I ' M Pressing On (Higher Ground)

Grade Level 1

Year: 2004

Type: Swing/Jazz Style

Composer: Dorothy Gates

Program Notes:

Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” (Micah 4.2)

The music for the hymn tune “Higher Ground” was written in 1892 by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856 -1932).  The words associated with the music came later in 1898 from the pen of Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1930).

I’m Pressing On combines the tune “Higher Ground” with the Sunday School chorus “Climb, Climb Up Sunshine Mountain.”  Both express the desire to turn from the doubts and fears of this world and strive for higher ground in Christ.  Oh, to catch a glimpse of His glory!

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)