In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument
Home | Doo Wop | Barbershop | World | Contemporary | Christian | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas | Instructional | Arrangements
Classical | Opera | Musicals | Personality | Young Singers | Disney | Videos | Songs | The Artists
Alice Parker
Alice Parker received professional training successively as a composer, conductor and teacher. Her work is founded on the interaction of these fields, and their extension into writing, theorizing and mentoring. It is founded upon the conviction that music is first and foremost sound, and that a paper diagram is a very imperfect medium for its transmission. Vocal sound comes from human throats, and is infinitely variable. An inner vision of those sounds is necessary before one can evoke them through composing or performance. She knows that wonderfully musical sounds can come from amateur as well as professional singers, from children as well as adults, and from churches, schools and family groups. Media Articles |
Arrangements | Recordings | Trax CDs
Sheet Music Series
Music of Alice Parker
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-14 of 14 items.
Alice Parker : Alice Parker's Hand-Me-Down Songs Representing the best of our American heritage, this collection of uplifting, meditative, and feetstomping folk songs is a gift children of all ages will never forget-the melodies are so strong they are sure to last a lifetime! These folk songs, handpicked by renowned conductor and composer Alice Parker, are tunes every child should know because they create a solid foundation for future music learning. Every folk song in this book has passed the test of time. In a world where time-honored favorites are all too often rejected for the latest fad, these songs bridge the generations. These songs are easy to learn and wonderful to share. Children naturally will want to sing along as soon as a parent, teacher, or sibling takes the lead. We owe it to our children, our parents, and ourselves to preserve this rich musical heritage-be it at home, in a classroom, or around a campfire! 
Alice Parker : Creative Hymn Singing This is a collection of hymn tunes and texts with notes on their origin, idiom, and performance; and suggestions for their use in the service. It is Alice Parker at her best, providing some musical ideas for the improvisation of hymn-anthems by choirs and congregations. Included are chapters on chants and processionals, Psalter hymns, chorales, classic hymns, folk hymns, and spirituals. Songlist: Of the Father's Love Begotten, Here, O my Lord, I See Thee, Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise, O Splendor of God's Glory Bright, All People That on Earth do Dwell, I to the Hills Will Lift Mine Eyes, Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now, Comfort, Comfort Ye My People, Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word, Give to the Winds Thy Fears, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Let All Together Praise Our God, Come, Thou Almighty King, I Waited Patient for the Lord, Praise the Lord who Reigns Above, O Thou in Whose Presence, How Firm a Foundation, Jerusalem, My Happy Home, Star in the East, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Vhild, Were You There?, Standing in the Need of Prayer, Who'll be a Witness for My Lord
Alice Parker : Melodious Accord: A Concert of Praise This "Concert of Praise" is entirely based upon hymn tunes and texts found in the first five editions of a shape-note hymnal entitled Genuine Church Music. This cantata is divided into four movements: Welcome; Old Testament; New Testament; and Farewells. Keyboard reduction provided in Choral Score may be played either on piano or organ alone. If both are used together, the piano should play the harp part and the organ should play the brass part. Songlist: House of our God, Lord, I approach thy mercy-seat, Come, ye disconsolate, Be joyful in God, The voice of my beloved sounds, Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, When I survey the wonderous cross, Come, O thou traveler unknown, O how happy are they, What glorious day is drawing nigh, How sweet to reflect, How pleasant thus to dwell below, God moves in a mysterious way
Alice Parker / Robert Shaw : Singin' in the Spirit An exciting collection of five classic spiritual settings which can be performed separately or together as a suite. Songlist: I'm Goin' to Sing, Steal Away, I Got Shoes, Deep River, John Saw duh Numbuh
