Performed in 2019 by the combined Women's Choirs of Capital University, directed by Lynda Hasseler.

Gaudete! (SSAA, Percussion) performed live by Capital University

DEMO VERSION with minimal production and rough vocals.

Verse 1
I have been grounded far too long 
Not feeling lazy, 
Just really crazy scared to launch 
But now it’s impossible to stay this way 
I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired everyday 

PreCh
I feel like combustin’ now       
And I’m just about to  

Chorus
Explode 
Explode 
I made up my mind now 
I’m ready for countdown 
I’m bout to explode 

Verse 2
T-minus double zero now 
I’m locked and I’m loaded, all systems are go, no looking down 
Set my trajectory up to the sky 
My calculations and high expectations of my flight 

PreCh
The moment has now arrived 
To shine and to come alive        
I feel like combustin’ now       
And I’m just about to  

Chorus
Explode 
Explode 
I made up my mind now 
I’m ready for countdown 
I’m bout to explode 

Chorus
Explode 
Explode 
I made up my mind now 
I’m ready for countdown 
I’m bout to explode 

Bridge - half time
Explode 
In a pyro-technicolor burst 
Explode 
Light up the universe 
Explode 
Send a shockwave thru the atmosphere 
Explode 
My time is finally here 

Chorus
Explode 
Explode 
I made up my mind now 
I’m ready for countdown 
I’m bout to explode

Explode (DEMO)

Neo-disco track with strong vibes of self-confidence and empowerment. Demo version is short and has minimal production.

Power Strut (Instrumental DEMO)

DEMO VERSION with minimal production and rough vocals.

Keep glowing forever
Keep shining your light
You know it, now own it
This is your time

Keep Glowing (DEMO With No Verses) 116bpm

DEMO VERSION with minimal production and scratch vocals.

Chorus
Life is worth living 
Love is worth giving 
Tears are worth crying 
Joy is worth finding 

Verse 1
It’s been quite the journey 
Floating thru the universe  
Mostly like an endless search 
Enduring such hurt, now you’re not sure

Is this even worth it?
You listen for answers now
A small little distant sound
A voice that is hidden deep deep down says

Verse 2
Inside, something's rising 
You’re living on purpose now 
You’re looking much further out 
You’re finding you’re power and learning how… 

Bridge
No, nothing gonna bring me down
No, nothing gonna bring me down
Nobody gonna stop me now
Nobody gonna stop me now

Outro
Nothing gonna bring me down, oh no
No one gonna stop me now, oh no

Life Is Worth Living (DEMO) 100 bpm

Based on an ancient Latin chant and includes themes of prayer, redemption, peacefulness, and hope.

Arranged, performed, and produced by Michael Engelhardt.

Salvator Mundi (Save Us)

Written for Meg on our wedding day, 11/19/11, this is an upbeat gospel tune that celebrates the fact that good things are on the horizon. (Perfect for Advent, by the way.)

This recording is the First Christian Church Choir and Band from the live worship album Filled With Wonder, available for purchase through CD Baby and iTunes.


Prepare (SATB, rhythm, horns)

A gospel piece based on the familiar Christmas text "And suddenly appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host..." written for the combined women's choirs of Millikin University, Michael Engelhardt, Conductor.

Published by Walton Music. Available for purchase though most music retailers including JW Pepper and Hal Leonard.

Live recording from 2009 Vespers at Millikin University by the University Women's Choir. Available at iTunes and First Step Records.


And Suddenly (SSA, Piano, Rhythm, Horns)

I would describe this arrangement as a quasi-industrial groove anthem based on a 16th century carol.  Published by Walton Music. This arrangement is available for purchase through most music retailers including JW Pepper and Hal Leonard.

Live recording from 2008 Vespers at Millikin University, featuring Millikin University Women's Choir. Michael Engelhardt, conductor. Full album available through itunes and at First Step Records.

Gaudete (SSAA, Percussion, Electronic Tracks)

I choose to be happy
I choose to be healthy
I choose to live my best life!

