SING! Choral Music

Edited by Victor C. Johnson

From the Editor

We are excited to share with you choral works from our SING! catalog! With a wide variety of styles and voicings to suit children's and youth choirs, each piece from SING! contains age-appropriate texts, good voice leading and part writing, and creative yet supportive accompaniments.

I feel fortunate to have spent 18 years in the choral classroom, with students ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade, so I realize the importance of presenting repertoire to students that will challenge them musically, build them artistically, and fulfill them as aspiring young musicians. My hope is that you and your students will find great joy and fulfillment in learning and performing this music.

Here’s to a successful school year, filled with many memorable and exciting moments with your students, both in rehearsals and on stage!

Victor C. Johnson, editor

Sing

Concert and Festival

Arise and Greet the Day

Victor C. Johnson

This celebratory work for developing choirs is solid and rhythmic, featuring a driving accompaniment that helps to fuel the exuberance. A contrasting, legato middle section complements the opening fanfare before returning to the joyous opening statement driving us to the exhilarating conclusion. A perfect concert/festival opener!

Climbin’ Up the Mountain

Arranged by Russell Robinson

Lift Your Voice in Joyful Song

Victor C. Johnson

Irrepressible joy fills the air in this superb a cappella concert work for treble voices. Joyous melodic motives are passed from section to section, and skillful vocal writing aids in introducing independent partsinging to emerging choirs. Your singers will fall in love with this joyful celebration of singing! A Rehearsal Resource Page is included.

Up the Mountain

From respected composer/ arranger Russell Robinson comes this newest addition to his series of accessible spiritual arrangements for developing choirs! This creative and well-crafted arrangement features a rhythmic vocal ostinato that allows each section to shine as they sing the melody. The supportive piano accompaniment provides an infectious groove that complements the fun vocal lines and when joined together, will result in memorable and uplifting concert performance.

The Spider

Look no further for the perfect spooky concert offering for Halloween or any time of year! This creative original, set to a text by Jane Taylor, features vivid imagery, sparked by dynamic contrasts and rhythmic interplay between parts. The agitated, eerie atmosphere of the piano accompaniment, punctuated by vocal “gasps”, will definitely provide your audience with moments of fun… and fright!

In My Soul!

Mary Lynn Lightfoot

Little David, Sing Hallelu!

Arranged by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

In My Soul!

From the first note of the pulsating piano to the final statement of the infectious motive, this work by Mary Lynn Lightfoot grabs you and won’t let go! Filled with soulful harmonies and spirited melodic lines, In My Soul! captures the essence of what it means to be moved by music and how it can reach deep within our souls and lift our hearts the way that nothing else can. Highly recommended!

Jubilate Omnis Terra

Douglas E. Wagner

Majestic, exhilarating, and exuberant are but a few terms to describe this original concert work from the pen of Douglas E. Wagner. This piece, perfect for developing choirs, features energized syncopation, strong melodic lines with a dynamic accompaniment, and familiar Latin text. This is a perfect concert or festival selection that gives the opportunity to teach pure vowels and tone to your singers while being fun to sing and destined to impress!

A spirited original melody paired with the traditional spiritual Little David, Play on Your Harp, is the foundation of this bright and bouncy offering by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid. With its accessible partner song format, this lively piece features simple harmonies supported by a fun, rhythmic piano accompaniment and is terrific for teaching part-singing to young and developing choirs.

Bright Morning Stars

Arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram

In this stunning setting of the traditional Appalachian folk song Bright Morning Stars, Ruth Elaine Schram has seamlessly paired this haunting tune with colorful vocal scorings and a captivating accompaniment, resulting in palette of sound that feels both modern and timeless. This well-crafted arrangement is a reminder of the intrinsic beauty that can be found in a new and fresh interpretation of an ageless classic.

Mary Lynn Lightfoot

Bring Your Dreams Along

Shayla Blake and Patricia Mock

This inspiring new choral by Shayla Blake and Patricia Mock encourages young singers to follow their hearts, chase their dreams and embrace their future with open arms. With easily learned vocal parts, a supportive yet artistic accompaniment, and empowering text, this is an ideal choice for introducing developing choirs to singing with artistry and musicality.

We Will Be the Light

Victor C. Johnson

I Am Peace

Mark Burrows

I can hear the wings of the wind and I hear peace. I can hear the word of a friend and I hear peace. I can hear the song in my soul, a song to help me feel whole, and I hear peace. I am peace. Mark Burrows’ inspiring original lyrics exude serenity and tranquility in this marvelous piece for young and developing choirs. Highly recommended as a signature piece, it features peaceful, melodic moments, optional percussion (shakers and djembe), and its message speaks to everyone.

