Secular

A Cappella Animals

SSATB, a cappella

A little humor for your a cappella choir comes your way with this set of short songs about various animals. Each movement includes some choralography that will delight your audience. Enjoy!

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Aesop’s Fables (Volume 1)

As part of the first volume of adapting Aesop’s morals and tales into concert works for your school choir, these fables are varied in their musical settings.  Illustrating each story is the colorful piano accompaniment that gives the player the opportunity to perform multiple eras of musical styles, and the voice leading facilitates the choir to become narrators of Aesop’s tales and bring the stories to life. Your audiences will enjoy hearing each movement as they unfold from the stage.

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSA TTB Two-Part

And I Can Sing (The Gift to Sing)

SATB and Piano

Using the poem The Gift to Sing by James Weldon Johnson, this dramatic composition takes the singers and audience alike on an adventure discovering their own unique voice.  Beginning as a lyrical melody in minor, the piece builds to its parallel major with a declaration from the poem’s text and evolves even further to an epic and dramatic statement universal to everybody.  This will be a great addition to your concert or festival repertoire celebrating the art of singing.

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Canzones de Sardigna
(Songs of Sardinia)

TTBB, a cappella

The island of Sardinia is the second-largest in the Meditteranean Sea, incorporating linguistics stemming from both Italian and Spanish roots. Its rich artistic history comes from its inspirational poetry and its unique musical performance creation of canto a tenore. Canto a tenore (kahn-toh ah teh-noh-reh) is a stylized form of polyphonic quartet singing for secular textual passages (for sacred passages, this style of singing would be known as canto a cuncordu) in which the lead singer (boghe) performs a passage very freely without meter, being answered with nonsensical syllables by the bass (bassu) and baritone (contra) sing gutterally to the tune of a perfect fifth and the fourth voice (mesu boghe) with a melismatic passage of their own. Mainly an oral tradition, the form has embellished over time with including metrical, syncopated works akin to dances and anthems of a brighter future and improved homeland. This tribute with text selections from famed Sardinian poets Melchiorre Murenu (the “Homer” of Sardinian poetry) and Pompeo Calvia captures the pure essence of the singing style of canto a tenore and brings it to your men’s choir to perform and appreciate this distinct style of musical performance around the world.

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Casey At the Bat

TTBB, a cappella

Reminiscent of the treasured Robert Shaw sea chanty and glee club arrangements, this jovial work will bring joy and brotherhood to your men’s choir rehearsals and performances.  In 6/8 meter and an accessible melodic range, the work evolves into a new texture with each new stanza of the famous Ernest Lawrence Thayer poem.  There are opportunities for solos and a small ensemble for singers to be in the spotlight.  Take a swing with your men’s choir, and your audience will enjoy this work like it’s a night out at the ballpark!

This composition received Second Prize (Tenor/Bass Choir) in the 2023 ACDA Composition Focus Prize.

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The Character of a Happy Life

SATB and Piano

This text of perseverence by Sir Henry Wotton is brought to life with this vibrant choral work.  The shifting meter changes bring a dancing spirit with the optimism of the poetry.  As the work progresses, the harmonic range reaches an expansion for each voice part to create their own melodic expressions.  The piano accompaniment is accessible yet with its own challenges that continuously add to the song’s liveliness.  An a cappella section is soon reached for the choir to bring a new dynamic, recapitulating with a renewed and heightened energy of the song’s opening stanza.  The work concludes with a soaring freedom and emphatic declaration that will definitively be heard and felt by singers in the choir as well as your audience.  Appropriate for general concerts and contests/festivals for high school and community choirs.  Enjoy!

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Christmas in the Heart

SATB and Piano

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s expressive poetry has become increasingly popular over recent years, particularly of choral composers setting his words to music. With a pop ballad setting, the message of the text takes the spotlight with a supportive piano accompaniment that propels the story. Lyrical voice writing lead to heightened dramatic points throughout the song, making this work an enjoyable musical experience for the singers and audience alike.

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(This is) Christmas Morning

SATB, a cappella

An upbeat and inviting song for the Christmas season, your choir will have a fun time performing this work!  This playful illustration of Edwin Waugh’s text features a lilting beat and lyrical voice leading, along with a short quotation of Deck the Hall and a solo opportunity.

