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PUBLISHED WORKS
John D. Horman Mary Nelson Keithahn
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Over the last 15 years John has written many anthems and musicals published by major music publishing houses. Listed below are the most recent of those choral compositions.
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"Calls and Closings: A Collection of Seven Introits and Benedictions" (SATB voices, accompanied and a cappella) Abingdon Press, #026768. |
| “Calls and Closings II: A Collection of Calls to Worship, Introits, and Benedictions” (SATB voices, accompanied and a cappella). Abingdon Press. | |
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"Come, Follow Me" (Unison voices with four-part canon, keyboard, and opt. Orff instruments) Abingdon Press, #095573. An anthem setting of a song from SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: HYMNS TO EXPLORE AND THINGS TO DO, Vol 1, Who is Jesus? The text is based on Jesus' calling of the fishermen in Matthew 4:18-22. Suitable for Lenten or general use. |
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"Easter Song" (Three-part treble or mixed voices, keyboard, with opt. flute and 3-octave handbells) Chorister's Guild, #CGA768. Three memorable refrains function as partner songs, making the climax of this Easter anthem a hit with middle school and older. The unison verses can be sung by the whole group or by budding soloists. |
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"For the Bread" (Communion Anthem for SATB voices and keyboard) Abingdon Press, #095859. An anthem setting of Brian Wren's hymn. (Published originally by Augsburg.) |
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"God Called Moses to the Top of the Mountain" (Unison voices with opt. descant and keyboard) Choristers Guild, #CGA907. An anthem based on Exodus 19 and 20, with a spoken section on the Ten Commandments. This is especially appropriate for the Third Sunday in Lent, Year B. |
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"Have You Not Known?" (SAT and piano) Abingdon Press, #063809. An anthem based on Isaiah 40:28-31 that emphasizes trust in God. (SAT and piano) Abingdon Press, #063809. An anthem based on Isaiah 40:28-31 that emphasizes trust in God. |
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"Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!" (Unison voices, keyboard, and opt. handbells) Abingdon Press, #029325. An anthem for Palm Sunday. "Hosanna, Sing Hosanna!" (Unison with descant) Abingdon Press, #061776. A lively unison anthem for children to sing as if they were eyewitnesses to the events of Palm Sunday. The descant adds interest. |
| "I Will Tell All the World" (Anthem with canon, keyboard, and opt. handbells) Chorister's Guild, #CGA681. An anthem for Pentecost/World Wide Communion, with a challenging, but satisfying canon that can be used separately. | |
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"Lord's Prayer, The" (Prayer anthem for unison voices and keyboard) Abingdon Press, #06787077834. The words are adapted from Matthew 6:9-14. |
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"Marchin' to the Beat of God" (Three-part equal voices and piano). Abingdon Press, #099730. A lively anthem for general use that incorporates three spirituals, "Guide My Feet," "I Got Shoes," and "I'm Trampin.'" |
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"Mary Told the Good News" (Two-part treble voices and piano, with opt. handbells and Orff instruments) Abingdon Press, #072255. A bright, upbeat Easter anthem for children that begins with Mary's excitement at discovering the empty tomb. The catchy refrain uses an easy Orff /handbell accompaniment. |
| "My Heart Is Steadfast" (Three-parts) Triune Press, 10/1386K. A setting of a familiar psalm, designed for the middle school/youth choir. The rhythm of the text is expressed in the changing meter of the tune, and the challenging three-part arrangement supports the mood of growing excitement suggested in the words. | |
