A ten-year project - the publication of a new children's songbook - has been completed and Primary children all over the world will benefit from it, according to Michaelene Grassli, Primary general president.
"After 10 years in the process, we officially present to the Church the new children's songbook," Sister Grassli said at a May 11 program in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, where the announcement of the book was made. President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, and Elders L. Tom Perry and Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve attended the event, in addition to several other General Authorities and past and present Primary board members. Elder Nelson spoke during the program.During the 1 1/2-hour program, a 64-voice children's choir from the Bountiful Utah Orchard Stake sang 15 songs from the new songbook, including three that included flute and violin accompaniment.
Before beginning his address, Elder Nelson turned his back to the audience and directly addressed the children, telling them they were "truly messengers worthy of the message."
Then turning back to the audience, Elder Nelson observed, "Music melts the hearts of members and non-members alike." He related experiences he'd had while in South Africa, traveling and meeting with members in remote areas. At every meeting, the saints sang songs of praise, songs with meanings that were universal, although the language sometimes differed.
"We recognize the power of music," he continued, "which is the language of the Spirit, particularly when sung by children."
The language of music is refined in the publication of the songbook, which includes 241 songs. Work on the project began 10 years ago under the direction of Dwan J. Young, then Primary general president.
In preparing the songbook for publication, "a real effort was made to consolidate and simplify Primary music resources," said Betty Jo N. Jepsen, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, when she explained about the new book at the program. Efforts were also made, to include favorite Primary songs, and to identify authors and composers who had not previously been credited.
She also noted that there were some gospel principles and ideas that were not taught in previous Primary musical resources, so 17 new songs were chosen to fill that void. The remainder of the songs in the new songbook were compiled from various Church sources of children's music, including Sing with Me, More Songs for Children, Supplement to More Songs for Children, Activities, Songs, and Verses, and songs from the Friend and Primary sacrament meeting presentations.
There are eight sections in the new songbook and one of the differences between this book and others are the colored drawings placed throughout the book's 314 pages, including two-page spreads to introduce each new section. There is also a full-color cover depicting children of many nationalities singing together.
Changes have been made in some songs for clarification, Sister Jepsen explained. Many songs have been simplified so children can play them on the piano. Others make the music more challenging and interesting, especially for the older children.
"The first purpose behind Primary music and the new songbook is to create a reverent atmosphere where children can learn about and feel the Spirit," explained Sister Grassli at the meeting. "The second purpose is to teach the gospel.
She explained that the children don't sing the songs from copies of the book; they learn the words by rote, so they can concentrate on the words and their meaning.
"And the third purpose," Sister Grassli continued, "is to help children feel the joy of presenting music. The act of producing music through singing, unified with others, lifts the spirit and enlightens the soul."
Children's Songbook (PBMU0643, hardbound; PBMU0705, spiralbound;$6.25, spiralbound) can be ordered from the Salt Lake Distribution Center.
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Songs in the children's songbook are divided into eight sections. They are:
1. My Heavenly Father
2. The Savior
3. The Gospel
4. Home and Family
5. Heritage
6. Nature and Seasons
7. Fun and Activity
8. Prelude Music