Socially Responsive Selections

"To sit and dream ... all you who are dreamers, too. Help me make our world anew. I reach out my hands to you." These transformative words penned by Langston Hughes beckon us to reach toward the dreams of a

Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and

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

From Craig Hella Johnson's important work, this piece is a wonderful feature for soprano soloist and choir. Styled like a folk hymn, this beautiful piece promotes healing and acceptance in a lush a cappella

"We sing out the truth against hunger and hate. We sing out for justice before it's too late!" A socially responsive text from Charles Anthony Silvestri is given a dramatic setting for mixed or treble

This three-movement suite for tenor-bass choirs is intended to elevate conversations regarding mental health. The composer brings his sense of the dramatic to this powerful score. The first movement,

This lovely selection has a message of peace and justice. Stated as a gentle prayer based on Psalm 85:10, it includes subtle harmonic hues in a gorgeous concert piece that will melt your audience's

The profound work Considering Matthew Shepard has been moving audiences around the world with its compelling message of love and acceptance. An abbreviated version of the larger work, this

Capturing the importance of the Eloise Greenfield poem and the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman's life, this original work also includes the spirituals If I Got My Ticket and Go

A dramatic and encouraging text by Georgia Douglas Johnson provides the inspiration for the music in this choral piece. Well-crafted choral lines with occasional counterpoint drive home the uplifting

Imagined and created for a Leonard Bernstein 100th anniversary celebration, We Reply was inspired by his famous quote about making art in the face of adversity. It bursts forth with rhythmic energy

In her poem Human Family, Maya Angelou teaches us the importance of recognizing and respecting differences while celebrating our common humanity. This gospel setting of these words uses dissonance,

Winner of the 2020 Genesis Prize from ACDA, this is a piece about facing the fear to breathe, and the courage to be together once more. With text and music knitted together in a soundscape of layers and

"When in the course of human events, a more perfect union makes most perfect sense. In the land of the free, oh say can you see, then we will have justice and peace..." With themes of social justice,

Highlighting the actions of Rosa Parks and suffragist Alice Paul, She Stood for Freedom was inspired by everyday people who have employed nonviolent means to stand up for equality and the rights of others.

Drawing inspiration from 13 of the most influential women in American history, this 11-movement song cycle for mixed voices, piano, and cello chronicles quotes and ideals from women that have most

This second movement of Two Suffrage Songs is based on the spiritual Sit Down, Sister! The upbeat nature of the music reflects the energy and motivation of the strong women

From the major work "Considering Matthew Shepard," this song of comfort can be sung in a variety of situations such as holiday programs, memorial services, or general concert use. A cappella with eight-part

Based on a text by Langston Hughes, this piece speaks of the terrible cost of war. A cappella with optional vocal percussion, this concert work is reminiscent of a spiritual while using mixed meter and

This selection is about a transgender woman's dream in which she feels that no matter her struggles, everything will be okay. With inspirational lyrics, "I will not let fear become my beacon," this piece is

The first movement of Two Suffrage Songs is an adaptation of the spiritual Jesus, Won't You Come by Here? in which the singers call out for others to join the cause. A jaunty