Rich chords and interesting vocal lines fill this lush setting of Edgar Allan Poe's A Dream Within a Dream. The composer has captured the mystery and wonder of the poem through his harmonic and textural choices. A good challenge for high school singers and above. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.ÊDuration: Approx. 4:05MP3 Recording Choir: Freedom High School Patriot Singers, Edward Rothmel, conductor

Composer: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Well suited as an opener, anthem or closer, this work has multiple use for high school and beyond, and for church choirs as well. Optional brass quintet and timpani adds vibrant excitement to this jubilant piece! Brass (Trumpet 1-2, Trombone 1-2, Tuba) and Timpani score and parts available separately. Duration: ca. 3:30.

The composer has set Garrison Keillor's lovely words with sensitivity and care. Evoking the warmth, longing, and hopefulness of love. The setting allows for the choir to be driven by the natural rhythm and text stress of the poetry to shape each phrase. A beautiful love song not to be missed. Length: 5:10

Composer: Benjamin Kornelis

AÊbeautiful,ÊintimateÊsetting of thisÊwell-known Latin text. This work is easy to prepare and rewarding to sing.ÊDuration: ca. 2:00.

Composer: Eric William Barnum

The contemplatively lyrical poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay finds a pefect match in Eric Barnum's evocative setting, perfect for more sophisticated high school, college or community choirs. Of medium difficulty, it would make an especially lovely feature item for a spring concert. Duration: ca. 5:10

Composer: Eric William Barnum

Pawel Lukaszewski's dynamic setting of Alleluia uses interesting tonalities and well-thought harmonic movement. This work will make an excellent concert opener or a great pairing with another piece.

Composer: Pawel Lukaszewski

Featuring the poem Everyone Sang by Siegfried Sassoon, written shortly after the end of World War I, Armistice 1918 is a celebratory work stemming from themes of victory and revolution. Challenging yet singable, with a virtuosic piano part, this setting will make a good addition to honor choir and festival choir repertoire. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.ÊDuration: Approx. 5:40.MP3 Recording Choir: Choral Arts Initiative, Brandon Elliot, conductorÊ

Composer: Craig Carnahan

From the suite "Of Life and Love" this setting of Robert Bridges' poetry brims with passion and anticipation and requires a very capable choir for maximum effect. A challenging piano accompaniment supports the divisi choir creating a powerful work for festival or concert.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

The text for Blessed Be That Maid Mary comes from an anonymous 15th century English author and makes liberal use of a common literary device of the time: mixing English and Latin phrases together. Set with a gentle melody like a lullaby, the Christmas work evokes warmth and a sense of quiet wonder. Duration: ca. 4:15

Composer: Stephen Main

The well-known Shakespeare poem in a dramatic setting, featuring an interesting treatment of the text. The tambourine adds a new color to the performance. For mature high school and college choirs. Duration: ca. 3:50.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Michael John Trotta

The text of this work invites the listener to imagine a world without weapons of war - where the human experience is defined through the lens of mercy and compassion. An accessible SATB work with little divisi and a supportive piano accompaniment.

Composer: Kyle Pederson

A thrilling setting of English, Basque, and Latin texts that proclaim the joy of singing to God. Already much-loved around the world from various performances at the 2011 World Choral Symposium and the 2013 Tolosa International Choral Festival.ÊDuration: Approx. 3:40.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.MP3 Recording Choir: Salt Lake Vocal Artists, Brady Allred, conductor

Composer: Josu Elberdin

The soaring soprano solo adds drama to this work based on Israeli poet Jacob Fishman's poem of the oil that once gave light and hope in times of battle, now celebrated in the eight nights of Chanukah. Duration: ca. 3:10.

Composer: Coreen Duffy

Shakespeare contemporary Christopher Marlowe's poem inspired this lighthearted work. An excellent choice for high school, college and community choirs. A given for the spring concert! Duration: ca. 3:25.

Composer: David C. Dickau

Commissioned and premiered by the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Dappled Things celebrates those things that are "dappled," that is, blemished in some way. A hymn-like structure featuring note-clusters representing the "sound" of light filtering through leaves and two soloists. Truly a special composition worth the challenge. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.ÊDuration: Approx. 5:00.MP3 Recording Choir: Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Joshua Haberman, conductorÊ

Composer: Bradley Ellingboe

A sensitively composed meditation that reminds us to "Seek the Lord and his strength." A beautifully rich harmonic structure. The echoing solo quartet illustrates the fact that these words reach back throughout time and space. Sung in Hebrew. Duration: approx. 5:30.View IPA Pronunciation Guide - Dirshu AdonaiRecording Choir: University of Denver Lamont Chorale; Catherine Sailer, conductor

Composer: Kenneth Lampl

This work, with text by the composer's father, urges us to seek God within us. For college and advanced high school choirs, it is sung in Creole with a full English translation provided in the program notes. Duration: ca. 7:00.

