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

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 setting of We Shall Overcome, a key anthem of the civil rights movement is both dynamic and well crafted. Great attention has been paid to the construction of the vocals, which throughout the work act

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 strong, resolute setting of the familiar civil rights "marching song" vividly calls to mind the images which add depth of meaning and emotion to the notes sung. From the distant beginning to the powerful

This composition was written to bring attention to one of the most significant and challenging issues in our world today, the global refugee crisis. Nine year old Lamiya Safarova lost her home and her

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

Composed as a tribute to the victims of the global refugee crisis, this piece utilizes modern a cappella harmonies, cluster chords and chant-like melodies to create a gorgeous setting of the Latin text from

"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,

The final movement from Where We Find Ourselves, this exuberant piece features lyrics about honoring the past while living in the present and celebrating each day. Let us sing to the mystery of

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 third movement from Where We Find Ourselves features inspirational lyrics about hard work in an anthem about what we are leaving for our children. Beginning with a soprano solo, the warm

Part hip hopera, part choral, this work challenges the audience to listen to the families of the victims of gun violence. This is an impassioned plea to take a stand against not only gun violence, but to

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

Written in response to the gun violence against children, this penultimate movement from "The Unarmed Child" is deeply moving and brings a sense of healing and poignancy in the musical setting.