How Can I Keep From Singing? - Shenandoah Christian Music Camp

"How Can I Keep From Singing" attr. Robert Lowry, arr. Dare to Breathe. Sung at the 16th Annual Choral Festival 2023 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA). Conducted by Franklin Miller.
www.musiccamp....
The choir covers their faces to represent the text which speaks of darkness closing in around us:
"What though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth!
What though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth."

[@randyfosternashville]

My life goes on in endless song Above earth's lamentation I hear the real, though far-off hymn That hails a new creation No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging Since love is lord of heaven and earth How can I keep from singing? When tyrants tremble in their fear And hear their death knell ringing When friends rejoice both far and near How can I keep from singing? In prison cell and dungeon vile Our thoughts to them are winging When friends by shame are undefiled How can I keep from singing? While though the tempest loudly roars I hear the truth, it liveth And though the darkness 'round me close Songs in the night it giveth Through all the tumult and the strife I hear its music ringing It sounds an echo in my soul How can I keep from singing?

[@dr.amalarathna570]

Thankyou for writing the lyrics. God bless.

[@gracemcgee1915]

Beautiful!

[@lukeroberts6019]

Why would a church choir use the Pete Seeger lyrics and not the original?

[@DB-cx6cb]

❤️I’m so disappointed in my Baptist church that’s removed hymnal books and deserted the rich history for three liner contemporary songs that is pure entertainment for kids. Thank you for such a beautiful presentation of music.

[@deliseovpstudio2978]

I agree that it is sad that the "classic" hymns are being outright abandoned/discarded/marginalized. To me, that's just as sad as actually having hymnals, but the clergy/leadership ONLY selects a few of that leader's "favorite" hymns to be sung throughout the church year. Now, the "contemporary" songs and Spiritual songs may be simplistic, but - - even though I have to frequently "search for substance" in some of the songs, I try to keep in mind that not everyone standing to their feet to sing is ready to receive the same kind of "meal"... Some folks, new to Christ and "church going" may only be ready for the "milk of The Word" while others need more of the "meat of The Word" in order to be filled. I could understand how it would make for a dissatisfying worship experience for ALL of the music to be just one kind of music genre/format. - - I'll keep you in my prayers (I serve in an American Baptist Church myself).

[@StonesAndSand]

I'm in an identical situation, and I no longer go to church...and I find I no longer feel that un-named agitation that comes with all that wild music.

[@Orpilorp]

That was beautiful! The Lord gave my husband and I this song when our little baby died. Yes, we were grieving the absence of him, but he was with our Lord! And we could sing, even if it was just in our hearts.❤

[@kathdudek1673]

May you continue in His comfort.

[@janokelley2422]

Thank you, dear one. You remembered the truth.

[@mechellturner3915]

, That baby is singing. bless you Gods comfort you

[@wallacewallace4801]

Amen and Amen!! Your little one may be singing and dancing with our daughter, Allegra! Oh yes - Amen! I thank you, Lord, for this family and for loving us first so that we can love You ❤

[@louettesommers8594]

Yes dear sister. I understand what you’re saying. My dear husband and I lost three of our sons over the years. I believe two of them are singing at the feet of our Lord. One of them was 23 when he died and he took his own life. For me his death is the most devastating death because I don’t have the assurance of knowing if he had turned to The Lord. May The Lord bless and comfort the mommies and daddies who have children who have gone before us. 🙏🏻

[@jabscha7051]

I am a Catholic in love with the hymn traditions of my Christian brethren. This made me cry, something that music rarely makes me do. Thank you for sharing :)

[@shilovanwyk8575]

This choir should definitely not keep from singing 🎶 This music was inspired! Praises to God

[@gloriasams4687]

Love this song so much that I listened to it over and over about 4 times🙏❤️

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

Praise his most Holy and Precious name...King Jesus !

[@ronniemaynor4434]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you.

[@user-ux3vb5zg1p]

You must have one of the best choirs in the world it sounds perfect

[@silviaconrad8401]

This is how I imagine heaven.

[@getdusty1]

No greater compliment could be paid than perfect silence at the end. Extremely well done!!! I love this song by Enya.

[@majorlaff8682]

This song is much older than Enya: Enya: "This is another song that’s very old, it’s two hundred and fifty years old and it was written in America by the Shaker sect. And I felt the melody was very beautiful, and the lyrics were very strong. They talked about the trouble in the world, the strife, the turmoil, but at the end of each verse it simply said "how can I keep from singing?".

[@leekflower1]

Very old song. Enya put her own spin on it.

[@majorlaff8682]

@@leekflower1 She did. And what a great job of it.

[@tecora7419]

Never heard this song before…Beautiful

[@n.k.vanherk1708]

Enya as wel

[@michaelsteane9926]

@@n.k.vanherk1708 And Eva Cassidy

[@beckymccreary592]

One of my favorite songs ever. Always brings tears to my eyes.

