?How Can I Keep From Singing?? is, perhaps, the second most well-known gospel hymn authored by Robert Lowry (1826-1899) ? the first being ?Shall We Gather at the River?? Born in Philadelphia, Lowry studied at Pennsylvania's Lewisburg (today Bucknell) University; was ordained a Baptist minister in 1854; served in churches in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey; and later returned to Lewisburg and served as chancellor. Best remembered as a writer of more than 500 gospel songs and hymns, Lowry served as editor for Biglow and Main publishing company, where he edited numerous gospel song books and hymn books. Like Horatio Spafford?s ?It Is Well With My Soul,? Lowry?s ?How Can I Keep From Singing?? (also known as ?Endless Song?) expresses confidence in the eternal promises of Christ in spite of temporal circumstances. Its first verse and refrain proclaim: "My life flows on in endless song above earth?s lamentation; I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn, that hails a new creation. (Refrain): No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I?m clinging; since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?" This intermediate-level arrangement is quick to rehearse, satisfying to play, and well-received by audiences. Suitable for high school ensembles, church and community musicians, and professionals for use in concert, recital, and worship. Ideal as a prelude or offertory/communion anthem. ©Copyright 2016 Todd Marchand / ConSpiritoMusic.com

?Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise,? one of the most popular hymn texts on the Ascension of Christ, was written by the great Methodist hymnist Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and published in 10 stanzas in his Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739) as ?Hymn for Ascension Day.? The ?alleluias? were added in George White's Hymns and Introits (1852). The tune most often associated with Wesley's text, ?Llanfair,? is attributed to Welsh singer Robert Williams (1781-1821). In this arrangement, elements of the tune are employed in a majestic, constantly modulating introduction before giving way to three presentations of melody ? first, straightforwardly by the full quintet; second, following a modulation down a major third, by a trio of brass; and third, following another modulation back to the original key, by the full quintet, with a short coda incorporating a flourish recalling the introduction. Especially appropriate at Ascension due to the associated text, this instrumental arrangement is also fitting as a prelude, postlude, or offertory/communion anthem at any time. ©Copyright 2016 Todd Marchand / www.ConSpiritoMusic.com