Belford Hernandez, accompanist and director of two choral groups at Downers Grove South High School and a choral group at First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove, released his third album Friday.

The album, "Title of Gratitude," features eleven instrumental tracks performed by Hernandez on piano.

Hernandez wrote two of the songs for the album. The rest are hymns that he arranged for piano. 

"Title of Gratitude" is a "sacred CD," he said. It's inspired by the memories Hernandez has of performing in church.

"I love to play in church," he said. "I feel so connected to that music."

But that doesn't mean the album is targeted to a specific religion. It's a spiritual album, Hernandez said, and can be appreciated by anyone.

He said this album allows him to express his gratitude to the people who have supported his music.

"It's a little of giving back," he said. "I want to express thanks to everybody who has helped me and who is connected to my music."

His past two albums, including "A 'Beat" Of Me," have sold around 1,000 copies a piece. To promote the album, Hernandez will start offering concerts this winter.

All three of his albums have been recorded with the help of Rich Peck, of Geneva, Hernandez's "great friend" and professional recording engineer.

He said he records albums to share his music.

"I love to share," Hernandez said. "I hope that with my musical message I can inspire people to do good things."

Hernandez is an accompanist for the Downers Grove South High School choral program. He also directs the sophomore select choir the "Chamber Singers" and the all-boys choir "The Overtones." He conducts the youth choir at First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove.

You can purchase Hernandez's new album on iTunes or at belfordhernandez.com.