[@Hany-fu1vc]

What a tremendously beautiful and powerful Christ-centered Biblical singing in honor, praise and worship of Our Lord and God Jesus Christ. May Our Lord and God Jesus Christ Bless The Great Christian Peoples of America, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & Moldova, and May Our Lord and God Jesus Christ Bless us all who stand strong in Our Faith in Christ throughout the world Amen. In The Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit The Only One True God as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end Amen❤❤❤❤

[@clayshiawillis4725]

and the Messianic Jews 🛐 Amen

[@tjmaverick1765]

Church of Christ member here. I always enjoy watching your videos, the singing is beautiful. I also love joint worship services when the Mennonites join us at summer church camp.

[@georgedunn320]

Since it was in a church, I wish they'd had the will to do the original sacred version and not the PC one.

[@franklinmiller4903]

@@georgedunn320 I would chalk that up to being more of an oversight vs. being PC.

[@jrdelauter8599]

I keep trying to locate the soprano! Love the high notes

[@possumwattle7891]

This is the first time I have heard this, you are all spectacular.❤

[@joliereinhardt903]

Agreed...it was beautiful

[@saracampbell9392]

This is the first time I have heard your group or that song. Absolutely beautiful!

[@janesmith9024]

Lovely singing - thank you from the UK. I know church music but this was a new one for me.

[@creativeplanetjanet]

The respectful silence at the end is meaningful and appreciated, but How can I keep from applauding?👏

[@marie-odilecapdeville2689]

Je vous suis de France : votre chorale est absolument magnifique ! Merci de la mettre en ligne ! Be blessed !

[@PvO385]

Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright!

[@santhawhite4755]

awesome beautiful. thank you for sharing.

[@karolachauhan8997]

This choir is so beautiful. All the songs are simply beautiful sang. I wish I could be tart of them. I love singing

[@mosart7025]

One of my favorite hymns! How meaningful in many ways. Lovely rendition!

[@bryanashberry7642]

Wow! Thank you for your rendition of one of my favourite songs. May God bless your ministry of singing.

[@cathys949]

This is a beautiful song! I've never heard it before. The rhythm is so unusual. Thank you for sharing your choir.

[@lanakuhns5257]

Stunning rendition! God bless!

[@annekescholten3532]

Sounds like angels… woww…

[@minajones1635]

Breathtaking! 😊

[@pinkropers]

Beautiful and not only that this performance is a blessing!

[@schnauzerloversmom]

Love your beautiful voices!!

[@russellbenney7605]

Michigan here. So lovely, so well done. Thank you.

[@utubemouse]

A blessing. Thank you for sharing this praise and declaration.

[@karlharrelson1091]

Let God's voice be heard!

[@user-snowman5]

Wow oh wow so beautiful 😍

[@waynerobbins1310]

Glorious. Blessings on you all.

[@EbenFuller]

Amen and Bravo.... well done! :-) May God bless you as you bless others with such sweet, Heavenly music! :-) THANK YOU!

[@debbieastle7950]

Wow, you've got a gorgeous tenor voice in that group at the beginning

[@donnadurie2890]

That was really beautiful. Praise the Lord ❤

[@user-ec8vy6nn3s]

Wow! Loved it - it gave me goosebumps to listen to that! More, please?

[@scottjohnson6173]

That was lovely, thank you

[@uwade7688]

Beautiful sound!

[@bobfrapples1208]

Everything keep bringing me back to this.

[@Caderdi]

Wow! Beautifully done. Amen!

[@kenmcfarlane7534]

OH SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@ednadyck2986]

Beautiful harmony

[@user-nj2bn5dl3c]

Beautiful!

[@gailheinrichs6263]

I have requested this song for my funeral

[@peggentle6882]

Beautiful and glorious!!!!

[@Michael-q5h]

I can feel the energy in this place. Very Beautiful

[@ericpenrod117]

Wow!! Such a beautiful song and performance. Thanks for sharing.

[@gottalovepiano5682]

✝️ Absolutely excellent singing!!! 🎶🎵 We are truly blessed! Amen!

[@lindapartner9693]

Majestic

[@coelisanctus]

Just beautiful.

[@homeworshipwithmartyandamy7754]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@merryhunt9153]

Beautiful and reverent. Thank you.

[@berndwaldow8568]

Very beautiful song, beautifully sung. God's rich blessing, in the love of Jesus.

[@awesomeglitter1235]

your choral arrangements always move me to tears. beautiful performance. i am grieving and have not been doing well. thank you for sharing

[@norbertwfroese7092]

Thank you for sharing. So stirring and inspiring.

[@connieotero3890]

Amazing! Thank you Jesus! Connie in rural Pa.

