Developing 3-part mixed and SSA choirs will achieve their finest a cappella sound with this light choral inspired by traditional madrigals. Conservative vocal ranges and practical part-writing ensure quick learning at any time of year.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: William Gooch

What a treat: a gospel style original choral piece that fills the holidays with excitement. The infectious melody and full harmonies are highlighted by dynamic contrasts which add to the inherent power of the piece. Feature your best singers on two short solos backed up by choral "oo's." The strong choral writing and the easy, yet full sounding piano accompaniment make this a winner for your December concert. Great SoundTrax.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

This rousing triple meter choral is infused with traditional gospel harmonies, rhythms, and articulations, as the timely text conveys an urgent message for peace. The classic "Dona Nobis Pacem" canon is quoted in three parts at the height of this inspirational powerhouse. Find staging suggestions on Step One!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

How often do we find a warm ballad written especially for Hanukkah? No boom-chicks here, and no minor key either, just a tender heartfelt message of family and tradition. Incorporates a contemporary setting of the traditional Hebrew "Maoz Tzur" just before a dramatic modulation to the final refrain.

Arranger: Andy Beck

The 3-part treble ensemble may be sung by a small group or an entire second chorus in this spectacular, festival-quality choral work for mixed 3- and 4-part choirs. Mixed meters, resounding chords, and exuberant rhythms bring the Psalm 98 text to light. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Laura Farnell

Add some multicultural flair to holiday concerts with this lively arrangement of the Puerto Rican Christmas carol! The playful "la la" section and syncopated verses come even more alive with the addition of handclaps and percussion ostinati. This title is available in SmartMusic.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Here's a marvelous music history lesson! This clever a cappella choral features snippets of well-known madrigal texts and music, mixed in with an original contrapuntal theme.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

We've combined six of our best-selling Alfred Choral Designs seasonal titles into each of these convenient, price-saving publications. Use the six chorals individually, or perform them together as a ready-to-go 20-minute December program. Each of these four collections has been carefully selected to provide your singers and audience with a dynamic and rewarding concert experience. Includes: Goin' on a Sleigh Ride (arr. Albrecht), A Merry Madrigal (Moore), Celebrate the Feast of Lights (Albrecht, Brownsey), Solitary Snowflake (Estes), Down, Down the Chimney (Rothenberg), A Gift for Every Child (Albrecht, Althouse).

Composer: Donald Moore

Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It's a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. "Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, 'cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day." If you don't perform with the kickin' SoundTrax accompaniment, be sure to add a groovin' drummer and riffing organ of your own. We dare you (and your audience) not to clap along!

Composer: Greg Gilpin

It's the delicate Lied sensitively set for developing voices. Dr. Robinson has skillfully adapted Mendelssohn's classic and arranged an appropriate Romantic-era piano accompaniment to support 2- and 3-part voices. Optional English lyrics are included as well as a complete IPA guide for the German text---a wonderful way to introduce art song.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

This new edition of an a cappella English madrigal is well-researched and remains true to the original, yet makes harmonic challenges particularly accessible for 3-part choirs. Enjoy major and minor keys, independent complimentary lines, and welcomed repetition balanced with contrasting sections.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: John Wilbye

This simple yet elegant setting is sung on just two short Latin phrases. A partner song approach gives each voice part independence, while a brief B section includes some homophonic choral harmonies. Halfway through the piece, a delicate descant-like third part is introduced, which floats gently above when the lyrical theme and counter theme return. Excellent concert or contest repertoire for developing groups.

Arranger: Andy Beck

A traditional Latin text paired with the spirited rhythms of Africa. This joyful concert work includes a contrasting "et in terra pax" section, adding a lovely legato to the middle of the piece. Layered percussion patterns are included in the octavo.

Arranger: Sonja Poorman

Freshen up any holiday concert with this new rhythmic treatment of 'Angels We Have Heard on High.' Add optional Orff instruments or any rhythm instruments to enhance your performance. Simple but effective!

