Southwestern connection
arkansas / colorado / kansas
missouri / new mexico
oklahoma / texas
Take a look
From the President’s Pen
Past President’s Corner
R&R Resource
Membership Monthly Time Capsule
SWACDA Board (2024-2026)
Jonathan Owen, President
Joshua Oppenheim, President-elect
Jeffrey Murdock, Past President
Jeff Wall, Treasurer
Margie Camp, Conference Chair
Children’s and Community Youth - Nathan Wubbena
Junior High/Middle School - Cristi Miller
Senior High School - Spencer Wiley
4-Year College and University - Rayvon TJ Moore
2-Year College and University - Tatiana Taylor
Student Activity - Jennifer Sengin
Community Choirs - Andy Waggoner
Music in Worship - Bryan Taylor
Vocal Jazz - Beth Enloe Fritz
Contemporary A Cappella - Leia Browning Show Choir - Michael Shimp
World Music & Cultures - Eduardo Garcia-Novelli Tenor/Bass Choirs - Reginal Wright Soprano/Alto Choirs - Tanner Oglesby
FromthePresiden’t’sPen
Thanksgivingisover.Nowwhat?!?
Theextendedfamilyhasreturnedhome Theturkeyisgone unlessyouarestilleatingleftovers Withall ofthetravelingandpreparingforourfamilytimetogether,wecanfeelalittlestressed.Stressedonaday thatissetasideforthankfulness.Somepeoplesharethingsthattheyarethankfulforoneachofthedays leadinguptoThanksgiving.Buthowcanwekeepthespiritofgratefullnessalivethroughouttheyear?Ina timewhensocialmediabeckonsustolookforthedopaminehit,andsocialmediaisfullofargumentsand ugliness,weshouldallbelookingforwaystofindourgroundingandbegratefulthroughouttheyear.Idid alittleresearchingformyselfandthoughtI’dsharealittleofwhatIfound.
KeepingtheThanksgivingspiritaliveaftertheholidayisabeautifulwaytofostergratitude,kindness,and connectionineverydaylife.Hereareafewideastohelpcarryitforward:
DailyGratitudePractice
Make a habit of writing down or sharing something you ’ re grateful for each day It could be somethingsimple,likeasunnydayoragoodconversation Keepingagratitudejournalcanalso beupliftingtolookbackon
ExtendActsofKindness
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Whether it’s holding the door, paying for someone ’ s coffee, or just being a listening ear, kindness can be contagious. Aim to make these momentsapartofyourweeklyroutine.
GiveBackRegularly
Volunteer,donatetoacauseyoucareabout,orofferhelptothosearoundyouinneed.Youmight setupmonthlyreminderstovolunteerorcontributetocommunityneedsasawaytoremember theseasonofgiving.
CelebrateFamilyandFriendsYear-Round
Thanksgiving is often about reconnecting with loved ones, but that doesn't have to stop in November Schedule monthly dinners or check-ins with family or friends, or plan seasonal gatheringstostayclose.
EmbraceMindfulness
Practicing mindfulness helps us savor moments and appreciate life more deeply. It can be as simpleastakingafewminuteseachdaytonoticewhat’saroundyouortopauseandbreathe. CookandShare
OneofthemostmemorablepartsofThanksgivingisthesharedmeal.Considerhostingpotlucks or cooking and delivering meals to neighbors or friends. Keeping this tradition alive year-round, eveninsmallways,helpscreateasenseofwarmthandconnection
ReflectionTimeatYear’sEnd
As the year winds down, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments, challenges, and growth. This reflection can help set positive intentions for the coming year, allowing gratitude andtheThanksgivingspirittoguideyournextsteps.
CreateaGratitudeGroup
Gather a group of friends or family members and start a group text or monthly call to share things you ’ re grateful for. This can become a source of inspiration and help build deeper connections.
What’s beautiful about these small habits is they allow us to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving gratitude, generosity,andwarmth aliveintheheart,nomattertheseason
Best,
JonathanOwen SWACDAPresident
PastPresident’sCorner
Ryanhastaughtfor15yearsinMissouri,Texas,andArkansas.HecurrentlyservesasDirector ofChoralActivitiesatArkansasStateUniversity.
ACDAconferencesanditspeopleofferinfiniteopportunitiestolistendeeplyandlearnabout peoplethroughtheirsinging,repertoire,andmusicalprocesses.
FavoriteChoralPieces
“Sing to Me” - Andrea Ramsey 2-part
“Hymns from the Rig Veda” - Gustav Holst SSA
“Curse Upon Iron” - Veljo Tormis TB
“The Last Words of David” - Randall Thompson SATB
Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers
ryanwsullivan@gmail.com Ifyou’dliketocontactRyan, hecanbereachedat:
ThisLittleLightofMine-SSAorTwo-PartWaltonMusic
RobertT Gibson
https://wwwjwpeppercom/This-Little-Light-of-Mine/10873385item
Thispieceisgreatforteachingexpressiveelements!Thereareseveralvoicingoptions,butIpersonallylove the SSA voicing. I am a fan of everything Robert writes, but I especially love his joyful approach for this spiritual.Withoutadoubt,choirsofallageswillenjoythispiece!
TaReKiTa-SSAAOxfordUniversityPress
ReenaEsmail
https://www.jwpepper.com/TaReKiTa/11338537.item
“Wow!”wasmyinitialreactiontothispiecebeforeprogrammingitafewyearsago Thispieceisasplashof energy for any concert program Written to mimic the timbre of Indian instruments, it’s perfect for teaching a variety of vocal colors using diction, placement, etc Though it is in 4 parts, it’s very accessible for intermediate-level ensembles. Side note: the pronunciation guide was absolutely top-notch. I appreciatedhowclearandcomprehensiveitwas!
TheTurnOffYourPhoneSong-SSAorTwo-PartPoddBrothersMusic
JohannPachelbel/arr.AdamPodd&MattPodd
https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Turn-Off-Your-Phone-Song/11416258.item
I have never been a big fan of listing rules for my ensembles, so I definitely don’t like doing it with audiences Humor,forme,hasalwaysbeenawaytosaywhatneedstobesaidwithoutkillingthemood So when I found this comedic take on Pachelbel’s Canon arranged by Adam and Matt Podd, I knew I had to program it It’s HILARIOUS, and my students enjoyed using it as a reading piece at the beginning of the year.WebroughtitbackasourHolidayConcertopener.Themorethekidscommitto“seriousness,”while performingit,thefunnieritis!
WeAretheMusicMakers-SSAOxfordUniversityPress
ReginalWright
https://www.jwpepper.com/We-Are-the-Music-Makers/11408300.item
ThesimplestatementofthistextissetinsuchaprofoundwaybyReginalWright.Thispiecewouldbea greatadditiontojustaboutanyprogram Intermsofopportunitiesforteachingmoments,thispiecehasit all! Though the harmony is beautifully written, the plethora of rhythmic elements throughout including upbeatentrances,triplets,syncopation,andmore iswhatmakesthispieceunique Allofthesecontribute tothepiece’soveralltriumphantsound.
Horizon-SSAGalaxyMusic
EmilyCrocker
https://www.jwpepper.com/Horizon/11566197.item
This is a fun new piece that can be used in a variety of programs. My favorite aspect of this piece is that the ranges are not extreme, yet the harmonies remain somewhat challenging, and the text is appropriate forallages Thiswouldbeanidealselectionforadevelopingchoirlookingforachallenge!
DoestheWorldSay?-SA/SSA/SSAAWaltonMusic
KylePederson
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Does-the-World-Say%3F/11392436item
Transformativemusicalmomentscandefineaschoolyearforanensemble.They’reoftenthemomentswe look back on when recounting how music changed our lives. Such moments are precious but rare occurrencesformostensembles.Ifyouhaveagroupthatcoulduseatransformativemusicalmoment,this is the piece you need to program. It’s accessible to most treble ensembles and offers a variety of voicing options.Ican’tsayenoughaboutthispiece.Ihadthepleasureofperformingitwithmyintermediatetreble grouplastschoolyear,anditwasagame-changer.Thetextaloneservesasaconversationstarter,andmy students walked away from the performance as better musicians and better “teammates” than ever. The piecefeaturesasoloorsmallgroupatthebeginningandend,aswellasaviolinsoloistthroughout
LaLiLey-SSAAdivisiHinshawMusic
TracyWong
https://www.jwpepper.com/La-Li-Ley/11564952.item
Thispieceisincrediblyfunandchallenging!Itfeaturesnon-lexicalvocalsyllablesderivedfromtwoMalay folksongs.Thetextisrepetitiveandsimple,allowingforgreaterfocusontheshiftingtonalitiesanddivisi. Thepiecealsoincorporatesbodypercussion,whichaddsacomplexyetenjoyablelayerforadvancedtreble groupstotackle.
Awakening-SSABriLeeMusic
ChristiJones
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Awakening/11370896item
I love this piece for developing choirs! The ranges are appropriate and accessible for all parts When I discoveredthispieceacoupleofyearsago,Iwascaptivatedbythehaunting,repetitiveeighthnotepulsein thepianojuxtaposedwiththesostenutonatureofthevocalparts.Asanaddedbonus,thepieceisprimarily writteninbminorandendsintheparallelBMajor.Thisprovidedagreatteachingmomentasmystudents readthroughthepiece!
DominusVobiscum-SSACarlFischer
JacobNarverud
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Dominus-Vobiscum/10510012item
I am a major fan of an opening unison line, and this piece has just that It’s a stunning piece of music all around!It’sexcellentforteachingblend,intonation,dynamics,articulation,andrubato Thispieceissureto becomeastapleinyourchorallibrary!
Elhumo-SA/SSAWaltonMusic
EduardoCota
https://www.jwpepper.com/El-Humo/11514298.item
This piece offers something different (yet still accessible) for your developing group. Featuring Spanish text, it paints a beautiful scene of smoke rising out of chimneys during a calm countryside sunset. The piece showcases colorful harmonies that strike a healthy balance between challenge and enjoyment for a choirlearningtoreadandsingdissonance
HelloChoir&ShowChoirDirectors
IamexcitedtostartthisnewjourneywithyouallastheSWACDAShowChoirR&RChair.Asalifelong learner,Iamevenmoreexcitedtoleadandlearn.Growingup,Iconsideredmyselfachoirkidbecausemy High School did not have a large Show Choir presence. Since taking over at Jenks High School in Jenks, Oklahoma,myShowChoirmindframehascompletelychanged,andIabsolutelylovethisartformandthe shapethatitistakingthroughouttheUnitedStates.
As the SWACDA R&R Chair for Show Choir, I am excited to share insights on the vital role show choirs play in our educational system and the broader community. Show choir gets students involved in the bigger picture of choral music and also uses the tool of popular music that can be familiar to parents and audience members. Show Choir becomes a bridge between the choral classroom and the show choir rehearsalroom,which,inturn,canhelpdevelopandstrengthenachoraldepartment.
Showchoirismorethanjustaperformancegroup;itisanintegrativeartformthatcombinesmusic,dance, andtheater,providingstudentswithauniqueplatformtoexpressthemselvescreatively.Thismultifaceted experience nurtures a wide range of skills, including vocal technique, choreography, and stage presence, whilefosteringteamwork,discipline,andconfidence.
A truly significant benefit of show choir is its ability to build a sense of community among students. As they collaborate on performances, they develop strong bonds and learn the value of working together towardsacommongoal.Thiscamaraderieisinvaluable,especiallyinanagewheresocialinteractionscan befleetingandsuperficial.
Show choirs often bring together students from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding. The skills acquired in show choir extend far beyond the stage. Participants learn time management, as rehearsals and performances require commitment and organization. They also cultivate resilience and adaptability as they navigate the challenges of performing live. These attributes are essentialnotonlyintheartsbutalsoinacademicsandfuturecareers.
Tohelpyouinspireyourstudents,herearesomeinstant-hitshowchoirsongsthat consistentlyengageaudiences:
1 “Ain’tNoMountainHighEnough”-Aclassicanthemofperseverancethat resonateswithallages https://wwwjwpeppercom/Ain%27t-No-Mountain-High-Enough/3206760item
2 “ShutUpandDance”byWalktheMoon-Thisenergeticsongbringsan infectiousvibetothestage https://wwwjwpeppercom/Shut-Up-and-Dance/10527143item
3 “SomebodytoLove”byQueen-Apowerfulvocalshowcasethatallowsfor dramaticstaging https://wwwjwpeppercom/Somebody-to-Love/10083448item
4 “Seasons of Love” from Rent - A poignant piece that encourages reflection and connection among performers https://wwwjwpeppercom/Seasons-of-Love/3055837item
5 “Can’tStoptheFeeling!”byJustinTimberlake-Anupliftingchoicethatgetseveryonedancing https://wwwjwpeppercom/Can%27t-Stop-the-Feeling%21/10637753item
These songs not only captivate audiences but also provide opportunities for creative choreography and staging
As R&R Chair, my dream is to elevate the visibility and appreciation of show choir programs across the region Iaimtoprovideresources,training,andnetworkingopportunitiesfordirectors,helpingthemcreate vibrant, dynamic programs I also strive to advocate for show choir within the broader educational landscape, ensuring that these programs receive the recognition they deserve Our goal is to create an environmentwhereshowchoirscanflourish,ultimatelyenrichingtheculturalfabricofourcommunities
Show choir serves as a powerful vehicle for artistic expression and personal growth As we continue to supportanddeveloptheseprograms,wenotonlyenhancethemusicaleducationofourstudentsbutalso strengthen the bonds within our communities Together, let’s embrace the joys and challenges of show choir,ensuringthatthisuniqueartformthrivesforgenerationstocome
R&R Repertoire
Confortare(BeStrongandofGoodCourage)-GeorgeDyson
SATB,organHalLeonard(Novello)14007549
BryanTaylor
Confortare(BeofStrongandGoodCourage)wascommissionedforthecoronationofQueenElizabethII,whichtookplacein 1953 IthasbeenperformedbymanychoirsinthelastyearafterthepassingoftheQueen Itisashortandboldanthem,high churchandveryfestive-andcouldbeusedinbothworshiporaspartofanEnglishmusiccelebrationconcert,whichIused withmycommunitychorusEnjoythisperformanceattheQueen’sGoldenJubileecelebration
StPaul'sCathedralChoir-Confortare(Dyson)
Ding!Dong!MerrilyonHigh-arr.HowardHelvey
SATB,Piano4-HandsBeckenhorstBP1653-1
Christmascantatasarestillanimportantpartofourtraditionalserviceatmychurch,andItrytobecreativeastowhatI choose.Ilovetoselectseveraluniquebutconnectedanthemsandworkthemtogetherforacantata.Wealsohavegifted writersthathelpcreateafreshmonologue/narrationforthisservice.OneyearIdecidedtofeatureall4-Handpiecesand HowardHelveyhasseveralthatworkedforus.You’lllovethischallengingandfunanthem! https://beckenhorstpress.com/ding-dong-merrily-on-high-satb/
EmeraldStream–SethHouston
SATB,acappellaSantaBarbaraMusicSBMP1046
Theinspirationforthispiececamewhenthethenseventeen-year-oldcomposerwasfishingwithhisdadinColorado The musicdrawsfromtheshape-notetraditionandfeaturesaheartysound,animitativefugalsection,melodicornaments,open intervals,anddoublingattheoctave Itisunusualinthatthemelodyisinthebasspart(Yay!) Thetextbythecomposer draws on the hymn-writing style of the great theologians of the shape-note tradition, though it proclaims a more contemporarymessageofenvironmentalstewardship.Iusedthispieceinaconcertthemed/titled“CreationSings!”,which celebratedallthingsnature.Ifeaturedtheartworkof“ThatTree”photographer,MarkHirschthroughouttheconcertandeven broughthimtoLiberty,MOfromWisconsintoalsofeaturehisartinourchurch'sartgallery. https://www.jwpepper.com/Emerald-Stream/10307805.item? srsltid=AfmBOoptAvkhFSEO91BMDDkyYxxq2Sn5PCx75teLvFxqYpzaqa2NmGLf
FlightSong–KimAndreArnesen
SATB,pianoEarthsongsS-412
"Allwearewehavefoundinsong"isthefirstlineofthisstunninglybeautifulpoembyEuanTait,settomusicbyNorwegian composerKimAndreArnesen Thisromanticnotioniswoventhroughoutthepiece,whichisaccompaniedbypiano Flight Songwaswrittenasthecomposer'sgifttoDr AntonArmstrongandtheSt OlafChoir Ilovethisanthem-itspeaksonso manyemotions IuseditinaprogramdedicatedtodementiaandAlzheimer’s-Ifeelthesongspeakstothecaregiversofand tothosewiththisdisease https://youtu.be/CUvE6i1l2do
ForeverMusic–MarkHayes
SATB,piano-celloandpianoLorenz15/3322H
CommissionedfortheKansasAll-StateHonorChoirandwritteninhonorofmasterdirectorDr.EphEhly,ForeverMusic speaksofmusic'spowertoupliftandheal.PerfectforadvocacyandforMusicinOurSchoolsMonth,thisemotionally chargedcelebrationisequallyeffectiveinsingle-andmassed-choirperformances."Osinginlanguageoftheheart,sing morethanjustasound.Singfromthedepthsofhopeandlovewithwordsrichandprofound,forevermusic."Highly recommended!
