Robert T. Gibson : Down by the Riverside

New voicing! This gospel-style kicker is crafted with tried-and-true techniques of the genre, like rhythmic counterlines, call-and-response singing, and stacked vocal harmonies. An exuberant add-on section shifts momentarily to bluesy minor, and a huge ritard at the end invites singers to bring the power. Raise the roof by performing with the spirited SoundTrax, or add improvised bass and drumset. Premiered at the 2022 Missouri MEA conference under the direction of arranger Robert T. Gibson.

Arranger: Robert T. Gibson

Andy Beck : Fanga Alafia

This lively welcome song traditionally accompanies the West African fanga dance. Built on the familiar tune (plus some new material and a few English words), this general music class favorite is fully developed as a choral arrangement. Scattered handclaps, syncopated rhythms, and bright harmonies make this well-crafted setting a joy to perform! A modulating breakdown section in the middle offers the opportunity to incorporate the dance. Downloadable percussion parts are available online.

Arranger: Andy Beck

James Bowyer : May-Flower

Emily Dickinson's springtime text comes alive in this bright and graceful setting for treble voices. Beginning in unison and gradually blossoming to three voice parts, this song features a flowing piano accompaniment that never doubles but always supports the singers. An artful, yet accessible choice for treble choirs of distinction.

Arranger: James Bowyer

Sarah Martinez : Oy Khodyt Son

This traditional Ukrainian lullaby is characterized by a somber minor key and heartfelt rubato. This beautifully sparse treatment invites ensembles to personalize their performance by including the optional piano accompaniment or featuring solo voices. An optional narrator may read the English text translation during delicate interludes. Both phonetic and IPA guides appear in the publication or view the pronunciation video to hear a demonstration by a native speaker.

Arranger: Sarah Martinez | Composer: Traditional Ukrainian Lullaby

Austin Hunt : Skyline

Celebrating the marvels of modern architecture, this well-constructed tenor/bass feature salutes human achievement and perseverance. Engineered especially for changed and changing voices, this innovative original provides an appropriate blueprint for developing ensembles. Listen for the sturdy piano and percussion accompaniment that suggests the sound of a growing cityscape. "Eyes on the skyline!"

Arranger: Austin Hunt

Mark Burrows : You Are Light

"In the light I have found my family, I am safe to sing my song." With a lightly syncopated, contemporary sound, this uplifting original expresses the need for a warm and welcoming community for all. Composer Mark Burrows reminds us that we can help others feel comfort and belonging simply by sharing our inner light. Perform with piano alone or with the addition of an optional djembe. Rich with opportunities for social-emotional learning.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

It's the classic Chirstmas poem set with swingin' jazz flair! A snazzy bass line and some backbeat finger snaps greet the opening lines, spoken stylistically in rhythm. When the singing begins, it's non-stop fun from the first "out on the lawn" clatter to Santa's final "and to all a good night" send-off. Guaranteed to bring the holiday house down, with or without the full theatrical orchestration.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This wonderful compilation of Irish blessing texts is set to a lovely and touching melody. Perfect for end-of-year concerts. Appropriate for school or church use. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Jay Althouse

The first 45 seconds provide a collage overview of what's to come, as arranger Mark Hayes sets the stage for this magnificent four-minute Christmas fanfare. Enjoy the glorious strains of "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," the cheerful fa-la-la's of "Deck the Hall," and a rollicking rendition of "Jingle Bells." Then just before the big finish, singers recap all three for an impressive finale! Assemble brass and percussion to perform with the superb SoundPax.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

With words adapted from the poem "Welsh New Year's Eve," this dance-like setting is a festive choice for wintertime concerts. The hand drum and bell parts are optional but enhance the new-age feel, and the easy-to-achieve mixed meter fits perfectly. Four refreshing voicings to choose from.

Arranger: Dave and Jean Perry | Composer: Jean Perry

Warm year-end lyrics create an a cappella greeting card for the season, "wishing boundless love and lasting peace." A plucked bass vocal line and some sweet sonorities from the inner voices form a beautiful accompaniment for the sopranos' melody. The pleasing lilt of this stylish song will have everyone snapping along. Fresh and fun.

