Secular Choral Concert Music

As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks of the precious gifts of life and loved ones. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

Reflections on life from beginning to end in this text by Stephen Rew are paired with a beautifully meandering melody in a satisfying musical journey. A tender piano accompaniment and lovely harmonic

Crafted as a tribute to the impact of cherished individuals on their communities, this introspective work is both a celebration of life and a consoling message, opening with gentle, heartfelt passages that

The uplifting strength of music carries us skyward like a dove. This lovely setting of the poem by Caroline L. Goodenough is centered on the transition to the afterlife. It's an accessible work suitable for

"To share the stars with you once more ... To hold your life within my heart." This lyrical and emotive work expresses grief and longing to see again a loved one who has passed on. Sweeping melodic phrases

Celebrating relationships with lasting impact, this piece is an apt tribute or good-bye song that works in a variety of settings. Easily learned, it also features optional instrumentation that is flexible

Centering around the idea that "the night is always darkest before the dawn," this lyrical original work is hopeful and inspiring. The piano accompaniment supports and brings depth to the harmonic texture,

A song of warmth and love through the process of grief and remembrance, this setting of Robert Bode's text expresses the joy of singing with someone who then moves beyond this life. The message of the final

This beautiful memorial recalls beautiful memories of a lost loved one who will never be forgotten. The lyrical lines and antiphonal singing between the parts symbolize the lingering memories while a depth

Written after the passing of a friend, this simple and eloquent expression of tenderhearted friendship, love, and grief brings hope for brighter days ahead. Set with an optional string accompaniment, it is

This tender melody is supported by a simple piano accompaniment and well-crafted choral lines in an original concert work that helps to process the emotions associated with grief. The warm, comforting

Combining Simple Gifts and the Going Home theme from Dvorak's "New World" symphony in partner-song format, this is easy to perform with a minimum of rehearsal. A lyrical violin part adds

This setting of the famous World War I poem by John McCrae is a beautiful fit for any concert, veteran ceremony, or Memorial Day event. Featuring a baritone solo and an approachable optional piano

William Wordsworth's reflection of a time gone by acknowledges past heartaches while creating a dream world where beautiful memories reign. As the vocal lines rise and fall to trace a distant rainbow, an

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

A simple folk-like melody builds to dense, dramatic harmonies in this a cappella choral that tugs at the heartstrings. Especially effective for those who are dealing with grief, the climactic passages can

From the large choral work, "The Unarmed Child." There's really no way to appropriately recognize your lost child's birthday, Jeremy said as he and Jennifer talked about what life has been like for their

Christina Rossetti's text reflecting on death is sensitively set with clear, lyrical melodic lines supported by an a cappella choral texture that your experienced singers will appreciate.

This piece speaks of new beginnings and the hope that accompanies them. Perfect for any graduation or celebration of moving on, or as a tribute to a departing friend, the sensitive part-writing and

Celebrating the time of youth when the body is full of life, this song explores the aging process and how our memories can provide strength and joy from earlier days. The music is simple and accessible to

Stephen Bock's poignant text asks where a loved one has gone now that death has come. With its rising motives, this setting for unaccompanied mixed divisi chorus and two soloists beautifully captures the

From the Grammy-nominated work The Lost Birds, this selection is a setting of Emily Dickinson's poem "The Saddest Noise, the Sweetest Noise". It begins the story of The Lost Birds in spring: