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

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

This simple song of gratitude celebrates a plentiful bounty of good things. It begins and ends sweetly, building to a sweeping descant-topped refrain. It's an expressive way to offer thanks at your concert

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

Translated as "Let's Rejoice Today," this celebratory original work combines a short Latin and English text with a simple mixed meter setting that is a wonderful way to open a concert or service at any time

Written with joyful exuberance, this Gloria setting contains both homophonic writing and interplay between the vocal parts. Add the optional trumpet for even more festivity in concerts or services at any

This festive original setting of the traditional Latin text captures the essence of joyful admiration of God. Both solemn and majestic, pensive and jubilant, the a cappella sonorities expressed and explored

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

Inspiring and uplifting! This setting of John Magee Jr.'s text works as a closer, festival piece, or for graduations. With accessible ranges and a buoyant piano accompaniment, developing mixed and treble

Highly suitable for treble choirs of all abilities, this concert arrangement of the Kansas state song is simply majestic. A pulsating accompaniment adds forward motion to this sparkling homophonic

"What will I do with the portion given to me? I will sing." This fantastic work, written in a gospel style with an ecumenical text that challenges each of us to make the most of the lives we've been given,

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