Composer's Notes: Each piece in this collection came from the Trinity Hymnal, a favorite in Presbyterian churches. The songs were selected for their suitability for marimba, and for their textual content which is not reproduced here. Because space would prohibit the inclusion of the lyrics, I recommend doing a title search at cyberhymnal.org in order to gain an understanding of what the authors intend to communicate. You may find this helpful to keep in mind as you interpret each piece.
"Blaine Locheed has arranged 14 hymns from the Trinity Hymnal (used in the Presbyterian church) for four-mallet, unaccompanied, low-F marimba. Included are: "Away in a Manger," "Silent Night," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Softly and Tenderly," "Spirit, Strength of All the Weak," "Fairest Lord Jesus," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Jesus Lover of My Soul," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," "We Have Not Known Thee as We Ought" and "When Peace Like a River." None of these arrangements present awkward challenges, but they will permit the skilled, lyrical marimbist to have the breadth of repertoire that can adapt to church situations. Several of these arrangements could be performed as a two or three-movement suite for secular recitals. There is careful editing regarding dynamic contrast and the suggested types of rolls that will create the best musical interpretation." - Jim Lambert Percussive Notes, October 2004.
