SKU: CF.CM9787

ISBN 9781491164587. UPC: 680160923496. Key: D major. English. Original.

The text for the first voicing (SSA) of this piece came to me in the fall of 2020 while teaching at Crosby High School in Crosby, Texas. My students, though enthusiastic to be back in Choir, were struggling to cope with the civil unrest around them, in addition to the pandemic. When considering how I could help them navigate this time, I realized that they were in need of some sort of consistency, of feeling grounded in themselves. As we  focused on building of community and citizenship, this text and tune came to mind, each phrase highlighting an element of personal and community wellness.I lead with my spirit keeping love in the circle around me. (Social)Expressing my spirit (Occupational)Loving what I can see and cannot see, I'll take care of the vessel I am in (Physical)I love with me that's under the skin (Emotional)Taking care of my mind (Intellectual)Envisioning the me I want to be (Spiritual)I had the honor of collaborating with composer/educator Saleel Menon to create the beautiful piano accompaniment and SATB setting.Who I Want To Be opens with a solo functioning as a mantra throughout the tune. As the piece continues, voices join in unison and harmony to emphasize the intent.When the repeats in mm. 48–51 occur, invite students to share some of their own mantras and affirmations, or feel free to borrow from the words my students in the Crosby HS choir inspired me to write:Allow yourself graceI am persistentI am fragile, not brokenYou are worthyI am worthyI know that your success is not my demise!The only validation I need is my ownI believe in myselfI see youIt’s okay to not be okayBreatheI love and I am lovedPrepare yourself for not only a powerful performance, but a rewarding experience and conversations with your students.THIS is the piece you want stuck in your students’ heads!~CRM.

SKU: WD.080689631177

UPC: 080689631177.

Take a trip down memory lane…Let’s go back in time to a place of warm summer mornings, church bells ringing, friends and family dressed in their Sunday best, and the sound of voices singing out those sweet, spirited Gospel songs and hymns that always stirred the soul within. Songs of yearning for the day when we all fly home to the Savior…to a place of joy that never ends. Hymns of gladness, redemption, hope, and promise…

Can you hear them? Blessed Assurance; I Saw the Light; I’ll Fly Away; ‘Til the Storm Passes By; The King Is Coming; I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary; Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus; Precious Lord, Take My Hand…These are just a few of the favorites that Word Music and Church Resources is excited to present in Cliff Duren’s new collection, THE GREAT AMERICAN CHURCH SONGBOOK.

Giving new life to these classic songs, while keeping that forever timeless feel, this collection is a must-have for any choir. With songs that everyone in your congregation will know and love, THE GREAT AMERICAN CHURCH SONGBOOK is filled with a variety of upbeat, harmonious Southern Gospel songs of celebration, and beautiful, gentle ballads that plead for the Lord to come near. Your choir and congregation will be moved by these songs—not only as songs of testimony and worship and praise, but as reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness, goodness, and everlasting love for His children.

Prepare your heart and mind for reminiscing on the Lord’s great love while singing these exciting, timeless songs with your church family…This is THE GREAT AMERICAN CHURCH SONGBOOK!