I Will Sing, an original song

As Hardin-Simmons University continues to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Caldwell Hall, the HSU choir will premiere a new song entitled I Will Sing. Written by HSU staff and alumnus Christian Fortner, the song articulates the eternal process of praising the Lord through music. 

Christian Fortner

While Fortner works as an admissions counselor by day to recruit prospective students to Hardin-Simmons, he participates in many choirs across Abilene: two choirs in Chorus Abilene, Classical Chorus led by HSU Choir Director Dr. Romines and BackBeat (an acapella pop group) led by HSU alumnus Serayah Peters, plus the Concert Choir at HSU “every so often.” 

Music has been a burning passion for Fortner since junior year of high school. I Will Sing was initially a passion piece only meant as a personal product. However, when he shared the piece with Dr. Romines, the two decided to collaborate and create a song for the upcoming HSU Fall Choral Showcase. 

“The piece is meant to illustrate three parts: A person of faith and Christ, a musician who creates music, and a musician specifically at HSU.” Fortner elaborates further: “On one hand, we don’t always hear or feel the voice of God or His presence, but even if that is the case, we should continue to have faith in Him. We musicians should continue to make as much music as possible and spread as much joy as we can through music.” 

An excerpt from the song reads: 

Some days there will be no music, 

Some days there will be no song, 

Yet through His silence, still 

We will sing. 

No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, Fortner believes that “we should choose to sing.” 

I Will Sing will debut on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall during the HSU Fall Choral Showcase. All are invited!