Look no further for that perfect 50s Nose Ballade to celebrate the Cold and Allergy Season! A sneezing soloist (optionally attired in robe, slippers and hot water bottle) sets the tone for this hilarious concert highlight, featuring such poignant lyrics as: "I've got a cold in my nose. It's dripping like my Aunt Marie's garden hose! My nose feels awful. At breakfast time it always drips on my waffle!" The drama continues to mount until the final climactic chord when...oh, no!...the entire chorus suddenly sneezes!

Composer: Stephen L Lawrence

This brilliantly conceived medley of secular holiday favorites absolutely sparkles and features a variety of musical styles, including a luscious ballad version of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," and ending with a show-stopping Broadway-style rendition of "Jingle Bells." The concert band accompaniment is easily played by middle school, high school or community ensembles.

Composer: Douglas Wagner

Composer: Stephen L Lawrence

Traditional Shaker tunes are cleverly interwoven in this arrangement that blends the familiar Simple Gifts with other lesser-known gems. The creative use of rounds, two-part harmony and the unique Shaker practice of 'wordless singing' make this setting ideally accessible for a wide range of choral groups. Also included is interesting information about Shaker traditions. As an educational tool that allows singers to experience the Shaker cultural tradition, this work embodies a timeless message.

Composer: Becki Slagle Mayo

This captivating original dances as the light of Christmas dances above Bethlehem proclaiming the joy of the season. The simple lyric, telling of an angel, a star and a child, moves rhythmically throughout. The handbells add seasonal flair and colorful texture to this festive work.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Get ready to roll with this extremely clever and creative medley featuring a variety of up-tempo folk songs whose themes are about traveling or moving. Included are: "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain"; "Skip to My Lou"; "My Home's Across the Smoky Mountains"; "Bowling Green"; "Green Corn"; "Sail Away, Ladies"; "'Cross the Wide Missouri"; and "Crawdad Song."

Composer: Greg Gilpin

This bright, animated original piece truly captures the excitement of the winter holiday season. Opening with a lively rhythmic theme, a contrasting legato section follows with the active theme returning and echoed in the piano for a sparkling finish. Your choirs will enjoy sharing this musical greeting and happy seasonal message!

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

This bright, animated original piece truly captures the excitement of the winter holiday season. Opening with a lively rhythmic theme, a contrasting legato section follows with the active theme returning and echoed in the piano for a sparkling finish. Your choirs will enjoy sharing this musical greeting and happy seasonal message!

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

ÁStart the fiesta! with this animated, Latino programming gem about playing drums. The use of small percussion adds to the fun of this lively and spirited folk song from Panama. An optional English text is also provided as a performance option, along with a pronunciation guide for the Spanish. Percussion instruments include: Cowbell, Claves, Maracas, and Conga Drum.

Composer: Victor C. Johnson

Short sections of four favorites comprise this practical, useful mini-medley: America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee), I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, You're a Grand Old Flag, and America, the Beautiful. The first and last pieces frame the set, providing an interesting contrast to the two Cohan songs. Each part has an opportunity to sing the melody in various sections of this work, making it fun and quick to prepare. 

Composer: Brad Printz

"Antonio was tired of living alonio....He thought he would woo Miss Lissamy Lucy Molonio....with an icery, creamery conio!" - you get the idea... This humorous 'onio' text, set in a brazen, jaunty style is sheer fun and a terrific, creative change of pace. 

Composer: Eugene Butler

In this follow-up to his smash hit, Christmas...in About Three Minutes, Mark takes us on a west to east musical tour of 14 countries. This highly entertaining and educational work features international folk songs and traditional tunes in a variety of styles and is a terrific link to interdisciplinary studies. Included are: Chiapanecas (Mexico), De Colores (South America), The Galway Piper (Ireland), Early One Morning (England), Frere Jacques (France), The Bluebells of Scotland (Scotland), Ach, du lieber Augustin (Germany), Funiculi, Funicula! (Italy), Everybody Loves Saturday Night (Nigeria), Shalom Chaverim (Israel), Arirang (Korea), Suliram (Indonesia), Click Go the Shears (Australia), and America, the Beautiful (United States).

Composer: Mark Weston

Jerry's new contemporary twist on this Stephen Foster favorite is absolutely refreshing and very creative. The ranges are a great fit for young and developing choirs and the piece exudes energy and rhythmic excitement with the piano and vocal rhythms emulating the sound of a plucked banjo.

Composer: Stephen C Foster; Jerry Estes

This bright, happy, dance-like arrangement features claps, stomps, and a tasty, articulated accompaniment which adds additional percussive interest.

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

Composer: Phyllis Wolfe White

Two spiritual favorites receive an exhilarating treatment in this fabulous choice for young and developing choirs. The rhythmic accompaniment and clever modulations fuel the excitement and anticipation as everyone gets a chance to sing the familiar and accessible melody.

Composer: Douglas Wagner

This is so hot even the toughest to please will think it's cool! The hip sound of the funk-style accompaniment and the clever lyrics about a frantic morning rush to the bus (with rap) will make this a daily rehearsal favorite! The simple ostinatos of the optional parts are easy.