We Will Be the Light

An inspired and profound text is joined with a heartfelt and memorable melody to create a truly transformative musical experience for mixed choirs. With sensitive vocal writing and an artistic, supportive accompaniment, We Will Be the Light is a gentle reminder of the deep well of hope that lies within us and gives us all the inspiration to carry that light of hope wherever we go.

Momiji

Arranged by Michael Ryan

This lovely, traditional Japanese song has been given a sensitive treatment by Michael Ryan. This setting provides a marvelous multicultural and creative programming gem for developing choirs. A pronunciation guide and translation are provided for the Japanese lyrics, and the second verse may be sung in English. The addition of hand drum and glockenspiel will provide a unique color and texture that will enhance any performance.

Shayla Blake & Patricia Mock

C. Johnson

Go in Peace, Walk in Hope, Live in Love

Arranged

by Douglas E. Wagner

This emotive, original work exudes a sincere message of peace, hope, and love. A memorable melody combined with masterfully crafted vocal lines is punctuated by a pensive accompaniment, showcasing the thoughtprovoking text. This heartfelt choral will serve well as a concert closer or benediction.

How Can I Keep From Singing?

Arranged by Mark Patterson

O Summer Breeze

Ruth Elaine Schram and Aren Newell Williams

This whimsical and engaging original is a creative programming delight! Throughout the piece, both piano and voices evoke a nostalgic feel. Creative, yet accessible choral writing and an imaginative text make this a great choice for treble choirs.

How Can I Keep from Singing?

Mark Patterson’s stunning arrangement of this beloved Robert Lowry work is steeped in both strength and beauty. A combination of sustained and descending vocal lines open the piece, painting a waterfalllike effect that continues to accompany the melody. As the piece unfolds, each part has a moment to shine and from its cascading beginning to its musical peak, we are led on a meaningful, emotional journey. This a cappella setting is a welcome addition to treble literature and is a superb choice for both school and church choirs.

This dynamic setting of the Laudate Dominum text is the perfect opening number for concert or festival. The opening, fanfare-like section is complemented by a contrasting middle section before returning to the joyous opening statement driving us to the stately conclusion. A Rehearsal Resource Page is available for download at www.choristersguild.org.

Douglas E. Wagner

Over My Head, I Hear Music in the Air

Arranged by Greg Gilpin

Fun harmonies, cool syncopation, and exuberant rhythmic energy abound in this highly creative arrangement of the traditional spiritual, which also quotes I’ve Got Peace Like a River. The spirited, vibrant mood is enhanced by the bright and bouncy accompaniment. An exemplary showcase for choirs of all ages!

Home on the Range

Arranged by Jerry Estes

This endearing arrangement of a favorite American cowboy song is a welcome addition to repertoire for tenor/bass choirs. With limited ranges, accessible choral writing, and the option to perform a cappella or accompanied, the flexibility of this selection makes it both easy to teach and rewarding to perform.

We Stand United

Lloyd Larson

Blow the Wind Southerly

Douglas E. Wagner

Peace and tranquility is truly experienced in this beautiful arrangement of the traditional Northumbrian folk song. Warm choral sonorities and an accompaniment that ebbs and flows are the hallmarks of this impressive setting for treble voices. This is certain to become a favorite of singers for many seasons to come.

This engaging, inspiring message and music encourages us to unite as one to create a better world around us. Strong melodic lines, bold harmonies, and a powerful accompaniment makes this offering especially appropriate for community celebrations, tribute concerts, or as a closing piece in a concert/festival setting.

A New Way

Thousands of Millions of Stars

Mary Donnelly and George L. O.

Strid

A New Way

We’ll find a new way, together. We’ll build a new world, together. We’ll lay down pride and side by side we’ll build a new world, we’ll find a new way, together. This powerful choral is bursting with infectious energy and inspiring lyrics that encourage singers as well as listeners to believe in their ability to join forces and support each other in the creation of a more harmonious world.

Dayung Sampan

Arranged by Ruth Morris Gray

This is a lovely setting of a popular Indonesian folk song that arrived on the shores of the sunny island in the early nineteenth century. Dayung Sampan translated means “rowing a wooden boat” and poetically describes the historical and humble journey of Chinese migrants to Singapore. The modal piano accompaniment and optional flute add authentic flavor and texture to this multicultural gem. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.

