Songs that Celebrate Music

"I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes..." As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks to everyone of the

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

"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

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.

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

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 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

Written in response to choruses falling silent during the pandemic, yet applicable to any challenging situation one faces in everyday life: "There is no way to stop our hopes, our dreams, our music." Rich

A collaboration between choral icons Joseph Martin and Mark Hayes produced this inspirational concert work that would be a great opener. The music-themed text is a powerful advocate for our art form, and

In what has become a viral YouTube virtual choir sensation, the Podd brothers have carefully crafted an exceptionally artistic arrangement of this classic song that has a contemporary vibe. A flowing piano

"For when I sing, ten thousand voices follow and fill the world with hopeful melody." With a rich choral fabric supported by a brilliant piano part, this piece embodies the positive message of the power of

From Spencer Michael Free's poem The Human Touch comes this tender piece that speaks to the healing power of relationships found in touch and song. A dynamic piano part accompanies lush vocal

With a fresh, contemporary feel, this selection brings an uplifting message of hope and friendship through times of darkness. With its wide appeal, it is available in several voicings, including the Ember