Concert Information
“Living Water, Healing Water”
Joyous Brass Concert –November 16, 2025
Spiritual—Deep River
Arranged by William Broughton
A Count Basie style arrangement of the negro spiritual of the same title.
Lyrics:
Deep river, my home is over Jordan,
Deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
Oh, don’t you want to go to that gospel feast,
That promised land where all is peace?
Oh, deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
On A Hymnsong Of Philip Bliss
Composer David R. Hoisinger
A moving arrangement of the song, It Is Well With My Soul.
The story behind the song:
Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a lovely family – a wife, Anna, and five children. However, they were not strangers to tears and tragedy. Their young son died with pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, God in His mercy and kindness allowed the business to flourish once more.
On Nov. 21, 1873, the French ocean liner, Ville du Havre was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Although Mr. Spafford had planned to go with his family, he found it necessary to stay in Chicago to help solve an unexpected business problem. He told his wife he would join her and their children in Europe a few days later. His plan was to take another ship.
About four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the Ville du Harve collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship, the Loch Earn. Suddenly, all of those on board were in grave danger. Anna hurriedly brought her four children to the deck. She knelt there with Annie, Margaret Lee, Bessie and Tanetta and prayed that God would spare them if that could be His will, or to make them willing to endure whatever awaited them. Within approximately 12 minutes, the Ville du Harve slipped beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers including the four Spafford children.
A sailor, rowing a small boat over the spot where the ship went down, spotted a woman floating on a piece of the wreckage. It was Anna, still alive. He pulled her into the boat and they were picked up by another large vessel which, nine days later, landed them in Cardiff, Wales. From there she wired her husband a message which began, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Mr. Spafford later framed the telegram and placed it in his office.
Another of the ship’s survivors, Pastor Weiss, later recalled Anna saying, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why.”
Mr. Spafford booked passage on the next available ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down. According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born after the tragedy, Spafford wrote “It Is Well With My Soul” while on this journey.
Anna gave birth to three more children, one of which died at age four with dreaded pneumonia. In August 1881, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem. Mr. Spafford died and is buried in that city.
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts, your minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7.
Lyrics:
1. When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Chorus:
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.
2. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul. Refrain
Bognor Regis
Composer Leslie Condon
This lively march was written for the The Salvation Army’s ‘Holiday plus Fellowship’ week at Bognor Regis in 1969. The chorus ‘Life is a song’ won first prize in a chorus competition the previous year.
Chorus Lyrics:
Life is a song when you when you walk with Jesus,
Talk with Jesus, work for Jesus;
Life is a song when you live for Jesus
And your heart’s in tune with him.
Flugel Horn Solo—So Glad!
Composer William Himes
Soloist Kris Tague
The title is taken from the song ‘I am so glad’ which forms the basis of this rhythmic work.
The story behind the song:
What a wonderful thing it is to know that somebody really loves you. And the Bible makes it so clear that God loves us. As we know from John 3:16, “He so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” And Romans 5:8 shares “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It certainly is amazing to realize that God does love us.
There have been many hymns written attempting to describe this special relationship. One of these, written by Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876) in 1870, has always been a favorite of mine because it conveys this truth in such an upbeat method. Bliss left his home in Clearfield County, PA, as a young boy to make a living by working on farms and in lumber camps, all while trying to continue his schooling. He was converted at a revival meeting at age twelve. He became an itinerant music teacher, making house calls on horseback during the winter. During the summer he attended the Normal Academy of Music in Genesco, New York. His first song was published in 1864, and in 1868 Dwight L. Moody advised him to become a singing evangelist. For the last two years of his life Bliss traveled with Major D. W. Whittle and led the music at revival meetings. Bliss’s tragic death at the age of thirty-eight happened in 1876. when he and his wife were traveling to Chicago to sing for evangelistic services led by Whittle at Dwight L. Moody’s Tabernacle. But a train wreck and fire enroute claimed their lives.
In June, 1870 Mrs. Bliss came down for breakfast and said that her husband had been singing a tune that had come to him overnight. They couldn’t get it out of their minds and she predicted that it would live and be one of the most used that he had ever written. His ideas in writing it was that the peace and comfort of a Christian were not founded upon his loving Christ but upon Christ’s love to him and that to occupy the mind with Christ’s love would produce love and consecration. And over the years God has used this song to lead many sinners and doubting Christians to look away to Jesus who loved them. Bliss said the song was suggested to him by hearing the chorus of the hymn “Oh How I Love Jesus” repeated very frequently in a meeting he had attended. After joining in the chorus a number of times the thought came to him, “have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?”