Rich with wonder and replete with expressive, sensitive writing, this setting of a distinctive text by Robert Louis Stevenson is a superb choice for younger and developing choirs. Featuring word painting, rich harmonies, and musical star motifs, this is an ideal choice for concert or festival use.

Top Sellers for Concert and Festival

Hashivenu

Arranged by Greg Gilpin

Jambo Rafiki

Arranged by Victor C. Johnson

A Jubilant Song

Victor C. Johnson

The Old Mill

Kenneth Riggs

Shenandoah

Arranged by Andrew Parr

Holiday and Christmas

Hang the Holly

Dave and Jean Perry

Open your holiday concert with this festive offering set in a madrigal style by Dave and Jean Perry. The cheery melodies and lighthearted feel of this choral greeting are infectious! Hang the holly and the ivy. Hang the greens and mistletoe. Hear the golden bells that ring so merrily; joyfully ringing high and low.

Oh, Mister Santa Mark Weston

It’s time to celebrate the man of the hour… Santa Claus! Enliven your holiday concert with this entertaining original paired with the holiday favorite Up on the Housetop. An ideal choice for younger and developing choirs!

On This Glorious Christmas Night

Mary Sat A-Rockin’

Ruth Morris Gray

Pull out all the stops when performing this vibrant uptempo a cappella Christmas choral set in the style of a traditional spiritual. Especially effective as an opener, closer, or encore, it features fun, rhythmic interplay with musical repetition of the text, “Mary sat a-rockin’, a-rockin’ her baby.” Suitable for either school or church settings.

Arranged by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

This joyful Christmas selection features an original melody and lyrics partnered with The Sussex Carol and Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella With engaging melodic lines, creative vocal scoring, and a supportive accompaniment that includes an optional part for flute, this piece is especially accessible for developing choirs. The partner song format makes this easy to prepare and your audience will be thrilled to hear these familiar English and French carols.

Oh,

Winter Carols

Arranged by Douglas E.

Wagner

Come and See the Child Greg

Winter Carols

This creative medley of beloved carols is an ideal centerpiece for any Christmas celebration! The engaging arrangement seamlessly strings together five carol favorites: In the Bleak Midwinter, Fum, Fum, Fum, Sing We Now of Winter, Good King Wenceslas, and Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly. With twists on meter and style while maintaining accessibility, this piece is perfect as a festive opener or closer that audiences and singers will love!

See Amid the Winter Snow

Arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram

The poignancy of John Gross’ memorable tune and Edward Caswell’s notable text is evident in this emotive setting by Ruth Elaine Schram. The vivid vocal tapestry features soaring melodic lines, rich harmonies, and imaginative text painting, which all point to the wonder and mystery of Christmas. The fluid, supportive piano accompaniment, when paired with the optional oboe part, creates an ethereal mood, making it superb choice for school or church settings alike.

Driving rhythms, syncopation, and a full spectrum of dynamics create a sense of anticipation in this exuberant gospel original by Greg Gilpin. The contagious melodies, coupled with optional solos and a driving accompaniment, will inspire both singers and audiences and ignite the joyful spirit of the season.

Top Sellers for Holiday and Christmas

Chantons Noel Mark Patterson

On a Silent Night Long, Long Ago Mary Lynn Lightfoot

A Tongue Twister Holiday Greg Gilpin

The Wexford Carol

Arranged by Victor C. Johnson

What Child?

Ruth Morris Gray

A Cappella Collections

The A Cappella series features concert and festival selections for young and developing choirs. The Complete Edition is reproducible and includes a Rehearsal Resource page for each piece that includes Solfege, Vocabulary, and Preparation and Extension activities carefully crafted for each selection by editor Victor C. Johnson. The Choral Edition, intended for use by your singers or as a judge's copy, is not reproducible and does not include the Rehearsal Resource pages. Each collection is an exceptional value and resource for your music library.

Together in Song Collections

Together in Song

This fully reproducible collection is both unique in value and a great resource for exceptional concert pieces for two-part choirs. Featuring the works of today’s leading educational choral composers, these collections offer a wide array of diverse musical styles while being a budget-friendly resource. Accompaniment Tracks are available for download using a link printed in the back of the book.

Together in Song at Christmas

This fully reproducible collection is both unique in value and a great resource for exceptional concert pieces for two-part choirs. Featuring the works of today’s leading educational choral composers, these collections offer a wide array of diverse musical styles while being a budget-friendly resource. Accompaniment Tracks are available via download using a link printed in the back of the book.