Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are big celebrations in the life of the church and since they come back-to-back in the church calendar, this is one of the busiest weeks of the year for church musicians.
In this post, I'm sharing a few ideas (a dozen, to be specific) for Palm Sunday and Easter. Scroll to the end for a few service music suggestions, as well.
These two Sundays in the church year often feature extra music and sometimes, guest musicians. As such, many of the anthems on this list include optional instrumental parts (brass, percussion, or handbells), which can add something special to the service, depending on the resources you have available.
P.S. If you’re looking for anthem ideas for Lent, see this post: 10 Church Choir Anthems for Lent.
Music for Palm Sunday
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Ride On, King Jesus (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir, A Cappella
This is a fun, classic arrangement of a traditional Palm Sunday spiritual. This arrangement is a little more challenging than others on this list, but well worth it if you have the numbers!
Hosanna Processional (Joseph Martin)
SATB Choir with Piano
Both accessible and tuneful, this Palm Sunday anthem includes children and adult voices in a joyful retelling of the ride into Jerusalem.
All Glory, Laud, and Honor (arr. Richard A. Nichols)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. orchestration)
A traditional setting of this Palm Sunday hymn with rich orchestration and nice choral writing. A classic!
Ride On, Ride On in Majesty (arr. Mark Shepperd)
SATB Choir with Piano
Accessible for smaller choirs, this lilting, celebratory Palm Sunday anthem has an ABA structure ("Hosanna, blessed is He;" "Ride on, ride on in majesty;" "Hosanna, blessed is He") that simplifies the learning process.
Ah, Holy Jesus (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Organ
If your church has a Palm/Passion Sunday (turning to the events of Holy Week by the end of the service), this would be a fitting anthem for later in the service. A simple, yet musically-rich setting of this familiar hymn text with beautiful original music.
Music for Easter Sunday
Risen with Him (Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. orchestration, brass, timpani)
A somber opening brings the early morning at the tomb to mind. With great text and a tuneful melody, the piece gradually builds until the jubilant sound of EASTER HYMN emerges.
My Redeemer Lives, Alleluia! (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. brass, percussion, handbells)
In this Easter anthem, the traditional "My Redeemer Lives" text is set to the joyous tune, LASST UNS ERFREUEN with nice choral writing and great instrumental parts.
Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Organ (opt. brass, percussion, piano)
Majestic and regal, this well-crafted anthem features original music with text from Romans 8:31, the traditional LLANFAIR tune with optional congregational participation, and a pairing of both melodies at the end.
When Morning Gilds the Skies (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. orchestration)
A gradual crescendo throughout this anthem illustrates the sunrise. Beautiful text for Easter Sunday!
Risen Today! (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano (opt. organ and tambourine)
This anthem is an upbeat, rhythmic setting of Charles Wesley's Easter text with original music by Dan Forrest. A bit challenging, yes, but so fun to work on!
In Christ Alone (arr. Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Piano
This accessible arrangement of a contemporary favorite has great text and a singable melody. The anthem gradually builds to a jubilant, joyful end.
On the Third Day (Allen Pote)
SATB Choir with Organ (opt. handbells, brass, timpani)
This anthem begins with a simple handbell ostinato and unison treble melody (or solo), recalling the events of Good Friday, followed by a powerful reminder that Jesus has overcome the grave. Text from the Apostles' Creed acts as a rhythmic verse, marked by a return of the victorious chorus. Listen to a recording of this anthem here.
Bonus: Service Music
In 2020, English composer Jeremy Rawson wrote a collection of 59 introits for church services spanning the entire year. They are free to download individually or as a collection on his website. Here are two to consider for your Palm Sunday and Easter services.
Hosanna to the Son of David (Jeremy Rawson)
SAB/SATB Choir with Organ or Piano
This festive choral introit features text paraphrased from Matthew 21 and a contrapuntal “hosanna” ending.
Very Early on Sunday Morning (Jeremy Rawson)
SAB/SATB Choir with Organ or Piano
This Easter introit tells the story of the women at the tomb early in the morning. A wonderful way to begin your Easter service!
I’d love to hear from you.
What are your favorite Palm Sunday and Easter anthems? What is your choir singing this year?
Related posts:
Ten Church Choir Anthems for Lent
Fifteen Church Choir Anthems for Advent
25 Church Choir Anthems for Ordinary Time