Composer: MaryAnne Muglia

Ruth Morris Gray presents an exquisite minor-key setting that elevates choral musicianship. A rich melody ebbs and flows over the colorful harmonic palette, while a captivating piano theme winds its way throughout. Various textures, expressive dynamics, and rubato tempos encourage artistry. For added flexibility, a few optional notes in the 2-Part voicing offer moments of SSA harmony.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

An earnest soloist is accompanied by the soulful "oo"s of an a cappella choir during the expressive introduction to this spirited original. Soon we take a turn as the piece bursts into an exciting, rhythmic, and polyphonic tour de force. Thrilling in all voicings!

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: John Parker

Celebrate the work of one of America's best loved composers with this exciting arrangement by Philip Kern. This ragtime show-stopper opens with short male and female solos, adds the tight harmonies of your SAB or SATB choir, swings into a scat section featuring a trumpet-like vocal solo, ritards to a cakewalk tempo, and finally crescendos to an amazing ending that may very well raise the roof of your auditorium. Feature your accompanist with the left hand stride accompaniment, add a ragtime instrumental ensemble with the optional SoundPax, or perform this one with the rousing SoundTrax CD. Publication includes optional staging suggestions. Featured on "On with the Show!" video, #21799.

Arranger: Philip Kern | Composer: Irving Berlin

New voicing and a SoundPax! An opening solo sets the stage for what unfurls into a pizzazzy listicle of holiday decorations, characters, treats, attire . . . stuff! Andy's musical theater style shines from the moment the curtain parts to the final kickline. This holiday showstopper craves choreography, so check out the free ChoreoTrax or design your own razzmatazz routine. A sparkling, twinkling gem of jolly that pulls out all the stops!

Arranger: Andy Beck

A lively, a cappella chorus opens and closes this original Christmas spiritual with a sweet rubato chorale in the middle. Composed in a traditional style with a contemporary flair, each section of the choir has a moment to shine, especially the basses/baritones--singing spirited interjections throughout.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Feature two outstanding accompanists at the piano with this exceptional arrangement of the favorite Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High." From its rhythmic opening, through the fresh a cappella section, to its spectacular finish, you'll marvel at Philip Kern's energized arrangement. Full, contemporary choral singing in every voicing. A full-sounding SoundTrax CD featuring the 4-hand piano part is also available.

Arranger: Philip Kern

From the first shimmering chords of the introduction to the final flourish of an uplifting descant, this artistic song paints an acoustic picture. Poetic words, progressive harmonies, and a piano part that your accompanist will love to play provide a vivid backdrop for a solid choral experience.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Beethoven's "greatest hit" is reimagined with a funky twist that your singers won't be able to resist! Its iconic short-short-short-long hook springboards into a rhythmic groove, complete with clapping, snapping, and vocal syllables that imitate a rock band. It's a novelty nod to one of the greatest composers of all time!

Arranger: Tom Anderson | Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

Written for the 30th Anniversary of the Milwaukee Children's Choir by founding director Emily Crocker, this song of unity features original words by John Jacobson and a simple Latin phrase meaning "love is everything." Body percussion and optional congas capture the joyful world-music groove. Not to be missed!

Arranger: Emily Crocker | Composer: John Jacobson

A bombastic and stately theme, based on stacked modal harmonies, gives a triumphant air to this contemporary setting of the traditional Latin text. Hushed B and C sections offer contrast before recapitulating the grandiose opening and an even fuller final cadence. Timpani, tubular bells, and triangle (which may be downloaded for free) may be performed by a single percussionist and add to the riveting drama.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Enjoy this original a cappella Christmas spiritual with optional bongo drum accompaniment. A slower contrasting middle section quotes a bit of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain." Features optional solos and descant. Exciting and rhythmic. And church choirs will enjoy it, too.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

"Though we are small, we are meant to break free." Carefully crafted for developing voices, this lovely concert piece features unison singing, parallel harmony, pedal-tone harmony, plus some staggered entrances at the bridge. Set the tone for growth at the beginning of the year, or celebrate moving up in the spring.

Composer: Lisa Longe

A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. This is the second movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Would Pachelbel approve? Who knows. But singers and audiences surely will! This rhythmic rendition presents the famous "Canon in D" with nonsensical scat syllables. Sing a cappella or with the optional piano accompaniment. It's guaranteed to be the most memorable three minutes of any concert program.

Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Composer: Johann Pachelbel

"The wind is cold, the branches bare, but hearts are warm and bright." Despite the chill of December, it'' all about hope, peace, and kindling kindness. As you'd expect from a round, a simple melody easily stacks into a complete choral texture. Even better, the conservative-range tune ensures a good fit for all voices. Groups of any age will master the canonic form and enjoy delivering the heartfelt, non-holiday message.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Evoke the feeling of a glistening daybreak with this captivating original. It's a pleasure to sing, with a tuneful theme and some sparkling harmonic highlights that fan out from a single note. Perform with optional flute, wind chimes, and suspended cymbal to create a refreshing nature soundscape. "Tiny drops of water . . . showing me the beauty of sunlight shining through."

Composer: Shayla L. Blake

Sara Teasdale's wistful words speak beautifully in this lush musical setting by Greg Gilpin. To fully reflect the deep emotions of this poignant piece, pay careful attention to dynamic contrast and the nuance of tempo. "Did you never know, long ago, how much you loved me?"

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Sara Teasdale

This inspiring anthem reminds us that dreams create endless possibilities. An arpeggiated accompaniment, conservative vocal ranges, and a pop-style melody make this easy to learn and a joy to sing. Opens with an optional solo---"Dream a dream, plant a seed, hoping someday it will grow."

Arranger: Nathaniel Stine

Wow! A fast swing intro punctuated by piano, bass, drums, and finger snaps leads into a jazzy arrangement of the traditional spiritual unlike any you've ever heard. The excitement grabs your ear right away and doesn't let up, building to an impressive climax at the end. Add your own rhythm section (parts are free online) or our smokin' SoundTrax CD for extra effect.

Arranger: Tom Fettke

Rhythmic. Passionate. Scintillating. Take a good look at this vibrant multicultural feature by Jay Althouse. You simply cannot sit still as this sizzling song captures you with its infectious Latin groove and harmonic progression. With a text in both English and Spanish, El Ritmo de la Noche speaks to the sound and spirit of music as an essential life force. "You move me; you are my emotion." A pronunciation guide and translation are included, and the optional SoundTrax or SoundPax, and choreography video or DVD will add to your performance. Featured on the new staging DVD/Video "On the Stage!" (DVD #23037, Video #23129).

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Here's a rousing rendition of the beloved spiritual. Dr. Jackson has notated what she learned as a child, honoring her recollection and experience. A hushed introduction layers into an invigorating gospel chorus bursting with soul. Along the way, a few featured soloists and your pianist get many opportunities for improvisation---no two performances need be the same with this truly authentic arrangement.

Arranger: Tiffany Jackson

This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues directly into the closing movement of Like Dust I Rise. When performing separately, Mark Hayes includes an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Feel the joyful lilt of this traditional Spanish Christmas carol, rendered beautifully in the original language. This well-crafted arrangement offers solid choral scoring and a sturdy piano accompaniment for the festive nativity-themed text. A comprehensive translation/pronunciation guide is included, and optional percussion parts are available free online.

Arranger: Andy Beck

A meditation on the restorative power of nature, this Edgar Allan Poe poem compares a proud star with the cold moon. Colorful homophonic harmonies and a brief canon beam with wonder in this dramatic mixed voice feature. Excellent for exploring legato singing, choral intonation, musical expression, and text interpretation.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray | Composer: Edgar Allan Poe

Get out your bobby socks and saddle shoes for this 1950s-style reimagining of "Deck the Hall" with a brand new melody. The classic doo-wop harmonies and rock 'n' roll groove are easy to grasp and sure to entertain. Don't miss the choreography available on With a Song!

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

This playful piece is perfect for the beginning of the school year. Charming lyrics, penned by a 7-year-old student, capture the joy of autumn. A unison verse swirls into simple call-and-response punctuated by a bridge in beginning 2-part harmony. A cheerful key change tosses the leaves higher into the air before tapering to a quiet "I love fall leaves" ending.

Arranger: Penny Rodriguez

A basic synopsis of the Spanish: let's celebrate the holiday by playing tambourines and rattles. This lively a cappella arrangement of the traditional Andalusian villancico offers downloadable percussion parts, as inspired by the text. Ruth Morris Gray's real-world teaching experience and seasoned writing skills are evident throughout, ensuring a smooth rehearsal process during the busiest time of year. A fun way to bring variety to holiday programs!