Arranger: Carole Stephens

Perform two traditional mass settings in a whole new way with this exciting original which means "African Kyrie and Sanctus." Your singers will be inspired by the tribal rhythms and sonorous harmonies, and your audience (or adjudicators) impressed by the juxtaposition of Latin, English, and Swahili texts in both contrasting movements. Accentuate the multicultural flavor by adding the SoundPax drum ensemble, or using the SoundTrax CD. SoundPax includes parts for African Percussion Ensemble, bass.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Breathtaking! This gorgeous setting of the Agnus Dei text begins with piano and gradually crescendos to a mezzo forte before ending in a pure, hushed final major chord. Easy to teach, this ABA-form piece will show off your choir in concerts, festivals and adjudications. It's a winner!

Composer: Sherri Porterfield

All sections of the choir take a turn singing the elegant melody in this harmonically rich concert work. Encourage pure vowels when pronouncing the familiar Latin text, which comes from the Mass Ordinary. A reverent piece of great depth.

Arranger: Sonja Poorman

Three favorite spirituals are cleverly combined in this mini-medley. Call-and-response arranging makes for memorable interplay between voices, eventually leading to an innovative mash-up. Staging suggestions found on Step One! and at alfred.com/video. Fresh and fun!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

This traditional American folksong truly comes to life in this extremely creative setting by Jeff Funk. The beauty of the original melody and the power of its haunting text come through. Perfect for festival time!

Arranger: Jeff Funk

This majestic piece is a glorious addition to choral concerts and festivals year round. Earlene's 6/8 setting of the Latin text is underscored by a full-sounding piano accompaniment that is not difficult to play. Make it more festive by performing with live brass and percussion or the jubilant SoundTrax CD.

Arranger: Earlene Rentz | Composer: Earlene Rentz

It's a sensitive and elegant setting of America's favorite folk melody. Opens with a haunting piano figure followed by a soprano solo (or section). Features an a cappella section with a harmonization reminiscent of Copland. AMAZING GRACE is one of Jay Althouse's finest arrangements and could become a choral classic. A touchingly simple, yet sophisticated arrangement.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Sally Albrecht combines three celebrated African folk songs into one exuberant arrangement for choirs of all levels from elementary through high school. Pulsating rhythms and a joyous layering of vocal parts build to an explosive finish. Sing this cross-cultural gem in Swahili and English for seasonal concerts, or use the alternate "Alleluya" text all year long. A lively African feel SoundTrax is available, or add your own rhythm instruments.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

A fine antiphonal masterwork for todayis mixed choirs. May be performed by one choir with any of the following performing the antiphonal part: a second choir, a small group of voices, a brass quartet, or solo trumpet. A powerful, yet not-too-difficult oratorio chorus.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Giovanni Anerio

It's a blast from the past when your choir sings this fun-filled holiday original by Andy Beck. Your singers and audience will love snapping their fingers and tapping their toes to this do-wop style tune backed up with traditional 50s harmonies and classic "sha-na-nas." And don't miss the clever use of quotes from several popular holiday songs throughout! It's an easy-to-learn a cappella novelty in the SSATB voicing, or feature a crooning soloist with piano accompaniment and back-up singers in the 3-part.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Presenting one of Franz Schubert's masterpieces, skillfully arranged for developing choral groups. An elegant combination of sectional features and homophonic choral texture, this arrangement allows conductors to work on both healthy singing technique and ensemble skills. Sensible voice leading enables beautiful intonation and blend.

Composer: Franz Schubert

A knock-out, rock-out novelty number for 3- and 2-part choirs! What's worse than coal in your stocking? Getting caught under the mistletoe! This silly song features humorous words and 60s-style music poking fun at the age-old holiday tradition. "I really like Christmas, but I don't like kissing at all . . . yuck!" Choreography featured on "Razzamatazz!" DVD (item 00-27430).