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December

This gentle and lyrical setting of Harriet Blodgett’s poem evokes a whimsical remembrance and thankfulness in the yuletide season.  The folk-like melody is supported by the legato arpeggiations of the piano and the blossoming texture of the vocal harmonies that enliven the poetic text.  Suitable for school choirs and community choruses of any size, let this song be a reminder of the many gifts the Christmas season continues to give for all of us.

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSA TTB Unison/Two-Part

Dueling Proverbs

There are many worldly phrases which personify our morals and philosophies, but sometimes they can speak against the same value and it’s up to us to decide which path to follow. This illustrative choral setting lists some of these opposing proverbs, making a fun adventure for your singers and audience to decide which paths to follow in their own lives.

Score Previews: SA TB Two-Part

Elegy of a Man in Missouri

TTBB, a cappella

Reminiscent of the well-known folk song Wayfaring Stranger, this new choral song portrays another nomadic individual remaining optimistic and content while others see him seemingly empty around and within himself. The melody switches between voices as the piece escalates in intensity and lyric dramaticism, illustrated by the harmonizing voices creating a supportive accompaniment pattern in thebackground. The ending recapitulates the opening and resolves to an open resolution for the audience to ponder about its message. Ideal for high school and collegiate ensembles.

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The Eve of Christmas

This gentle setting of Tennyson’s text features lyrical writing and simple harmonic sequences that bring a gentle expression to the beautiful message from the poetry. This accessible work will be an exquisite experience for your choir at their next yuletide performance.

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSA

Everywhere, Everywhere, Christmas Tonight!

SATB, a cappella

The Phillips Brooks poem creates a beautiful picture of the winter wonderland usually associated with the Christmas season, and singing its praises are the yuletide carolers.  This uplifting a cappella setting, akin to singing a yuletide carol, gives the choral ensemble the opportunity to perform anywhere of the winter holiday and all its wonderment.   Singers will have a delight performing this work at your next concert and special events in your community.

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Finding Strength in Shadows

from Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina

SATB and 3 Drums, a cappella

This is the third movement from the extended choral work Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina.

The three drums kick off this effervescent work, creating a joyful rhythmic cadence upon which the the choir sings. The inspiring text lifts the spirits of the singers and audience alike as the harmonies propel through slight modulations and resolutions to the original key. The work moves swiftly into a mele hula (dance that tells or depicts a story) about the Phoenix bird rising from its ashes and beginning to live a new life for itself. With a call and response setting transcending into the melodic treatment, the eight voices create a powerful and triumphant ending to this song.

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Drum part scores (available free to download):
Large Pahu Medium Pahu Small Pahu

Full score and other movements (On That Night, Forever Anew, Kama’aina) also available for purchase. For the full extended choral work, click here.

Forever Anew

from Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina

SATB, a cappella

This is the second movement from the extended choral work Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina.

After the horrific Maui wildfires, many residents of Lahaina (like many of us after a devastating event) became distraught and hopeless that their homeland was destroyed. This prayer gives solemness to this moment in the aftermath with the wish to bring their houses and livelihoods back again. A solo opportunity with an accompanying aleatoric choir creates a unique sound illustration that will astound your audience in performance. A closing statement gives renewed hope for a better tomorrow.

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There are no drum parts/scores with this work.

Full score and other movements (On That Night, Finding Strength in Shadows, Kama’aina) also available for purchase. For the full extended choral work, click here.

Four Witticisms

SATB and Piano

This set of four short pieces was inspired by various word puzzle solutions. Each piece presents a humorous pun set in a unique musical style to highlight the lyric presentation. Four Witticisms makes a great concert closer that provides no better “alto-rnative” than a smile or giggle!

I. I Bought Me a Bakery
II. Fish in a Basket
III. My Friend’s Dog
IV. The Fence Builders

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From the Mountain

SSATBB, a cappella

The short, beautiful poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is given a magnified setting for six-part unaccompanied voices. With fluid lines and enriching harmonies, this work is a masterful illustration of bringing poetry to life with painting a musical picture, with voices depicting gently-blowing wind and swirling snow (among other aspects) on the mountaintop. A polyrhythmic middle section creates quite the challenge for even the most advanced of scholastic choral ensembles. Perfect for state music festivals and general concerts for intermediate-advanced high school, collegiate, and community ensembles.

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Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

SATB Chorus, unaccompanied

A great piece for high school choirs, this newly-written madrigal utilizes text-painting and lilt and was inspired by Of All the Birds by John Bartlet.

