Secular Choral Concert Music

Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem is just as relevant now as when it was written in 1896. Rhythmic ostinatos in this a cappella setting with a notated djembe part heighten the intensity of the historic text that

Featuring soprano and tenor soloists, congas, and shaker, this energetic piece speaks about peace, unity, and the duty we have to show empathy and support to one another. With a world-music feel, this piece

William Blake's text is set for treble choir in this sprightly, unaccompanied number. Surprising harmonic shifts and flowing polyphonic lines paint this text about spring.

Written for Voces8, this setting of Clairel Estevez's poem is stunningly beautiful and can be performed either a cappella or with orchestra.

With text both quoted and inspired by Tennyson's poem Ulysses, this piece is a call to pursue the noble work that is yet to be done. Mixed meters and a driving piano part propel it forward,

With energetic vocal lines, a driving accompaniment, and optional percussion (or body percussion), this piece challenges us to listen to the rhythm all around us. There is rhythm in nature, in our daily

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

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,

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.

Extracted from the larger work "Songs of Renewal," this movement is a tender lullaby. Arpeggiated harmonies in the piano and simple vocal lines paint Henry David Thoreau's text about a hazy sky.

Extracted from the five-movement work "A Vision Unfolding," this movement stands alone as a call to justice. With the drive of the snare drum, the blow of the bugle, and the declamatory choral writing, the

Inspired by Shaker anthems, this movement from the collection "Angel of Light" is intended for reflection and response. Sustained vocal lines are embellished with dissonant harmonies, encouraging

Extracted from the five-movement work "A Vision Unfolding," this third movement stands alone as a strong, socially responsive statement of identity and unity. Optional solos and a lyrical violin part add to

Close harmonies and a lyrical melody paint the sense of longing one feels after losing a loved one. An exploration of dissonance and resolve, this a cappella piece provides comfort in a time of

Exploring themes of home, joy, love, and togetherness, this quaint text from "Going Home" by Marjorie Pickthall is set with a simple melody that is presented first in unison, then in canon. The

Hoping to inspire reconciliation on a community and individual level, the composer seeks to build a caring community and find unity through this melodic piece. Blending elements of pop and gospel, and

"Work is love made visible." Based on poetry that blends Christianity and Sufism (Islamic mysticism), the text is adapted from a chapter of The Prophet by Lebanese-American author Kahlil Gibran. It

Embracing a sense of belonging and choosing to walk forward together, this original a cappella concert work is centered around finding one's place. Combining traditional choral writing with subtle gospel

Inspired by the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, this ethereal concert work explores colors and textures that paint glorious images of the cosmos. A churning minimalistic piano accompaniment

Faced with the grim reminder of death during the height of the pandemic, this original work based on the Biblical narrative of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Latin Vulgate grapples with death

Expressive and emotive, this original work is a harmonically rich setting of a Spanish text by early 20th-century Argentinian poet Alfonsina Storni. The imagery of young lovers uttering two special words

A beautiful, driving, repetitive piano accompaniment sets the stage for the journey of a runner - the air filling his lungs and the ground "pushing back with its slow spin." The ethereal voices paint a

"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 lovely setting of the O'Shaughnessy text builds slowly through its whimsical melodic development. Accompanied by a beautiful piano part, the movement in the choral lines leads to a triumphant and