Curtis Heard : Bending Towards the Light

Beginning gently and building steadily, fortitude, resilience, and determination radiate throughout this song. An assurance that we will always strive for social justice and love in action is heard loud and clear. Yet there is a calmness in the way it is expressed, in the way it claims victory. This is a message appropriate in both worship and concert.

Composer: Curtis Heard

This elegant Christmas poem comes from the late 19th-century English poet G. K. Chesterton. The music maintains the orderliness and symmetry of the lyrics, colored with 21st-century harmonies. The combination is poignant and stirring; traditional yet new.

Composer: Ron Kean

This choral piece uses canons to create a showcase for choirs that is absolutely irresistible! The captivating melody dances in your imagination until you can't help but sing along!

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

Jordan Bennett is a promising new composer, evident in this compelling setting of the Adoramus Te text. The mellifluous lines flow and cross into warm cadences befitting the Lenten lyrics. High School and college choirs will find this work both educational and beautiful and church choirs will enjoy it as well.

Composer: Jordan Bennett

Here is a masterpiece; a missa brevis merging American hymns and spirituals with traditional liturgy. The unique nature of this work will enable this to be performed in both church and school programs. Available separately: SATB, Listening CD (SATB), Preview CD Pak (SATB), Chamber Orchestra Parts, Chamber Orchestra Score (for SATB), Full Orchestra Parts, Full Orchestra Score (for SATB).

Arranger: John Gerhold | Composer: Ron Kean

Beginning with a strong fanfare, this selection eventually moves into the traditional French carol, Angels We Have Heard on High. But the greatest part is when Ms. Foncannon brings in Beethoven's Ode to Joy and weaves them together as if they have always meant to be joined. The Christmas classic nature of the song enables this church anthem to work in many school situations as well. Available: SATB, 2-Part.

Composer: Ellen Foncannon

Sung in Hebrew and clearly a Jewish tune, this musical arrangement is haunting and profound. The text is a statement of faith and hope and could serve as a poignant concert or worship opener. The violin part is included in the octavo and brings authenticity to this multicultural offering.

Arranger: Stephen Coker | Composer: Traditional Jewish Tune

It is the poetry of the King James version that places this sacred text into the concert program. That, and the exquisite setting that Jonathan Adams, a revered high school choral teacher, offers. Known for his a cappella writing and elongated cadence resolutions, Adams gives us all the satisfying suspensions we could ever want. This musical painting will work with advanced high school, community and college choirs and also for fine church choirs. Medium.

Composer: Jonathan Adams

The Randy Stenson International Series launches with this stunning a cappella motet by Alejandro Consolacion. Based in Japan, Randy leads seminars throughout Asia and hears beautiful choral music most of us would miss. This anthem pulls at the heartstrings and complements any college or community choir program. Medium to difficult.

Composer: Alejandro Consolacion

Stacey Gibbs is known for his outstanding spiritual arrangements, and this piece makes a delightful departure as an original composition. Much of the creativity that is evident in his arrangements remains, but the melody is entirely Gibbs'. Writing primarily for advanced high school and college choirs, Gibbs rewards us with his unique originality - this usually quiet text ends with strength and assurance. For college, community choirs and church choirs. Medium.

Composer: Stacey V. Gibbs

It is the text that deserves your attention first. The Benedictine Blessing stands as a unique approach in its prayer requests. The musical setting was lauded by the lyricist, and brings a further poignant depth to the supplication. A worthy offering in concert and worship.

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

Absolute fun! That best describes this great arrangement of a classic American folk song. Esteemed conductor John Alexander, with co-arranger Ryan McSweeney, have created an excellent festival piece for high school, college and community choirs. The 4-hand piano score, string bass, xylophone and guitar add to the fullness of this playful piece.

Arranger: Ryan McSweeney

This traditional African-American slave song comes from the Georgia Sea Islands. The a cappella Spiritual style rocks this energetic and evangelizing song. Brian Tate brings a soulful passion to his arrangements and this one does not disappoint. Easy to medium, excellent for high school, community and church choirs.

Arranger: Brian Tate

It is said that accepting change is hard to do. Brian Tate addresses this head-on in his typical uplifting fashion. Brian's messages are always positive and helpful, and his music carries the truthful lessons in the form of a celebration.

Composer: Brian Tate

The John Alexander Series features arrangements by Mr. Alexander for large community choirs with orchestra.What a delight to release this Peanuts favorite on the heels of the recent The Peanuts Movie opening. John did a splendid job of capturing the fun of the song and voicing it for the larger forces. Easy to Medium.

Arranger: John Alexander | Composer: Vince Guaraldi

Brian Tate wants to help bring us all together and uses his imaginative music and community-building texts to make it happen. Each vocal part gets its own statement and they sequence together into a rollicking chorus, all a cappella, all fun. High school, community, even college choirs can find a joyful spot to program this number. Easy.

Composer: Brian Tate

Selected for the Magen Solomon series, this dreamy setting is beautiful and distinctive. The magic of this arrangement is in the creativity of the harmonies. An excellent Christmas selection for high school, college or community choirs. Medium in difficulty.

