Between the Lines: “Simple Gifts,” Arranged by Mark Burrow

January 12, 2022| Mark Burrows
Between the Lines: “Simple Gifts,” Arranged by Mark Burrow

Simple Gifts

Mark Burrows has creatively arranged the well-known Shaker song, Simple Gifts for Alfred Music. His setting passes the traditional tune to every voice part, using the others to support the buoyant melody. Scored for a mixed choir with congas, claves, and maracas, Mark's setting opens with a bit of suspense that soon breaks into a bright a cappella feature. Some rhythmic augmentation provides a warm center before returning to the vibrant feel. A unique spin on this arrangement is that Mark has penned a few additional lyrics that celebrate "the gift to be loving, light, hopeful, and true." A final flourish fans out from the only unison measure into a resounding G major chord.

Mark Burrows

Mark is a composer, conductor, and educator whose music is published by many major publishing houses. His works are featured on numerous state and festival lists, and he receives multiple commissions each year for groups ranging from children’s choirs to adult ensembles to intergenerational festival choirs. Mark received his undergraduate degree in music education from Southern Methodist University and his graduate degree in conducting from Texas Christian University. Learn more about Mark and see a full list of his Alfred Music publications here .

What inspired you to arrange Simple Gifts?

The deep desire (NEED) for simplicity. The message of this Shaker song from the middle of the 1800s feels as relevant today as ever.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Simple Gifts ?

Starting at measure 41 the melody really moves around from part to part. Be mindful of who has the melody at any given moment, so it doesn’t become lost in the texture.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

You deserve the simple (though not simplistic) gifts of peace, hope, and joy. And when you share those gifts through the music you make, you let the listeners know that they are worthy of those gifts as well.

See & Hear Now

Mark offers even more insights on the creation of this arrangement and how to teach it in this quick video.

Mark Burrows

Mark Burrows

Mark Burrows is a composer, conductor, and educator whose music is published by many major houses. Mark's works are featured on numerous state and festival lists, and he receives multiple commissions each year. Mark is currently Director of Children's Ministries at FUMC, Fort Worth. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas.