Excellence in Music and Worship
Original Musical Compositions and Thoughts on Worship
This is a piece I wrote for my father’s Memorial Concert, using the text from his aunt’s book of poetry, “A Garden of Memories.” “I Want My Flowers Now” was a particularly meaningful poem to my father, as it contained an admonition to give thanks to those we love while they live, not waiting till it’s no longer possible to share our feelings of love and gratitude.
This is a song based on the Bible story of Jairus, his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood. It is written in a Gospel Church style, with backing vocals, and light orchestration.
This is a piece I wrote for a friend for his wedding, performed by his brother, Nathaniel Carter and the Lone Star Brass Quintet. It combines the simple melody of a contemporary pop song with a Renaissance-like accompaniment of the brass, with linear diatonicism.
This was one of my first acapella choir carol arrangements, written for my church’s annual Christmas service.
This is an arrangement, or, as I like to call an essay, using the theme of this famous hymn.
(Click here to purchase the string quartet score, the string orchestra score, or the MP3.)
This is an arrangement, or, as I like to call it, an essay, using the theme of the famous hymn to create this short composition.
(Click here to purchase the string quartet score, string orchestra score, or MP3.)
Blessed is the person whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the roads to Zion!
Passing through the Valley of Baca they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength,
Every one of them appears before God in Zion. (Ps. 84:6)
The valley of Baca is translated '“valley of weeping.”
When we trust in the Lord with our whole heart, even in the tough times, He brings us through to the other side, not only to experience life as usual. But, just like God can, He brings us to a place of joy.
This song merges Psalm 84 with passages from Psalm 91. The Lord is our refuge, our protector. Even when we go through trials and fiery circumstances, He is there surrounding us with His Presence.
We are truly blessed, no matter the situation!
“But God gives a greater grace.” (James 4:6) More and more grace has been poured out on us, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here’s a Gospel song I wrote about it. Hope you enjoy!
This is an original song I wrote, using text from the well-known Christmas carol. The recording was from a live performance on Christmas Eve at Odessa Christian Faith Center, 2023. Hope you enjoy!
This is a Gospel Christmas song, using a quote from Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy). This live performance was done at Odessa Christian Faith Center, Christmas Eve 2023.
Here is an original song that uses quotes from other well-known carols in a unique and fun way. Hope you enjoy!
This is an essay on the famous Christmas carol, performed live by the Odessa Christian Faith Center Vocal Ensemble, Christmas Eve 2023. It was an experiment in linear textual writing, as well as linear melodic part-writing. Added to the song are some theological thoughts.
Hope you enjoy!
This is a declaration song of God’s ability to break into our awareness. Just like a dam bursting open, His power will not be contained by any human agency. This was presented live at Odessa Christian Faith Center in 2022. I wrote the song for a special presentation, then later added the hymn, ‘All Hail the Power,’ for congregational involvement.
Hope you enjoy it!
God has a call upon this nation. His light will yet shine through us to the benefit of the world. As we humble ourselves under His might hand, He will bring us back to the destiny we are meant to fulfill.
When Jesus hung on that cross, He declared '“It is finished!” That means all of our sins, separation from God, and eternal judgement were taken away. We now have peace with God because of His sacrifice, His willingness to pay it all.
As Jesus carried His cross, the awkwardness and humiliation of facing crucifixion, He did it for us, knowing He would purchase us from our sin and bring us into His family. He gave His life, laying down all privileges, so we could see Heaven. He faced hell in a way no one else could, so we could gain eternal life.
It was actually in the Garden that Jesus won the victory internally before going to the cross. He found the strength in prayer to head toward the cross, being separated from His Father for the first time. He had courage to face the humiliation and pain of crucifixion, knowing the joy that would soon follow in resurrection.
The noisy and excited crowd on Palm Sunday was enthusiastic about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, only to deliver Him to Crucifixion days later.
This is a composition for acapella choir, using the famous text from the Bible, as Mary greeted Elizabeth. (Lk. 1:46-55) The miracle of The Seed being placed in her womb, the Word becoming flesh, Heaven touching earth is even more astounding knowing that it happened to a young girl who was unsuspecting of her destiny to bear the Child Who would be the Savior of the world.
This was a live performance by the Odessa Christian Faith Center choir, directed by Stephanie Carter, Christmas Eve 2021.
Hope you enjoy!
Here’s an original song I wrote about crossing seemingly dangerous waters in order to get to where God wants you to go. The Other Side is where the blessings are, but sometimes we have to look above the wind, waves, and storms of life, in order to get there.
When Peter stepped out of the boat, he walked on the water until he started looking at the negative circumstances. When the disciples were struggling in the boat, thinking they would perish, Jesus was asleep in the stern, at peace, because He already gave them the word to go to the other side. He ended up rebuking them for their lack of faith because they could have done what He did, which was to command the wind and waves to desist.
We have what it takes to make it to the Other Side, where the promises are, but He expects us to utilize our faith in His Word in order to get there. We trust Him and we focus on His promises, then we Go.
This recording is taken from a live service, with score overlaid.
Hope you like it.