Angel Band by Oasis Chorale

Angel Band arr. Shawn Kirchner. Performed at Parkview Mennonite Church, July 2016
Purchase tracks from: www.oasischoral...
The latest sun is sinking fast,
My race is almost run;
My strongest trials now are past,
My triumph is begun.
Refrain:
Oh, come, angel band,
Come and around me stand;
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home;
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home.
I know I’m near the holy ranks
Of friends and kindred dear-
I brushed the dew on Jordan’s banks,
The crossing must be near.
I’ve almost gained my heav’nly home,
My spirit loudly sings;
Thy holy ones, behold, they come!
I hear the noise of wings.

[@sharoncurtis3413]

I have come to seek out this Oasis Chorale. Like a stranger I sit in the back...a little old lady, forever in blue jeans, but with a head covering, in prayer. But my cap is not of this heritage, it is a "chemo-cap". Pray for me. But, please, not for my physical health, really, that is fine. I am in no pain, and only pressing on, pressing on.

[@agarber1932]

Sharon, my heart is touched by your story. May God bless you and keep you.

[@mshowalter9573]

Twould be nice to go 'home ' surrounded by music like this

[@judyjones4141]

This song was sung at my great grandmother’s funeral about 80 years ago. Since then, it has become the song for all the female funerals in our family. We do it to honor our ancestors. My sister and I have always planned to have this song for our funerals, too. I recently played this version for my sister and we both agreed it was the most beautiful rendition we have heard. Unfortunately, my sister passed suddenly with no warning. I selected this rendition to be played at her funeral. It was lovely. Thank you Oasis Chorale for touching so many hearts with your singing.

[@OasisChorale]

Wow, thank you for sharing. We grieve with you in your loss and trust the Lord will give you grace and hope for this painful time. This is really special to hear. It's heartening to know about ways that God uses our music.

[@hermithank9514]

6 years later and the song sounds better to me than I remembered it! Angels singing ANGELS BAND.

[@Guitargate]

This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

[@OasisChorale]

Thanks for your comment. We strive to bring beautiful music to our audiences.

[@valliemackrell1228]

The mix of emotions that comes over me when I listen to this group is overwhelming. Tears of joy and a beautiful sadness all in one. God bless you and all of your endeavors.

[@OasisChorale]

Thank you for your encouragement! It's our joy create music that reflects God's beautiful work in the world.

[@larryc3860]

Ralph Stanley is smiling from beyond to hear a Mennonite choir sing one of his favorite gospel songs

[@drewnelson6440]

I would love to have a copy of him singing this on Prairie Home Companion. It was fiercely beautiful.

[@johnhoyle6390]

This year is the 400th anniversary of the Plymouth settlement by the 'Mayflower Pilgrims'. They did not believe in using musical instruments. William Bradford once wrote that "We refreshed ourselves with singing of psalms, making joyful melody in our hearts as well as with the voice, there being many in our congregation very expert in music, and indeed it was the sweetest music that mine ears ever heard". I never knew how nice people singing could sound. This is a wonderful sound to hear and it's amazing how nice voices alone can sound with no instruments.

[@geek49203]

Religious worship -- including music, especially music -- is always to be done as well as can be done. This is wonderful. IF the music is bad, then the most gifted preacher in the world cannot rescue the service, and I'm sometimes wondering if God's grace really does extend to such events (okay, I know better, but I think let's not test God).

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

I didn't realize they didn't believe in instruments. Scripture, though, in the Psalms says to praise the Lord with instruments. I wonder why the Puritans rejected it.

[@DanielCPurdy]

When I can, I Shape Note sing the Sacred Harp.

[@ronaldshank7589]

I really have no opinion that would either force a person to use instruments in Sacred Music, or to forcefully cause a person to abstain from using instruments in Sacred Music. I don't care either way. However, I must point out that the Bible places no restrictions on Musical Instruments being used to praise God. Look at the last 3-4 Psalms. Instruments can be used to praise God, as long as they are used in a Spiritually Appropriate Manner. I also love Acapella Music. As I said, I don't care either way.