Composer: Phyllis Wolfe White

The hilarious, but true story of a boy named Kyle, whose dog actually DID eat his homework (although no one at school believed him, including his music teacher, the composer of this song). Featuring well-timed optional solos, and an alternate set of lyrics in case a girl soloist is required, this clever piece will keep the audience in stitches!

Composer: Bill Vollinger

By blending the two universal icons that are so familiar during the holiday season (music and light), this charming, singable original paints a picture of warmth, celebration and love. The image of a candle in the window and children singing make this a superb choice for any holiday or seasonal concert. Limited ranges, accessible and memorable!

Composer: Jerry Estes

Spanish for "Singing with friends," this exuberant original has a rhythmic, salsa-like feel that kids are going to love! Even though the title phrase is the only Spanish text in the piece, a pronunciation guide is included. It's easily learned, with comfortable ranges, so why not consider it for your next concert theme or opening number?

Composer: Jerry Estes

This lively original, with its infectious melody and engaging harmony, weaves two very basic French phrases with "alleluia" to create a programming delight. Joyful, fun, and extremely accessible, it will be one of your choir's favorite selections! A pronunciation guide and translation are available as a free download.

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

Creative possibilities abound with this fun, frolicking arrangement of a French folk song, featuring a text of nonsense words and a rhythmic chant/rap-style middle section. Ideal for concert or festival use, it possesses an extremely clever "dramatic" ending that is not to be missed!

Composer: David A Perry

Creative possibilities abound with this fun, frolicking arrangement of a French folk song, featuring a text of nonsense words and a rhythmic chant/rap-style middle section. Ideal for concert or festival use, it possesses an extremely clever "dramatic" ending that is not to be missed!

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

Linda breathes new life into this spiritual with her bright, lively arrangement, complete with optional solo, interesting dynamic contrasts, and fresh, rhythmic word painting, all supported by a spirited accompaniment. The 'climbin' higher' sections fuel the modulations and propel the piece to its dynamic conclusion.

Composer: Linda Spevacek

"Come all and sing along, join in the merry song, sing, oh, so joyfully, and then begin to add rhythm and harmony..." A delightful invitation to join the merry chorus of this melodious round, equally effective whether it's performed in 2, 3, or 4 parts. It's a snap to learn and allows developing choirs to sound full and feel a strong sense of confidence. 

Composer: Linda Spevacek

This outburst of joy is a superb way to add special flourish to any concert. With lyrics celebrating the power of music, and a sparkling accompaniment supporting the voices, this piece is infectiously rhythmic and spirited. Easy, with limited ranges, and ideal for Music in Our Schools Month concerts. Also available: Three-part Mixed (15/1296H).

Composer: Jerry Estes

This unique and uplifting work is a celebration of your students' second home-school! A focus on themes of friendship, acceptance, and striving for excellence helps to paint a winsome and positive picture of education. This selection is perfect for any occasion designed to celebrate teachers and staff members or to honor institutions of learning in your community.

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

This humorous novelty piece, set in a minor mode, tells a memorable story about the dangers of gossiping. Ample unison and echo singing allow for quick learning, and Greg's optional choreography notes are available as a free downloadable file so that you can add visual interest to this entertaining piece.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Composer: Eugene Butler

Have a hole in your spring concert program? Looking for that big finale or encore? Never fear, "Duct Tape" is here! Yes, this absolutely hilarious novelty piece, full of intense drama and emotional lyrics, will fit any occasion and repair a broken concert in a jiffy. But this is no mere silly song. It even features a short Latin section extolling the utter greatness of one of the world's most amazing substances. Don't get stuck without "Duct Tape!"

Composer: Mark Burrows

Work has never been so jazzy and fun as it is in this hip arrangement of the familiar folk song! Countermelodies are employed in the voices to create interesting harmonies and the accompaniment swings throughout, peppered with jazz chords and a rhythmic, driving feel. Snaps add to the HQ! (hip quotient)

Composer: Earlene Rentz

Of course, it's Chopsticks! This arrangement is just barrels of fun! It features humorous original lyrics, a kazoo instrumental feature, and a layering partner song format that includes the kazoos for the 'big' finale! From the collection, So Much MORE to Sing About! (30/1930H).

Composer: Greg Gilpin

"Peace go with you traveling far and near. Remember us. Think of all our smiling faces here. Return to us. Journey in a circle, 'round to where you started. Don't forget that we will wait for you." The modal flavor and added instrumentation lend a hauntingly beautiful touch to this sensitive, emotional arrangement. The chorus also appears in canon, making this piece easy to learn and express.

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

Learn the names of all fifty states in the U.S. in only two-and-a-half minutes with this original piece by Mark Weston! Familiar snippets of two beloved patriotic standards frame a clever musical listing of the states that features ample unison writing and accessible vocals. Cross-curricular learning opportunities abound, and your students will love showing off what they've learned.

