Grant Project
Music of the Atrium
Rooted in a deep understanding of the child, we offer music that invites prayer, sparks wonder, and nurtures communion with Jesus and all of God’s creation.
We began with the love for the songs collected by Catherine Maresca over the years and the knowledge that they have been proven to resonate with the children. We sought to stay in the shadow of these songs and pattern our choices and recordings in that vein. We believe the simplicity of having the music a cappella as an initial introduction is important to empower the child to easily hear and sing what they are hearing on the recording.
Music Collection
The Grace Space Families Song Book
We have gathered songs that will delight your family, including the youngest children. They are easily sung and enjoyed by children, and express the joy and depth of their relationship with God. We have been singing most of these songs with children for over 40 years. They are loved for their content, and the ease with which they can be sung.
Singing expresses joy, peace, comfort, and love – giving children a natural way of praying. A few simple words, set to a lovely melody, provide the youngest children with a celebration with God that can be carried easily from the prayer table to the car, the swingset, the family table, or to bed. Older children are comforted by songs expressing more complex emotions.
Singing is a way to pray in community. Communal prayer comes more easily about age six, but both before and after this turning point music unites a family, small group, or congregation. There is joy in making music together, and in singing to celebrate the Christian seasons and celebrations throughout the year.
We screen the songs for both good music and good theology. Many are based on Scriptures or simple prayers of the church, known to be loved by children of different stages of development. We use inclusive language for both people and God as much as possible. We include music from a number of cultures, as well as spirituals. We also sing some simple words in a variety of languages, such as Peace Salaam (Arabic) Shalom (Hebrew).
Project Leader: Beverly Sanders
Beverly Sanders is a lifelong music lover and retired music teacher who calls Nashville, Tennessee home. She has spent more than two decades serving children as a catechist and formation leader in all three levels of the atrium. Beverly earned her Bachelor of Music Education from University of Kentucky in 1972 and her Master of Music Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in 1987. She has a Education for Ministry certificate from the Theology School at the University of the South.
She and her husband are active members of Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal), and when they’re not in Nashville, you might find them soaking up time with their children and grandchildren near the beautiful Teton Mountains. Beverly is an avid reader, a talented accompanist for several choruses, and can also be found happily casting a fishing line off the back of the boat.
Project Leader: Christina Hansen
Christina Hansen is a retired catechist with a heart for children. She spent over 25 years working with elementary-aged students, mostly at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville. Now she worships at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Christina and her husband David have four grown children and nine beloved grandchildren. In her free time, she loves reading, taking long walks, and enjoying peaceful moments on the beach at Cape Cod.
Project Leader: David Hansen
David Hansen’s musical journey began early—with perfect pitch and a passion for melody from the start. He started playing piano at age 6 and never looked back, singing and composing through his school years and beyond. A graduate of Amherst College (double majoring in music composition and chemistry), David later pursued a career in medicine, becoming a cardiologist and spending 35 years on the faculty at Vanderbilt University.