Secular Concert Openers and Closers

Singers in developing choirs will love the excitement of this vibrant, rhythmically driven concert or contest title. The more lyrical middle section nicely contrasts the excitement of the syncopated opening

This setting of Psalm 32 is jubilant and celebratory; it will work well as a festival opener or closer. The energetic main theme is contrasted with a lyrical legato middle section. A pronunciation guide and

Grandiose and exciting, this festive piece has rhythmic energy in the vocal lines coupled with an active yet supportive piano accompaniment. With a variety of accessible voicings, this piece is fitting for

Young singers will love the style of this contemporary festival piece with a school-friendly Latin text. Directors will love how easy it is to teach as well as the inherent musical value of unified vowel

Great as a festival opener, this triumphant setting of a traditional Latin text includes a pronunciation and translation guide and is great for teaching pure vowel sounds. Mixed meter sets an exciting mood

A patriotic fantasy in an accessible version for choir and band, this soaring rendition of America, the Beautiful is a crowning jewel for choral or combined concerts. Sturdy and proud, it features

This traditional Nigerian song of welcome effectively uses repetition and engaging rhythms to make this a quick learn and an entertaining concert selection. The octavo includes suggestions for stage

This ideal concert or festival opener presents a fusion of joyful Latin phrases and exuberant English text. A contrasting "alleluia" section echoes legato lines between paired parts. Conservative ranges and

The strong, driving rhythms and exciting dynamic contrasts of this Latin setting will keep your audience and choir engaged right up to the final vigorous "Hallelujah!" Very catchy, fun to sing and easy to

This energetic and spirited piece alternates between call-and-response sections and homophonic ones, exhibiting an ABA form overall. It is a great opener to any concert. Composed for the Columbus

This work is a thoughtful and reflective setting of two great Irving Berlin songs, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, with text from the Emma Lazarus poem The New Colossus, and

A text from the Book of Common Prayer, as timely today as when it was originally penned in 1662, is particularly engaging in this relaxed and soulful gospel setting. This setting for SATB voices and piano

Give your younger students a taste of real classical music with this terrific festival opening selection arranged just for them. Feature a trio of soloists or a small group along with distinctive choral

Written with joyful exuberance, this Gloria setting contains both homophonic writing and interplay between the vocal parts. Add the optional trumpet for even more festivity in concerts or services at any

A rhythmic keyboard introduction sets the stage for this classic festival opener for developing choirs. Approachable vocal ranges and the use of repetition assure success, while a bit of mixed meter along

Singers and audiences alike will be satisfied by this powerful, richly scored Christmas fanfare by Victor C. Johnson. The traditional Gloria in excelsis Deo text makes this an approachable and appropriate

A brilliant, trumpet-like choral fanfare opens this regal work and reappears throughout in response to the softer, contrasting passages. Lots of block chords and a bright tempo help to make this a terrific

This high energy work, set for voices, piano and optional handbells, is full of energy and drive. Centered around the Latin phrase "carpe diem," the words and music combine to urge all to truly "seize the

Celebrating the gifts of friendship, shared experiences, and joy, this original song is an ideal way to close a concert or service. Incorporating one Latin phrase and one Hebrew phrase into the otherwise

This emotive original work exudes a sincere message of peace, hope, and love. A memorable melody combined with well-crafted vocal lines is punctuated by a pensive accompaniment that showcases the