SATB Secular Concert Openers and Closers

A dynamic a cappella world music selection featuring a call and response solo, optional improvised percussion and movement, and a divided choir option. The song is a traditional South African celebratory

This work is an energetic reimagining of timeless text and tune from the 12th-century poet, composer, and philosopher Hildegard of Bingen. The marriage of the Caritas Abunda chant with a text taken

A lively contemporary gospel-style piano accompaniment sets the feeling for this positive piece that is bound to be an audience pleaser. Tuneful upbeat melodies layer and create accessible harmonies that

Commissioned for a premiere performance at the Texas Music Educators Association 2000 convention, Joseph Martin's Come to the Music is alive and electric with driving rhythm, memorable melodies,

This tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song exclaims, "Iyo hlonolofatsa, Ka lebitso la ntate," which translates as, "Bless everything in the name of the Father." Featuring a soloist,

"I dream a world where man no other man will scorn, where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn..." The introspective and contemplative lyrics of the great African-American poet Langston

This playful Irish children's song has been set with rousing clapping and stomping, and the result is a festival showcase! The vocals are set in a simple homophonic style, which makes the body percussion

The familiar African saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," is appropriately set to tribal-sounding music in this marvelous cross-cultural feature. A great closer, this piece is a proven audience

As a concert closer, signature piece, encore or graduation song, this a cappella original is a little gem!  "Days come, days go.  We try to take the time to let love grow.  Don't ignore the

This joyful Philippino Christmas carol, masterfully arranged in a simple SATB a cappella setting, is a welcome addition to the season and will be thoroughly enjoyed by performers and audiences alike.

The ebb and flow of the sea is painted beautifully in this evocative original setting of Sara Teasdale's poem. It opens with a calm and meditative section that gradually adds harmonic layers before opening

This vigorous work based on Psalm 98 employs alternating 3/4 and 6/8 meter with excellent effect.  It's short and sweet, with lots of excitement to make it a good opener.

A triumphant unison choral fanfare beckons one and all to arise and sing at the start of this concert or festival opener. A contrasting chant-like middle section begins on a brief Latin text, but

Viva La Musica! is a wonderful theme for any concert. This exuberant work opens with a strong, bold, unison exclamation, vividly expressing the text and musical idea.

This lovely original song has the feel of an Irish ballad. It opens with a solo voice and continues to add layers until it achieves its four-part texture. Performed a cappella or with an optional guitar

Based on the poem Dreams by Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African American poets to gain national prominence and recognition, this inspiring gospel-style concert work sings of the strength

The consummate concert closer! "A sound of hope, a sound of peace, a sound that celebrates and speaks what we believe. A sound of love, a sound so strong. It's amazing what is given when we share a song.

"May you always remember when the shadows fall, you do not walk alone." This ethereal setting of a traditional Irish blessing is scored in a variety of voicings with piano. Deft strokes of Celtic styling