PROGRAM NOTE
This is a simple treatment of the tune By His Hand (T.B. 8), originally composed by Major Thomas Mack. His choral setting of Joseph Henry Gilmore’s text, He Leadeth Me, has been highly popular since its introduction several years ago in Sing to the Lord (Volume 1). Hints of two other popular tunes associated with these lyrics are also contained within the arrangement. The words speak of challenge and testimony:
1. He leadeth me! O blessèd thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me!
By His own hand, He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I will be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
2. Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
3. Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur or repine,
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
This solo was written for Michael Baker, a long-time member of the Montclair Citadel (New Jersey) and New York Staff Bands, in recognition of his faithful service and giving spirit.
NOTE TO THE CONDUCTOR
This arrangement is straightforward and should not present many technical challenges. A legato style and warmth of sound should be employed throughout, allowing the soloist to be easily heard. The tune can be brought out in the euphonium part during the second verse.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Philip Rayment is a Canadian performer, conductor and composer from Hamilton, Ontario. Having obtained Bachelor of Music and Education degrees, he has performed in several ensembles as a bass trombonist across Canada, the USA and Europe. As a member of the New York and Canadian Staff Bands, he has had the privilege of sharing the stage with musicians as diverse as Canadian Brass and Sir Elton John. As a composer/arranger, Philip has had his brass band, choral, and solo works performed, recorded, and published around the world.
Professionally, Philip is a music teacher for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. In his spare time, he has been on the faculty of several music camps across North America and is the co-director of The Salvation Army’s Ontario Senior Music Camp with his wife Sarah. Philip is currently the conductor of Impact Brass, a composite youth brass band which draws from across