Witness This First Christmas Morn

SKU: LO.99-2200L

UPC: 000308115864.

Simil ar in concept to its predecessor, The Living Last Supper (55/1110L), this unique presentation of the Christmas story is seen through the eyes of those who witnessed the first Christmas in Bethlehem many years ago. There are brief monologues for ten characters--ranging from Mary and Joseph to members of the Innkeeper's family--interspersed among the seven songs. (Also included are character descriptions, set and staging suggestions, and hints for wardrobe and props). The music is Ruth Elaine Schram at her best: beautiful melodies, thoughtful texts, well-crafted part writing-and includes familiar carols with possible congregational participation. The optional orchestration demands are modest, making it possible for the use of live instruments even on a limited budget. An Accompaniment CD is also available, if desired. The Living Light is flexible and accessible enough to appeal to and be within the capabilities of most music ministry programs.

SKU: LO.99-2193L

UPC: 000308115611.

Simil ar in concept to its predecessor, The Living Last Supper (55/1110L), this unique presentation of the Christmas story is seen through the eyes of those who witnessed the first Christmas in Bethlehem many years ago. There are brief monologues for ten characters--ranging from Mary and Joseph to members of the Innkeeper's family--interspersed among the seven songs. (Also included are character descriptions, set and staging suggestions, and hints for wardrobe and props). The music is Ruth Elaine Schram at her best: beautiful melodies, thoughtful texts, well-crafted part writing-and includes familiar carols with possible congregational participation. The optional orchestration demands are modest, making it possible for the use of live instruments even on a limited budget. An Accompaniment CD is also available, if desired. The Living Light is flexible and accessible enough to appeal to and be within the capabilities of most music ministry programs.

SKU: AP.12-0571521940

ISBN 9780571521944. English.

A Minibeast Christmas is a variation on the traditional Christmas story. It is told from a rather unusual viewpoint -- that of the minibeasts in the stable who find themselves the first to witness the miracle of Jesus' birth. Gentle humor, optional percussion and catchy unison songs characterize this lighthearted musical. Accompaniment CD, script, photocopiable lyrics and free license for the first performance* are included.

*conditions apply.

Titles: Buzz * Caterpillar Crawl * The March of the Ants * The Woodlouse Lament * Ladybird Ballad * Ladybird Ballet * The Star's Song * Close Your Eyes * The Butterfly Dance * Buzz (Reprise) * Finale.

SKU: HL.35024831

UPC: 747510180906. 5.0x5.5x3.978 inches.

Joseph Martin and the creative team that brought you The Winter Rose and Journey of Promises now present their latest major work The Voices of Christmas. Using beloved carols and new anthems especially composed for the cantata, the story of Christmas unfolds through the “voices” of witnesses (narration) and is echoed in the voices of the choir as they sing the good news of the Savior's birth. Beautiful orchestrations by Brant Adams are available, as well as a full menu of companion products and support material. Familiar carol melodies abound: The First Noel • The Gallery Carol • St. Denio • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel • God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman • Masters in this Hall • Adeste Fideles • Still, Still, Still • In Dulci Jubilo – making this joyful cantata a splendid choice for your holiday programming.

SKU: CF.CM9698

ISBN 9781491159996. UPC: 680160918591. Key: Ab major. Latin. Traditional Latin.

