Secular Concert Openers and Closers

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

From Purcell's "Birthday Ode for Queen Mary," which also includes other well-known odes, such as Sound the Trumpet and Strike the Viol, this setting of Come, Ye Sons of Art has

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

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

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,

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

This jubilant, accessible original will add flourish and excitement to your performance. The strong opening theme leads to a colorful contrasting middle section, and the buoyant recapitulation propels the

This is a fantastic festival piece! The Latin words taken from the Psalms are joyful, and the parts are easily learned. The antiphonal nature of the work sets it apart as a great concert opener or

With lively percussion parts, handclaps, and a straightforward call-and-response style, this authentic West African folk song arrangement pulls together in a snap. A cappella, with solo or duet

This inspirational song encourages you to find your own voice and to feel empowered to have an impact on the world. Uplifting, positive, and joyful, this song is a perfect fit for any concert or ceremony,

This inspirational song encourages you to find your own voice and to feel empowered to have an impact on the world. Uplifting, positive, and joyful, this song is a perfect fit for any concert or ceremony,

A driving piano accompaniment sets up the joyous English text of celebration that begins with a stately expression of "Cantate Domino!" Mixed meter helps create energy, which is contrasted with a lyrical

Skip the droll opening announcement about cell phones and sing this instead! Based on Pachelbel's Canon - which, face it, everyone loves - this piece will make a lovely concert opener that also serves a

With words and music by Henry Leck, the artistic director of Music for All, this is a song about the passion for making music. The music is big and bold and the text is heartfelt.