Written in memory of a loved one, this song comforts and lifts the spirit. With the idea of infinity and the cyclic nature of life, the harmony never really "stays put" - it never spends too much time in
This piece celebrates the treble voice in all of its capabilities. Utilizing innovative compositional techniques and rapidly shifting vocal syllables to achieve bright clusters and angular lines, advanced
Nothing brings a group of people together quite like singing. Belong celebrates this act, which is so important for many people. Choir is a safe place, for people to feel like they belong ~ young
This Benedictus for a cappella choir is the eleventh movement from Jocelyn Hagen's mass setting: amass, which was completed in early 2011. This movement, composed in 2007, has been one of
Many young people fall in love with choral music during high school because of the passion of their teachers. This song celebrates the inspiration that teachers pass on to their students, even though their
This heartfelt piece reminds us that goodbyes are as filled with gratitude and hope as they are sad. Great intimacy is achieved in this unaccompanied setting with the use of solo voices and lush chords as
A somber song in honor of an Afghani poet, this is one of the most poignant moments in "Songs for Muska." This quiet and soulful piece is well suited for use as a memorial or as a reflective concert
Bittersweet harmonies evolve into a powerful climax in this piece for treble voices. Sara Teasdale's famous poem comes alive in this setting, and extensive unison gives the treble voices a chance to
This work offers a resonant, contemporary message combined with powerful writing for treble voices and a featured soloist. A protest anthem that advocates for justice and equality, the choral parts are
Based on the Japanese art of kintsukuroi, filling cracked pieces of pottery with gold, this work encourages us to see the beauty in the flaws of others. Layers of ostinatos and close a cappella
This gorgeous setting of an incredible text by Marisha Chamberlain emphasizes the importance of community and strength in difficult times.
Sara Teasdale's love poem is beautifully set in a lilting, dreamlike texture that gradually unfolds from two-part to four-part divisi. The melody has a lovely phrase structure, and the interplay between the
This work begins intimately and develops dynamically, with poetic text from the composer. Simple musical ideas evolve throughout the piece, mirroring the complexity of human relationships. Changes in key
With lyrics by the composer, this sensitive ballad expresses the importance of finding peace and strength even during the darkest times. Accessible ranges and part writing, in addition to a universal
Written in an accessible singer-songwriter style, this piece celebrates finding one's true self. A solo gives way to choral accompaniment figures, followed by duetting voices and, finally, a warm homophonic
A moving yet simple setting of Sara Teasdale's text, this selection cascades like an incantation for inner peace. Perfect for treble choirs newer to a cappella works and divisi, the vocal parts beautifully
This life-affirming text from Sara Teasdale is treated to satisfying development and flowing, lyrical vocal and piano lines. All voices are affirmed and engaged equally, and what begins as a relatively
This piece offers a positive message of hope that will be appreciated by both choir and audience. With a text crafted in part by the students for whom it was commissioned, pleasant triadic harmonies and a
A favorite among college and high school women's choirs, this selection is a tenacious, ferocious and distinctly feminine anthem of praise to the goddess Inanna. The text was written by Enheduanna, the
On My Dreams was commissioned by my hometown high school choir, under the direction of conductor Cindy Peterson, for their annual POPS concert. To fit into that concert, I wanted to ensure that the
Ophelia was a finalist for the Sorel Medallion in 2016, and this recording from the performance is by Voices of Ascension in New York City, under the direction of Dennis Keene. Complex and rich
Here's a lighthearted number inspired by one of America's founding fathers, Ben Franklin, who was a big fan of the American turkey. Set in the style of a tango with a clarinet for color, this novelty extols
Written in 2007, Sanctus was the first piece to be composed for Hagen's larger work: amass. Beginning with two female soloists and a small section of women's voices, the piece emerges quietly and