As listen to this song, may you be reminded of God’s great love for you. May this song throughout our loves and all eternity be, “Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”.
I am so glad that Jesus Loves Me
Song Lyrics:
1. I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Chorus:
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
2. Though I forget Him and wander away,
Kindly He follows wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.
3. O, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song in eternity be:
O, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!
Allegro Deciso
from The Water Music
Composer G.F. Handel
Arranged by Gordon Collins
This excerpt from a series of short pieces known as Water Music, was first performed July, 1717, in London on the Thames River at a water festivity attended by King George I. This party involved hundreds of boats and barges. As the musicians performed on a barge which traveled with the party, the king was so pleased with what he heard that he requested the music be played at least three times that evening.
He’s Always Been Faithful
Composer Craig Woodland
This meditative selection is an arrangement of the song by American singer and record producer Sara Groves, He’s always been faithful. The words express the joy and thankfulness in having a relationship with Jesus and knowing his presence in your life. The melody and motifs of the traditional hymn, Great is thy faithfulness, are heard throughout to reinforce the message of the words that conclude each verse of the song:
All I have need of, his hand will provide.
He’s always been faithful to me.
Lyrics for He’s always been faithful:
Great is thy faithfulness
Hold on to Me
Morning by morning, I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season, I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me
I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me
Lyrics for Great is thy Faithfulness:
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Chorus:
Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.
Prelude on “Anástasis”
Composer Sam Creamer
The Greek word ‘anástasis’ translates to ‘resurrection’ and particularly refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The popular worship song “O praise the name” (Anástasis) forms the basis of this prelude. Following the progression of the song’s lyrics, this arrangement paints a picture of the resurrection through the different presentations of the tune. The opening statement ‘O praise the name of the Lord our God’ is played reverently in reflection of the crucifixion just days earlier in the Easter story. The next section continues the reflective atmosphere with ‘I cast my mind to Calvary’ through the flowing muted cornet figures and the wind chimes as the trombones present the verse. The melodic transfer and change of tone colour to the horns in the next section is seamless as the story continues into verse 2 – ‘His body bound and drenched in tears’. The flowing notes symbolize flowing tears – with the bass and timpani creating the image of ‘the entrance sealed by heavy stone’.
The chorus returns, but with a sense of anticipation that the resurrection is getting closer with the cornets and trombones, adding some excitement to what has so far been somewhat of a sombre atmosphere. The next section depicts that Christ is risen, with the increasing fanfare crescendo from cornets, trombones and percussion ‘having rolled the stone away’. The faster tempo instantly surprises us to match the surprise when the tomb was found empty.
The next section has a new triumphant dynamic to proclaim the third verse ‘Then on the third at break of dawn, the Son of Heaven rose again.’ There is a ‘Hallelujah’ countermelody from first cornets and euphoniums.
The loudest dynamic climax of the piece thus far comes with the lyrics ‘O trampled death, where is your sting?’. The ultimate climax sounds like a cathedral organ in the lyrical proclamation ‘O praise the name of the Lord most high’. This continues with cascading tubular bells. The last section closes the piece with brilliance, stating ‘Up from the grave he arose’, ‘Christ the Lord is risen today’ and one final ‘O praise the name of the Lord our God’.
Song Lyrics:
1. I cast my mind to Calvary
Where Jesus bled and died for me
I see His wounds, His hands, His feet
My Saviour on that cursed tree
2. His body bound and drenched in tears
They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb
The entrance sealed by heavy stone
Messiah still and all alone
Chorus
O praise the Name of the Lord, our God
O praise His Name forevermore
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord, our God
3. Then on the third at break of dawn
The Son of heaven rose again
O trampled death, where is your sting?
The angels roar for Christ the King
Chorus
O praise the Name of the Lord, our God
O praise His Name forevermore
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord, our God.
Lift Up Your Voice
Composer Stephen Bulla
This up-tempo setting is a re-imagining of the familiar hymn tune, St Francis. The original melody is of 17th Century German origin, but the words of Saint Francis of Assisi were penned circa 1225 (then known as ‘Cantico di fratre sole’ or ‘Song of Brother Sun’). He wrote this uplifting text shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. The translation used today first appeared around 1919 in Leeds, England, for a children’s Whitsuntide festival.
