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Music can shape and transform individuals and communities.

My own experiences—singing with family members around the piano and kazoo-ing in a raft on the Snake River; studying Gregorian chant at St. Meinrad’s Archabbey; improvising at Music for People workshops; and singing and dancing my prayers in ceremony—all these have gifted me with profound experiences that demonstrate the power of shared sounding.

Here in the music area of my website you’ll find free sheet music downloads, examples of my improvisational work as a musician, vocalist, and as a music improvisation facilitator. Scroll down for links.

Let Us Go Out (SATB or SSA)

Chant for Worship or Performance

Sheet music download and example audio files available.

A song for sending forth, this SAT(B) or SSA(A) ditty is a gospel-style chant that can be performed acapella or tricked out with fuller instrumentation.

Lyric:

“Let us go out, and light up the dark.
Let us go out, bring joy to each heart.
Let us go out with indifference destroyed.
Let us go out with joy!”

Details

Light Is Returning (Lead plus SATB or SSAA)

Song for Worship, Ritual, or Choral Performance

Sheet music download and example audio files available.

This SATB or SSAA chant works well in a Winter Solstice service or ritual.

Suitable for audience/congregational participation.

Words and music by Charlie Murphy, arranged by Pam Blevins HInkle.

Lyric:

Light is returning, even though it is the darkest hour. No one can hold back the dawn.

Details

The Small Difference

Song for Worship or Choral Performance

Example audio files available (sheet music available on another website).

This is a SATB or SSAA arrangement of Robin Riebsomer’s work. The Small Difference touches on several social justice themes, and is a moving and approachable performance piece.

Details

There Is More Love (SATB)

Song for Worship or Performance

Sheet music download and example audio files available.

This is an SATB arrangement of an African American hymn.

Lyric:

“There is more love (peace, joy, etc.) somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on til I find it. There is more love (peace, joy, etc.) somewhere.”

Details

Let the Way (Lead Plus 4-Part Chant)

Song for Worship or Ritual

Sheet music download and example audio files available.

This SATB or SSSA chant was created for a moment of gratitude in a worship service.

Suitable for audience/congregational participation.

Chant by Abigail McBride, arr. Pam and Letha Hinkle

Lyric:

“Sing through my voice, play through my hands.
Let the way be open.”

Details

It’s Time (SATB Choral Piece)

SATB piece for worship or choral performance written to honor Unitarian Universalists around the world.

Sheet music download and video file available.

Chorus Lyric:
That you are loved today just exactly as you are,
So take my hand, let’s play.
Together we’ll go far.
We’ve got a new world to build,
Hungry spirits to be filled,
as we’re loving the hell out of the world.

Details

Gather Us In

Song for Worship or Ritual

Sheet music download available.

This simple chant features four parts and a descant. Great for use as an invocation or call to worship.

Suitable for audience/congregational participation.

Lyric:

Gather us in for a time of peace
Gather us in for a time of joy
Gather us in to the heart of the center
Gather us, gathering us in

Details

Bring It Close: A Response to the Akeda

Song for Worship or Choral Performance

Example audio file and sheet music download available.

“Bring it Close” is my response to the story of the binding of Isaac (the Akeda) and is arranged for women and youth voices.

The piece was created for the inaugural Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Seminar at Butler University/Christian Theological Seminary.

Details

Let Us Rest (SAT or SSA)

A chant written for a Taize-style service at Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, WI, designed in collaboration with Rev. Suzelle Lynch.

Lyrics:

Let us rest in the Mystery, where songs and silence dance.
Let us rest in the Mystery, where certainty meets chance.
And now here in the twilight, the whisper of the One,
Calls us all to the Mystery, where it’s finished and begun.

Details