to love God, to love each other, and to love handbells.
Christmas 2020 has been unlike any other in recent memory. Here’s a virtual premiere of my choral setting of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”
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