Today, my kids went to the mailbox and came back with a copy of the August 2017 Friend magazine. This month’s issue includes my song Sabbath Day. If you haven’t received your copy in the mail yet, the magazine will also be published online soon. For Primary leaders who need a recording to use in teaching the song, the accompaniment track in the player above is available for free download here.
You might notice that the lyrics in the Friend version are different from the original that I published here in 2015. This is not an accident. The Friend magazine is very intentionally focused toward broad usability in gospel teaching with children, even very young ones. As I worked with the editor on this song, we made some changes to make the message understandable and accessible for younger children.
I still love the original song (and the SATB choral version), and I’m excited that this new version is now available. I see it as an expansion, not a replacement.
Arranged for the Greeley, Colorado Stake Conference in January 2017, this approachable 2-part version of the beloved hymn is perfect for youth or adult choirs with limited rehearsal time.
The piano quotes the classic A. C. Smyth tune Dare to Do Right. This arrangement can work well for small or large groups. While the piece is notated for women on part 1 and men on part 2, it would work equally well with a 2-part men’s choir or a 2-part women’s choir. Part 2 has the melody throughout the piece, so adapting for different groups should be easy.
On October 15, 2016, an estimated 3,500 – 4,000 youth gathered at CSU’s Hughes Stadium to participate in the cultural celebration for the Fort Collins Temple. You can watch the entire celebration here:
That event included three Nathan Howe Music selections:
Originally written as a song for Primary children, this new choral arrangement is a beautiful piece about preparing for and honoring the Sabbath day. You can find the original unison children’s song here.
SATB choir or Vocal Solo with Piano (Accompaniment Track Available)
This anthem for youth was written for the Fort Collins Temple Cultural Celebration.
A choir of about 100 youth recorded it in the studios at the University of Northern Colorado in August 2016.
Listen to their recording here:
The files listed below may be downloaded free of charge for noncommercial church and home use. Other public performance or distribution requires permission.