Secular Concert Openers and Closers

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

This energetic and spirited piece alternates between call-and-response sections and homophonic ones, exhibiting an ABA form overall. It is a great opener to any concert. Composed for the Columbus

This stunning work features a breathtaking string orchestration. Tender and compassionate, the music is full of hope for the weary and oppressed. "All things are shadow, You are substance; all things

This work is a thoughtful and reflective setting of two great Irving Berlin songs, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, with text from the Emma Lazarus poem The New Colossus, and

A text from the Book of Common Prayer, as timely today as when it was originally penned in 1662, is particularly engaging in this relaxed and soulful gospel setting. This setting for SATB voices and piano

Give your younger students a taste of real classical music with this terrific festival opening selection arranged just for them. Feature a trio of soloists or a small group along with distinctive choral

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

Reese's a cappella canon, based on a descending D major scale, is fantastic for teaching unison singing, reinforcing part singing, and developing choral tone, all within the framework of conservative ranges

A rhythmic keyboard introduction sets the stage for this classic festival opener for developing choirs. Approachable vocal ranges and the use of repetition assure success, while a bit of mixed meter along

Singers and audiences alike will be satisfied by this powerful, richly scored Christmas fanfare by Victor C. Johnson. The traditional Gloria in excelsis Deo text makes this an approachable and appropriate

A brilliant, trumpet-like choral fanfare opens this regal work and reappears throughout in response to the softer, contrasting passages. Lots of block chords and a bright tempo help to make this a terrific

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 high energy work, set for voices, piano and optional handbells, is full of energy and drive. Centered around the Latin phrase "carpe diem," the words and music combine to urge all to truly "seize the

Celebrating the gifts of friendship, shared experiences, and joy, this original song is an ideal way to close a concert or service. Incorporating one Latin phrase and one Hebrew phrase into the otherwise

This emotive original work exudes a sincere message of peace, hope, and love. A memorable melody combined with well-crafted vocal lines is punctuated by a pensive accompaniment that showcases the

This simple yet heartfelt melody for this traditional Irish blessing will resonate with your choir as well as your audience. Additional text by the composer adds depth to the already lovely text: "May you

A gorgeous setting of the well-known English prayer text. Available in a variety of voicings, this blessing is a wonderful way to conclude a service or performance.

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,

New words and original music add to the melody from Henry Purcell's spirited "Sing for Joy" to create a perfect opening holiday choral work. Unison singing introduces the melody, which develops into