O Magnum Mysterium is a setting of a Latin sacred text written for Christmas. The text depicts the extraordinary occurring among the ordinary: God coming to earth as a tiny baby, and animals in a lowly stable being the first to witness his arrival. Adding dynamic contrast (crescendo/decrescendo) on every phrase and singing legato (smoothly) with a gentle choral tone will reflect the wonder and awe the original text and this setting attempt to communicate. Original Latin Text: English Translation: O magnum mysterium, O great mystery, Et admirabile sacramentum, And wonderful sacrament, Ut animalia viderunt That animals should see Dominum natum the newborn Lord jacentem in praesepio. Lying in a manger. O magnum mysterium. Amen. O great mystery. Amen. General Latin Pronunciation Guidelines: 1. There are only five pure vowel sounds in Latin: A = AH E=EH I = EE O = AW U = OO 2. Strive to flip all R's as if singing in Italian. Latin Pronunciation (accented syllables are UPPER CASE): aw MAH-nyoom mee-STEHR-yoom,* eht ahd-mee-RAH-bee-leh sah-krah-MEHN-toom, oot ah-nee-MAH-lee-ah vee-DEHR-oont DAW-mee-noom NAH-toom, yah-CHEHN-tehm een preh-SEH-pee-aw. aw MAH-nyoom mee-STEHR-yoom. AH-mehn. *The word mysterium in this piece is a three-syllable rather than a four-syllable word. This can be accomplished by pronouncing the last syllable ium as yoom rather than ee-oom.
O Magnum Mysterium is a setting of a Latin sacred text written for Christmas. The text depicts the extraordinary occurring among the ordinary: God coming to earth as a tiny baby, and animals in a lowly stable being the first to witness his arrival. Adding dynamic contrast (crescendo/decrescendo) on every phrase and singing legato (smoothly) with a gentle choral tone will reflect the wonder and awe the original text and this setting attempt to communicate.Original Latin Text: English Translation:O magnum mysterium, O great mystery,Et admirabile sacramentum, And wonderful sacrament,Ut animalia viderunt That animals should seeDominum natum the newborn Lordjacentem in praesepio. Lying in a manger.O magnum mysterium. Amen. O great mystery. Amen.General Latin Pronunciation Guidelines:1. There are only five pure vowel sounds in Latin:A = AH E=EH I = EE O = AW U = OO2. Strive to flip all R’s as if singing in Italian.Latin Pronunciation (accented syllables are UPPER CASE):aw MAH-nyoom mee-STEHR-yoom,*eht ahd-mee-RAH-bee-leh sah-krah-MEHN-toom,oot ah-nee-MAH-lee-ah vee-DEHR-oontDAW-mee-noom NAH-toom,yah-CHEHN-tehm een preh-SEH-pee-aw.aw MAH-nyoom mee-STEHR-yoom. AH-mehn.*The word “mysterium” in this piece is a three-syllable rather than a four-syllable word. This can be accomplished by pronouncing the last syllable “ium” as “yoom” rather than “ee-oom”.

SKU: WD.080689320972

UPC: 080689320972.

Today we have the freedom to demonstrate our faith as we pray in public, attend church or witness to others. But what if our faith in God was judged only by our response to crisis? Queen Esther kept her faith a secret to silently influence the Persian court, but it was dramatically demonstrated when she risked her life to plead for the salvation of her people. In Kathie Hill's Esther-Ordinary Faith, your children will learn the value of a living faith as they create a first-hand account of the events in Esther's life. In the musical, a fictional scribe, Zerox, details Esther becoming queen through God's intervention in Haman's plot and Mordecai's appointment as the king's adviser. And, as Zerox tells the story, he experiences the testimony of Esther and develops his own faith in God and His grace. All this is done through gritty songs and witty dialogue between these characters and the residents of Susa, the Susans. Songs like God Is in Control, The Eleventh Hour, While You Sleep and In That Moment, will help children understand the sovereignty of God and the confidence we can have in trusting Him with the greatest of problems by displaying our own Esther-Ordinary Faith! Ages: 2nd - 8th Grades.

SKU: LO.30-3240L

UPC: 000308142419.

This collaborative cantata looks at the Christmas story through the eyes of first-hand witnesses, who share their unique perspectives on the miraculous birth of Jesus. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, a wise man, and the aged saint Simeon all share their stories through dramatic monologues. A blend of original and familiar carols provides a dramatic sonic backdrop for these inspiring stories. Ed Hogan’s stunning orchestration makes this piece a versatile work that can be presented equally well with piano only or with full orchestral accompaniment, and the optional inclusion of congregational singing of familiar carols ensures a meaningful worship experience for the entirety of the congregation. Orchestration by Ed Hogan for 2 Fl, Ob (sub S Sax or Cl), 2 Cl, Bsn (sub Bass Cl), 2 Hn (sub 2 A Sax or Cl), Tpt 1, Tpt 2–3 (sub 2 A Sax), 2 Tbn (sub 2 T Sax), Tuba, 2 Perc, Timp, Harp, Pno, 2 Vln, Vla (sub Cl), Cello, Bass, Digital Strings.