Thank You, Lord, for Everything Anthem: General or Thanksgiving Anthem for combined SATB and Unison Treble Voices and Piano

“Thank You, Lord, for Everything”—General (or Thanksgiving) anthem for combined SATB and unison treble voices and piano by Dorn Younger.

Unison treble voices sing a double statement of the refrain accompanied by SATB voices and piano. The simple text resembles a child's prayer, thanking God for all of creation. The adult choir adds text in measure 33 while maintaining the same colorful harmonic structure found in the first statement. Stanzas one and two share the same music through a repeat. Once again, the divided choir sings “oo” on sustained chords below the unison melody. An identical repeat of tutti text appears at measure 67 to conclude both stanzas. The closing refrain moves from G major up to A flat major and is a reduced version of the opening refrain.

The unison choir part is simple and melodically predictable. The SATB choir includes some harmonic color although not challenging to the average choir. The accompaniment is repetitive. Note the left hand stretches and broken chords which may challenge players with small hands or limited fingering experience. Use of ledger lines in the later part of the accompaniment may require attention for weaker players.

Performance options including singing this as a unison anthem omitting the SATB part altogether. This may be sung as a prayer anthem or as a general anthem in worship.

Appropriate days: services themes on thankfulness; children's themed services such as choir recognition or Mother's Day; and general worship.

Age Level 3-7

Difficulty of vocal parts 6

Difficulty of accompaniment 7

Style 3-6