I Choose (ft. Jarrett Johnson and Big Mike Pugh)

The waiting stops now
My dreams are right in front of me
The waiting stops now
I'm right where I wanna be

The Waiting Stops Now (DEMO)

V1
All that matters is this moment
Take a hold, yeah we can own it
Let the world just swirl around us
Our eyes are clear and bright

PreCh1
And it’s all green lights
Til the morning light
Good to go the whole night (go the whole night)

Chorus
We’re living it up
Make the moment last forever
Living it up
Ain’t no worries on our mind
Living it up
Feel the mojo and momentum, electricity inside
Time to seize the night, yeah
Living it up

V2
Now they have our favorite hits on
(I’m a badass with these kicks on)
Slow and smooth and free and easy
Like we can breathe again

PreCh2
Gonna drink it in
Really needed this
Hope this night never ends (never ends)

Bridge
We’re gonna celebrate all night until the day
All night until the daylight
We’re taking all our cares gonna make em fade away
Make em fade away tonight

Living It Up - SHORT DEMO (Mike Engelhardt And Tom Engelhardt)

I have a purpose
A reason why I'm here on the earth
I have a purpose
I believe that I'm alive for the destiny I feel deep inside

I'm alive, I'm a person
Ok, now what do I do?...

Purpose (DEMO 2022)

Homemade demo of Be Thou My Vision, all vocals sung by me. Electronica meets 7/8 time in this arrangement written for Kennesaw State University Men's Ensemble directed by Dr. Leslie J. Blackwell. It was premiered at the 2104 ACDA Southern Division Conference.  Score is available for purchase at www.mikeemusic.com.

Be Thou My Vision Rehearsal Track BASS 1

Be Thou My Vision (TTBB, Bass, Percussion)

Millikin Men, directed by Michael Engelhardt.  Contemporary gospel acapella arrangement of the old Christmas hymn.  Eric McCarter, soloist. Zach Yarborough, beat box.  Dominic Glimco, recording engineer.  Recorded at MilliTrax studio, Millikin University.  Dig it!

Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow (SSATTBB, tenor solo, optional rhythm section)

Go Tell It On The Mountain (SSAA, Rhythm Section)

This medium tempo gospel song has a heavy groove filled with joy – joy that can only be felt on the other side of pain. An inspiring musical experience for choirs and audiences alike.

Lifted Me Up (SSAA, rhythm section)

Commissioned by Beth Holmes to be a “closer” for her Kentucky ACDA program, this groovy charts draws on various scriptures about unity, peace, and diversity.

How Good! (SATB, piano, optional rhythm section)

A setting of a gorgeous text by 11th century mystical poet & nun, Hildegard von Bingen. Translating to “O Glistening Starlight”,  the poem draws on multiple images of Christ as starlight, as a royal darling, as a precious gem, as a citizen among the angels, and as one who flies from the enemy’s cave into the palace of the King. Stunning imagery for SSA (with 4-part divisi in the last few bars), piano and violin (or other C instrument such as oboe or flute).

O Choruscans Lux Stellarum (SSA, piano, c instrument)

One of Mike’s earliest pieces, the compositional technique was chosen to mirror the dichotomy of simplicity and complexity found in this timeless text. The use of C major, all white keys on the piano, symbolizes the stark simplicity of the nativity scene. The dissonant harmonies represent the profundity of the Messiah’s birth, a world-changing event.

O Magnum Mysterium (SATB divisi, a cappella)

EXCELLENT recording by Millikin University Choir, directed by Dr. Brad Holmes, from their CD "Exsultate!" on First Step Records.  This is easily the most definitive recording of the TTBB version to date.

Gaudete (TTBB divisi, percussion) performed by Millikin University

Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming (SSAA, organ)

I Believe (SATB, piano, optional rhythm)

Written for the 2014-15 All-State Choirs of Minnesota and Kansas, directed by Brad Holmes.  It has been performed at Carnegie Hall twice. 

This recording is performed by Michael Engelhardt

I Will Sing (SSATB, Piano, Bass, Drums)

My Deepest Desire (ft. Shawn Sommer)

Gregorian chant is harmonized and woven together with an acoustic version of the the old hymn. Written for Good Friday.

O Sacred Head - Salvator Mundi (SSAB, Acoustic Guitar)

Based on an ancient chant, the text is Latin, with themes of victory, courage, struggle, conflict, resilience, empowerment, triumph, good vs evil, and redemption.

