SATB Secular Concert Openers and Closers

A dynamic a cappella world music selection featuring a call and response solo, optional improvised percussion and movement, and a divided choir option. The song is a traditional South African celebratory

This tremendous work will make a fantastic concert opener! The dramatic solo opening is followed by an up-tempo traditional-style choral arrangement of this South African song with djembe and handclaps.

From Three Motets for Unaccompanied Choirs, this work for SSATBB voices is a strong contest/festival selection for mature choirs.

It is the text that deserves your attention first. "The Benedictine Blessing" stands as a unique approach in its prayer requests. The musical setting was lauded by the lyricist, and brings a further

This a cappella Celtic Woman song is a sensitive, tender reflection of the love between two people and their gratefulness for each other. A wonderful tribute to love! "In the morning when you rise, I bless

A confident invitation to song, this artful choral is a celebration of the power of music in our lives. The positive message will inspire and encourage your musicians to change the world with song.

This work is an energetic reimagining of timeless text and tune from the 12th-century poet, composer, and philosopher Hildegard of Bingen. The marriage of the Caritas Abunda chant with a text taken

Commissioned for a premiere performance at the Texas Music Educators Association 2000 convention, Joseph Martin's Come to the Music is alive and electric with driving rhythm, memorable melodies,

Beautifully capturing the essence of a traditional Gaelic blessing, this original setting evokes the natural tranquility of a "gentle night" where the "moon and stars pour their healing light on you." The

A humorous musical PSA about concert etiquette written in the style of a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song. Fun to sing, and your audience will appreciate the reminder to silence their cell phones and pagers

This festive original setting of the traditional Latin text captures the essence of joyful admiration of God. Both solemn and majestic, pensive and jubilant, the a cappella sonorities expressed and explored

This simple yet heartfelt melody for this traditional Irish blessing will resonate with your choir as well as your audience. Additional text by the composer adds depth to the already lovely text: "May you

A gorgeous setting of the well-known English prayer text. Available in a variety of voicings, this blessing is a wonderful way to conclude a service or performance.

This tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song exclaims, "Iyo hlonolofatsa, Ka lebitso la ntate," which translates as, "Bless everything in the name of the Father." Featuring a soloist,

"I dream a world where man no other man will scorn, where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn..." The introspective and contemplative lyrics of the great African-American poet Langston

This playful Irish children's song has been set with rousing clapping and stomping, and the result is a festival showcase! The vocals are set in a simple homophonic style, which makes the body percussion

This traditional South African song celebrates life and the paradise that is to come. An upbeat a cappella texture is punctuated with the rhythmic text and singable melody in a dynamic world music selection

"May the roads rise up to meet you, may the winds be always at your back... until we meet again." Available in a cappella and accompanied versions, the lovely choral texture utilizes straightforward rhythms

The familiar African saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," is appropriately set to tribal-sounding music in this marvelous cross-cultural feature. A great closer, this piece is a proven audience

For the advanced concert choir, this arrangement of Rodgers and Hammerstein's song from the 1945 production "State Fair" is a great opener or concert theme!

Stacey Gibbs hits a home run with this African folk song. The piece is full of joy and expectation and useful as a concert opener or as a processional. Rhythmic energy, strong vocal writing and energy are