Arranger: Jerry Mueller

Kane Bradley is a Junior and Senior high choral director and a relatively new composer on the scene. His De Profundis employs minimalism and contemporary harmonies that are quite compelling. He builds walls of sound in repeated phrases that enable less experience choirs to enjoy the power of modern music in a satisfying way. Both high school and college choirs will enjoy this work.

Composer: Kane Bradley

The Williamette Choral Series is joyfully introduced with three carols, each capturing the Big Band swing sound. This Big Band flavor adds a classy element to the swing sound and is the charm that brings a smile to one's face. The writing is intelligent and musical. All three carols will delight singers and listeners alike and can be presented as a set or individually.

Arranger: Chris Jones | Composer: Branle de l'Official

Ellen Foncannon sets a firm foundation and introduces us to several different melodies singing of God's holiness. The styles vary, but there is a consistent character that finally releases into the familiar hymn for which we have all been waiting. With youthful zest the anthem concludes with a gratifying climax. Available: SATB.

Composer: Ellen Foncannon

Emily Dickinson's poem on hope has wings of its own, but now, it also has a song. The words lift right off the page, encouraged with melody and catapulted with harmony. Excellent for high school, college and community choirs, yet its dedication alerts you that it will fit in the sacred space as well. Medium.

Composer: Debra Scroggins

The text from Nehemiah 8:10 and Isaiah 43:1-3 expresses joy through helping those who are less fortunate. The opening melody carries this message with delicate ease, then moves into a brief choral statement of how precious we are to God. Excellent for general praise, thanksgiving and mission themes.

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

Opening with solo voices in a quasi-recitative style (Barnum offers an option to begin the piece following the solos) and unfolding into an work of artistry and beauty, the overall mood is one of optimism and assurance mingled with mystery and gratitude.

Composer: Eric William Barnum

Canadian composer Matthew Emery is a name to watch. This piece was chosen as the winner of the 2012 Nova Scotia Choral Federation Choral Competition. Last year Pavane published his When the Sun Comes After Rain which became one of the best-sellers of the year. Although still a college student, Matthew speaks the musical language of the 21st century while selecting time-honored texts with great meaning. For high school, college and community choirs.

Composer: Matthew Emery

Have you ever experienced a fragrance, perhaps after a rainstorm, when the scents took you back to your childhood? Michael Atwood has set the poem by Emily Brontë that recalls such times. He paints the words and phrases in his musical setting with care and beauty. Twenty-first century harmonies and close clusters stimulate the senses. Medium to difficult, a lovely piece for advanced high school, community and college choirs.

Composer: Michael D. Atwood

There are certain texts that have been set to music for centuries. Texts from the liturgical mass carry a rich legacy, and in the right hands, can breathe fresh sounds. Matthew Emery is a Canadian composer who only recently emerged onto the scene. Here a steady 4-part writing, beautiful sonorities and a 21st century musical vocabulary present a delightful new work appropriate for high school, college, community and church groups. Medium difficulty.

Composer: Matthew Emery

Veteran writer Bob Clatterbuck has penned a fabulously energetic number in the white gosepl tradition. In a song about faith, he writes in a popular style that is captivating, fun and easy!

Composer: Robert Clatterbuck

With a rollicking 6/8 and 4/4, back and forth, rhythm, this piece dances from the start. Based on Psalm 57:7-10 and Psalm 84:4-7, the text is a song of praise. A contrasting middle section is much slower and more tender. The final section returns to the opening motif and drives to a thrilling conclusion. Easy to medium for church choirs.

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

South Korea and the United States have a beautiful relationship and share many values, one of which is undeniably our love of great choral music.ÿThe tenderness and passion emerge effortlessly through the symbolic statements in this touching composition. The TTBB voicing was selected for the Randy Stenson Male Chorus Series, whereas the SATB voicing was simply too great to pass up. Excellent for College Choirs, medium to difficult.

Composer: Cool-Jae Huh

The John Alexander Choral Series is known for large festival works. This setting of one of Advent's standard carols is dramatic and enchanting. The beginning is mysterious and haunting but eventually gives way to a truly majestic rendering. For high school, college and community choirs. Orchestration for brass, timpani, percussion, harp, organ and opt. contrabass also available.

Arranger: John Alexander

Here is a wonderful Christmas piece with a tune that will capture your heart not once but twice. The end of each verse has a hook that draws you in, but you fall all the way when you hear the joyful chorus. The text celebrates Christ's birth and the leadership that journeys with us from that time forth.

Composer: Penny Rodriguez

Premiered at the NCCO conference in 2012, this beautiful meditative piece was commissioned by John Byun and is part of his new choral series. Rich in tone color with thick harmonic writing, the text calls for understanding and empathy at a time of pain from fellow humans. It is an excellent selection for high school and college concerts and festivals.

Composer: Richard Burchard

This anthem comes from a six-movement, 30-minute work of the same name, wich was commissioned by Orange County's Pacific Symphony to celebrate its 25th anniversary season. This SATB arrangement is suitable for many types of celebratory concerts and festivals.

