Alfred Choral Designs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With all the scintillating energy of Cuba in the 1960's, La Música is a hot, hot, hot number from contemporary composer Jay Althouse. Built upon a hypnotic rhythmic pulse, smooth Latin harmonies, and a haunting melody, this cross-cultural number combines English text with a few Spanish phrases to remind us that music is "a world we share." If you liked Jay's ¡Cantar! and Oye la Música, you don't want to miss this exciting sequel. Perform with the authentic sounding SoundTrax or create your own Latin combo with the optional SoundPax. Featured on "On with the Show!" video, #21799.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

You may know this French carol by its English name: "Sing We Now of Christmas." It's arranged here in the style of a French chanson with the addition of a drum part. Includes the traditional French text, with a pronunciation guide, as well as an English translation.

Arranger: Sonja Poorman | Composer: Sonja Poorman

In 1993, Maya Angelou recited this poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and the first female poet to deliver an inaugural recitation. Subsequently, Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. This is the opening movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

In 1993, Maya Angelou recited this poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and the first female poet to deliver an inaugural recitation. Subsequently, Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Awardae for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. This is the opening movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Tambourine and hand drum enhance the dance-like character of this Spanish villancico that dates back to the Renaissance era. This arrangement makes brilliant use of varied a cappella textures, from soloists over solid block chords to vigorous rhythmic interplay between voice parts. A true standout Christmas selection for discerning choirs.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! This is the final movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! This is the final movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes has achieved musical excellence with his lilting arrangement of the Welsh folk song, "The Ash Grove." SATB and SSAA choirs alike will shine while singing this tuneful melody, elegant harmonies, and poetic words. Mark's unique piano style is as vivid as ever, and his colorful choral writing is exquisite. The optional SoundTrax and SoundPax feature a woodwind quintet with shimmery auxiliary percussion. SoundPax includes parts for fl., ob., cl., bsn., Fr. horn, perc.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

This stylish arrangement of a traditional Spanish carol includes an effective optional English text and is a unique choice for men's, women's, and mixed ensembles. Skillfully incorporates rich choral harmonies and captivating rhythms with multicultural flavor. Distinctive repertoire for holiday programs.

Arranger: Bruce Trinkley

A well-constructed original a cappella Christmas spiritual built upon a memorable chorus of interlocking rhythms. The gripping minor key, dramatic dynamic contrasts, and a compelling modulation will make for an impressive holiday performance.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Feature your best solo crooner(s) on this '50s inspired a cappella chorus that begs Santa for a timeless teen wish: "Won't you bring me someone to love?" The choir serves equally as the featured act (of the chorus and bridge) and the backup singers (for two dreamy verses). The final falsetto phrases and 7th chord cadence deliver a sweet doo-wop ending.

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: Andy Beck

This text-driven setting of Rossetti's treasured poem is top-tier. A well-developed choral interlude sounds like swirling winds with round vowels and captivating harmonies to spare. Most notably, Jay's masterful text painting weaves the sound of the breeze throughout. Artful. Haunting.

Composer: Jay Althouse

This text-driven setting of Rossetti's treasured poem is top-tier. A well-developed choral interlude sounds like swirling winds with round vowels and captivating harmonies to spare. Most notably, Jay's masterful text painting weaves the sound of the breeze throughout. Artful. Haunting.

Composer: Jay Althouse