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"Now Is the Time for Singing" (Two-parts, with opt. handbells and percussion) Abingdon Press, #503604. An anthem that is quickly learned and easy to remember, making it a perfect choice for starting the choir season. Suggestions for simple movement are included. (Abingdon has also provided a unison version for Sunday School or VBS use.) |
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"Oh, How Beautiful" (Three-part [SAC] and piano, with opt. choir chimes or handbells) Chorister's Guild, #CGA773. An anthem written especially for the middle school choirs at the PAM Music and Worship Conference at Montreat in 1997. Its imitative style offers a good way to introduce young singers to part-singing. Careful attention was given to range for the changing voice singer. |
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"Parable of the Sower, The" (General anthem for unison voices, opt. descant or flute, and keyboard) Abingdon Press, #0687028922) The text is adapted from Matthew 13:3-8, 19-23. |
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"Saints Today, Saints of Old" (Unison voices with opt. two-part and opt. SATB and piano) Abingdon Press, #50161X. A poignant anthem for children that will help all ages understand the significance of All Saints Sunday. |
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"Sing Hosanna! Hosanna!" (Palm Sunday anthem for unison treble voices, with opt. two-part, and keyboard) Abingdon, #061776. The text and tune give voice to the excitement the people of Jerusalem must have felt as they ran to greet their long-awaited Messiah. |
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"So Much We Have" (Unison voices, with opt. descant, flute, and piano) Abingdon Press, #087686). A general or Thanksgiving anthem that is also appropriate for Mission or Stewardship Sunday. The warm, insightful text will help children grasp the responsibilities Christ gave to all of us when he told Peter, "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Love one another." |
| "A Song of Angels" Hope Publishing House, #JR223. An anthem that sparkles with the likeable melodies of several traditional African American spirituals. Written with youth or middle school in mind, the vocal ranges are very suitable for both adolescent girls and cambiata boys. | |
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"Ten Canons for Children's Choir Growth" (Unison treble voices in 3- to 6-part canon, piano, and opt. Orff-type instruments) Abingdon Press, #064007. |
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"We Must Be Faithful" (SATB with children's choir and handbells) Abingdon Press, #034582. A general anthem based on Hebrews 11. |
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"When Jesus Was a Growing Lad" (Unison/two-part, with opt. descant, flute, and 3-octave handbells) Chorister's Guild, #CGA772. An anthem about the day a twelve or thirteen year old Jesus disappeared and worried both his parents until they found him in the Temple. (Luke 2:41-52) This was written for older elementary aged singer. The descant is opt. |
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"When Mary and Joseph Came to Town" (Unison with opt. descant and piano) Abingdon Press, #374901. The text of this Christmas anthem mentions the innkeeper who found a place for Mary to have her baby, and the angels who proclaimed his birth from the heavens. |
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"Why, Lord, Why" (Unison or two-part treble voices, piano, and opt. handbells) Abingdon Press, # 50130X. An anthem that asks some of the tough questions that plague us about Lent and Holy Week. An easy handbell part adds the tune PASSION CHORALE ("O Sacred Head Now Wounded") to the final section. |
"God Is So Good" (Two-part treble voices and piano) Abingdon Press. Easy children's anthem based on a familiar Sunday school tune. |
To purchase any composition from Choristers Guild, please contact their distributor, Lorenz Corporation
To purchase any composition from Abingdon Press, please contact their distributor, Cokesbury.