Composer: Sydney Guillaume

For those looking for a distinguished selection by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), this last movement in the "St. Nicholas Mass" is the perfect choice for choirs with accomplished soloists. It features prominently the solo quartet with the chorus giving the responses. A choice out of the ordinary for a good high school choir and beyond.

Arranger: Philip Brunelle | Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn

Frequent collaborators Charles Anthony Silvestri and Eric Whitacre mixed things up and switched rolls for Each Morning She Walks, with Tony writing the music and Eric writing the text. The mystical poem is brought to life through haunting ostinato-like figures and a lovely melodic line capture the essence of the mysterious hunter. A great opportunity to explore harmonies, tuning, and balance within your choir.Recording Choir: Drake University Drake Choir; Aimee Beckmann-Collier, conductor

Composer: Charles Anthony Silvestri

This exciting work for more advanced choirs depicts how the earth welcomes the life-giving rain. The text alternates in Swahili and English. Building rhythms and percussion propels the choir to a jubilant ending. Percussion score and parts available separately. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Composer: Randy Haldeman

An absolutely stunning work from Ola Gjeilo featuring improvised piano and tenor saxophone. The composer has set the text with care through a melody and accompaniment that paints a soundscape of emotion for the listener. A suggested accompaniment is included, or the instrumentalists may improvise throughout. Will make a stunning closer for any concert. Alternatives to tenor saxophone part (soprano sax/trumpet/flugelhorn in Bb/alto sax i Eb) and separate piano part available for free download at olagjeilo.com/eveningprayer. Length: 5:55

Composer: Ola Gjeilo

Using driving recurring rhythms and themes, and sung in jubilant homophony, this song is perfect for high school choirs and is well suited for festival use. A carefully-crafted, lively selection for any concert program.

Composer: Thomas Juneau

Settings of four poems by Garcilaso de la Vega: 1. En Tanto Que De Rosa y Asucena (As Long As Colors of the Rose and Lily); 2. Si Para Refrenar Este Deseo Loco (As If to Hold Back This Crazy Desire); 3. Hermosas Ninfas Que, En El Rio Metidas (Beautiful Nymphs Who Are in the River); 4. Amor De Mi Alma (You Are the Lover of My Soul)

Composer: Z. Randall Stroope

Written as a jazz original for The Real Group, it works just as well for larger choirs of high school level and beyond. The song tells about "Destiny," the ship of your life's journey, with friendship as the central theme. With a beautiful melody line and cool background rhythms, it will make a great program addition.

Arranger: Anders Edenroth | Composer: Cole Porter | Performed By: Real Group

The first work in the set, Perspectives, by Dwight Bigler, featuring poetry by Langston Hughes. A light and bouncy melody with the piano as an equal and important voice. The work captures the joy and innocence of childhood expressed in the text.

Composer: Dwight Bigler

Based on a Gregorian chant by the same name, this work explores the ideas of human joy and angelic singing. Beginning softly, the composer builds texture and sound, moving toward the final climax of hallelujah! For more advanced choirs. From the Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Marek Raczynski

From Piae Cantiones (1582), this setting of "Gaudete" is in a progressive style well-suited to the medieval melody. Its energy is derived from the accented rhythms and dance-like percussive elements, all adding to the joyous nature of this piece. With four-player percussion accompaniment (score and parts available separately). Lynne Gackle Choral Series. Duration: Approx. 4:45Recording Courtesy St. Olaf College / Minnesota Public Radio. Mark Stover, conductor. Used by Permission.Ê

Arranger: Michael Engelhardt

This majestic fanfare with keyboard and trumpets is accessible for choirs of various sizes. An English text also makes it perfect for performances outside the holiday season! Available separately: SATB divisi, TTBB, Brass and Percussion (score and parts). Duration: ca. 2:40.

Composer: Jeffrey L. Ames

This exuberant new setting of a rousing spiritual will give your a cappella choir something to shout about!ÊConceived in the finest spiritual tradition with solo opportunities, layered ostinati, and hand claps on the final verse.

Arranger: David Giardiniere

The healing power of time is beautifully represented in this tender piece for unaccompanied chorus. Narverud's gentle repetitions of the words "healing heart" show us how, with each new breath and every heartbeat, the pain of life's disappointments is transformed into hope.

Composer: Jacob Narverud

A beautifully crafted setting of a 16th century sonnet by the poet of "Amor De Mi Alma."Ê With accessible range and vocal demand, this work will be another favorite for high school level choir and beyond. Also included in the Four Spanish Sonnets collection. Duration: ca. 3:30.

Composer: Z. Randall Stroope

This work celebrates the beauty revealed in nature, reflecting God's glory. A fine centerpiece in a concert, this work is a good opportunity for a larger high school choir to explore dynamics and phrasing and the sensitive bonding between text and music. Duration: ca. 3:30.