[@ronaldshank7589]

@@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669 Because some "Religious Nut-Job" thought that God told him to refrain from using instruments in Sacred Praise to God. Some Ministers truly are led of God...and some of them make up their own "Rules and Regulations", which aren't supported by the Bible, and they do their best to cram those Man-made rules down the throats (figuratively speaking) of their Parishioners, as if what they are doing is God-Ordained! Those kinds of "Ministers" are definitely worth avoiding-They are at least some of the Spiritual Wolves that, at the least sign of resistance, will rip the resistor apart, verbally speaking. Those kinds of Ministers rule with an Iron Hand... believe me: Been there, went through that, and will never-NEVER- allow that to happen to me ever again?!!

[@bethfurry7461]

How good it must be to perform under the excellent direction of this Choirmaster!

[@louisevanhorne7791]

Stunning. Some of the most deeply spiritual singing I have ever heard. This is why choirs show up every Sunday: to be connected to God,, each other, and the congregation. Your group was doing so much more than singing. You were praying for each and every one of us.

[@OasisChorale]

We are so glad that it blessed you! God be with you!

[@ronaldshank7589]

My Brothers and Sisters, there is definitely a very strong anointing on not only this song, but on the Choir Members, and on the Director. If I was in your Choir, I'd probably be a High Bass (Baritone) Singer. I used to sing in the different Choir Classes that I was in, when I was in High School. I started off as a High Tenor, but gradually dropped from that position to Baritone. I love to sing... especially for Jesus Christ! I love him, and I want to grow deeper and deeper in him, and win souls for Jesus! Please pray for me, that God will keep me in the center of his will for my life. ✝️✝️✝️

[@nightowl16201]

Such a beautiful hymn. ❤

[@jimjandrowitz6293]

Makes me want to go back to church again.

[@OasisChorale]

We hope that you will be able to find a church where you can join other followers of Jesus.

[@nathanyoder4925]

My aunt was in the last two months of her battle with ALS when you sang this here in Kansas this past summer. Several of us dubbed it "Aunt Fannie's song" and listened to it many times during that season. It was a blessing to have you here!

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

Befitting title for this choir. God Bless!

[@gizzykat]

The stresses of life in this world leave me when I listen to this :-)

[@sunn9631]

I love how some audience members are following along with the sheet music in their hand, I LOVE THAT SO MUCH

[@donmelbouchard]

Coming from Thiessen and Schultz Mennonite stock from eastern MT, and southern MN, I resonate with this beautiful music. It's my heritage. Blessings!

[@getdusty1]

Wendell, it takes a gifted director to get the chorus to sing as one!! This is what sets your music apart from others!!! You do a magnificent job ... and God gets the Glory, right??

[@OasisChorale]

Oasis is blessed to have Wendell. Thank you for the compliment!

[@peterbird2805]

The most beautiful song I have ever heard

[@OasisChorale]

Thank you! It was one of our favorites on tour this year!

[@alan992493]

Exquisite ! Surely the Lord will Bless u for your offering and certainly the listener is blessed in the hearing of it !

[@marilynabraham5528]

Heard this on Mennonite mom’s channel when she was heading to b with her husband’s family as her father in law was passing,Hauntingly beautiful,I just had to search u tube for it!

[@margarithaverwer1917]

takes me on my wings of prayer for the lost ones so very dear to me especially my husband and son but also a longing for our babies in Heaven already and our faithful children that God will keep carrying them through if they remain faithful to Him! and I pray they will also that the youngest three will give their hearts to God as He tarries were far from church the eleven children living have all gone through a Catholic elementary and high school yet God saved them one by one praise His Name !! Will you join in prayer with me??

[@OasisChorale]

It is our deep desire to one day be carried away on the snow white wings to our immortal home. May you and your precious family be there too!