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I Am In Need of Music

The timeless words of Elizabeth Bishop receive a classical treatment with this lyrical melody supported by light, arpeggiated accompaniment (though written in 3/4 meter feels like 9/8 meter because of the consistant triplets). Suitable for any occasion and concert performance.

Score Previews: SATB SAB

I Am the World

The poet’s powerful words are fully encapsulated in this new choral anthem. The beginning declaration segues into a fast traveling waltz with a fervent and adventurous piano accompaniment. A slower, introspective section then returns to the fast waltz toward a final callback of the opening.

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSA TBB Two-Part

I Will Be Worthy of It

SATB, unaccompanied

Inspirational poetry set this new choral work into motion with rhythmic vitality and contrasting melodic lines. A call-and-response between voice sections heightens the excitement of the song, and a gospel-like chorus repeat gives your choir the opportunity to let loose, allowing for an opportunity for a soloist to riff. Ideal as a concert closer. Your choir will love this work and have fun!

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Irish Prayer

A simple and short, yet effective setting of the traditional Irish prayer text. The men and women begin separately, but join together for the last phrases of the song “and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSA TTB Unison/Two-Part

The Joy of Giving

(Benediction)

This deceptively simple Christmas tune is rich with its nontraditional key signature, homophonic texture, and harmonic suspensions.  It can be performed with or without piano accompaniment, making it accessible for singers to perform anywhere.  Set like a benediction, this work would be perfect as a concert closer for your entire choir department to sing together at the end of your holiday concert.  The text by John Whittier reminds us to be thankful for the Christmas season and share that same sentiment with others “all the year through”.

Score Previews: SATB SAB SSAA TTBB Unison/Two-Part

Kama’aina

from Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina

SATB and 3 Drums, a cappella

This is the fourth and final movement from the choral work Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina.

Reminiscent of the traditional Hawaiian ballads and anthems, this inspirational song guides the singers and audiences to come together and rejoice in coming back from devastating times. A brief choral prelude leads to the solo introduction of the melody. The song continues to expand and grow in its texture, coming to the wider harmonic structures in the bridge and the final declarations of the residents of Lahaina. The choir has the option to move from its original stage formation to gather closer to the audience during the song. Let this song of victory be echoed in your life in your moments of triumph!

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Drum part scores (available free to download):
Large Pahu Medium Pahu Small Pahu

Full score and other movements (On That Night, Forever Anew, Finding Strength in Shadows) also available for purchase. For the full extended choral work, click here.

Kolibri

SATB or SSA with Piano

Set to poetry by Charles Anthony Silvestri, this work tells the story of the Kolibri (from the German for “hummingbird”) finding love again after a time of loneliness. Lyrical voice-leading and close-knit harmonies are supported by an illustrative piano accompaniment, allowing singers to explore expressive singing and vocal artistry.

Score Previews: SATB SSA

Let Me Make the Songs for the People

Two-Part, a cappella

This proud anthem will help your chorus achieve the ability to perform a cappella works at your next concert. With an extended range and differing rhythmic passages, this work will be a rewarding challenge to perform. The song begins with parallel verse-like stanzas then diverting to a new harmonic that builds toward the climactic end.

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Loch Lomond

SATB and Baritone Solo, a cappella

The familiar Scottish folk song receives a new and refreshing arrangement. Featuring a baritone solo mostly throughout the work, the chorus adds a whimsical setting with lyrical voice-leading and sustained dominant cadences. This work will take you to a fantastical image where true loves may meet again and will have your audiences entranced with your performance.

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Love and Friendship

SSA and Piano

With text by the English novelist and poet Emily Bronte, this engaging and lyrical original work is approachable enough for treble choirs of all ages. The melodic motive is memorable, and the use of some closer harmonies brings a maturity and depth to the gentle setting. With a message of togetherness, this concert or festival selection is sure to be a favorite.

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The Moment of Magic

SSA and Piano

Your women’s choir will embrace the beauty and power that music can bring with this work. The choir fully illustrates Victoria Safford’s timeless text and creates a wonderful picture of sound. The piano steadily accompanies the voices throughout the piece.

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On That Night

from Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina

SATB and 3 Drums, a cappella

This is the first movement from the extended choral work Rising from the Ashes: Stories of Lahaina.

