-
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd – String Ensemble
This hymn has gone through so many renditions over the years that you might think it is my favorite hymn. Perhaps it is. I have a soft spot in my heart for all of God’s children—my brothers and sisters—and an even softer one for those in my own family who have wandered. This piece has evolved through several versions. I believe it began as a piano solo, then became a vocal arrangement, followed by an SATB choral setting, and now a version for strings. The individual string parts are at the end of the arrangement.
-
Come, Follow Me
This is the submission version of this song. It managed to be omitted from my music book. The recording is just accompaniment. If you want to hear it sung, go to Follow Him in this website.
-
Without Easter There’d Be No Christmas II
This song began as a playful challenge from my husband: “Write something with this title.” I’ll admit, I cringed at first — it didn’t feel catchy or inspiring. Sometimes, the unexpected prompts open the most meaningful doors. What surprised me is how quickly this piece became one of my favorites. What surprised me even more was playing with it after I posted it. This is Version 2, hence the title. I won’t be leaving both songs on so as to eliminate confusion. Feel free to ask, if you’re interested.
-
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd (Piano Solo)
This is my first experience writing an arrangement for this hymn. It works beautifully as a prelude or quiet music for funeral. It was first posted in August 2019. I deleted it by accident, but it needs to be here as well.
Music by Connie Stauffer