In this new arrangement, specially commissioned by the Melbourne Staff Band of The Salvation Army, the music takes on a new excitement with modern rhythms that again reveal the ageless quality of the melody and text.
Song Lyrics:
1. All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
2. Let all things their creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Now I Belong to Jesus (The Happy Version)
Composer Dave Boyle
Arranged by Bill Broughton
Soloist Allisa Prince
A lively version of the classic hymn Now I Belong to Jesus.
Lyrics:
1. Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;
Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.
2. Joy floods my soul for Jesus has found me,
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He gave to redeem,
Now I belong to Him;
Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.
Not for a second, a minute, a day or year!
He who has ears let him hear!
It’s for eternity!
I Know Thou Art Mine
Composer Leonard Ballantine
The melody ‘I know thou art mine’ was first published in the June 1923 volume of The Musical Salvationist. Its composer, Commissioner Isaac Unsworth was a singer who had never learned musical notation and never played an instrument. Remarkably, in his later years he was to discover an unusual gift for the fashioning of original melodies. These he would sing to his friends at the Music Editorial Department who would notate and harmonize his work.
This arrangement retains the profound simplicity of the carefully crafted line which is seen to rise by degrees in dramatic arches, as if to lift our emotions, our imaginations and our faith to the very throne of God. Having been transported there, we sense the complete serenity that comes to those who are close to him. Such is the power of the melody itself.
Additionally we will experience the power and drama of the text, in particular, the recurring idea which ends each verse: ‘if ever I loved thee, my Jesus ’tis now.’ By taking this key phrase and developing it as a musical motif throughout, it is hoped that the listener will sense the urgency of a present-tense commitment.
The task has been to create a sound world which could express both the great depth and yet the precious intimacy of our relationship with Jesus. The recurring theme speaks to us not only of bold promise but also of whispered prayer; of faith affirmed yet heartfelt hunger. May this be so for all who claim ‘if ever I loved thee, my Jesus ’tis now.’
Song Lyrics:
1. My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign;
my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
2. I love thee because thou hast first loved me
and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
3. In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
As The Deer
Composer Graeme Press
The story behind the song:
In 1984, Marty Nystrom was a Seattle school teacher. With the summer off he decided to go back to Bible College for the summer term in Dallas, Texas at the Christ For the Nations Institute. A very vibrant Christian roommate challenged him to go on a fast in order to give time to Bible reading and prayer. On the 19th day of the fast, he found himself sitting at a piano trying to write a song. While simply playing chord progressions, he noticed a Bible on the music stand of the piano. It was open to Psalm 42. His eyes fell on the first verse of that chapter… As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. After reading the verse he began to sing its message, right off the page. he wrote the first verse and the chorus of a song, pretty much straight through. The whole of the adventure was completed in a matter of minutes. He then repeated the song to seal it in his mind.
He had no intention of showing the song to anyone. It was to be for his own devotional time with the Lord. However, before leaving the school to go back to Seattle, he shared it with one person, Dave Butterbaugh. Dave introduced it to the students of the school and it became a favorite. Since that introduction of the song, it has been translated into several languages and is often sung in other countries.
Song Lyrics:
1. As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee.
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee.
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire,
And I long to worship you thee.
2. I want you more than gold or silver
Only you can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
3. You’re my friend and you are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
So much more than anything.
Las Lluvias Grandes
Composer Peter Graham
This three-movement suite was written to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Salvation Army work in Puerto Rico. Three songs are featured in Latin American style: ‘Count your blessings’, ‘Make me a blessing’ and ‘Showers of blessing’.
Count Your Blessings Lyrics:
1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2. So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain]
Make Me a Blessing Lyrics:
1. Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Chorus:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Showers of Blessing Lyrics:
1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Chorus:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
3. There shall be showers of blessing:
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come and now honor Thy Word.
4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
Praise Party!
Composer Steven Ponsford
This bright, up-tempo piece features two popular gospel songs; ‘I feel like praising him’ and ‘O happy day’.
Song Lyrics
I Feel Like Praising Him:
I feel like praising, praising Him
Oh, I feel like praising, praising Him
Praise Him in the morning (praise Him in the morning)
Praise Him all day long (praise Him all day long)
Said I feel like praising, praising Him
O Happy Day:
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day)
Oh, it’s a happy day (Oh, happy day)
Chorus
He taught me how (Oh, he taught me how)
To watch and fight and pray
Watch and pray
And live rejoicing every day
Every day
