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,

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

This seven-movement major work from American composer Margaret Bonds sets W.E.B. Du Bois' Credo text, one of the most iconic civil rights writings, by grouping Du Bois' nine articles into seven

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

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

Written in a gospel style, this lyrical second movement extracted from the larger work Credo utilizes a text by W.E.B Du Bois: "Especially do I believe in the Negro Race; in the beauty of its

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,

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

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