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

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

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

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

"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

"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

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

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

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

This enduring Hanukkah song by folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary urges us to uphold the legacies of those who fought for freedom by promoting social justice. Jack's contemporary arrangement is tastefully updated in three accessible voicings. Perform with piano alone, the folk-inspired SoundTrax, or invite a guitarist to strum along. "Light one candle to bind us together with peace as the song in our hearts."

Arranger: Jack Zaino | Composer: Peter Yarrow

Here's a lighthearted folk song from Spain that's a breeze to learn and a pleasure to sing! The small-range melody is presented first in unison and then in canon. A simple ostinato adds another layer to the third verse before closing with echoing rooster calls---"Cocorí, cocorá!" Maracas and claves parts are included, or improvise your own percussion. There are only ten Spanish words in all, but if you need it, a pronunciation/translation guide is included.

Composer: Andy Beck

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

This musical tribute to the aurora borealis flickers and flashes with colorful imagery. Carefully crafted for 2-part singers, it opens with independent parts that come together in a glowing chorus like lights swirling in the winter sky. An optional descant at the end adds even more sparkle. "What a beautiful sight!"

Arranger: Andy Beck

Here's a traditional lullaby text set to original music in partner song style. At the heart of the piece, the flowing melody is paired with a descant-like counterline, creating lovely harmony. The supportive piano accompaniment, moderate vocal ranges, and careful attention to voice leading make this a solid choice for developing choirs.

Composer: Jen Wagner

This Torres Strait Islands folk song presents a wonderful opportunity for a cappella choirs to perform with authentic world percussion instruments (common alternates offered). All the voicings are built on a traditional repeat structure that begins in unison and unfolds into more harmony with each verse. A brief bridge of original music punctuates the repeated sections. Choirs around the globe have enjoyed adding movement to this playful nature song.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

The world rhythms and contemporary harmonies in this multicultural original are cause for celebration. An easy-to-learn Swahili text invites us to sing, dance, clap our hands, and stomp our feet! Visit alfred.com/choralparts to download free percussion parts and incorporate the energized choreography available on With a Song!

Arranger: Andy Beck

Paint a peaceful winter scene with the tender vocal lines and ethereal piano accompaniment of this striking original. A gentle ode to heavenly stars and falling snow, it is appropriate for any winter concert and features the kind of harmony you love to teach and sing. As a special touch, perform the final verse a cappella to heighten the quiet wonder. "Hearts take hold, dreams take flight, on this sweet silent night."

Arranger: Andy Beck

This Japanese folk song is sung during the annual Star Festival, when trees are decorated with wishes written on colorful strips of paper. Greg's partner song arrangement pairs the traditional pentatonic melody with a new countermelody and some English words by Takashi Nakamura. A pronunciation guide and translation are included in the publication. A gently flowing selection just right for beginners.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Celebrate the connection we feel when we sing together. The heartfelt message at the center of this piece comes to life with sensitive choral writing and a touching text. Especially meaningful at graduation and end-of-year performances. A free sign language video is available online.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

India's annual festival of lights is becoming increasingly popular around the world. This Bollywood-style original details various traditions associated with the celebration, including the food, fireworks, and colorful rangoli patterns made of sand. Plenty of unison phrases and simple call-and-response make it a joy to learn and perform. A great way to represent the diversity of your community!

Arranger: Lois Brownsey

Based on words by Emily Dickinson, this charming springtime piece finds delight in nature's mysteries. A flowing piano accompaniment supports two treble voice parts---just right for emerging harmony singers. Invite a flute player to add the delicate obbligato.

Arranger: Mary Donnelly

Stars are the inspiration for this stunning concert work that offers the reassurance only nature can bring. A lilting piano theme weaves its way through cascading vocal lines that seamlessly expand from pristine unisons into sumptuous sonorities. Your altos will especially love their "glimmering, glistening" interjections. "At the end of every day, there will be stars."

Arranger: Andy Beck

It's a spooky twist on a couple of classical themes! Complete with swooping bats, snarling cats, and all kinds of ghostly imagery, this duo can be sung together or separately for any fall or Halloween performance. Listen for the screeching owl hiding within the spine-tingling SoundTrax accompaniment.

Arranger: Mark Weston

Sally and Jay's heartfelt text reminds us of the impact of singing together, which serves as a symbol of our unity. The memorable hook and important message will engage and inspire your singers from the first rehearsal to the final performance. Sign language featured on With a Song!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jay Althouse