Thomas E. Fettke (b. Bronx, New York City, 1941), a senior editor for Word Inc., composed TELL YOUR CHILDREN for this text. The hymn was published in Lord, We Believe (1980).
Educated at Oakland City College and California State University, Hayward, Fettke has taught in several public and Christian high schools and served as minister of music ill various churches, all in California. He has published over eight hundred compositions and arrangements (some under the pseudonyms Robert F. Douglas and David J. Allen) and produced a number of recordings. Fettke was the senior editor of The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration (1986).
The tune TELL YOUR CHILDREN is framed by a repeated opening line and a repeated closing phrase. The refrain builds to a solid climax with its highest tone on the word "Lord," to whom this song directs our praise. TELL YOUR CHILDREN is suitable for either unison or part singing, but the refrain needs a convincing sense of power and majesty from singers and accompanists. This is a great piece for a brass ensemble.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook