Songs that Celebrate Music

Abounding with energy and optimism, this contemporary concert work setting of James Weldon Johnson's text evokes hope and youthful exuberance. With speech-driven rhythms, a driving piano accompaniment, and

A strong unifying text from Colleen Carhuff states "No notes are as connected as the souls that sing them, and no soul is happier than when surrounded by their friends. We are one!" A wonderful choice for

Very fun to sing, this optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. The text celebrates the lifelong relationships created

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

A setting of the text by James Weldon Johnson, this lyrical concert work celebrates the gift of music: "With glad defiance in my throat, I pierce the darkness with a note, and sing."

A joy-filled journey through the many gifts that singing brings us! Memorable lines and contemporary harmonies are backed by energetic percussion for shaker, tambourine, and cajon. Easy to learn and

With energetic vocal lines, a driving accompaniment, and optional percussion (or body percussion), this piece challenges us to listen to the rhythm all around us. There is rhythm in nature, in our daily

"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 lovely setting of the O'Shaughnessy text builds slowly through its whimsical melodic development. Accompanied by a beautiful piano part, the movement in the choral lines leads to a triumphant and

This uplifting and affirmatory piece sets a text by the composer inspired by the reflections of the Northwest Girlchoir on what their choir means to them. A gradual building of choral texture creates an

This work was inspired by the Radcliffe Ladies' Choir and their motto, "Friendship through singing." The lilting vocal lines are underpinned by a delicate piano part, and the opening performance direction

A celebration of the power of music, this work is a sonorous setting of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's well-known poem. A rhythmic, energetic accompaniment, an a cappella middle section, and optional

Jubilation fills the air in this superb a cappella concert work for treble voices. Exciting melodic motives are passed from section to section, and skillful vocal writing aids in introducing independent

This new melody for the How Can I Keep from Singing? text is gentle and thoughtful. The easy lyricism in these phrases will assist your singers in hearing the familiar words in a new way.

This well-known Italian madrigal by Orazio Vecchi is offered in two voicings, enabling singers to be successful while staying true to the style of the period.

"Eneza upendo uendako, umoja ni upendo" translates to "Spread love everywhere you go, unity is love." This piece celebrates the hopeful sentiments of unity and love through both Swahili and English lyrics

This piece sets a text exploring how singing can be shaped through gesture, "inspiration, wit, and will." With minimal divisi, the vocal parts explore ranges from low to high in rich harmony,

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

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

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 original pop-style ballad has strong themes of unity and the power of singing together to overcome the divisions in our world. Featuring solo lines all the way through, the two versions available are

This reflective musical setting brings Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s text to life. Featuring a cascading a cappella introduction, this approachable work is a an ideal way to celebrate the power that