Sarah Martinez : Oy Khodyt Son

This traditional Ukrainian lullaby is characterized by a somber minor key and heartfelt rubato. The 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vibrant vocables of this extraordinary original have no literal meaning, but bubble with rhythmic joy. An add-on opening introduces three independent voice parts before unfolding into a complete rondo that grows to an action-packed ending. Pair this impressive follow-up with Greg's original Vox; both can be performed a cappella or with optional piano.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Ruth Morris Gray has a gift for presenting worthy texts in satisfying choral settings, and this piece is no exception. With words from the poem iNovember” by William Cullen Bryant, former editor of the New York Evening Post, this expressive concert work evokes the stark beauty of coming winter. An optional C-instrument part adds a shimmering layer to the luscious choral/piano texture.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

The optional lilting flute and rhythmic hand drum parts lend a festive air to this song that celebrates the end of winter. Robust choral singing throughout beckons a change of season, and a soaring descant at the end signals the triumphant return of spring. A fully developed piece for winter and spring programs.

Arranger: Charles McCartha

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