[@johnhoggard9964]

I had never heard this hymn or this group before tonight, 29 May 2022. I am a total fan. It is so appropriate on Memorial Day eve to hear thecalm assurance of our faith. Surely our God is the God of all comfort. I pray He will bless your ministry. Amen.

[@DanPurdy1]

Beautiful Gospel tune, arranged and sung just right.

[@Guitargate]

Correct.

[@fayepinkerton1550]

SINGING TO TH LORD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH 🎶 THANK YOU ETERNAL HOLY ONE✝️💖

[@dougwood2394]

My chorus Canto Deo in Denver, Colorado is singing this song for concerts June 3 and June 10 2018. I hope we convey the message as beautiful as this wonderful choir. What a beautiful sound as if one person is singing all 8 parts.

[@cardinalflower6959]

Gorgeous arrangement. Sublime singing. Bless you all.

[@montfort9581]

Beautiful. Thanks.

[@solidrock6524]

That snatches tears out of my face

[@garyburkholder6411]

To God be the Glory

[@trevorpope1913]

Glorious

[@hipal2271]

WOW!!!!!!

[@SylvusPresley]

So beautiful. Leading family and friends in this at my sweet momma’s services tomorrow... one of her favorites-she would have loved this

[@pablocora9462]

I love this arrangement of Shawn's piece and the words are just so dear to me. It brings a tear to my eye. Lovely to see see this piece executed with such heart by your chorale. Bravo.

[@OasisChorale]

Thank you, Pablo. I brings us joy to know that it blessed you.

[@janicelarkins5142]

I pictured a memorie of angels ushering a loved one home.

[@hermithank9514]

Better than money! Thank you.

[@ronaldshank7589]

There's not much of anything that's better than money...but you're right-this is!

[@craiglantz2029]

Such beautiful dissonant, yet resolving musical movements that create the conditions for solemn vows to the Lord from a clear mind and a focused heart. ♥️

[@robertdesantis6205]

CCM appeals to the flesh. This music appeals to the spirit. One glorifies the performers. The other glorifies YHWH.

[@ronaldshank7589]

If what you say is true, about CCM, then I see what you mean. I used to listen to some stuff from the very early CCM years, groups like Petra and others, but the more that I listened, I realized where they got their true "inspiration" from-Rock Music! They make up their own background music, add a few words that sound "Christian"...& they're off to the races, deceiving precious souls along the way with their poisonous love gospel rock drek!

[@vallerieshell2544]

Absolutely beautiful. Truely. Thank you so much.

[@bengtbergman4539]

This is just wonderful. It gives hope in a workshop so in big need of it. Thaiköket you, all the way from Sweden

[@analuciasilva4900]

Belíssimo!!! Conseguem transmitir sensações divinas através do seu louvor

[@brandonguz]

10/10 voices and arrangement. Almost brings me to tears

[@cardinalflower6959]

No "almost" about it!

[@suzanneburg8363]

Beautiful.

[@gregorylincoln4328]

The minister who preached my grandfather s funeral sang this song.

[@stratoman5504]

Ineffable and sublime!

[@piezymaa3450]

You are Angels!

[@Acelevi999]

Thank you ! Thank you, thank you. Thank You ❤❤❤❤❤

[@unospiritogentile]

How beautiful! Thank you!

[@eckartflohr7085]

Very fine, thanks, God bless you all!

[@reginalittle5205]

Just beautiful!

[@barbaraferrell5451]

That's so beautiful. Amazing harmony and such lovely acoustics.

[@hareshkamdar7417]

Angels have banded with you! 😊💐 - Jesus 💐

[@raymondhebert7016]

A blessed song and rendition. Gives peace to my heart as I recently lost my oldest son. Thank you Wendell and Oasis.

[@bradzabelski]

Love it. Great job everyone!

[@JosephEbersole]

...and thanks to you, we have the audio!

[@kathrynwebster6307]

This fills my soul.