Arranged by Michael Engelhardt for TTBB Choir, Vocoder, Percussion, and Electronic Tracks. Performed by Vocal Edge. Produced by Michael Engelhardt, Tom Engelhardt, and Tony Marx.

Commissioned by University of Kentucky Men's Chorus, conducted by Dr. Jefferson Johnson. Premiered at the 2015 ACDA National Conference in Salt Lake City.

Victimae Paschali Laudes (The Victorious Victim)

SATB up-tempo gospel-style chart with an inclusive secular text. Written for the choirs of Morris High School (Illinois).

United (SATB, Piano, Rhythm)

This upbeat arrangement of a traditional spiritual will surely keep you on your toes.  It is full of jazzy harmonies and soulful swing.  Arranged for the 2014-15 Kansas City Kansas Community College Choir under John Stafford.

Yonder Come Day (SATB divisi unaccompanied)

Zeros and Ones is a modern spiritual with a slow groove and lyrics that discuss the side effects of the digital age.  Written by Mike Engelhardt and Brad Holmes in 2006.

Zeros And Ones (TTBB, Electronic Tracks)

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1178310152?ls=1&app=itunes
Amazon: http://a.co/7AYhEpF

I'm excited to announce my first EVER mp3 single release as a solo artist! What makes this unique? How is it different from anything else I've done?

First, this tune was completely written and recorded by me, using only my vocals. Some of you have heard my 'demo' quality recordings before -- I usually create a self-sung demo when I write a new choral piece, but they are done quickly and are mediocre in quality -- useful, but not pretty. 

By contrast, on this project, I approached it as though I were in league with artists like Pentatonix or Voctave. I really shot for the moon with my vocal performance.

Second, this song only uses one word, "Love." I've never written a one-word song before! 

The client who commissioned the piece requested that I only use the word "Love" because it aligned best with their mission and brand. Long story short, the organization folded shortly thereafter without fulfilling their end of the contract. So, the tune just sat there...on my computer...for a couple of YEARS.

Third, this is the first time I've ever worked with seriously legit mixing and mastering engineers for the post-production side of the project. When I say seriously legit, I mean GRAMMY award winning dudes who have worked on major Pentatonix and Swingle Singers albums. 

All of the tracks were recorded in our living room in Decatur, Illinois. (Mediocre microphone, Mac Logic Pro software.) I took those raw tracks and sent them to a guy named Danny Ozment in Nashville who edited everything, added tuning, tightened rhythms, and other acts of wizardry. He then forwarded them to the big dog, Bill Hare, in Los Angeles, who did several versions of the final mix and mastering based on several conversations and text messages. It was SO FUN to collaborate with artists at that level!

But beyond all of that, this is the first time that I've been pleased enough with one of my own recordings that I thought it was worthy of releasing to iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and so on, and actually asking people to consider purchasing it. 

Which is funny, considering that music has been my profession and livelihood for 20+ years now. I guess I just feel like there is something special in this track. Something deep within me really translated into recorded sound waves. There was an ease, a clarity, an authenticity to my singing. It really sounds like MY REAL VOICE.

Love (SATB divisi unaccompanied)

A setting of the first chorus from St. Hildegard von Bingen's musical play 'Ordo Virtutum.' Arranged for women's choir, bass instrument, and percussion. Commissioned in 2016 by Donna Tallman and the Elmhurst College Women's Choir. Published by Walton Music in 2017.

Recording: Pacific Lutheran University Singers conducted by Brian Galante

O Antiqui Sancti (SSAA, Bass, Percussion)

Performed by Millikin University's OneVoice, courtesy of First Step Records.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3CNDQ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_c3OGzbQTV5QZ5
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oto%C3%B1o-ep/id1204668011

Otoño

Rest (SATB, Rhythm)

Performed by VOCASPHERE, arranged and directed by Michael Engelhardt. Tenor soloist is Nicholas Ertsgaard.  Recorded live at the Millikin University Homecoming Choir Concert at Central Christian Church in Decatur, IL, in October 2012.

Wayfaring Stranger (SATB divisi, percussion, bass, optional track)

Composer | Conductor | Songwriter | Singer
Creator of WholeNotes & BeerChoir

Michael Engelhardt

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