Old Fashioned Hymns

Three hymns from Ives' own songbook — warm, familiar, and deeply American.

Charles Ives grew up steeped in the hymn tradition of New England, and it never left him. The Collection, At the River, and A Christmas Carol — all drawn from his landmark 1922 self-publication 114 Songs — represent Ives at his most accessible and heartfelt. Steven Paxton's transcription for Grade 3 concert band brings these three songs together into a set that feels cohesive, singable, and genuinely moving in a large ensemble setting.

• The Collection — a gentle, congregational feel with rich harmonic warmth
• At the River — one of Ives' most beloved settings, quietly reverent
• A Christmas Carol — understated and sincere, ideal for winter programming

For directors looking for something with substance and soul at Grade 3, this set delivers. It works equally well as a standalone concert feature or as a lyrical contrast to more energetic programming.

Composer: Charles Ives (from 114 Songs, 1922)
Arranger: Steven Paxton
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Grade: 3
Movements: The Collection, At the River, A Christmas Carol