[@lyndakirkness5415]

Beautiful. My choir is singing this song the end of this month, April 2018

[@bengtbergman4539]

It is wonderful. It gives hope in a workshop in big need of it. A great thank you, all the way from Sweden…

[@OasisChorale]

You are very welcome

[@agarber1932]

My heart is touched. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God Bless you for this beautiful, heartfelt singing.

[@thestitchwitch680]

How beautiful! What a tremendous blending of voices!

[@raymondgood2359]

Greetings to my cousin, Twila. Your group is spectacularly great! From your cousin, Raymond Good

[@jodielprynce]

Wonderful

[@joeyoder8511]

An 👌 song and a grt message!Thanks.

[@luticiajevtovic9760]

Sean Kirchner's arrangement.

[@zanemcginnis7970]

Wow!

[@rajeviam]

Voces de angeles.

[@willbalassi6189]

This is tuff

[@DJ-bh1ju]

Mormon Tabernacle who? THIS bunch knows what they're doing..... !

[@adrianmiller7506]

Mennonite

[@ronaldshank7589]

Love your comment! The Mormons ain't got nothing on these guys and gals!

[@luticiajevtovic9760]

@@adrianmiller7506 Arranger is Shawn Kirchner.

[@mariemelin9067]

Beautiful singing even no band

[@mikehodges5612]

Mr. Nisly, in the 2016 video of Angel Band do you have someone singing countertenor? I noticed the gentleman behind Laura Conley was singing with the altos. BTW that is a beautiful arrangement of Angel Band. Perhaps I will be able to perform it one day. I’m sorry I missed your choir when they were in Wisconsin a couple years ago.

[@OasisChorale]

Thanks for commenting and for your support, Mike! Kirchner’s “Angel Band” has the second tenors join the trebles towards the end of the first verse, which might be why you see men singing then. But yes, we did also have a male alto on the choir that year, the one and only Franklin Miller. Thanks again!

[@Footprints728]

You guys should do "Der fliegende Holländer" You'd be great. God bless.

[@gswhipkey1]

Gorgeous. Who is the arranger?

[@tobuddy-vd8fi]

Ethereal!

[@kyleyoakum9383]

Has anyone written out the lyrics or the title?

[@susanflakes6968]

12:12...

[@getdusty1]

Now come on ... what three do not like this? What is there about it that they don't like? REALLY?!?!?!

[@lyndakirkness5415]

getdusty1 I did not dislike it but I have said I don't like it because it makes me feel sad. My choir is singing it this month.

[@eleahanz1334]

I think I recognize someone...is that one of the Kimberlins in the back row?

[@OasisChorale]

Eleah Anz, yes, that is Ryan Kimberlin, who sang baritone for us for four years. :)

[@rosemiller2671]

E3

[@robmullin1128]

Beautiful but the song is fast paced and more upbeat than this.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

I'm sorry but this is straight up vanilla compared to the Peasall Sisters

[@danielspike6261]

The Peasall Sisters do a beautiful rendition of this song, one that is no doubt more in the style of the song's origin. Kirchner's arrangement is a different style, and the Oasis Chorale renders it beautifully.

[@theodorehochstetler4935]

The Peasall Sisters are all right, but this sounds like an actual Angel band!

[@mikegross6107]

This was beautiful entertainment but NOT worship because the congregation did not participate in the singing.

[@sfdint]

Huh? I'm listening to it on youtube and AM participating in worship by listening. You're letting your religious dogmas get in the way of experiencing worship in this form.

[@reginaweiner3817]

I have sung joyfully and willingly in many choirs for the love of my Savior over the years. On the rare occasions that I kept silence and let the music of another choir ring in my heart, I was just as involved in worship.

[@ronaldshank7589]

@@sfdint It just figures: There's always somebody in the "Crowd" with a critical, non-sense based attitude, that's just gotta throw shade on people, and say that, because the Congregations not singing, that the music isn't Worship. You and I are on the same page: The person that said that is full of nonsense! This music IS worship to God, and the Congregation isn't out of line, by simply listening.

[@Ukepa]

Wow! Beautiful arrangement and performance.