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: Brian Fisher

This multicultural original features two simple Spanish sentences meaning, "Come my friend, sing (and dance) with joy!" Developing singers will enjoy performing with the guitar-inspired piano accompaniment, optional percussion ostinati, or the Latin-flare SoundTrax CD. "Canta con alegría!"

Composer: Victor C. Johnson

Designed for impact in performance without stress in rehearsal, this strong concert/contest opener (or closer) features an accessible Latin text that alternates with English lyrics. A bold unison, sung in sweet-spot vocal ranges, leads to an antiphonal treatment of the marcato theme. A softer section, in three-part counterpoint, provides contrast before returning to the original melody. This celebratory piece works on any program, at any time of year, and provides wonderful lessons for developing choral singers.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This expressive original carol will take your breath away and bring out the very best in your choir. One Latin phrase provides an elegant refrain in this distinctive selection for Christmas concerts and services.

Composer: Donald Moore

A Renaissance-era carol brought up to date in a fresh contemporary setting. Veteran Broadway music director and conductor Ben Cohn brings a modern musical theatre sound to this traditional English song. A serenely sparse piano part (during two opening alto solos) gradually grows to a full and glorious accompaniment as more voices join. Listen closely for the juxtaposed stillness/motion and minor/major that symbolize the cold of winter versus the warmth of the season. The entire piece garners edge-of-your-seat wonder, but the greatest chills will come when brief strains from four additional carols trickle in. Simply stunning.

Arranger: Ben Cohn

This thrilling concert/contest work boasts an array of musical moods and artful contrasts. A striking minor theme opens the piece, enhanced by percussive handclaps and punctuated by emphatic cadences from the piano. In the middle, a lyrical major-key melody surfaces along with beautifully sustained legato choral phrases. A joyful recapitulation ends this tour de force even stronger than it began.

Composer: David Waggoner

The emotive text of this contemporary choral compares the ebb and flow of ocean waves to our dreams and calls us to the sea. Musicality and metaphors abound. The inspirational message and memorable hook will bring out the best in your singers.

Composer: David Waggoner

A solid introduction to jazz stylizations and beginning scat singing! From the swingini echoed phrases of the catchy chorus to the tasty iwith extra foam" ending, this creative chart is equal parts education and enjoyment. Extend the learning by taking Andyis suggestion for improvisation by itrading bars” just before a return to the top. Frothy fun for caffeine lovers of any age!

Arranger: Andy Beck

Joy instantly abounds as the well-edited keyboard introduction sets the tone for this impressive, yet approachable Baroque selection---the first movement of Vivaldi's masterwork of the same name. Choral phrasing is obvious, as we alternate between brief marcato statements and longer lines that deliver satisfying suspensions. As always, Dr. Liebergen includes an informative editor's note and a complete IPA pronunciation guide for the Latin text (eight words in total). This title is available in SmartMusic.

Composer: Antonio Vivald

An impassioned salute to the value of music in our lives. Perform it at any public or community event. Great concert opener, closer, or theme song.

Composer: Jay Althouse

This lovely arrangement of a brief, but artfully crafted movement from one of Mozart's masterworks is highly recommended for intermediate singers. With only a short phrase in Latin to learn, plenty of opportunities exist for exploring melodic stress and dynamic contrast in the rehearsal setting. Lilting and lyrical.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Written as a prompt for discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion, this heartfelt song favors no group over another, but rather emphasizes the value of each individual. Follow the ever-changing texture as an earnest unison melody blossoms into a fully harmonized bridge, before new and compelling lines are introduced and interwoven. In the end, you'll have a patchwork quilt with many unique squares joined together to create one thing of beauty.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Everyone recognizes this Mozart melody, presented here with a vivid winter text. Perfect for younger singers--to touch upon music history, to ignite their imaginations.

