Secular Concert Openers and Closers

Begin your performance or concert with this festive, rhythmic processional that features layered African drum ostinati and homophonic chordal harmonies. The Swahili text is easy to learn, and the setting is

This arrangement of the 1967 #1 hit by the Beatles will be a popular addition to any concert with a timeless message that is even more relevant today.

Arranged as a joyful processional, this 14th-century Latin motet can be sung completely a cappella or accompanied by hand drum and tambourine. This short work includes an optional repeating section that may

Featuring comfortable ranges and a beautifully supportive accompaniment, this introspective piece offers a powerful and inspiring message: "Imagine if no bound'ries could impede us; Imagine what a world we

A celebration of the power of music, this work is a sonorous setting of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's well-known poem. A rhythmic, energetic accompaniment, an a cappella middle section, and optional

The excitement of opening night is captured brilliantly in this arrangement of the showstopper from Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate." Anticipation gradually builds as the bubbly tune passes from voice to

Driving accompaniment helps fuel the excitement in this celebratory work for developing choirs. There's a contrasting legato middle section that complements the opening fanfare before returning to the

This celebratory work is solid and rhythmic, featuring a driving accompaniment that helps to fuel the excitement. With options to feature a small ensemble or solo throughout its development, this piece will

Lush harmonies in a warm choral texture lay the foundation for this elegantly succinct setting of the traditional Irish blessing. A cappella, with a few lyric alterations to provide an enveloping framework

Drawing primarily from the soundscape of a gently sweeping Mixolydian mode, this piece is designed to remind the listener of the distant past and its connection to our present. With additional options for

This setting of a traditional Ghana folk song tells of using a tropical gourd, called a calabash, as a bowl for porridge. The a cappella vocals begin simply and build harmonically throughout. Rhythm parts

A great opener, this original concert work calls us all to come and immerse ourselves in the music. The 6/8 time signature in the opening and closing sections create energy and drive, while the contrasting

Joyfully calling out the wonders of collaboration and creativity that make up our musical lives, this opener is a great choice for young choirs! Classically styled, it has wonderful teaching moments and

This dynamite five-minute medley celebrates the timeless music of the Beatles in an accessible arrangement perfect for singers and listeners of all ages! Combine with your concert band and/or orchestra for

Alternating between Latin and English text, this rhythmic, celebratory setting is a fantastic opener for women's choirs! Interesting meter changes, a contrasting middle section, and a simple piano

A very impressive opener or contest/festival piece! Bright, fanfare-like motives, incisive accompaniment, and text in Latin and English work together to make this work a standout for young and developing

This song of celebration is rhythmic and syncopated with effective use of mixed meter. Using just a touch of Latin with the word "cantate," the text is mostly in English. Plenty of unison and two-part