Gospel anthem arrangement honors Anton Armstrong’s service-minded career
Alma Bazel Androzzo wrote the great gospel anthem “If I Can Help Somebody” while she was doing missionary work in Pittsburgh during the final years of the Great Depression. Its emboldening message of hope and service has continued to resonate with generations of peacemakers, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
He used its lyrics to conclude the sermon “The Drum Major Instinct” which held special significance for him. At Dr. King’s request, a recording of that sermon was played during his funeral which followed his tragic assassination in 1968.
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he is traveling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can do my duty as a Christian ought,
If I can bring back beauty to a world up-wrought,
If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
Then my living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain;
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
Then my living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain;
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
Then my living shall not,
Then my living shall not,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
— “If I Can Help Somebody” arr. André Thomas SATB div solo and keyboard Boosey and Hawkes Inc. Publisher ID. 48024913
Androzzo’s original tune, published in 1945, has received a fresh arrangement in 2020 by renowned composer and conductor André Thomas. As a dear friend and lifelong colleague of Tosdal Professor of Music Anton Armstrong ‘78, Thomas was commissioned for the work by Director of College Relations for Music Organizations Jean Parish to help celebrate Armstrong’s 30th year conducting the St. Olaf Choir.
“When I began to think about what really represents you, it is your idea of service,” Thomas explains in a video prelude directed towards his friend. “The service you give to others through your music. And when I thought about that, the only thing I could do was come up with the arrangement you’re going to hear … God bless you and keep on keeping on.”
“If I Can Help Somebody” was recorded remotely by individual members of the 2019-20 St. Olaf Choir featuring Assistant Professor of Music Tesfa Wondemagegnehu as soloist and collaborator, with mixing and editing provided by St. Olaf Broadcast Media Services. It was presented as a surprise to Armstrong with video introductions by Thomas and some of Armstrong’s closest colleagues.
“One of your wonderful gifts is that gift of friendship and camaraderie and care and concern. That’s genuine. And it’s authentic,” says Vice President for Enrollment and College Relations Michael Kyle.
“You have made a permanent mark at the college and on choral music throughout the world and we are all better for it,” says Parish.
“This piece, text, and message evoke what is at the center of your heart: you embody the spirit of this message in your work with singers everywhere. I am grateful every day to work with you and I look forward to many more years together. Congratulations on 30 years at St. Olaf and as the conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.”