Secular Concert Openers and Closers

"I give you a song full of life, full of hope and full of dreams." Light and fanciful, this inspiring original features opportunities for soloists and a message of youthful optimism that everyone will

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do... let me not neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." The wonderful message of this text is mirrored in the

Victor Johnson's celebratory original features a text adapted from Psalms. Opening with a stately, majestic fanfare, it moves into jubilant high gear featuring a rhythmically driving accompaniment and

"What will I do with the portion given to me? I will sing." This fantastic work, written in a gospel style with an ecumenical text that challenges each of us to make the most of the lives we've been given,

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

"In the name of music, I shall sing of breathtaking wonders and beautiful things..." You will not find a better music-themed piece for your choir! Superb in music and text, this offers an ideal opportunity

"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

This moving, traditional Irish blessing is set to music of great simplicity and beauty. Chilcott perfectly captures the warmth and sincerity of the text and weaves a memorable melody which he clothes in

This sensitive original setting of the traditional Irish text is both accessible and expressive. A beautiful melody, simple harmonies, and a flowing piano accompaniment combine to create an especially

Beginning simply with soprano 1 in unison, this setting of the traditional text builds to a gorgeous full four-part contrapuntal Amen. The text then repeats, this time homophonically in four parts, with a

This lovely setting of a timeless text features warm a cappella harmonies with peaceful resolution and artful syllabic stress. Cluster chords and soaring lines create a simple yet stunning moment of

This sensitive original setting of the traditional Irish text is both accessible and expressive. A beautiful melody, simple harmonies and a flowing piano accompaniment combine to create an especially

Commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association for their Middle School/Junior High Honor Choir 2015, this setting is a grand interpretation of the traditional Gaelic prayer. "May the road rise up to

This eloquently stated setting of the beloved text, May the Road Rise Up to Meet You, sits comfortably in each vocal part with no awkward skips or leaps. Some well-managed independence of voices

Several traditional Irish blessings are beautifully combined together with a simple choral setting that will be a quick learn - perfect as an encore, closing piece, or graduation feature. It opens with an

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!