SATB 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

A dynamic a cappella world music selection featuring a call and response solo, optional improvised percussion and movement, and a divided choir option. The song is a traditional South African celebratory

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

Choirs will love the rhythmic drive and energy of this meaningful composition. The Ojibway text means "Come in, two-legged beings. Come in all people. There is good life here." A wonderful opening

This tremendous work will make a fantastic concert opener! The dramatic solo opening is followed by an up-tempo traditional-style choral arrangement of this South African song with djembe and handclaps.

From Three Motets for Unaccompanied Choirs, this work for SSATBB voices is a strong contest/festival selection for mature choirs.

Inspired by Psalm 133, composer Michael John Trotta has written a lovely a cappella piece that celebrates the unity of brotherhood among all people. This calm, sonorous work is the perfect choice for a

Lush harmonies in a warm choral texture lay the foundation for this elegantly succinct setting of the traditional Irish blessing. A cappella, with a few lyric alterations to provide an enveloping framework

Choral ensembles always find such joy in singing music by a composer who truly understands the voice and the choral art. With logical voice leadings in and out of thorny places, creative use of independent

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

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

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

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

Siegfried Sassoon's text depicts the unbridled joy at the end of the First World War mixed with bittersweet sorrow. The final phrase, "the singing will never be done" hints at the irony of this joy amid

A humorous musical PSA about concert etiquette written in the style of a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song. Fun to sing, and your audience will appreciate the reminder to silence their cell phones and pagers

A simple a cappella setting of Fiona Macleod's traditional text that invokes the peace and stillness of nature. The choral parts move gently with extended cluster chord cadences and some simple divisi. This

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

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

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 tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song exclaims, "Iyo hlonolofatsa, Ka lebitso la ntate," which translates as, "Bless everything in the name of the Father." Featuring a soloist,

This dramatic piece filled with rhythmic ostinatos and mixed meters is energetic, powerful, and creative; it truly brings the text to life. Excellent opener, closer, or even as the centerpiece of any choral

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do... let me not neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." The wonderful message of this text is mirrored in the

"May the roads rise up to meet you, may the winds be always at your back... until we meet again." Available in a cappella and accompanied versions, the lovely choral texture utilizes straightforward rhythms