Secular Choral Concert Music

William Henry Davies' text is given a driving, rhythmic setting that encourages singer and listener alike to "sing out!" their songs of joy. The contrasting middle section is undergirded with rhythmic

Only 18 measures long, this brief plea for peace is based on the words by Rabindranath Tagore: "Be still, my heart; these great trees are prayers."

Based on the poems of Rumi, this flowing mid-tempo piece compels us to be in love with the journey of life.

Featuring a pop-style solo throughout, this powerful, socially responsive piece offers a cry for justice. With straightforward triadic choral voicing, poignant lyrics, and a flowing interlude that builds to

Energetic tempo, soaring vocal lines, and unified rhythmic texture create a rousing setting of Schulze's text about Jager (hunters) roaming the forest. The strophic form and straightforward harmony make

This piece sets a text exploring how singing can be shaped through gesture, "inspiration, wit, and will." With minimal divisi, the vocal parts explore ranges from low to high in rich harmony,

Sara Teasdale's lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise, and this handsome setting is superbly crafted by noted composer Frank Ticheli. Tasteful harmonic suspensions and rich choral textures

This work was commissioned for a treble honor chorus festival.  With words and music by the composer Sherry Blevins, this powerful work has a strong message and will find success in choirs able to take

A beautifully simple setting of familiar words by Langston Hughes showcases homophonic writing and a rich harmonic palette.

Set to the poem Everyone Sang written by Siegfried Sassoon at the end of World War I, this uplifting piece opens with accompaniment patterns intended to imitate the flight of birds, followed by

Based on a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, this piece opens with a short flute introduction of music floating across the sky. In contrast, the text goes on to say that music is heard not only in places of

Based on African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar's (1872-1906) Sympathy, the "caged bird" - represented in the music by a twittering flute - desperately seeks freedom: "A prayer, a

Walt Whitman's poem I Hear America Singing (from Leaves of Grass), with its many references to men singing at their work, seems best suited to the direct and forceful character of your experienced

From an epic poem by the great American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the text examines the mystery of music. It is well matched with equally mysterious music, opening with solo recitative which soon transforms

This stunning setting takes the performers back to the famous battle on Vimy Ridge during World War I. It traces a moving story that will captivate audiences with a determined piano accompaniment and

This work is dedicated to the musical influences in the performers' lives, entreating them to sing to the world around them. In a lively mixed meter, it includes both supportive accompanied sections as well

This festive setting of a Sanskrit poem is a great opener to a concert, especially with the forces of a brass quintet and organ. Fanfare figures and powerful part-writing will make this an exciting

This setting of one of Petrarch's sonnets alternates homophonic chorale texture with melody and supporting vocal accompaniment. The lyrical quality of the writing lends itself to a beautiful sonic

An assuring text from master poet Sara Teasdale, its central theme is that one can take refuge in singing. Ever sensitive to the text, Walker crafts word painting throughout with shimmering piano

This unaccompanied piece contrasts a simple unison motif with quick ostinato in the lower voices. The homophonic refrain clearly declaims, "All forces have been steadily employed to complete

Here's an exciting Celtic-flavored a cappella original for tenor-bass voices that encourages hope and unity. The optional Irish bodhran part enhances the driving energy and sense of determination. The

A dreamy, twinkling piano motif surrounds a lovely melody that grows into a full harmonic texture which moves through various tonalities before softly settling in stillness. Some sections of divisi treble

Characteristics of nature are personified in this original concert work. In a mysterious minor key, the piece develops into a soaring climax before a thoughtful descent and a mournful conclusion. It's