This is a collection of arrangements of hymns, spirituals, and patriotic songs. They are easy to play, suitable for levels from Burgmüller to Czerny Op. 29 (30 Studies). The collection features melodies widely sung at American weddings, funerals, Sunday services, and various events and ceremonies. “Go, Tell It On the Mountain” and “Somebody’s Knocking At Your Door” are often arranged as groovy gospel pieces. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is invariably sung at jazz funerals in New Orleans. The profound and moving quality of “Shall We Gather At the River?”, which speaks with deep emotion to those who have passed on, is also unforgettable. “When Love Is Found” is a famous song known in Japan under the title “Hiroi Kawa no Kishibe” (The Water is Wide) and covered by many singers. “America, the Beautiful” is a quintessential American patriotic song, sung alongside the national anthem at the Super Bowl, the ultimate championship of the NFL (National Football League). While some pieces may be less familiar to Japanese audiences, this collection offers an opportunity to encounter music truly rooted in the lives of American people, something not fully understood by only playing classical music. These are numerous beautiful melodies worth knowing.

• No. 1 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (Hymn) Gently 4/4 F major Dedicated to Patricia C. O’Connell
• No. 2 Go, Tell It On the Mountain (Hymn) Brightly 2/2 G major Dedicated to Gloria Huffman
• No. 3 Faith of Our Fathers (Hymn) With dignity 3/4 F major Dedicated to Catherine & Roger Lepoutre
• No. 4 Holy, Holy, Holy (Hymn) With reverence 4/4 D major Dedicated to Sister Teresa Campbell
• No. 5 Just a Closer Walk With Thee (Spiritual) Easy-going 4/4 B-flat major Dedicated to Margaret (Peggy) West
• No. 6 When Love Is Found (also called “The Gift of Love” and “Ubi caritas et amore”) (Hymn/Folk Song) Slowly, with feeling 4/4 A-flat major Dedicated to Valerie Wyman
• No. 7 Somebody’s Knocking At Your Door (Spiritual) With energy 2/2 F major Dedicated to Regina Hays Carnazzo
• No. 8 Shall We Gather At the River? (Hymn) Tenderly 4/4 D major Dedicated to Marilyn Thies
• No. 9 America, the Beautiful (Patriotic Song) Warmly 4/4 B-flat major For Drum Hill, NSDAR, Wilton, CT