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Five Loaves and Two Fishes (Hinshaw Music, HMB125) Narrated by Andrew, a disciple now in his later years, this musical drama re-tells the story of how Jesus fed the multitude. It is ideally suited to an intergenerational choir, and offers ample opportunities for solos and songs that will satisfy all ages. This is a musical that the entire family can do together and long remember. |
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Go and Tell (Abingdon, #ISBN 0-687-17232-2) Beginning with Easter, this musical recalls the events that led to Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus. It's stirring, upbeat message is, "Go show and tell the good news of Christ!" It is appropriate for older elementary to middle school choristers. Click here to order the singer's version from Cokesbury. Search the Cokesbury site for other versions. |
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What Child Was This? (Abingdon, #ISBN 0-687-01791-2) In this charming musical, an old Joseph remembers the day his wife Mary gave birth to Jesus, and he re-tells the story, complete with shepherds, angels, and kings, within the framework of the familiar carol, "What Child Is This?" The result is a pageant that can include choristers of any age, including the very young. Click here to order the singer's version from Cokesbury. Search the Cokesbury site for other versions. |
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New in 2003! The Angel Band (Abingdon) This Christmas musical is based on the Nativity story in Luke 2:1-20, and an African American spiritual, and written for grades 2-5. The score is available in singer's and leader/accompanist editions, with a variety of recorded options. Click here to order the singer's version from Cokesbury. Search the Cokesbury site for other versions. |
MARY NELSON KEITHAHN Music Ministry with Children |
Articles on Music Ministry with Children
For almost nine years Mary wrote articles on music ministry with children for Church Music Workshop: Practical Tools for Effective Music Ministry. This journal, published three times a year by Abingdon Press, is designed to provide creative ideas and quality resources for local church music leaders. You may want to check these out:
Choral Techniques and Program Planning in Contemporary Times
"A Choir Is Still a Choir in the New Millennium" (Jan-Apr, 2001)
"All God's Children Have A Place in the Choir...or Do They?" (Jan-Apr, 1998)
"In the World, but Not Of the World" (Sept-Dec, 2000)
"Doing More with Less: Music Ministry with Children in the New Millennium" (Jan-Apr, 2000)
"Making the Most of Your Summer" (May-Aug, 1995)
"No Church Is Too Small" (Sept-Dec, 1998)
"One out of Many: Building (and Re-Building) the Children's Choir" (Sept-Dec, 2001)
Congregational Song
"Sing Spiritual Songs, but Don't Forget the Psalms and Hymns" (Sept-Dec, 1996)
"Ways to Use John Horman's Anthem, 'The Time Machine'" (Sept-Dec, 1996)
Musical Dramas
"You Want ME to Choose the Musical This Year?" (May-Aug, 1998)
Pastoral Role of Church Music
"Calamities, Catastrophes, and Children: The Pastoral Dimensions of Worship" (Sept-Dec, 1999)
"Saying Hello, Saying Good-By: Helping Children through the Transitions in Their Lives" (May-Aug, 2002)
"That Other 'Sense' All Church Musicians Need" (Sept-Dec, 2002)
Sacraments:
"Exploring Baptism with Children" (Jan-Apr, 1996)
"World Communion: A Time for Care-full Teaching" (May-Aug, 2000)
Seasons of the Church Year:
"A New Look at Some Old Stories" (Sept-Dec, 1997)
"Observing Lent with Children" (Jan-Apr, 1995)
"It Was Not A 'Feel-Good' Week, But Let the Children Share It" (Jan-Apr, 1999)
"Children Are Easter People Too" (Jan-Apr, 2002)
"Celebrating Pentecost with Children" (May-Aug, 1996)
"Three Holy Days to Celebrate in Ordinary Time" (Sept-Dec, 1995)
Worship Planning
"A Church Choir Can Do More than Teach Children How to Sing" (May-Aug, 1999)
"All the Sanctuary's A Stage, and the Children Are Players Too" (Jan-Apr, 1997) This article also includes suggestions for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
"In Authentic Worship, What Do the Children Sing?" (May-Aug, 2003)
"Many Generations Together: A Positive Response to Changing Family Lifestyles" (May-Aug, 1997) This also has a section on musical dramas.
"We're All in This Together: Using A Holistic Approach in Planning Worship" (May-Aug, 2001)
"When Selecting Worship Music, Do Your Homework First" (Jan-Apr, 2003)
In addition, Church Music Workshop has printed five Keithahn/Horman hymns in reproducible formats for subscribers only:
"Circle the Table" (WORLD WIDE COMMUNION) (May-Aug, 2000) Also available in anthem setting.
"Come Away with Me" (RECREATION) (May-Aug, 1998) Also available in SATB anthem setting.