Arranger: Marti Lunn Lantz | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This energetic arrangement of the traditional Spanish folk song is infused with the characteristic dance rhythms of Andalusia. Easy-to-learn phrases in the original language roll off the tongue and alternate with some English text, painting a picture of the vibrant dance.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

This will be a moving finale on any or every concert program. The accessible vocal parts, gentle gospel feel, and music-themed text are highly effective and accomplishable for all choirs. Features a simple solo backed by the chorus in the middle and a full-sounding ending after the powerful bridge. "Embrace the music, hold it in your heart. Sing the song that life has given you." Excellent SoundTrax CD.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Feature a student or adult fiddle player on this rousing arrangement of four favorite folk tunes from the heart of America. Ranges in the 3-part mixed edition are spot on for developing voices, and cued notes in the 2-part/SSA offer flexibility for your treble choir. An optional SoundTrax CD adds even more fun!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

From master composer Antonio Vivaldiis Laetatus Sum (a setting of Psalm 121), this edition brings the brief work to todayis choirs. Featuring an accessible Latin text and a lively optional cello part, this well-crafted arrangement is an ideal introduction to many of the conventions of Baroque style, including terraced dynamics and the alternation between a small group (or soloist) and the full ensemble.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen

This kickin gospel arrangement of the traditional Christmas spiritual is a standout! Victoris spirited treatment boasts rousing rhythmic syncopation, perfect choral harmony, and a highly creative (and stylistically appropriate) gospel breakdown section with a couple of riff-like solo opportunities. Your audience (or congregation) will be convinced long before the uplifting key change and sensational final chorus.

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

In the tradition of his highly regarded original spirituals, Greg Gilpin offers this all-new a cappella Christmas selection. Intuitive harmonies and just the right amount of repetition in the memorable chorus make the piece both readily learnable and easy to memorize. Call-and-response verses toss joyful syncopations between sections of the choir, and quickly changing dynamics enhance the style.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Joyful syncopations propel us forward in this educational concert or contest selection. Contemporary yet logical sonorities come to life for developing choirs building their skills within limited vocal ranges. Notice how the marcato beginning and end contrast with a B section that is a touch more legato. Though sung entirely in Latin, there are only two sentences of text and a pronunciation guide is included. Perfectly crafted for intermediate groups, with the precisely vocal ranges you're seeking!

Arranger: Andrew Parr

This charming Swiss folk song evokes the sound of yodelers hiking the Alps. The arrangement makes splendid use of a multitude of choral textures, generously passing the melody between all voices in the process. A frothy and fun layered yodeling section in the middle helps build part-singing skills. A wonderful piece for teaching!

Composer: Traditional Swiss Folk Song

A great fit for choirs of any age or ability! Harry Belafonte sang this joyful West Indies song on his 1956 album Calypso. Dr. Robinson's arrangement has just the right amount of repetition versus development, and will come together quickly with intuitive voice leading and some stylistic syncopation. One a cappella refrain just after the key change features the conga to keep the groove going, and a final descant adds a rhythmic counterline above. Build up the Jamaican vibe with our light SoundTrax accompaniment or the notated percussion part (available free online). The theme: build your house on solid ground.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

From the infectious rhythms to the animated speech choir add-on, this steamy Latin-style original really satisfies. An Alfred wintertime favorite, now available for 3-part mixed and SSA. Don't miss the mug choreography on "Hooray for Hollywood!" choral movement DVD 00-28868. Check this out! https://leapingbrain.com/modshop/product/?shop=9&product=5697

Composer: Andy Beck

A stirring text combined with solid choral writing make this an ideal choice for concerts and festivals. Perfect for massed choirs or for any size choir. Starts small, builds, and then ends quietly: 'I am a small part of the world. Take my hand.' A dramatic choral work, full of strength, power and determination.

Composer: Jay Althouse

"I will be brave, I will be strong" echoes from choir to soloist (or small group) at the powerful start of this inspirational gospel-style original. Soon, a bright tempo kicks in to deliver an undeniably uplifting choral experience. Just right for combined concerts, festival groups, graduation celebrations, or at any time of year! A free online video invites the use of sign language, demonstrated by the author herself.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht