Secular Choral Concert Music

A strong unifying text from Colleen Carhuff states "No notes are as connected as the souls that sing them, and no soul is happier than when surrounded by their friends. We are one!" A wonderful choice for

Crafted for the BYU Men's Chorus, this setting of the classic Dvorak melody with a text from William Arms Fisher glides serenely through a lush harmonization as it longs for home. Their original version is

Set in a contemporary a cappella style, Heather Lane's text sparkles with scat-syllable vocables and an interesting vocal line that passes through the upper and lower voices as the parts imitate and respond

Emily Dickinson's familiar poem abounds with symbolism as the hope of a bird is brought to life. The musical setting utilizes a fluttering accompaniment, interesting harmonies, and a flowing melodic line

Set with rich harmonic chords and a sophisticated touch, this traditional Scottish–Irish folksong is a wonderful choice as a closing song to say good-bye. The a cappella harmonies and notated

Robert Fuller Murray's text about the importance of music and song is given a full-fledged contemporary a cappella setting that both concert choirs and a cappella groups will enjoy. Utilizing vocal

Christina Rossetti's poem is perfectly reflected with vivid imagery, beautiful vocal lines, and swirling countermelodies. The choruses set the words "My love is come to me" in a powerful antiphonal texture.

Highly rhythmic in both accompaniment and voices with independent vocal lines, this work simply radiates energy with a message of hope and empowerment: "To the stars through difficulties, look upward, move

Centering around the idea that "the night is always darkest before the dawn," this lyrical original work is hopeful and inspiring. The piano accompaniment supports and brings depth to the harmonic texture,

This beautiful memorial recalls beautiful memories of a lost loved one who will never be forgotten. The lyrical lines and antiphonal singing between the parts symbolize the lingering memories while a depth

Felicia Barber's poem is a musical statement of self-discovery and self-love from a Black female perspective and serves as an anthem of dedication to those who were mentors and caretakers in her life. The

Langston Hughes' oft-set text is given a fresh lyrical setting in this commission for the American Choral Directors Association. With a flowing piano accompaniment, sweeping melodic lines, lush harmonies,

"Where Quiet plays alone, sits and dreams, falls asleep." Sara Teasdale's poem shimmers in this plaintive a cappella setting for mixed choirs that artistically conveys the text and its personification of

Tender harmonies and a folk-like delivery characterize this piece that captures a quiet moment of love in the stillness of sleep.

This tender melody is supported by a simple piano accompaniment and well-crafted choral lines in an original concert work that helps to process the emotions associated with grief. The warm, comforting

Floating melodic lines and resonant harmonies combine, lending an ethereal quality to this artistic piece that allows the imagination to soar. Leonora Speyer's evocative text explores our relationship to

Traditionally sung at graduation ceremonies to welcome the summer, this Swedish psalm has been freshly set with dynamic writing, warm, sweeping lines, and rich harmonies. With options to sing either the

This setting of the famous World War I poem by John McCrae is a beautiful fit for any concert, veteran ceremony, or Memorial Day event. Featuring a baritone solo and an approachable optional piano

William Wordsworth's reflection of a time gone by acknowledges past heartaches while creating a dream world where beautiful memories reign. As the vocal lines rise and fall to trace a distant rainbow, an

Hildegard of Bingen's text on the virtues of love shimmers in this serene setting that serves as the second movement from "Illuminare." Opening with a section of treble divisi, the lower voices enter as the

Inspired by the tranquility of nature in Norway's fall season, this choral work based on the composer's solo piano piece by the same name is a peaceful meditation on the wonder of the earth's changing

A mix of spoken word and choral singing, the fourth movement of "A Vision Unfolding" is a call to act justly and live in unity. Optional snare drum and trumpet further heighten the plea in Shanelle

Clustered cadences, impactful pauses, and a glistening soprano solo characterize this a cappella piece about the stewardship of nature. A beautiful, contemplative addition to a nature-themed concert.

The fifth and final movement of "A Vision Unfolding," this piece stands alone as a strong statement for social justice. The oft-set poem by Langston Hughes is given new light with soaring melodic lines,