"The Wedding Guests Were Waiting" (SIGNS TODAY) (Jan-Apr, 2002) (Orff accompaniment may be found in May-Aug, 1999.)
"We Sang Our Glad Hosannas" (HOLY WEEK) (Jan-Apr, 1999) Also available in anthem setting for combined choirs.
"When the Well of the Spirit Runs Dry" (UNQUENCHABLE THIRST) (May-Aug, 2001) The text for this serious hymn about the needs of today's adults for spiritual nourishment was written in limerick form and is set in a slightly surprising contemporary style, somewhere between country western and praise music!
Articles in other publications:
The Hymn (Journal of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada):
"Children and Hymns: Dreams for the New Millennium." (July 1999). Factors that have affected attitudes toward congregational song in the past and some steps we can take to "grow a hymn-loving church" in the future.
The Chorister (Journal of Choristers Guild):
"Celebrating An Old Festival in New Ways." (Dec 1999). Background and suggestions for celebrating Epiphany.
"It's Time for a Jubilee in Church Music." (Aug 1999) Applying the principles of Jubilee to choosing congregational song.
"What to Do with a Few: An Alternative to the Spring Musical." (Feb 2000) pp. 5-7.
"By the Sea--A New Musical with Many Uses." (Jan 2001) How a musical about Jesus' ministry in the Galilee was written and used.
"A Musical Prescription for Youth: Fast Food or Balanced Diet" (Mar 2001) A worship-based program for high school interns at a music, art, and drama camp.
"Why Don't Musicals Have More Parts for Girls?" (June/July 2001) Need to find roles for girls in stories that come from a patriarchal biblical culture.
"Pilgrims on A Journey." (Aug 2001) Introduction to choir devotionals for the year based on stories related to places Mary and John visited in two trips to the Holy Land. (Devotionals appear in Aug 2001-May 2002 issues.)
"Teaching Ideas for 'Jesus Christ Is Born" (Oct 2001) Co-authored with anthem composer, Jeff Reeves.
"Peace, Be With You" (Nov 2001) Dramatic skit for a small ensemble of youth to present in worship during Advent.
"We Know Our God Is Faithful" An Anthem for Our Times (Jan 2002) How this anthem, commissioned by Choristers Guild after the September 11, 2001 tragedy, came to be written.
"Let the Children Tell the Story: Ways to Involve Children in Proclaiming the Word" (Feb 2002) The article includes a script for a mystery play telling the story of Balaam and His Donkey (Numbers 22-24) that is excerpted from a Keithahn/Horman musical, They Sang A New Song.
"Add A Book to Your Christmas Gift List" (Oct/Nov 2002) Picture books on psalms, hymns, prayers, and stories that can be used with children in worship.
"Planting the Seeds of Compassion and Justice" (Dec 2002/Jan 2003) Anthems, stories, and deeds that can help children grow into compassionate adults responsive to human needs.
"MAD Camp in a Changed World" (Apr/May 2003) How a music, art, and drama camp adapted its celebration of Pentecost and Ordinary Time and a production of The Song of Ruth to help children and youth look with faith upon a world changed by violence and terror.
Worship Resources from Iona's Wild Goose Worship Group (June/July 2003) Reviews of several collections of dramatic and liturgical materials.
Celebrate the Needs of Children in 2003: Children's Sabbath and the 40 Days of Prayer for Children (June/July 2003). Information about resources from the Children's Defense Fund for celebrating the Children's Sabbath and examples of projects that have evolved from this event.
An Ancient Symbol for Contemporary Times (October/November, 2003). Historical background on the Jesse Tree, with a list of resources in print and on the web and ideas for using the Jesse Tree concept in worship.
A Festival of Lessons and Carols (October/November, 2003). "A Cloud of Witnesses" is the title of this service based on the Jesse Tree theme. An introduction provides historical background on this traditional Anglican service.
