Songs about the Human Experience

This Chorus America commission is an accessible work for treble or mixed choir which explores the real-life consequences of bullying - evoking a spirit of empathy not with sugar-coated niceties but with

A big, bold piano introduction sets the stage for this powerful and inspirational song. "Let the harmonies of freedom ring" is a message for this time and all times. The gospel feel of this original song

This unaccompanied piece contrasts a simple unison motif with quick ostinato in the lower voices. The homophonic refrain clearly declaims, "All forces have been steadily employed to complete

This musical "instruction manual" is as whimsical as the singing planet which inspired it. A genre-defying showpiece evoking both the ethereal and the "grooving", How To Sing Like a Planet offers up equal

With text adapted from Walt Whitman's Song of the Open Road, this boisterous original concert work is brimming with rhythmic excitement! From the riveting dynamics to its strong lyrical message,

This song by Francis Smith Thomas, a close friend of the Martin Luther King, Jr. family, was inspired by the words of a woman who participated in the Montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal event in the civil

From poet Linda Studley comes an empowering text: "We are the ones who take the chance, who sing the song, who step the dance, who dare to try...." Treble choirs will revel in this setting of the text which

This beautiful ballad, arranged for The King's Singers, has a text that speaks of hope for a better and sweeter world where war and division are distant memories. Filled with characteristically rich and

This a cappella original uses an uplifting text to express the joy of living life to the fullest. Using legato phrases, rubato, divisi, and jazz-influenced harmonies, the rich choral writing is emotional

A banjo-like piano accompaniment and expressive fiddle stylings lend folk authenticity to this plaintive and moving choral setting of Stephen Foster's classic song. The text is set simply but fully, with

With a text inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, this a cappella piece uses changing meter and ethereal choral writing to create wonderful harmonic and melodic moments. Atmospheric and haunting,

Cast in three sections, this piece opens with the chorus singing a triumphant call to action. The second section introduces a simple theme which is sung by the upper and the lower voices

Leaping from leaf to leaf, shattering into gold, and scattering gems, light is at the center of our lives. It kisses our eyes, it sweetens our hearts, and it fills the world. This music explores the energy,

This work paints a poignant picture of suburban life - where everything looks wonderful, as long as one doesn't dwell too intently upon the details. This work is, in essence, a series of episodes in

Commissioned by the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, here is a passionate tour de force for tenor-bass choirs. Full of rubato and with a text that is powerful while at the same time sensitive, this

Lord Byron's well-known poem paints a moving portrait of advancing age overcoming the frivolity of youth. Infused with the spirit of nostalgia, these lovely melodic lines highlight the text and showcase

This expressive setting of Sara Teadale's poem The Mystery, which depicts deep lasting love, begins with a unison melody, supported by modulating harmonies in the piano accompaniment, and evolves

Here is a powerful ballad from Broadway musical "Jekyll and Hyde", arranged for a cappella choirs. A modern concert setting that is both jazz-infused and classic, this lovely arrangement is an emotional

Let It Matter is an urgent call to deep listening across cultural divides, crafted with grit, tenacity and passion. Its pithy, emotionally layered lyrics are punctuated with edgy internal rhymes

With a text centered around divine love, and the depths of that love, the music is characterized by slow-moving cluster chords, soaring voice leading, and first inversion chords that give a feeling of

Accompanied by cello, this piece sets a short and poignant text seeking to sum up much of the wonder and uncertainty we find in our most meaningful relationships with a lush, contemporary score. "I hope you

Loaded with offbeat rhythms and broad dynamic contrasts, here is an unabashed vocal painting of this thought-provoking poem by Susan Bowker. Classical choral writing is combined with a contemporary text and

"On this open road, the moon and stars to guide me, and my heavy load made lighter by the wind against my back. And with my friend, I journey on." This inspirational original text about finding light in the

While this text is most famous for being set by Samuel Barber, this new setting offers a splendid new choice. This arrangement for piano, cello and women's choir is lush and distinct for its contemporary