Composer: Stanford Scriven

Thoughtfully set to a new tune supported by a majestic piano accompaniment. The vocal lines seem to emulate the echos of the hills where this text may have first been sung. The rich choral texture and dramatic rise and fall of the work will make this a good selection for festival choirs. Length: 5:20

Arranger: Janet Whitcomb Pummill | Composer: Robert Lowry

Here is an impressive yet romantically intimate piece by David Dickau inspired by the wonderful mood of Sara Teasdale's poem. A lovely choice for the mature high school choir and beyond or for a festival performance.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: David C. Dickau

I Dream a World is the third and final piece in the set, Perspectives. It is an eloquent expression of hope for a world where all of humankind treats each other with love, respect and selflessness. The better we learn to do this, the more freedom, peace and joy will attend, as Langston Hughes says, the needs of all mankind.

Composer: Dwight Bigler

A guaranteed showstopper! This playful Irish children's song has been set with rousing clapping and stomping to reflect how it might have been sung by children during their playtime. The vocals are set in a simple homophonic style, which makes the body percussion achievable. Can be performed with or without piano. Don't miss this fantastic concert closer!

Arranger: Eric Reid Jones

A truly special and evocative poem by Hildegard von Bingen set masterfully by the composer. The piano acts as a fifth voice with the choir, often representing the "circling" of the mysterious "firey force." Interesting vocal writing feauring great attention to line and phrasing. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.ÊDuration: Approx. 6:00.MP3 Recording Choir: University of Southern California Chamber Singers, Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductorÊ

Composer: Jason Saunders

Lane Johnson's richly harmonic handling of a deeply spiritual text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow makes a profound concert statement for a capable choir. The harmonic nature of the work's chordal progressions are pleasing to the ear and amply reward the work necessary to master them.

Composer: Lane Johnson

A Basque love story that reaches across cultures and backgrounds. The story of the love-sick star is brought to life through Josu Elberdin's rich harmonies and memorable melody. Thick textures and interesting harmonic choices will make this a favorite of singers and audiences alike.

Composer: Josu Elberdin

An engaging setting of a well-known early 19th century lyric by James Leigh Hunt (a contemporary of Shelley and Keats). Offers competent high school choirs a chance to explore rhythmic precision, clear diction, and vocal color in a work which perfectly captures both the humor and poignancy of the poem.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Eric William Barnum

A thoughtful and simply constructed arrangement of this well-known spiritual that highlights the historical integrity of the song. A sense of urgency is apparent through the build-up of textures and harmonies. Several interesting chords will be a nice aural challenge for your choir.Recording Choir: Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams; D'Walla Simmons-Burke, conductor

Composer: Jerrell R. Gray

This contemplative setting of the "Lord, have mercy on us" motif stays within very accessible vocal ranges. Suitable for high school and church choirs.

Composer: Benjamin Boster

Composer: Jan Sandstrom

The original Laudemus cum Armonia upon which this new work is based exists in two Fourteenth-century Italian manuscripts and features charming polyphonic simplicity. The composer has captured the character of the original through doublings at the fifth and contrary motion. An extremely exciting addition to your Christmas program.Duration: Approx. 2:25Ê

Composer: John Wykoff

A novelty piece with a touch of 1940's swing band sound, this could be a concert showstopper. It showcases a strong soloist (preferably tenor), and will be fun for mature high school choirs and beyond. Takes dedication but is well worth it - a sure audience pleaser! Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Ken Berg

This breathtakingly beautiful ACDA award-winning composition offers rich harmonies in an approachable setting. Works well in both concert and memorial settings.

Composer: Brian A. Schmidt

Here is a fresh impression of a classic poem, bringing the message of peace in Christmas time. A gem for good high school choirs and beyond. Duration: ca. 4:20.

Composer: Mathew D. Nielsen

A whirlwind of bright harmonies, dance pulses, and syllabic play. A full-fledged theme and variations on...absolutely nothing. An addicting opener or closer to any program perfect for high school choirs and beyond. Duration: Approx. 3:20.Video: South Salem High School Symphonic Choir; Will McLean, conductorMP3 Recording by Painted Harmony

Composer: Paul John Rudoi

The second work in the set, Perspectives, by Dwight Bigler, featuring poetry by Langston Hughes. The text expresses the wisdom and courage gained by age and passed from generation to generation. The use of jazz elements in both the piano and vocal lines capture the vernacular language of the poetry.

Composer: Dwight Bigler

Unusual lyrics musing on the Biblical figure Elijah from contemporary poet Natalie Goldberg. Coupled with an inventive compositional treatment from Chicago composer Paul Carey. An impressive concert work for ambitious choirs. While stylistically paying homage to the great American spiritual tradition, range and rhythmic demands require a sophisticated choir to achieve the maximum effect.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Paul Carey