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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Music gives . . . life to everything." Powerful words by Plato are given a contemporary sound in this buoyant piece by Mark Burrows. Soaring with radiant energy, it uses colorful harmonies and a driving 3/4 meter to extol the virtues of music. A central chant-like section sets the familiar phrase "Where words fail, music speaks" in Latin. Highly recommended for concert, contest, or festival.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

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

Victor Johnson delivers the ultimate festival opener with this joyful mixed-meter selection meaning "clap your hands, all the earth." A strong minor-key motive, harmonized in sturdy open fifths, is punctuated by rhythmic handclaps. A contrasting section quiets the middle before a brief accelerando builds back to the triumphant return of opening material. Prominent dynamics and captivating rhythms create excitement.

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

This popular American folk song has never sounded so unique. Mark highlights the weight of the lyric with a strong 6/8 gospel feel and bluesy sonorities. Includes echoed choral entrances as well as some fully harmonized divisi. The piano accompaniment and optional rhythm section parts add a sense of soulfulness.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

A warm adagio introduction breaks into a joyous iHosanna” chorus in this 44-measure homophonic masterwork. Taken from Schubert's Mass No. 4, this edition offers sensible vocal ranges, editorial dynamic and metronome markings, plus a complete IPA guide for the brief Latin text. The orchestral parts have been reduced to a playable piano accompaniment while preserving the Classical characteristics of the original work.

Arranger: Patrick M. Liebergen

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

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

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

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

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