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

The girls of your choir will stop the show with this fast-paced, energy-filled mini-medley from the mega-hit movie musical, Mamma Mia! Originally made popular by the Swedish music group ABBA. Sensational SSA singing with super-fun "all-girl" lyrics!

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: Stig Anderson | Performed By: ABBA

Edge-of-your-seat excitement! Substantial contrasts in dynamics and articulation make this arrangement of the traditional spiritual a fitting entry point into the study of the style. Embrace the drama and storytelling of the classic struggle between the Israelites and Pharaoh, while knowing that you're also giving your singers solid choral repertoire.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

What happens when you cross a beloved Christmas carol with the hip and asymmetric rhythms of "Take Five"? This does! A satisfying mix of the familiar and the fresh, the arrangement applies jazz articulation, harmony, and style in a way that's both exciting and accessible. All voice parts get a turn with the melody as well as a fun "doo bop" accompaniment! Optional parts for flute and vibraphone are free online.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

Here's a rousing mini-medley of three favorite spirituals in less than three minutes! A grand choral fanfare gives way to a jubilant tour through "Great Day," "In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin'," and "My Lord, What a Mornin'"---including some mingling of themes at the end. Strong part-writing makes individual lines straightforward, and a full range of dynamics creates excitement.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Everything you have come to love and expect from a Jay Althouse Christmas spiritual, and a whole lot more. Lively and quick lyrics, solid rhythmic hooks, and refreshing parallel chords fill every phrase, followed by melodic riffs from the men's section. A contrasting middle section gently holds back before the A section returns including a well-written modulation and rousing descant over the final flourish. A great addition to your choral library.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

After racking up over a million views on YouTube, this unique a cappella stunner by BYU's Vocal Point and the All-American Boys Chorus is now available for SATB divisi choirs. Contemporary harmonies and layered choral textures support two soloists during the folk-like verses and bring importance to the full choral refrains. A familiar Holst melody makes a few appearances and a three-part treble chorus (or descant group) is an ethereal addition at the end.

Arranger: McKay Crockett | Composer: Gustav Holst

Familiar words, new melody. Ruth's cheerful a cappella setting of the yuletide text accentuates the "peace on earth" lyric, adding a harmonically rich bridge on just those words. Crisp choral "ding dong" entrances, a melodic twist in the middle, and a tuneful final descant decorate the otherwise strophic verses. Add to the festivity (and anchor the minor-key tonality) with optional tubular bells or chimes.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray | Composer: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Celebrate the baby's birth in Bethlehem with this change-of-pace a cappella spiritual, set in a walking tempo with four optional percussion parts (available free at alfred.com/choralparts). Feel and hear the Christmas story come alive!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jay Althouse

In the words of Jamaican musicologist Marjorie Whylie, "Jamaican folk songs are full of social commentary, censure, and recrimination in a vehicle of humor." This publication includes three charming arrangements for a cappella singers and percussion. One describes a comical scene at a train station; a second playfully questions a neighbor about some missing food; and the third (complete with simple instructions to recreate a ringplay game) cheers a naughty cousin who threw his aunt's coat out the window. A printed guide and online video provide vetted learning tools for the Patois language. Unique, authentic, fun!

Arranger: Marjorie Whylie

Itis a high-energy, gospel-infused take on one of the most treasured Christmas carols of all time. Riveting rhythmic syncopation, triadic choral harmonies that climb in inversion, and plenty of melodic blue notes all add up to . . . well, sheer joy! Your piano player really gets to show off on the fully notated riff-like accompaniment. Plus, you can download free bass and drumset parts for the full effect. Not to be missed!

Arranger: Matt Podd

Can you guess what they're making at Santa's workshop this year? Pass out the kazoos for this nifty novelty number that includes snippets of "Deck the Hall," "Up on the Housetop," and "Joy to the World!" Kids will love singing the silly story and showing off their kazoo chops in this "magical musical masterpiece."

Arranger: Mary Donnelly | Composer: George L. O. Strid

The Mexican tradition of ""La Fiesta de la Posada"" recreates the search for a room at an inn. This delightful number by Sally Albrecht recreates that tradition in song with an English text that tells the story (""...when we light luminarias and swing at the piñata.""). It's a festive, cross-cultural addition to your December concerts. Features an optional solo/duet in each verse.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht