Secular Concert Openers and Closers

This work uses the text of the traditional Irish blessing but employs modern compositional techniques, with independent vocal lines, mixed meters, a challenging accompaniment, and dissonances throughout to

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

Add some flourish to your next concert by programming this jubilant original featuring a macaronic text of Latin and English. Some accessible mixed meter adventures are sprinkled throughout this dynamic

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

This work is an energetic reimagining of timeless text and tune from the 12th-century poet, composer, and philosopher Hildegard of Bingen. The marriage of the Caritas Abunda chant with a text taken

"Wake the song of joy and gladness, celebrate this festive day." With shifting moods from rhythmically driving to smooth and subtle, this joyful and celebratory piece is appropriate for any concert

This final movement of Songs for the Journey is set to the traditional Irish blessing, "May the road rise up to meet you."

A Celtic inspired setting of the traditional Irish blessing text is supplemented with Latin phrases that echo the sentiment and layer the texture with elegance. The flowing piano accompaniment frames

Alexander Carmichael's "Carmina Gadelica" is a six-volume set of various prayers, songs, poems, invocations, and other lore he collected over a close to 50-year period (1860-1909) in the Gaelic speaking

This short but soaring "Amen" can be sung a cappella or accompanied with the simple piano part included. Try it as a benediction, a choral reflection, or as a short farewell to close a service or

"Look, the trees are bright, strung with twinkling lights; there's excitement in the air!" It's true! This playful piece will put excitement in the air for singers and audiences alike. Quoting We Wish

A whirling circle dance, the exuberance of youth, kaleidoscopic images of rural life and love - all are captured in Alexander Blok's poem and artfully set to music. Filled with dramatic dynamic contrasts

Students will reinforce their sense of rhythm and meter changes in this engaging, celebratory, highly enjoyable piece. With or without the optional percussion, this festive number is the perfect closer for

A wide array of musical moods and artful contrasts are represented in this dynamic festival or concert selection. A striking minor theme opens the piece, enhanced by percussive handclaps. In the middle

This vibrant celebration in classic ABA form has a nice, syncopated opening and a contrasting lyrical middle section. It consists primarily of unison writing with some easily taught moments of two- and