I Will Be a Child of Peace SATB

I Will Be a Child of Peace

for satb chorus

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1/8

for SATB Chorus and Piano

Also available SSA or TTBB

Traditional Shaker Hymn
Beckenhorst Press - CU1023

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Description

I Will Be a Child of Peace is an arrangement of the Shaker hymn tune, O Holy Father, which has been attributed to Alonzo Gilman of the Shaker Community in Alfred, Maine in 1851. Shaker music was traditionally sung in unison and without accompaniment, with men on the left and women on the right. This arrangement echoes those voices of the past, with each stanza starting with unison—first by the women, followed by the men, then unfolding into full five-part harmony. I was originally drawn to this song by the beautiful simplicity of the Shaker melody, unique 5/4 meter, and most importantly, the uplifting text of a prayer for peace and purity.

the Inspiration

Text

O Holy Father I will be a child of peace and purity. For well I know Thy hand will bless the seeker after righteousness. - traditional Shaker hymn

Composer Notes

“I Will Be a Child of Peace” marked a significant milestone in my journey as a composer, as it was my first published piece. The inspiration came from an archival recording of three elderly women singing this unaccompanied unison Shaker hymn. By classical standards, their performance was unpolished, and the vocal technique was unrefined—yet it was filled with honest emotion and beautiful sincerity. It was a heartfelt prayer, profoundly moving in its simplicity. Moved by their rendition, I felt compelled to bring this hymn to a wider audience. I notated its distinctive 5/4 rhythms, enriched it with vocal harmonies, and added a piano accompaniment. My hope is that performances of this piece will inspire singers and audiences alike to be peacemakers.

“...Thy hand will bless

the seeker after righteousness.”

- Traditional Shaker Hymn