https://youtube/ewDDFTDJP9Q
GiveUstheWingsofFaith-JamesWhitbourn
SATB,organHalLeonard14035952
DistinguishedBritishcomposer,JamesWhitbournpassedawayinMarchofthisyearandleftuswitharichcollectionof choralanthemsandlargerworks.ThisanthemisperfectforAll-SaintsDayservices.Thecomposersetsthetextbeautifully andneverallowstheaccompanimenttooverwhelmit.Thesopranopartischallenginginthatthetessituraishighandnot loudmuchofthetime.ThispiecemovesmedeeplyeachtimeIhearitorperformit. Giveusthewingsoffaith
GloriousEverlasting-M.ThomasCousins
SATBdivisi,organorpianoHalLeonard(FredBock)BG2594
AnamazingclassicandfestivechoralworkforconcertorworshipThischoralmasterpiecehaspowerful,exhilarating musicalstatementsthroughoutIthasasupportiveandthrillingaccompanimentthatinstillsconfidenceinyoursingers andissowonderfultolistentofromtheaudienceIbelievethisanthemhasbeenre-awakenedinitsuseacrossthecountry inthelastfewyearsListentothisgreatperformancebytheTabernacleChoir.https://youtube/xdwmZ2oTRjY
HasSorrowThyYoungDaysShaded–arr.AliceParker
SATB,acappellaAlfredLG51449
Thisisabeautifulandheartfeltlamentwhichissonostalgictothepassageoftime.ThisisclassicAliceParkerwritingand wasmadefamousbytheRobertShawrecordinginthe1960’s.Theflowofthepiece,thegiveandtakeoftheteamworkof thechoralpartsmakethisapopularandemotionallydrivenpiece.MychurchchoirpresentedaconcertofallParker/Shaw pieces,IaskedAlicetowritenarrationsfortheprogram...itwasaverymovingexperiencetohearherthoughtsonthemusic andtheprocessofwritingthesepieces,bothwithMr.Shaworbyherself.SheremarksonthepoweroftheThomasMoore poemandthedepthofsadness,whichthepieceoffers.“Come,childofmisfortune,comehither.I’llweepwiththee,tearfor tear”
Repertoire
HealerofOurEveryIll–KenMedema SATB,pianoJubilateMusic080689062230
Awonderfulanthemthattouchesthoseofusstrugglingthroughlossinourlives.WesangthiswithKenMedemashortly afterourpastorpassedawayfromleukemia...itwassuchahealthyandmovingworktobothcelebratehislifeandhelpusto walkforwardfromgriefintoournextchapterofthechurch'slife. https://www.jwpepper.com/Healer-of-Our--Every-Ill/10279231.item?
srsltid=AfmBOorqwW34FpUz9mpU7goHPUSGMYN7auKLQ51HQ1hZ9CSF7FKL1iGI
HymnofAbundance-EugeneButler SATB,pianoHopeC-5822
HowmanyEugeneButlerpieceshaveyousungthathelpedcreateadeeperworshipexperience?...many,Iamsure!Eugene passedawaythislastyearandIhaveusedseveralofhisearlieranthemsinworshipthisyeartohonorhisgreatworkover theyears.(HowExcellentIsThyNameandHowLong,OLordaretwogreatclassics).HymnofAbundancewaswrittenin thelastfewyearsofhislifeandisagreatsettingforyourchurchduringthefallorThanksgivingtime.Enjoy!
https://www.jwpepper.com/Hymn-of-Abundance/10360917.item?
srsltid=AfmBOorKxosYZisUJqRoHQpec8zPXLvmv4FKA5QWDnCTCezYkfLOEQ1X
LeaningontheEverlastingArms–EricNelson
SATB,piano,fluteandcelloMorningStarMSM-50-8970
3-part/SA(T)BandpianoHalLeonard(BH)HL48019239
Thisisprobablymyfavoritehymn-settingthatEricNelsonhasarranged...fillinguswiththenostalgicfeelingofthisold hymn and I love the fresh sounds of this new setting Enjoy this recording with Tom Trenney conducting his FirstPlymouthChurchinLincoln,NE https://youtube/yysjZrGlSdk
Love’sPureLight(SilentNight)-ElaineHagenberg SATB,piano(opt.stringquartet)ElaineHagenbergMusicEH1020A
ExperienceacaptivatingnewmelodytoSilentNightashintsofthetimelessChristmashymnareinterwoventhroughout. Gracefulchoralpartscapturethetendernessofthebelovedtext,thenascendtonewheights resoundingwith"SonofGod, Love'sPureLight."Optionalstrings,flute,oboe,andtimpanicreateatrulymemorablepiece,suretobecherishedforyearsto come.Weusedthislastyearwithmycommunitychorusanditwasoneofthesingersandaudiencesfavoriteworksonthe program.