Composer: Mark Weston

Making ample use of wordplay, contrasts between staccato and legato sounds, and engaging syncopation, Amy Bernon illustrates a child's sense of anticipation and wonder at the first snowfall of the year. With options for two-part singing, this selection offers an upbeat, twirling, swirling winter experience for your young singers.

Composer: Amy F Bernon

How do you spell built-in success for young/developing choirs? A partner song that works! This patriotic Cohan favorite is partnered with a delightful original melody for use any time of the year. A rousing, energetic gem that will get your audience on their feet!

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

Light and sheer fun, this creative, upbeat medley quotes the crazy/nonsense rhymes and choruses from ten folk favorites.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Get on board the freedom train with this rousing original spiritual! The opening emulates the train beginning to roll down the tracks and the excitement picks up steam from there clear to the dynamic ending. The optional snare drum part adds texture and color to this creative gem, ideal for developing choirs. "Freedom train is comin', comin', Hallelu!"

Composer: Linda Spevacek

A joyous and spirited call for unity, patriotism, and peace. Extremely singable and memorable melodies. Inspiring original text. Ample opportunity for optional solo work throughout. Terrific selection for combining middle school or junior high and high school choirs. Some divisi for the men also included. Perfect concert finale. Don't miss this one!

Composer: David A Perry

Your singers won't want to miss the fun train after they've worked hard at school all week! The energetic, rhythmic style and minor melody are infectious, and the vocal ostinatos emulating train sounds make this one fun to learn and perform! Clever lyrics motivate a press to the finish line and a chance to get out and play: "I'm goin' ridin' on the fun train! Oh, what glory when my work is done!"

Composer: Phyllis Wolfe White

This uplifting patriotic gem features limited ranges and extreme accessibility. An original melodyintroduces the theme as the song builds from unison to harmony. In the final section, the original material works in partnership with My Country, 'Tis of Thee, and then concludes with the climactic statement: Give me America; let freedom ring!

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

This delightful offering is based on a well-known melody by Franz Joseph Haydn. It features additional original music and a traditional Latin text that works well in both secular and sacred arenas, as well as for Christmas concerts. This setting, with an accompaniment in Baroque style, is a fine introduction to contrapuntal singing for developing choirs.

Composer: F J Haydn; Donald Moore

Here's the recipe for the perfect Hanukkah selection: begin with an original dynamic melody; partner it with the traditional Hebraic folk song "Hava Nagilah"; sprinkle some lively tambourine and hand claps into the mix and "voila"! Easily prepared, this work ensures success for young and developing choirs.

Composer: Linda Spevacek

Celebrate goodness and the joy of being happy with this accessible and infectiously energetic American song setting from Earlene Rentz. Use of canon and independent melodies fuel the exuberance, and hand claps help build to the ending. Young voices will also love experiencing the jazzy style of the syncopated melody.

Composer: Earlene Rentz

Incorporating partner melodies, echo, and simple two-part singing, this soothing and gentle setting is an excellent choice for teaching soft, lyrical singing. The repetitive chorus is in Iroquois, while the verses are in English, and the optional instrumentation adds to the multicultural flavor.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Oh, we're goin' to a hukilau! Get out the grass skirts and put on the colorful leis! This will be the hit of your concert when you have everyone performing the hula and the audience joining in on the chorus! (How about including your faculty and administrators?) Also included in this fun work are the hula choreography, interesting information on Hawaii, pronunciation and vocabulary guides, and reproducible lyrics for audience participation.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

"Tick, tock...patiently I watch the clock. Reading and writing are fun, that's true. But, there's something else I can't wait to do. It's a special time of day when we all go out and play!" This extremely clever original will bring smiles to everyone! Complete with 'rap-style' spoken verses about all the exciting things to do at recess and its partner song format, it's a snap to learn. Performance suggestions are included. (From the collection "So Much MORE to Sing About!" - 30/1930H.)

Composer: Greg Gilpin

"Classically" refreshing, "I Can, Can!" quotes melodies from Offenbach's famous Can-Can in "Orpheus in the Underworld." Wow! A novelty piece that is also a vehicle for learning a 'masterwork' and sending a positive message to all about working hard to succeed! Looking for the secret to success? It's simple: "Just plan your work, then work your plan; It's easy if you say, 'I Can!'" Add sparkle to your performance by optionally featuring teachers or administrators in a Can-Can kick line for the grand finale. (A little shy, are they? Students will do just fine instead!) Easy choreography and performance suggestions are included.

Composer: Stephen L Lawrence

From her collection "Every Day's a Holiday" (30/2477H), Ruth Elaine Schram offers this powerful partner song that celebrates our freedom and equality. The lyrical original melody pairs with the traditional "We Shall Overcome" in vocal parts that are accessible and easily learned. Sensitive and thoughtful, this selection is perfect for young and developing choirs.

Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram

This bright, catchy tune will stick with you like your shadow. Ample unison leads to an easily learned programming contrast or encore as singers are given the opportunity to use the clever "shadow choreography" instructions that are included in the music. Audiences will have fun watching as well as hearing this creative original.

Composer: Linda Spevacek