Updated on Fall

IDEAS: Fall & Thanksgiving

As we move into November, it’s easy to think of Thanksgiving for Americans. But don’t forget this month begins with Reformation Day. And it’s still appropriate to play any fall-themed songs as well.

It’s Thanksgiving Season

A MIGHTY FORTRESS, original tune.  Celebrate Reformation Day all month. That which we most know is not what Luther intended.  His songs were nicknamed “Geneva Jigs,” but what we typically sing is a chorale version Bach created for a choir. Be a little daring.  Go for the original.  The Cantus Christi hymnal has both versions. 

This link has LYRICS, as well as Martin Luther’s ORIGINAL, INTENDED MELODY

Click for a PDF image of score (coming soon).

My pared-down version of Luther’s intended melody of A MIGHTY FORTRESSDownload

WHIRLING LEAVES is beautiful for piano or harp. Faber & Faber Lesson Book 2A.

FIDDLE  For string students, this is a season to explore Hoe Down music, or Fiddle Tunes created for square dancing.

THANKSGIVING HYMNS  

Every year, I’m surprised at how many of my students who attend church don’t know Thanksgiving Hymns: they are a click away on hymnary.org or The Cyber Hymnal. And if you can find a Hymns for the Family of God hymnal, it has descants and last verse arrangements for many of these hymns.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Count Your Blessings

Doxology: Experiment with the classical Tallis tune as a round. Or use Mark Hayes’ contemporary arrangement.

For the Beauty

Let All Things Now Living                

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need:  Hauntingly beautiful tune (“Resignation”)

Now Thank We All Our God:  My favorite arrangement is in The Colours Keyboard Collection, Volume 2, 1987 Maranatha!Music. I heard this for the first time at a wedding: amazingly appropriate, wonderfully arranged, technically challenging.

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart

Sing to the Lord of the Harvest

We Gather Together

We Plow the Fields: sweet, simple chorus at end, for preschool or any age!

THANKSGIVING CHORUSES

Give Thanks

I Will Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving in My Heart: Mark Hayes has a fun contemporary arrangement in the Lord, Be Glorified collection.

I Will Sing of the Mercies

My Tribute

Sing Unto Him:  Michael W. Smith 1982, oldie but goodie

THANKSGIVING MISC

Simple Gifts

The Harvest, an instrumental piece:  The Colours Keyboard Collection, Volume 1, 1986 Maranatha!Music