Alice Parker / Robert Shaw : Vive L'Amour - Love Songs For Men's Voices Love songs sung by men's voices have a unique poignancy and charm. Robert Shaw's understanding of this style, and the kind of tone which these settings evoke, have made them much loved by singers and listeners. These selections may be performed separately or as a program suite. Songlist: Loch Lomond, Green Grow The Rushes, O, Stodole Pumpa, Down By The Sally Gardens, Vive L'Amour
Melodious Accord - Alice Parker : Take Me To The Water The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor, Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command, request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and "Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness." "Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection! Songlist: I Know the Lord, Stayed on Jesus, Come On Up to Bright Glory, Don't Be Weary, Traveler, Hush! Hush!, We WIll March Through the Valley, He Is King of Kings, Let Us Break Bread Together, Is There Anybody Here, Free At Last, Take Me to the Water, Cert'nly, Lord, Who'll Be A Witness
Melodious Accord - Alice Parker : Sweet Manna The 17 varied early American songs of praise found in songbooks published between 1790 and 1830 in "Sweet Manna" give us a glimpse of the musical life of the early settlers and the changing modes of Christian worship as the country developed. The rich variety of lyrics and tunes include cheerful gathering songs like "My God, the Spring of All My Joy;" slow, reflective moods as in "Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts;" sprightly dances: "When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold;" and joyous marches: "My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord." Fuguing tunes like "How Pleased and Blessed Was I" and "Through Every Age, Eternal God" release their energies; while more modal melodies like "Return, O God of Love, Return" shed a quiet grace. The mixed a cappella voices of MMA are strong and soaring, and these powerful songs are sung with spirit and feeling, and it is easy to imagine being in the congregations where they were first sung, joining in wonderful choruses of praise. Songlist: Almighty Maker, God, My Thoughts, That Often Mount the Skies, When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold, Ye Boundless Realms of Joy, How Pleased and Blessed Was I, From Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts, What Is Our God, or What His Name, My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord, To God, in Whom I Trust, Hear Me, O Lord, nor Hide Thy Face, My Soul, the Great Creator Praise, How Short and Hasty Is Our Life, How Soft the Words My Savior Speaks, Through Every Age, Eternal God, Return, O God of Love, Return, My God! The Spring of All My Joys, Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
Melodious Accord - Alice Parker : O Sing The Glories Renowned composer and arranger Alice Parker has compiled a collection of her most beloved commissioned works. Presented here in four suites and performed by The Musicians of Melodious Accord, Parker sweeps us away on a roller coaster of symphonic movement. This group of choral anthems written over the last 25 years celebrates, reflects, and exalts the praises of our Lord. Music collection in preparation. Songlist: God of Grace and God of Laughter, A Mountain Psalm, Come, O Come, Easterdays, In All My Vast Concerns with Thee, Ye Followers of the Prince of Peace, Bright Morning Stars, The Promised Land, Now Brethren, Though We Part, Rejoice, the Lord Is King, For the Fruit of All Creation, O Sing the Glories, Destructive Sword, God Is Love, Lord, Enthron, In Heav'nly Speldor, Look unto Abraham, Know That the Lord Is God
Robert Shaw / Alice Parker : The Shaw-Parker Book of Christmas Carols Twenty-four carols arranged by the eminent choral director Robert Shaw and the respected Alice Parker. Shaw-Parker arrangements are famous and recorded by everyone, including Shaw's various ensembles. Described as a mixed voice collection, these twenty-four carols have varying voicings, with frequent solo opportunities. There are also a few tenor/bass charts. Most have piano for rehearsal. Songlist: Allon, Gay Bergeres, Les Angeles Dans Nos Campagnes (Angels We Have Heard On High) 3. The Boar's Head Carol (TTBB), Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light, The Carol Of The Birds, The Cherry Tree Carol, Christ Was Born On Christmas Day, Fum, Fum, Fum, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Good King Wenceslas, Here Mid The Ass and The Oxen, The Holly And The Ivy, How Unto Bethlehem, I Saw Three Ships, Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant, In The Bleak Midwinter, Lay Down Your Staffs, Masters In This Hall, O Sanctissima, So Blest A Sight, Susanni, Touro-louro-loura, What Child Is This?, Ya Viene La Vieja