[@fredericg4890]

En Français, en Russe, en Anglais, etc...que les chants sont beaux quand ils chantent le Seigneur.

[@debbieramsey8933]

Superlative!

[@lisaparker1607]

Beautiful!

[@ssebastian9436]

Didn’t know this is an American hymn. Great harmony and lyrics

[@karenstieglitz3443]

Such Beauty!

[@antm64]

So beautiful!!

[@garyingersoll2460]

so beautiful

[@bdavis7801]

👏 👏 👏 That's beautiful!

[@catherineguillouet8011]

So beautiful😍

[@keepfocus1214]

What an amazing hymn..

[@EastValleyChorale]

very nice sound. thanks for sharing.

[@moxeyjc]

How beautiful!

[@peggymcd4939]

3 am beautiful song 🙏🏼

[@margie2853]

Beautiful

[@margaretlynch1494]

Lovely!

[@abigailhumes4608]

beautiful!

[@JuancaMarbello]

Good work, thanks to share

[@AnneD3]

Very moving. Thank you. Can someone please explain the hands in front of their faces?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your question! Since so many people have asked the same thing, we put an explanation in the video description.

[@AnneD3]

Great, thank you!

[@ausblickeinblick2238]

Großartig! DANKE

[@stevenfairless4931]

Having experienced a singing congregation spurred on by a disciplined director and Biblical teaching ... I miss it dearly. I have witnessed inexplicable revival ... perhaps I will again. Nice Camp, very nice.

[@LittavArven]

Wow! :D

[@talitasmit9337]

❤

[@sheilaboomershine7142]

Didn’t Enya do a version of this song. Choir is magnificent.

[@Mission-rj8qw]

❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁😁😁🙏🙏🙏

[@gracedeline7389]

Beautiful! I'm curious why they put their hands over their faces?

[@lecleland1]

I would like to know what denomination this group is. I love their music and would like to find a church so that I could hear more.

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! This group is part of a week-long music camp that we host each summer. It is a collection of denominations and church groups, but the overarching community would be Anabaptist. Learn more at www.musiccamp.info/who-we-are/#our-communities

[@Muzika_Gospel]

❤❤❤

[@tiajamir7733]

Beautifully and perfectly presented...God bless. Can anyone please share the sheet music of this version?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! You can find the sheet music for this version at GraphitePublishing.com

[@gatcrodgers]

Gave me chills ... what beautiful SINGING! Hallelujah!

[@user-ux3vb5zg1p]

Never keep from singing

[@nmjabour]

what is the significance of covering the face? is it because the verse with "darkness"?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, that is why they cover their faces.

[@robertlagruth516]

Amen. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸%

[@rallegra]

The arrangement and harmonies are gorgeous. What was the significance of some of them covering their faces?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! We added an explanation to the video description since many other people have asked that same question.

[@JoyBringers]

I look around and everybody looks the same, in the congregation and in the choir. I wonder if the Jewish carpenter would be welcomed in such a place🤔

[@vicsingeorzan8375]

Very nice.praised the Lord I’m curious what Church is this and where are they located?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! We are a non-profit organization dedicated to growing disciples whose music-making reflects Jesus. One of the ways we do that is by hosting a week-long music camp each summer in Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario. This video comes from the ending program at the VA camp. You can learn more about us at www.musiccamp.info

[@marynagy8072]

Can someone please explain, what is the reason and meaning, of parts of the choir lowering their heads, and holding a hand in front of one’s face, while remaining silent?

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your question! A lot of other people asked that so we added an explanation in the video description.

[@marynagy8072]

@@SCMC Thank-you! This is a wonderful selection and choir rendering, with expression. I appreciate the choir members perform this without a written script! Fantastic depth!

[@valeriemurray9903]

Would like the lyrics

[@childofmary7959]

Why do they cover their faces at one point in the song? It just s very beautiful!

[@SCMC]

Thanks for your comment! We added an explanation to the video description since many other people have asked that same question.

[@childofmary7959]

Thank you for sharing the reason - the music is already so beautiful, and even though I didn’t understand why they covered their faces, it certainly affected me. When I read the reason, I teared up. I have enjoyed many of your videos, and this is one I will certainly watch again.

[@cameramano1]

What is the significance of those not singing covering their faces?

[@jlg3550]

I think it has to do with the words or message of the song

[@deannapeters3904]

Speaking as one who was there… the ones who were singing had all been at music camp for 3 or more consecutive years. And those who had their faves covered and not singing were all there either their first year or second year.

[@eszhun2296]

Explained in the video description

[@cameramano1]

Thank you all. A beautiful thing to receive answers and context. As a Christian of a different tradition that often uses 4-part harmony in worship, your community's music has been an inspiration and devotional centering for myself and my communities.