Settings of the Gloria incorporating the refrain of "Angels We Have Heard on High" are a wonderful way to encourage and inspire the sung prayer of diverse assemblies throughout the Christmas season. Alonso has adapted the verse tune and, inspired by the invigorating piano accompaniment of Cotter's arrangement of the hymn, he has expanded the composition further, specifically for ensembles in which piano or guitar is the primary accompanying instrument. Includes an alternate accompaniment, which may be more appropriate in certain instances.

Arranger: Tony Alonso

Composer: Godfrey Schroth

String quartet part is optional.ÊÊ

Composer: Randall Sensmeier

In Rory's words: "The 'conceit' of this lyric is that the stranger met is God encountered.... the one who is the 'outsider' to us has something to teach us about love, about self-abandonment, about who God is." The assembly will be able to join in after the melody is introduced by a soloist and/or the choir on the first two or three stanzas.String quartet part is optional.

Composer: Rory Cooney

Composer: Richard Proulx

Composer: Jean Warren Nichols

Composer: John Bell

We know this Isaiah 9:6 text well, thanks to G. F. Handel, but this music could not be more different from the Messiah version. The composer has given us a lilting 3/4 tune stated by the entire choir and then sung in canon. "And his name shall be called . . ." returns to unison, and then it is repeated in canon. Finally, the opening material returns, but with a 2-part coda. This is clearly the kind of piece than can make two voices sound like a choir.

Composer: John Atteberry

This is an enchanting song for Christmas; it is very versatile and can be sung by choirs of any size or age range (your children's choir will imbue your congregation with unbridled joy!) The call and response of the verses and repetitive nature of the refrain allow instant participation. Opportunities for several soloists or small groups.The percussion part is for shakers, claves and conga drums.

Composer: Gary Daigle

7 Handbells. Brass quartet or organ.Ê

Composer: Sam Batt Owens

A highly rhythmic setting of the Latin and English text drawn from the Christmas vespers. The 9/8 time is sometimes a group of three threes, but mostly follows a pattern of 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2, 1-2, with handbell (or keyboard) accompaniment moving in continual eighths. Above all that, the tune is a traditional chant, slightly arranged to fit the rhythmic structure. How do you spell excitement!?Can be accompanied by piano, harp, synthesizer, bells, vibraphone or glockenspiel.

Composer: Michael Birkley

Oboe and cello parts are optional. Quanno nasette Ninno a Bettlemme.More music for small choirs

Arranger: Richard Proulx

This popular Czech carol is scored for any combination of two voices. The second part is canonic in stanzas 1 and 2, and is sung in augmentation against stanza 3. A very quick learn yielding delightful results. Perfect for the ad hoc Christmas choir.

Arranger: Walter Ehret

This very easy 2-part song is enhanced by a somewhat full accompaniment and nice harmonic development.It is the kind of piece any choir can learn in a single rehearsal.Also very suitable for children's choir.

Composer: Daniel C. Meyer

Here's a gem from the GIA library that deserves to be introduced to a new generation. Daw's text heralds the coming of the Messiah; Lovelace's music provides a rolling 6/8 rhythm, punctuated by keyboard fanfares. The result is a memorable collaboration by two stalwarts of hymnody.Ê

Composer: Austin C. Lovelace

In this setting for a high school girls ensemble, the familiar chant melody VENI EMMANUEL is sung over a metered accompaniment. Short echo acclamations of "O come, Emmanuel" punctuate the text. Suitable for children's or youth choirs as well as smaller adult choirs.

Arranger: Kara Funke

Arranger: Gene Grier

This short, jaunty piece for Christmas is suitable for children. The narrative text follows a group of drowsy shepherd boys on their joyful journey to see the Christ child.

Arranger: Walter Ehret

"Once Again My Heart Rejoices" is a suitable arrangement for children's choir, but also works well for treble choir or mixed voices. It is an accessible, yet challenging, setting that expresses the beauty of the hymn tune. An optional a cappella section in the middle is the perfect contrast to the accompanied verses surrounding it.

Arranger: Andrew Bruhn | Composer: Johann G. Ebeling

Instruments can be used as an alternate to the keyboard accompaniment.

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

A gentle 6/8 carol for 2-part children's or adult voices, accompanied by keyboard and optional 3-octave (easy) bell choir.The text tells us that all of creation joins in the song proclaiming Christ's birth.

Composer: Dan Damon

Composer: Mario Pearson

Combines an original tune, "Star of Wonder," with "O Little Town of Bethlehem" sung to forest green.One after the other, the tunes are effectively layered. Two unison choirs, or two halves of a choir, would render this piece most effectively.

Composer: Gene Grier

This lyrical, flowing unison/2-part carol will make an ideal choice for a small ensemble of voices. A wonderful selection to advance musicianship for young singers and pianist, or just as delightful and satisfying for mature voices as well.Ê

Composer: Raymond S. Beights

The tune of this Epiphany carol deserves to be known by the congregation. Pity Epiphany flies by on the tale of Christmas and a few common standards pull rank. But this deeply Christological, cosmological creation hymn, unlike "We Three Kings," could be sung throughout the liturgical year. In a 2-part setting for mixed voices this graceful, arching tune deserves a broad listening.

Composer: Randall Sensmeier

9 Handbells.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Douglas Wagner

This Christmas Midnight Mass psalm is uniquely scored so that both the refrain and the subsequent verses can be sung in canon with keyboard, handbells, and treble instrument. The refrain is one of those tunes that is highly instant. The folks will sing it as if they've always known it.8 handbellsA Psalm for MMass at Midnight.Cantor, optional 2 equal or mixed voices 8 Handbells

Composer: James Chepponis

6 Handbells.

Composer: Russell Schulz-Widmar