Moses–KenMedema
SATB,pianoWordMusic08068938198
IwasmadeawareofthispiecefrommentorandMissourichoralguru,BillGrace.Ifyouhavenothadtheprivilegeof knowingthispieceorthecomposerKenMedema,pleasejumpin...headfirst.Kenisaprolificcreatorofsongsonthespot.He isblind,fullofenergy,fullofstories,andfullofthecreativepowersthatallowhimtohearastory,sermon,orbaptismand immediatelycreateasongonthatevent.ThisisthebackgroundtoMoses...itwascreatedafterbeinginspiredfromhearinga sermononit.Itissofunandmoderatelydifficulttoperform...rhythms,choralcaricaturesneedtobebroughtout...butitis soworththeenergytosingthiseitherinchurchorontheconcertstage.Itis5-plusminutesinlengthandyourpianistwill lovethechallengethispieceoffers.TherecordingisasoloversionofKensingingthis.Histrademarkamazingmusical storytellingwiththispieceisbestheardwithhisperformance-thechoralpartsarechallengingandfun!Yourchoirand audiencewilllovethisanthem
https://youtube/AphLkJmLGVs
93MillionMiles-arr.SusanLaBarr SATB,pianoHalLeonard01197175
IwasblownawayhearingthispiecearrangedbywonderfulcomposerSusanLaBarr.Ifyoulongtorememberthefeelingof homeandtheloveyouhaveforyourparents...thisistheanthemyouneed.ThiswonderfulJasonMrazpopularsongdoesn't loseanythinginthisbeautifulsetting.Arealwinner!
https://youtu.be/8A5XWZD8TAY
OHolyNight!-arr.MackWilberg
SATBdivisi,organorpianoOxford
Thisismynewestadditiontothisyear’schoircantataatourchurch ItwasoneofthosepiecesIreallyneededtofindto anchorthecantata-Ifounditbychance...certainlyanansweredprayer.Hereisthepublisher'sdescription:ForSATBand keyboardororchestra-WilberghasarrangedOHolyNight!intheaccessible(andbeautifulkey)ofDflatmajorusinghis signaturelushtextureswhichcomplementthewarm,rich,anddramaticqualitiesfoundinthisfamouscarol.Orchestral materialisavailableonhire.Ihaveabsolutelyfalleninlovewiththisarrangement...itissucharichadditiontoMack’s incrediblecollectionofarrangements.
https://youtu.be/3Yy2DiScjQ
OLove–ElaineHagenberg
SATBandpianoBeckenhorstBP2097
IfyouhaveyettoexperiencethemusicofElaineHagenberg’s...prepareyourself!Allofushavefelttheappearanceofanew andspecialcomposerinourmidst,throughhearingachoirinperformanceofonareadingsession.Elaine’sOLovewillpull atyouremotionsandheartinthisbeautifulsettingoftheScottishministerGeorgeMatheson,OLoveThatWillNotLetMe GoThisnewworkgivesnewlifetothiswonderfulhymnstoryofloss,sadness,andhealingFromtheemotionalandsimple pianointroduction,thepiecegainsitsgriponthelistenerandthentheS/Aduetandrepetitionof“OLove”gainsstrength andpassiononeachstanza
OLove,ElaineHagenberg
Offertory–JohnNessBeck
SATB,piano-optionalstringquartetBeckenhorstBP1280
JohnNessBeck'soriginalsettingofMicah6:6-8hasbecomeastapleinthechorallibrary,withitssmoothvoiceleadingand full,lushharmony.Thisbeautiful,contemplativeanthemisavailableinavarietyofvoicings.Itisalwaysapleasureto performthiswork.