Robert Shaw / Alice Parker : Easter Carol Collection Taken from the first arrangements on which Robert Shaw and Alice Parker collaborated, these titles were selected from hundreds of familiar and forgotten works for their musical and poetic excellence. The arrangements were made as simple as possible in order to let the words shine through the choral tone and texture while achieving variety from changes in voicing in a constant effort to reflect the most subtle articulations of the text. The earliest song in this collection is the ancient chant "Christ the Lord Hath Risen." Other familiar hymns come from the sacred tradition: "The Strife is O'er," and "O Sons and Daughters." The re-telling of the Easter story, and the joy of the Easter season, should shine forth through the singing of these songs. Listen, re-enact and give voice to the central mystery, in order that all who hear may join the celebration. Songlist: This Joyful Eastertide, Christ The Lord Hath Risen, Hilariter, Lord Christ, When First Thou Cam'st To Men, Love Is Come Again, O Sons And Daughters, On Easter's Morn, The Strife Is O're, Easter Eggs
Robert Shaw / Alice Parker : Hymns and Carols This invaluable collection contains 21 hymns, folk hymns, carols, and spirituals -- all set by the renowned talents of Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. The collection serves as a brief history of sacred song, beginning with early hymns of the church and culminating with spirituals from the New World. Songlist: A Mighty Fortress, All Hail The Power, All People That On Earth Do Dwell, Angels We Have Heard on High, Bright Canaan, Broad is the Road, Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, His Voice as the Sound, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, I'm Goin' to Sing, I Will Arise, Now Thank We All Our God, Now the Day is Over, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Pensive Dove, Prayer of Thanksgiving, Psalm 4, Ride On, King Jesus, Rise Up, O Men of God, When Jesus Wept, Worthy the Lamb |
Displaying 1-50 of 76 items.
Alice Parker combines her incredible arranging skill together with her knowledge and understanding of American hymnody to bring us this wonderful setting of the ever-popular Shaker tune.
This edition may be performed as a suite of four: God of Grace and God of Laughter, A Mountain Psalm, Come O, Come and Easter Days.
"May love so dwell in our hearts, / May compassion so flow from our hands, / May peace so encompass our lives that justice and mercy abound in this world. / Sing love, sing compassion, sing peace." A graceful Benediction.
Echo melodies and rollicking rhythms give these three traditional folk song arrangements their special spark! Includes: On the Galilee, Old Betty Larkin, and That Raging Canoe. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 4:30.
NEW! Written for the 2000 Convention of the American Guild of Organists, An American Kedushah is a monumental piece. Working closely with Eleanor Epstein, conductor of the Zemer Chai Chorale of Washington, D.C., the world-renowned Parker sets the entirety of the Shabbat Shacharit Kedushah text in both English and Hebrew. A must for concert programs. For SATB, soli a cappella.
Simple setting of the short form of the mass: Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei, with the addition of a response, and a benediction. It uses the approved translation of the Latin text, and is based musically on the legato sound and free rhythms of plainchant. May be performed by any combination of voices, or even a solo voice and answering unison choir.
The Shaw/Parker edition of Angels We Have Heard on High has always been one to cherish. If it's not in your library get it now.
Arranger: Robert Shaw
This traditional spiritual is set with divisi choral parts and requires a mezzo-soprano soloist who can soar over the choir, carry the music and bring style and passion to the rendering. Beautiful legato and dynamically subtle singing by the choir is a must with the results being a most satisfying performance for singer and listener.
Lovely arrangement of an old favorite. First verse: unison; Second verse: men; Third verse: women; Fourth verse: solo (or alto and bass); Descant: over unison choir (or soprano and tenor); Accompaniment: harp or piano and strings or organ.
Alice Parker has created a setting of this beautiful American song that is simple, authentic, and warm. A good chance to feature a soloist, with accompanimental choral parts beneath.
Light, fast, strong and accented describe this arrangement of the traditional spiritual. This is a wonderful contrast to the heavy style so often associated with traditional spirituals. Each of the voice parts gets to carry the melody throughout the course of the arrangement creating extra interest for the singers.
"I wish I was an apple a hangin' from a tree, and ev'ry time that Cindy passed she'd take a bite of me." Guys will delight in singing this clever arrangement of the American folksong. The versatility that the elegant writing affords makes this piece appropriate for choirs of all sizes.
Country: United States
The stark hymn tune VERNON from the Mennonite shape note hymnal Harmonia Sacra is set to four verses of Charles Wesley's eleven verse retelling of the story of Jacob's struggle with the angel. For Tenor Solo, SATB, and Keyboard, this music began as movement VIII of the composer's cantata Melodious Accord. (1974) Duration: 3:00
The Alice Parker Choral Series. Text by Dunash ben Lavrat. To those who enlighten and those who enlightened, give abundant peace like the waters of a stream. For SATB a cappella. Rehearsal piano part included.
This set of pieces by Alice Parker to poetry by Nancy Wood was commissioned by the American Composers Forum for the ChoralQuest program allowing middle school choirs to discover music of varying moods and rhythms. The first in the set, What I Am I Must Become creates a thoughtful quiet mood through four riddle-like statements. Song Woman celebrates the voices and lives of women through cheerful, lighter motion and the final song When Trouble Comes to Me gives voice to the young men, gathering up their energy and strength and offering a positive outlet for their emotion. Free interdisciplinary curriculum for the piece is available for download at choralquest.com. ChoralQuestae, an exciting series of new music and accompanying curricula for middle-level choir, is a program published by the American Composers Forum. The series is designed to breathe new life into the available repertoire for choral students in middle school and junior h
The 2013 Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission featuring timely and poignant text by Emily Dickinson. The poems express the extreme complexity of Beauty, even in the most simple of occurrances. A clear and purposeful melody surrounded by magnificent vocal counterpoint. A good challenge for women's choruses.
Poetry By: Emily Dickinson
This triumphant setting of a text by Fred Pratt Green, "Lord, We Believe for Us You Lived and Died", is a rousing anthem perfect for any Sunday during Eastertide. This edition may be performed as a suite of four: God of Grace and God of Laughter, A Mountain Psalm, Come O, Come and Easter Days. Children's Choir Part is Optional Trumpet in C is interlined in the octavo Includes hymn version
Few composers other than Alice Parker seem to give such seminal attention to words before letting a melody (or single note) pop into their heads. Fred Pratt Green's text serves as the seed of Alice's creation in this cheerful, flowing thanksgiving anthem for 2-part voices with a separate part for the assembly to chime in on "Thanks be to God" like "one-note Johnnys!" Budding composers take note. Choir directors study this little piece and put it to the test! A separate 4-part hymn version is also included. This edition may be performed as a suite of five pieces: Rejoice, the Lord Is King!, For the Fruit of All Creation, O Sing the Glories, Destructive Sword! and God Is Love. Includes SATB hymn version
A creative setting of this passage of scripture. This can be used in several places in the Church year.
This edition may be performed as a suite of four: God of Grace and God of Laughter, A Mountain Psalm, Come O, Come and Easter Days.
Commissioned by Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to celebrate the service of William H. Mathis, Minister of Music and Fine Arts. It was first performed on June 11, 2017. The noble spaciousness of this wonderful poem by Catherine Cameron is set to original music expressed in the nature of an arpeggio, which can take us to the heights in just an instant. Trumpet calls echo through this arrangement: you'll find them in all the parts. For SATB chorus, sometimes in unison, sometimes in two parts, the piece moves to its soaring conclusion, "Great Creator, give us guidance, Till our goals and yours are one." Duration 2:45
In traditional "Parker" style, Alice has arranged a bright a cappella setting of the American folk-tune "Jesus My All to Heaven Is Gone" with stunning effect.
