Peter Emerson is a composer of vocal jazz, choral and sacred music. He is the director of music production, theory and jazz ensembles at Harker Heights High School in Kileen, Texas. Peter plays the organ at First Baptist Waco and directs the jazz group Fifth Street Band.  You can hear other works by Peter in the Celebrating Grace Sacred Jazz Series.

 Recordings by the Fifth Street Band

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Arranged: Peter Emerson

The 7th century Latin hymn lives on in this jazz swing arrangement scored for trumpet, trombone, saxophones, rhythm, piano, and vocal solo.

Deep River

Arranged: Peter Emerson

All the pathos and joy of the spiritual "Deep River" can be heard in this jazz arrangement for trumpet, trombone, saxophones, rhythm, piano, and vocal solo. The piece begins with a slow tempo before moving into an easygoing, faster pace, then ending as it began.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Arranged: Peter Emerson

Fusion ballad writing at its best can be heard in this arrangement for trumpet, trombone, saxophones, rhythm, piano, and vocal solo. Text, tune, and musical setting converge in a beautiful acclamation of thanksgiving and praise.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Arranged: Peter Emerson

J. S. Bach would never have imagined his music arranged for trumpet, trombone, saxophones, rhythm, and piano. He would, however, recognize the joy in this jazz rendition of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Arranged: Peter Emerson

Transcending style, the enduring text and tune of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel are given jazz waltz treatment in this arrangement for trumpet, trombone, saxophones, rhythm, piano, and vocal solo.