Hymns for Woodwind Ensembles

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
Tune: Pilot
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

This arrangement for woodwind quartet from the Hymns for Woodwind Ensembles series has a Prelude that begins with a slow triplet ostinato in jazz style. Along with rippling, regular eighth notes later in the upper two voices, it suggests the "unknown waves" of the hymn text. The alternation between triplets in the ostinato and dotted eighth-sixteenths in the hymn tune depicts "the breakers roar." The Hymnal Version from Christian Worship and The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) is next. Two Congregational Versions follow, the latter often pitting triplets against the dotted rhythm of the hymn tune.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments. Parts are included for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, I-III Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, I & II Alto Saxes, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, and F Horn, so that quartets can formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. The arrangement can accompany a congregation, or it can be played as an instrumental suite of variations on the hymn. The difficulty level is 3.

Full set includes a Conductor/Keyboard Score, transposed parts for individual instruments, background notes, and suggestions for performance with or without the congregation and choir.