The Worship Arts Group: A New Model for Children and Youth in the Church (December 2003/January 2004). Mary describes how First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, SD, is training children and youth to be worship leaders through the use of choral speaking, chanting, instrumental accompaniments and solos, choreography, and musical drama, as well as choral anthems. This is a model that can be used effectively with large or small groups, and with a broadly graded group.
“There Is More Than Meets the Eye” (June-July 2004). Keynote article on the value of the magazine as a resource for church musicians, educators, and worship leaders.
“Exploring the Hymnal” (June-July 2004). The introductory article and first resource in a six-part series of session plans and learner’s pages designed to help children and youth learn what is in the hymnal and how to use it. The rest of the series will appear monthly through April-May 2005.
“Nicholas, A Saint to Remember in Advent” (October-November, 2004). Background information on St. Nicholas, with ideas for celebrating his feast day on December 6, including worship, an Advent workshop, and family activities. Accompanying this article is “An Order of Worship for St. Nicholas Day,” with narratives, scripture readings, hymns, and design for a worship center.
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"Jesus Was His Friend," by Dorothy Christopherson (Augsburg #11-11152, ISBN 0800674170) Unison Treble Voices, Piano, and Percussion. An anthem telling the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10. |
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"Come and Pray With Me," by Dorothy Christopherson (Abingdon Press, #029627) Unison Treble Voices and Piano, with Sign Language for the Refrain. A narrator introduces this anthem by reading Mark 6:31. The text recognizes that children too often feel over scheduled and in need for quiet times away from the business of life for prayer. The anthem may be used as a Call to Prayer. |
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"The Shepherd King," by Dorothy Christopherson (Choristers Guild, #CGA970) Unison/Two Part, with opt. descant, and piano. The text reflects on contrasting pictures of Christ as a royal ruler and a humble shepherd. The musical setting offers the option of dividing the choir into 2 groups, allowing them to sing the text antiphonally. There is an opt. descant at the end. This anthem is intended for use on the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, or on the Fourth Sunday after Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday). |
In addition to writing church school curriculum for denominational publishing houses, Mary has developed three courses around major biblical characters, each of which could be used to provide educational support for musical dramas on these figures. These resources may also be adapted to church school and vacation church school settings, released time and mid-week programs, multigenerational groups, retreat settings, and individualized adult study.
ALL ABOUT PAUL is a package containing a course book and a packet of resources to be used in learning centers and other creative learning activities. The course has four "tracks" which may be used separately or together.
"Journeys with Paul" uses storytelling, map study, and informal drama/discussions to help learners become familiar with Paul's life and missionary work.
"Center on Paul" is a collection of 70 learning centers for individual and small group use, grouped according to roles Paul played in the early church: convert, missionary, pastor, letter-writer, and martyr. Teachers can select the centers that best fit the learners' ages, learning styles, and needs.
"The Gathering of the Churches" provides for small group/large group activities that help learners focus on some of the issues faced by New Testament churches.
"The Gospel According to Us" offers learners creative ways to respond to what they have learned through puppetry, choral reading, writing prayers, banner-making, interpretive dance, song-writing, publishing a newspaper, and art activities.
The course also includes suggestions for songs and games, coordinated session plans for kindergarten-first grade, and a bibliography and index. This course provides excellent educational support for productions of the musical drama, Paul & Co. (The Arizona Experiment, 1979; second printing 1988; revised 1993. Although All About Paul is out of print, a limited number of copies are available from Hymns Etc. For information, call 1-605-892-4712, or e-mail marynk@hymnsetc.com
DISCOVER DAVID offers a variety of learning activities that will enable learners to work with manageable bits and pieces of the story of Israel's greatest king until they can put them all together in a meaningful way. The course is organized into two tracks:
"David the Great" helps learners discover that God's people remembered David as the founder of a family from which God's promised Messiah would come. It provides background for working in the learning centers described below.