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Offertory/1635143.item?srsltid=AfmBOooY9GtaWo7Rrig6EBtgPiv8qit05LVfgd6jFlk2IgdXaxqh
PieJesu-MalcolmArcherfrom‘Requiem’
SATB,organKevinMeyhewLtd
WhilelookingforanewsettingofPieJesu,IcameacrossthisgorgeousonebyBritishcomposerMalcolmArcher.Setfor eitherasoloistorsolisopranosectionandSATBchoir,therecordinghasatreblesectionsingingit.Itischallengingbutso beautiful!Enjoythislovelypieceandperformitthisyear.
https://youtu.be/6Jy0CgiBCUM
SilentNight-arr.DanForrest
SATB,pianoandoptionalstringsBeckenhorstBP2200
Hereisthepublisher’sdescriptionofthisgorgeoussettingofSilentNight Agentleinstrumentalintroductionsetsthestage forthisnewsettingoftheclassicChristmascarol,continuingunderthefamiliartextwithaquietintensityasitbuildsto thestrongstatementofpurpose,“ChristtheSaviorisborn”,thenquietlyrestsinthestrengthofthattruth Iusedthis arrangementlastyear itutterlymovedusdeeplyandblessedthecantatainsuchapowerfulway https://beckenhorstpresscom/silent-night-forrest-satb/
SingaMightySong–DanielGawthrop
SATB–PianoorOrganAllianceMusicPublicationsAMP0002
ThisfestivepiecebyDanielGawthropwascommissionedbytheACDAin1993inmemoryofRaymondBrock.Whata fantasticsettingthatmaybea“newtoyou”piece.Ithasbeenusedinmanychoralfestivals,concerts,andchurchservices overtheyears–butIamalwaysexcitedtointroducethistoothers.Itoffersbigsingingatthebeginningandending, syncopatedrhythmsthatvary,well-editedaccentedpassages,awonderfulfugalsection,andthenthereisoneofthemost beautifulandtenderofhiswritingsonpage8withthistext,writtenbyhiswife,JaneGriner.“Wovenwithmelody,Thy wordissweettomysoulInconcert,confirmedinharmony,ThyyokeiseasyOblessedamIthatImaysingmydevotion.”I prefertheorganonthispiece,buthisoriginalwritingofpianoisalsowonderful.Yourchoirandaudiencewilllovethis pieceandIamsogratefulforthegiftofmusicthatDanielGawthrophasgivenusthroughsomanywonderfulchoral worksEnjoy!
SonofGodMass-JamesWhitbourn
SATB,Organ,andSopranoSaxophoneHalLeonardHL14035947
IlovetodorandomchoralsearchesoniTunesandfoundthisamazingMassbyJamesWhitbourn...itreally touchesmyhearttothecore ThefirstnoteforsopranosisahighGandatappdynamiclevel so,itoffers challengesinhavingtheentiresectionsingtuttiontheseparts,butIwouldplacemostofitatamedium difficultylevelthroughout.Itisa25-to-30-minuteprogramwhichhehascreatedtobeflexibleinitsuse. Themainchoralmovements,whichsettheOrdinaryoftheMass,canstandaloneasaliturgical’missa brevis’,scoredforchoirandorgan.Theothermovementsturntheworkintoadevotionalconcertpieceand introducetheevocativesoundofthesopranosaxophone Inconversingwiththecomposerviaemail,Iasked him“whysopranosax?”Hisanswermadesomuchsense-“Ineededasoundthatmimickedthesoundofthe shofar Itfitsperfectly!”
TherearetwoYouTubevideosofthisinitsentirety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPF1JU0apdM
Repertoire
Tantsulaul(DancingSong)
Composer:VeljoTormis
Publisher:WaltonMusic–WW1604
Voicing:TTBBacappella
Language:Estonian
Performancelink:https://wwwyoutubecom/watch?v= XRRZVlLSs0
Veljo Tormis (1930-2017) was one of the most prominent figures in choral composition in the last 50-60 years,withanoeuvreofmorethan500works,mostofthemacappella.BorninEstonia,inhisearlyyears Tormis focused primarily on folk music, something viewed by some people as a means to avoid Soviet censorship.YetTormisalwaysexpressedhisloveforthefolkidiomevenafterthefalloftheregime.
