Song commissions in many different styles…
I’ve compiled a portfolio of different song commissions I’ve worked on over the years. I hope it helps you visualize what a similar product could look like for your community. All JSK song commissions have the ability to include: the song, songleader chord sheet, notated melodic lead sheet, notated piano accompaniment, and vocal arrangements from 2-4 voices (with part tapes).
End of the Book: A Viral Purim Video
When the Temple realized they weren’t going to be able to have a Purim Shpiel “in person”, they turned to Spike to write an original purim song to share with our members. The result was ‘End of the Book’; recorded it in studio along with this family friendly music video, it garnered over 50k views across Temple’s Social platforms its first Purim cycle. (Genre: Jazz, Broadway)
Y’varechecha (The Priestly Blessing)
This composition was a project to honor Rabbi Josh Bennett’s 25 year Anniversary as a Rabbi at Temple Israel. I wrote and recorded the entire song in my home studio, featuring the vocal talents of Temple Israel’s two cantors (Michael Smolash and Neil Michaels) and Rabbi Jen Lader, in addition to creating the sheet music and this lyric video. The song and accompanying resources were presented to Rabbi Bennett during his 25th Anniversary service celebration. (Genre: Choral Trio, Folk)
“Trusty and Trueshamnu”
Here’s one of several pieces Spike composed and/or arranged for the synagogue, including several arrangements for the musical clergy team as well as the professional High Holy Day and Member Volunteer choirs. This piece combines the secular song ‘Trusty & True’ by Damien Rice with the traditional ‘Ashamnu’ melody; Temple Israel used it as a Yom Kippur Service anthem. Spike created the ending for four part choir, but had to sing all the parts himself for this video! (Genre: Folk, Choral Mashup)
Megilat Ha’atzmaut
This was a commission for the Jewish A Cappella group The Maccabeats in honor of Israel’s 70th Independence day. A challenging but very rewarding project, this song is entirely made up of language from Israel’s Declaration of Independence. It is a reminder of all that the Land of Israel could be as it works to live up to its founding creed. (Genre: Acapella, Hebrew, Anthem)
You Are (Esther’s Song)
This was a commission for Temple Israel’s Kids Purim Spiel in 2021. Based off the moment in the Megillah where Mordechai tells Esther ‘You were made to do this, you can do this’, this song is a reminder to everyone that “You are greater than you know” and not to hide your true self. (Genre: Pop, Rock, Kids, Holiday)