Depicting the devastation and horror incurred in the Maui wildfires of August 2023, the choir and drums establish a powerful and unrelenting rhythmic drive without slowing down.  The text of the melody gets further illustrated with texture painting (wind blowing) and chord clusters (sirens), culminating in the cacophony of all these sounds along with a small ensemble from the choir making shouts and shrieks. As the music fades away, so does the hope of the Lahaina residents as their homeland is burned away forever.

Score Preview
Drum part scores (available free to download):
Large Pahu Medium Pahu Small Pahu

Full score and other movements (Forever Anew, Finding Strength in Shadows, Kama’aina) also available for purchase. For the full extended choral work, click here.

Ozymandias

TTBB, a cappella

Shelley’s epic poem is given this musical setting for unaccompanied men’s chorus.  The haunting, ethereal nature of the text is illustrated with moving motivic lines and solid voice textures.  Chordal harmonies propel the work to create further symphonic passages, with the chorus dividing into eight parts at times.  Two soloists are also featured narrating the opening and closing of the work.  Perfect for your advanced men’s choir to perform at your next concert or festival.

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Petrichor

SATB and Piano

The pleasant, distinct smell of rainfall inspires this one-of-a-kind concert selection. Singers create an unaccompanied soundscape before the music begins—we hear a passing rainstorm followed by the sound of singers partaking in the aroma of petrichor. The piano then begins and introduces a tranquil, dream-like melody. Cascading entrances create a trickling effect, and layered voices imply a 360-degree sensory experience. Unique and unforgettable.

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The Swan

SSAATTBB, unaccompanied

This lyrical setting is lush with suspensions and dissonances. It is a rewarding experience for both the performer and for the audience.

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Three New Carols for Christmas

SATB, a cappella

This is a charming and beautifully crafted set of a cappella carols, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. With rich four-part harmonies and singable melodies, this collection is ideal for carolers, choirs, and holiday performances on the go.

Each carol brings its own festive spirit—Let Christmas Come to All welcomes the season with warmth, The Joy of Christmas shimmers with lyrical beauty, and A Very Merry Christmas invites all to join in jubilant song. Whether performed as a set or individually, these carols are a joyful addition to any holiday program.

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Time Is

SATB and One-Hand Piano

Henry Van Dyke’s text illustrates the relentless nature of time and its many blessings and perils.  The staccato repetition of “time is” is constant throughout the work, and while everybody’s notes may happen at different times and may seem odd by themselves they wll fit together in performance.  Every voice part gets a chance to shine in their own line from the poem and leading the other voices to modulate toward a new key center each time.  Though seemingly a cappella, the one-hand piano part simulates the never-ending ticking of the clock while also being a root to the chording harmonizations happening with the voices.  A unique challenge for advanced high school and collegiate choirs.  Enjoy!

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To Morrow

The song is about getting to a city in Ohio…or is it about the next day?  You’ll have a good (albeit, confusing) time figuring it out with this vaudevillian song by Lew Sully.  This conversation between two travelers receives this choral setting ideal for your tenor-bass or other two-part chorus.

Score Previews: TB Two-Part

Ubuntu

Solo, SATB and Djembe, a cappella

The African-origin philosophy and practice of members from an entire village surrounding a miscreant of the town and reminding them of their worth in the community and how much they are loved is known as ubuntu (I am because you are).  This choral work brings the practice to the concert stage with the inclusion of staging directions and simple choreography that will bring an appropriate visual to the song’s message.  This positive and inspiring choral work is appropriate for high school, collegiate, and community choirs.

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Under the Holly-Bough

Solo and SATB, a cappella

This tranquil setting of Charles Mackay’s poem brings a welcoming spirit to all listeners, inviting everyone to come together and celebrate each other during the Christmas season. Feature your soloist as they sing over the accompanying choir. This beautiful work will be a standout at your next concert.

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Up in the Tree

SATB, a cappella

Set as an illustrative lullaby, this poem by George MacDonald will reach the hearts of parents and children alike. Lyrical, calm voice leading creates a serenity upon which the folk melody paints the textual picture. Your singers will love to perform this song, and your audience will love hearing the warm harmonies.

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We Are One

Starting with a soloist, the piece grows into a small ensemble and then finally the reonant entrance of the entire choir. Harmonic and homophonic voice leading gives strength to the text, creating a hymn-like quality. Divisi does occur at times within specific voice sections, all the while articulating and expanding the universality and connection to the seemingly simple text. Your singers will fall in love with this choral piece and, hopefully, be inspired to create a better humanity for today’s world.

Score Previews: SATB SSAA TTBB