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

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

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 heartfelt piece reminds us that goodbyes are as filled with gratitude and hope as they are sad. Great intimacy is achieved in this unaccompanied setting with the use of solo voices and lush chords as

Grandiose and exciting, this festive piece has rhythmic energy in the vocal lines coupled with an active yet supportive piano accompaniment. With a variety of accessible voicings, this piece is fitting for

An ideal opener for concerts or festivals, this energetic piece has a memorable melody and lively rhythmic elements. The opening and closing sections offer a syncopated motive, while the middle section

This lovely work for treble voices and piano is a lyric, fluid rendering of the familiar text from the Book of Hours (1541). Elegantly simple, it offers the opportunity for young choirs to explore tone,

Davison yet again applies his Baroque-like style in this rhythmically charged original that is perfect for developing voices. Altos and basses share a part as do the sopranos and optional tenors, making

Introduce customs and greetings from around the world with this original tune! Perform the piece with piano or with the accompaniment track to add even more rhythmic energy. Whether you have a mixed choir

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

Joyful and welcoming, this accessible piece uses melodies and countermelodies that layer to partner together in an easily achieved three-part harmonic setting. A buoyant, Baroque-style piano accompaniment

"Music on the mountain, music in the air, music in the true heart, music everywhere…" What a brilliant, music-themed choral work with a vibrant piano accompaniment! Written and premiered by the

This gospel-style original draws inspiration from the work of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him who worked to break down the barriers of racial discrimination and social injustice. A

The ebb and flow of the sea is painted beautifully in this evocative original setting of Sara Teasdale's poem. It opens with a calm and meditative section that gradually adds harmonic layers before opening

Honor the memories of the school year while looking forward to a bright, radiant future! This original work features multiple flexible voicings that may be combined, making this accessible to almost any

Very fun to sing, this optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. The text celebrates the lifelong relationships created

Premiered at Carnegie Hall, this is the ultimate choral for musical unity! Set in a very rhythmic style with optional percussion parts, it can be sung a cappella or with piano. The text is a wonderful mix

Following up on Gilpin's Vox, here's another flexible, fun-to-sing original piece with so many uses! Set up as rondo, this perfect opener is part warm-up, part vocalise, and part novelty, with

Lend a Latin-American flair to your concert with this exuberant original piece about the joys of singing. The title phrase is the only Spanish text. The combination of catchy melodies that are easy to