"David the Man" was designed to help learners explore the human side of David: the different roles he played in the time and place in which he lived, his strengths and weaknesses, and the ways God was able to use him despite his imperfections. They will see David as shepherd, poet and musician, anointed one, soldier, friend, king, man of faith, and forgiving father.
Included in the appendices are related learning centers, sessions for preschoolers, and a bibliography. Educational Ministries, Inc., 1994. (Educational Ministries, Inc., 165 Plaza Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303-5549. For information, call toll-free #1-800-221-0910 and ask for Item #5265.)
MEET MOSES offers a variety of learning activities that will enable people of all ages to get acquainted with the most important character in the collection of oral and written stories that make up the Book of Exodus. Christians see Moses as God's instrument in shaping and nurturing the faith of the covenant community. The curriculum is organized in two tracks with additional session plans for preschoolers.
"God's Covenant" with the Hebrews helps learners become acquainted with the whole story of the Exodus, from the birth of Moses to the arrival of the Hebrews at the edge of the Promised Land. The focus is on five themes related to the concept of the covenant: God Calls, God Frees, God Cares, God Asks, and God Gives.
"Moses: Prophet of God" gives learners an opportunity to learn more about Moses and discover how God worked through him to establish the covenant community. Learning centers help them explore Moses' roles as Prophet, Leader, Mediator, Lawgiver, and Intercessor, plus consider the Exodus event in more detail.
Educational Ministries, Inc., 1996. (Educational Ministries, Inc. 165 Plaza Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303-5549. For information, call toll-free #1-800-221-0910, and ask for Item #5268.)
And in addition:
THE SONG OF RUTH: COMPANION GUIDE offers production helps for the musical drama on Ruth, but also includes a summary of the Book of Ruth and eight session plans for study, discussion, and worship based on questions raised by the story for contemporary life. The session plans would be appropriate for youth or for an adult Bible study group. Abingdon Press, 1996. (This is now out of print, but reprints are available on demand from Hymns Etc.) For information, call 1-605-892-4712, or e-mail marynk@hymnsetc.com
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HOW TO TEACH BIBLE STORIES, by Mary Nelson Keithahn and Marilyn H. Dunshee. Abingdon Press, 1978. Over one hundred creative teaching techniques arranged according to categories of objectives, and including a workshop design, a Bible values clarification game, bibliography, and index. Useful supplementary resource for basic curriculum or source for developing new curriculum designs. (Out of print, but a limited number of copies are available from Hymns, Etc. at $7.00 each, including postage and handling. Email us for more information.) |
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CREATIVE IDEAS FOR TEACHING: LEARNING THROUGH WRITING, by Mary Nelson Keithahn. Educational Ministries, Inc., 1987. Over one hundred ideas for teaching and learning about our Christian faith through creative writing, including explanations and illustrations, designed to supplement almost any lesson plan. (Educational Ministries, Inc., 165 Plaza Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303-5549. For information, call toll-free #1-800-221-0910, and ask for Item #5193.) |
As a contributing editor to Church Educator magazine, Mary wrote a column, "Discoveries," in which she reviewed articles and resources from a variety of sources of interest to clergy, teachers and administrators, and other church leaders. Church Educator is one of two monthly journals published by Educational Ministries, Inc., 165 Plaza Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303-5549. (The other is Church Worship.)
Mary served as editor for these Chorister's Guild publications: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS by Dorothy Christopherson, Helen Stensrud, Richard Fleming, and Mary Nelson Keithahn (1984); OUR HERITAGE OF HYMNS, Series I and II (1986, 1989); and HANDBOOK FOR CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTORS, by Donald W. Roach (1987.)
As a contract editor for Abingdon Press, Mary edited BETWEEN WARM-UP AND WORSHIP: Prayers for Choirs on the Run, by James H. Smylie (1998) and SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: HYMNS TO EXPLORE, THINGS TO DO, Vol. 1 and 2, by Beverly S. Bailey, Suzi Gifford, and John D. Horman (2000).
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