Secular Choral Concert Music

Set to the poem Everyone Sang written by Siegfried Sassoon at the end of World War I, this uplifting piece opens with accompaniment patterns intended to imitate the flight of birds, followed by

Based on a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, this piece opens with a short flute introduction of music floating across the sky. In contrast, the text goes on to say that music is heard not only in places of

Based on African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar's (1872-1906) Sympathy, the "caged bird" - represented in the music by a twittering flute - desperately seeks freedom: "A prayer, a

Walt Whitman's poem I Hear America Singing (from Leaves of Grass), with its many references to men singing at their work, seems best suited to the direct and forceful character of your experienced

From an epic poem by the great American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the text examines the mystery of music. It is well matched with equally mysterious music, opening with solo recitative which soon transforms

A gorgeous setting of a popular remembrance text. This is a beautiful synthesis of Indian and Western choral writing, including a "garland of ragas" woven over the quiet elegance of the text that your

This haunting setting from the Donald Nally Contemporary Voices series will challenge your singers. Full of jazzy clusters and inspired by a diverse harmonic palette, this is a great piece for a resonant

This stunning setting takes the performers back to the famous battle on Vimy Ridge during World War I. It traces a moving story that will captivate audiences with a determined piano accompaniment and

The setting of this Walt Whitman text provides a challenge for the advanced ensemble. The harmonic progressions and vocal treatments are adventurous, and the motivic development is effective.

This work is dedicated to the musical influences in the performers' lives, entreating them to sing to the world around them. In a lively mixed meter, it includes both supportive accompanied sections as well

This festive setting of a Sanskrit poem is a great opener to a concert, especially with the forces of a brass quintet and organ. Fanfare figures and powerful part-writing will make this an exciting

This setting of one of Petrarch's sonnets alternates homophonic chorale texture with melody and supporting vocal accompaniment. The lyrical quality of the writing lends itself to a beautiful sonic

An assuring text from master poet Sara Teasdale, its central theme is that one can take refuge in singing. Ever sensitive to the text, Walker crafts word painting throughout with shimmering piano

This unaccompanied piece contrasts a simple unison motif with quick ostinato in the lower voices. The homophonic refrain clearly declaims, "All forces have been steadily employed to complete

Meaningful and simple, this lovely piece teaches thankfulness for the beauty of the world and for those who walk through life beside us, providing a precious reminder to all who listen. It can be sung in

An inspiring song about handling disappointment or adversity and finding optimism in the hope that comes with a new day, this original ballad is a great choice for concerts, graduations, or any time that we

Based on a list of school and community ideals, this original piece supports positive aspects of community and fundamental principles of living and working together. A perfect choice that is sure to please

Charles Anthony Silvestri's text is brought to life in this lyrical piece written for treble chorus and piano. This touching piece about finding one's voice through song celebrates finding peace in

In a world where it seems that kindness and respect for others is often not the norm, we need to reinforce the importance of love, unity, and basic humanity. With lyrics by Bert Stratton that amplify how we

With a text that includes both Swahili and English phrases, this energetic a cappella original piece celebrates our Mother Earth. The shaker and hand drum provide a perfect rhythmic accompaniment, and the

This secular Latin piece asks "Where is peace?" The answer is that it begins with each one of us. Modern harmonies in a subtle setting offer the opportunity to sing expressively, focusing on tone and

Here's an exciting Celtic-flavored a cappella original for tenor-bass voices that encourages hope and unity. The optional Irish bodhran part enhances the driving energy and sense of determination. The

Focusing on the beauty of nature that can be found all around us if we simply take the time to look, this uplifting original work inspires us to be more mindful. Consider for fall or spring programming,