One of the sweetest of Stephen Foster's songs, balancing nostalgia with heartfelt lament. Seems made for male chorus, with the kind of piano or guitar accompaniment that would've been found in 19th century homes. Very accessible vocal writing with a simple accompaniment makes this a fantastic option for every men's chorus.
Composer: Stephen Foster
Now men's choirs can enjoy this famous arrangement by Alice Parker, originally written for the Robert Shaw Chorale. The strong walking pulse and juxtaposed motives have made it exceptionally popular for over 40 years.
Harmonious Herbst is a cantata for chorus, soprano solo, and chamber orchestra with flute, oboe, bassoon, and strings. It is based on five spiritual songs in the collection entitled Hymns to Be Sung at the Pianoforte by Johannes Herbst (1735-1812), bishop of the Moravian church in Pennsylvania. Many of these hymns have been researched, edited, and published by Monica Schantz, chair of the Moravian College music department in Bethlehem, PA. I am grateful to her for bringing them to my attention and trust that these gentle expansions of Johannes Herbst's melodies will prove acceptable to the heirs of his singing tradition. - Alice Parker
Composer: Johannes Herbst
All the colors of a Jamaican marketplace burst into song in this rhythmic concert setting by Alice Parker. Taking its text from a poem by Agnes Maxwell Hall, this work is a celebration of life and all its wonders. For SATB mixed voices with flute, cello and percussion. Includes parts for Percussion (Guiro, 2 Congas, Bomba), Flute and Cello. Duration: ca. 2:45.
This resonant spiritual calls for a large chorus capable of a rich sound and a heavy, jazzy beat. If you imagine that it might first have been sung by a chain-gang crew with heavy weights on their ankles, you can begin to understand both the intensity of the prayer and its wide-ranging, propulsive tune.
A light, brisk spiritual arranged for a cappella voices. With independent lines playing with each other throughout, giving some gospel-type solos for the soprano section, the piece makes an excellent concert/festival selection for an advanced choir! Good choice!
Scored for SATB choir, trumpet and congregation, this is the perfect arrangement for your Christmas Eve service or your holiday concert. With original music connecting the verses there is opportunity to feature the choir while letting the congregation or audience sing the familiar tune. The trumpet part is included with the octavo.
This traditional spiritual comes out of the work song tradition. It is firm and strong and features a baritone soloist who instructs the singers to keep their hands on the plow. The call and response between soloist and choir is classic and offers a wonderful opportunity to teach this style so important in our history.
This little-known tune provides great material for a hymn anthem. It's a sending forth text, scored with the men always echoing the text of the women at one measure. First, in canon, then in counterpoint. Mixed meters are introduced in the third and fourth stanzas, and the final stanza expands the score to SAT over echoing bass. Lots of excitement here. This edition may be performed as a suite of three: Lord, Enthron'd in Heav'nly Spendor, Look unto Abraham, and Know That the Lord Is God. The trumpet in C part is interlined in the score.
The Alice Parker Choral Series. Text by Y. Sheinburg. Rise up, let's go, rise up, Comrades, return! For SATB a cappella. Rehearsal piano part included.
Composer: Shlomo Postolsky
This vigorous, humorous, traditional sea chantey is guaranteed to delight both singers and audiences.
Performed By: Cantus
This edition may be performed as a suite of three: Lord, Enthron'd in Heav'nly Spendor, Look unto Abraham, and Know That the Lord Is God.
 |  | ||
| Page: | 1 | 2 |
Vocal Harmony Arrangements - Home
Christian | Gospel | Standards | Musicals | Specialty | World | Barbershop | Contemporary | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas
Mixed Voices | Female | Male | 8 Parts | 6 Parts | 5 Parts | 3 Parts | 2 Parts | Medleys | Solo | Folio Series | New Releases
Select a Category |
Want to Sing? - Find a Chorus Near You
List of Choruses by State | List of Choruses by City