Tantsulaul is a humorous account from a man who fancies himself a good dancer. A stunning melody enhanced by clapping, stomping, and other various sounds. (Note taken from the printed edition). This shortworkcallsforseveraleffects,like:whistle,clap,clickwiththetongue,slapwithtongue,speakingin falsetto,speakinginlowrange,astomp,andcertainlyinvitestoaddotherdramaticfunideas.Thepieceis written for TTBB but with several repetitive sections, which make it doable by most T/B choirs. Duration 2:15.Difficultymedium-low(notcountinglanguage).
Doraji–KoreanFolksong
Arranger:YoojinMuhn
Publisher:PavanePublishing–P1497
Voicing:SSA–piano
Language:Korean
Performancelink:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MppnIVINEWw
IntraditionalKoreanculture,natureplaysanimportantroleindailylife:plants,herbsandallthatnature contains are not only sources of food and medicine, but are believed to have a spiritual essence as well, a belief called animism. Because of this many Korean folk songs are written about mountains, plants, and especially flowers. Doraji is one of the most popular Korean folk songs and it is about a wild mountain flowercommonlyfoundinKorea.(Notetakenfromthepublishededition).
Arranged by Korean-American conductor Yoojin Muhn, Doraji is set for SSA and piano, with occasional sections in unison and two part voices Written with grace and sensitivity, the arrangement exposes this traditional pentatonic melody with elegance and refinement While mostly homophonous, there is an interestingshortcanonicsection Vocalrangesarecentralandvoice-leadingiswellcrafted Theeditionhas an IPA transliteration and a good translation Duration: 3:00 Difficulty: medium-low (not counting language)
Блаженств(TheBeatitudes)
Composer:VladimirMartynov
Publisher:MusicaRussicaCMR011
Voicing:SAATTBwithS1S2S3soli-unaccompanied
Language:Russian
PerformanceLink:https://wwwyoutubecom/watch?v=yHZcuzm1LtI
Youfoundit:theperfectpieceforamediumtolargeensembleina(preferably)beautifullyresonantspace, in Russian, very appropriate for high school voices (and beyond), with a traditional text, and all in a manageablerehearsaltime.Howso?
ChoirdoesNOTsingtext:it'sallhumming(onlythethreesoloistshavethetext)
Vocalrangesareverymanageable:allwithinthestaff(includingsoli),withtheexceptionofalowEflatonthebassattheend.
Extremerhythmicsimplicity:choirsingslongnotesallthetimewhich,indeed,maybechallengingfor supportinglonglines.
Alleasytosolfege.
Awesomeworktoplayaroundwithplacementofthethreesoli(andmaybealsotheensemble) It'sawinner!
Sólomicorazónsabe(OnlyMyHeartKnows)–ArgentinianFolksong
Arranger:FernandaLalloz
Publisher:AllianceMusicPublications(tobepublishedinFebruary,2025)
Voicing:SSAAwithpiano
Language:Spanish
AfolksongexquisitelyarrangedbyArgentiniancomposer/arrangerFernandaLalloz.Thispoignantvidala, with a text of lost love, is offered in a beautiful SSAA/piano arrangement which is both practical and artistic.Yoursingerswillloveit!
BeidhAonachAmárach(There'llBeaFairTomorrow)–IrishFolksong
Arranger:IrishFolksong-Arr.RuthE.DwyerandBeverlyHardimanJones. Publisher:CollaVoce-24-96300
Voicing:Twoparttreblewithpiano
Language:Gaelic
As the arrangers kindly point out in the printed edition, Beidh Aonach Amárach is considered one of the first songs Irish children learn in Irish-Gaelic. This fact alone brings a very important link to the Irish cultureandmakesthesongworthyofourattention.
Thetextofthissongwillresonatewellwithyounggirls:
There'llbeafairtomorrowinCountyClare Whatgoodisthattome,ifI'mnotthere? OhMama,willyouletmegoalone? Mydarling,don'tdemandit! Youarenotyettenoreleven Whenyouarethirteen,youareoldenough.
Thiswellthoughtarrangementcombinesplentyofunisonsinging,somedescant-typemelodicmaterial,a hintofimitation,andoccasional(veryfew)divisisectionsupto4parts.It'safunsongwithacontagious melodic and rhythmic drive. In the era of staged choral performances, I imagine this would be a perfect piecetoillustrateinsongandmovementwhatmaywellbeadailyeventinoursingers'lives.
Englishtransliterationofthetextisprovided(noIPA,butitworkswell).Onlyoneverseissettothemusic inthisedition,butthearrangersofferotherversesandencourageperformerstoexpandthesongasneeded.
