Hark! the Herald Angels Sing = Mendelssohn 

                                                                               Hymn Name = Angels, From the Realms of Glory  -  This is the name of the hymn.
                                                                               Tune Name = Regent Square  -  This is how Angels, From the Realms of Glory is listed on
                                                                               the MorningStar Instrumental Hymn Accompaniments website. It is the name of the                                                                                  tune (melody) that is used.

                                                                                Click on Hymn Names in the heading menu above to find the Tune Name if you                                                                                      do not know it.                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                Then, to view Sample Pages, listen to Audio Samples and to download Sheet     

                                                                                Music on the MorningStar site, click here and look for the Tune Name.

                                                                                Remember! On the MorningStar site, the Sheet Music Downloads and Audio Samples                                                                                    are identified by the Tune Name.

            To learn more about these Christmas and Easter Instrumental Hymn Accompaniments please continue reading the Introduction..

     *** Important information about the addition of Low Brass, Woodwind & Strings parts - please scroll down to the Low Brass, Woodwind & Strings section on this page.***

Introduction

     From one player to a full wind/string ensemble, along with piano, organ or other keyboard, these instrumental arrangements of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany and Lent/Easter/Pentecost hymns can be used as accompaniments to congregational singing wherever the 2013 Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God, or the 1990 hymnal, Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs are used. These settings may also be used with other hymnals depending on the keyboard arrangement and key (e.g. Worship & Rejoice). The Hymn Names page on this site list the settings by their common name, their Tune Name, the hymnal number where they can be found in the two Presbyterian hymnals and the hymnal number they can be found in the hymnal "Worship and Rejoice" (Hope Publishing Co.,Third Edition 2003). These settings may also be used as stand-alone instrumental ensembles with or without keyboard accompaniment.

     The MorningStar pdf download for each hymn includes the following parts each covering the Melody (Staff 1 - the soprano part) a Harmony part (Staff 2 - the alto part with appropriate harmonic changes) and a separate Counter Melody (Staff 3 - for more advanced players which should be played like a vocal descant generally used on the last verse):

C Instruments: Violin, Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, C Trumpet, Recorder, Synthesizer
Bb Instruments: Bb Clarinet, Bb Trumpet, Bb Soprano Saxophone
Eb Instruments: Eb Alto Saxophone, Eb Clarinet, Eb Alto Clarinet
F Instruments: F Horn, English Horn
Viola: Alto Clef

     Where appropriate, these parts are written in octaves to accommodate instrument and performer range. A few of the settings are arranged in a more traditional “trio” setting with a melody and 2 harmony parts.

Low Brass, Woodwinds & Strings -

     A sixth pdf covering the tenor and bass part of each hymn for the following instruments - Bassoon, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Baritone Saxophone, Cello, Bass Violin, Trombone 1 & 2, Baritone Horn B.C. & T.C. and Tuba will soon be included with the MorningStar digital download - Please check back here or the MorningStar site occasionally. Also ...

     ***If you purchase(d) an Instrumental Hymn Accompaniment before the Low Brass, Woodwinds and Strings becomes/became available on the MorningStar site, you can use the HYMN NAMES page on this site and double click on the highlighted hymn name(s) you purchased to download and print the Low Brass, Woodwind & Strings part.***

     A little planning to determine which part to play, or not play, on each verse will add to the effectiveness of these settings. For example, having all instrumentalist rest on the second to last verse of a hymn then join on the final verse, especially when adding the Counter Melody, can be very up-lifting.

     Because of their play-ability, these settings work well with Inter-generational instrumental ensembles and are a great way to involve young instrumentalist in worship, especially if they can “double” with more experienced players.

     Below is a possible outline for a hymn with 4 verses using a mixed instrumental ensemble along with organ, piano or other keyboard. Of course, each church will need to adapt and organize to best meet their own instrumentalist and needs.

     Introduction: All Instrumentalist play assigned parts along with keyboard. Play the last phrase or two of the hymn without the Counter Melody.
     Verse 1: All instruments play assigned Melody or Harmony with lower pitched instruments assigned to the appropriate Low Brass, Woodwind and String part/Left Hand in Hymnal
     Verse 2: A smaller group of instrumentalist play Melody and Harmony, perhaps woodwinds and strings. A second option is to have a few advanced woodwinds and violins, or a soloist, play the Counter Melody. Or be creative!
     Verse 3: Instrumentalist rest. Keyboard only.
Interlude: Repeat the introduction.
     Verse 4: All instruments play assigned parts with select advanced player(s) playing the Counter Melody.

This composer/arranger's music for Concert Band can also be found on the

Alfred Music Publishers Website here,

The JW Pepper Website here,

And many other sheet music stores websites world-wide.