Composer: Peter Boyer

Patsy Ford Simms is known for her spiritual arrangements and middle school music. This sacred selection maintains her spiritual character and provides a wonderful and simple a cappella piece for church use. Available: SATB a cappella.

Composer: Patsy Ford Simms

The accompaniment statement instantly grabs you as this powerfully fun advent hymn begins. The harmonies twist and turn with an air of eagerness that depicts the advent of Christ's birth. Excellent for youth or adult choirs. Available: SATB, SAB.

Arranger: Allan Robert Petker | Composer: Frans Mikael Franzen

Who needs another setting of Psalm 23? A valid question. So listen to this setting by Argentinian born composer and Hollywood Presbyterian Church conductor, Dr. Ariel Quintana and you'll understand. His melodic writing is superb and the use of the oboe adds a wonderful obbligato. This is a beautiful anthem for any church choir. Easy to medium.

Composer: Ariel Quintana

Who doesn't remember musical moments in their past, when singing became transcendent and the moment became a memory never to be forgotten? Henry Van Dyke's poem recalls that time and Matthew Emery, the young Canadian composer attracting everyone's attention, set it to song. You just want to sing it, that's all that needs to be said. High school, college, festival, community choirs. Easy to medium.

Composer: Matthew Emery

Uses: Praise Scripture: Psalm 150 Power, strength and majesty are the words that best describe this setting of Psalm 150. Written for organ and optional brass, the opening builds to the choir's entry. A unison choral statement ensues that is noble and direct. Following a softer middle section, the piece returns to the opening material to a glorious conclusion.

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

This is the perfect song of encouragement from the poem by Katharine Tynan - be yourself - sing your song. Matthew Emery's setting maintains a vitality that not only encourages but celebrates it. An excellent festival song for high school and college choirs, and community choirs too. Easy to Medium.

Composer: Matthew Emery

This wonderful text of Robert Louis Stevenson celebrates life in this sensational piece for high school and college. You can almost feel the mist of the highland meadows and will enjoy the calm of contentment as the song finishes.

Composer: David C. Dickau

Composer and conductor Ron Kean went back to the roots of spirituals, back to Africa, to create a setting of this much loved spiritual in a style that is remarkably different. Part of the larger work The Journey of Harriet Tubman, the mixed choir is accompanied by kalimba and marimba. A solo part and body percussion for the choir is also included. A superb work for festival choirs.

Composer: Ron Kean

You can always count on Brian Tate to send us a message of peace and unity. This contemporary Gospel flavored anthem does it well. Brian's tunes are heartfelt with soul-filled melodies that resonate with many singers today.

Composer: Brian Tate

A new melody uses the text of the well-loved hymn Take My Life and Let it Be, and it is an excellent tune. When the hymntune HENDON does appear it is in a welcomed salute.

Composer: Kevin Memley

The first piece to be published in the CCDA (California Choral Director's Association) series, this Yeats' text is a classic, and the musical setting is expressive and descriptive of the text, in 21st century harmonies. An excellent choice for advanced high school, college and community choirs.

Composer: Jasper Randall

Psalm 27 is a favorite; from the light to the wait, the positive promises, the assurance of God's pressence, are all written in the beauty of the psalmist's poetry. Memley's setting supports the words with ease and confidence, like a good storyteller. The tune carries each word lovingly, thoughtfully.

Composer: Kevin Memley

Great choral music transports you into the story of the text and the emotion of the song. From a 6th century Chinese poem recalling the separation from their loved ones caused by a sailor's life, Shirley McRae successfully carries us. Recommended for high school choirs, this piece is a musical escape into an age-old longing for those we love.

Arranger: Shirley McRae

Guy Forbes gave us O Nata Lux many years ago and we have patiently waited for its sequel. Now we have it, a stunning setting of There Is No Rose that delivers exactly what we hoped for. It is a beautiful melody draped in warm harmonic fabric that is so very rich and satisfying. For advanced high school, college and community choirs as well as fine church choirs. Medium to Difficult.

Composer: Guy Forbes

Uses: Reflection, Concert Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 Once you begin hearing this piece you are drawn in...you want to sing it. The eagle's wings text is one of the most frequently set to music, and yet this one sounds like it has always been there, but not revealed until now. The essence of wait is captured in the opening section, which gives way to a new tempo, building with the mounting on wings. The true soaring takes place with a 12/8 meter, the voices building in triumph. A final return to the waiting theme provides an assurance that has permeated the entire composition. Excellent for church and school.

Composer: Kevin Memley

This creative song affirms each person's dreams and persona. Beginning quietly with assurance, solo voices bring us the first theme and soon the choir joins in. Then the choir introduces a new theme with a joyful Latin text accompanied by indigenous drums. Moments later the two themes are brought together. The unique combination of sounds, texts and message make this an excellent piece for high school and college choirs.

Composer: Brian Tate

This creative song affirms each person's dreams and persona. Beginning quietly with assurance, solo voices bring us the first theme and soon the choir joins in. Then the choir introduces a new theme with a joyful Latin text accompanied by indigenous drums. Moments later the two themes are brought together. The unique combination of sounds, texts and message make this an excellent piece for high school and college choirs.

Arranger: Brian Tate | Composer: Brian Tate