American Choral Music Arrangements

Aaron Copland : Four Motets for Mixed Voices

Review: These four motets were composed in the fall of 1921 while Copland was studying with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. The four motets have remained unpublished until now. Writing to Copland about them in 1924, Boulanger tells the composer that "those motets sound in the voices in a stunning manner."

Songlist: Help Us, O Lord, Sing Ye Praises To Our King, Have Mercy On us, O My Lord, Though, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever

Aaron Copland : In The Beginning

Review: With text from Genesis this is a very interesting and rewarding extended work for mixed chorus a cappella and features a solo for Mezzo-Soprano.

Songlist: In The Beginning

Aaron Copland : Old American Songs Complete

Review: Mixed voice arrangements by David Brunner, Irving Fine, Glenn Koponen, Gregory Rose, and R. Wilding-White collected for the first time in a complete edition. Includes the original notes on the songs.

Songlist: The Boatmen's Dance, The Dodger, Long Time Ago, Simple Gifts, I Bought Me a Cat, The Little Horses, Zion's Walls, The Golden Willow Tree, At the River, Ching-a-ring Chaw

Aaron Jay Kernis : Ecstatic Meditations

Review: Aaron Jay Kernis, awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, is one of the most sought after composers today. He has received commissions from many of the major orchestras in the United States, including the New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. Ecstatic Meditations was composed in 1999 for Philip Brunelle and the Plymouth Music Series Ensemble Singers and Choir. Like all of Kernis' music, it "bears the unmistakable stamp of a wildly fertile musical imagination...with rich poetic imagery." The text is by Mechthild of Magdeburg, translated by Jane Hirshfield

Songlist: Effortlessly Love Flows, How The Soul Speaks To God, I Cannot Dance, O Lord, How God Answers The Soul l

Abbie Betinis : Carols A Cappella

Review: The most famous American Christmas carol family is undisputably the Burt family. The carols of Bates and Alfred Burt and the Christmas carol cards they sent are now part of our hymnody and folklore. Abbie Burt Betinis is the great granddaughter of Bates and grand niece of Alfred, and is continuing the tradition with freshness and craftsmanship. A noted and often commissioned composer in her own right, she brings skill and talent to this unique genre in a way no one else could. The verse and chorus form reminds us of an English carol, but the text, taken most often from other Burt family members, are very American. Enjoy this energetic carol with sacred text by John Harris Burt

Songlist: Run, Toboggan, Run, Hail, Christmas Day!, Prayer for Peace

Adolphus Hailstork : Three Dunbar Hymns

Review: Paul Laurence Dunbar was born June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio. He died there on February 9, 1906. Dunbar was the first African-American poet to garner national critical acclaim. He penned a large body of dialect poems, standard English poems, essays, novels, and short stories, before he died at age 33. His work often addressed the difficulties encountered by members of his race and the efforts of African-Americans to achieve equality in America. He was praised both by the prominent literary critics of his time and by his literary contemporaries.

Songlist: When Storms Arise, Lead Gently, Lord, Little Lamb

Albert McNeil : Al McNeil Spirituals

Review: Treat yourself to seven, rousing spirituals by Albert McNeil, who is well-known to the national choral community, having been honored on four occasions with "Command Performances" before the prestigious American Choral Directors Association in 1981 in New Orleans, in 1985 at their Salt Lake City Convention, at their 1997 convention in San Diego, California, and most recently in February, 2000, at Los Angeles during the ACDA Western Division Convention held on the campus of Loyola-Marymount University.

Songlist: Hold Out Your Light, He's Got the Whole World, Open the Window, Noah, John, The Revelator, My Long White Robe, All My Trials

Alfred Burt : Christmas Carols SATB

Review: These delightful carols are the result of a tradition begun by the Reverend Bates G. Burt, his composer son, Alfred and friend-of-the-family Whila Hutson; for many years these three collaborated on the creation of original carols, which were then sent to friends as Christmas cards. The fifteen carols as published are arranged in three sets. The carols within each set were selected to provide a variety of sound and facility of transition from one carol to the next so that each set may be performed as a program group

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling Long Ago, O Hearken Ye, Nigh Bethlehem, All On A Christmas Morning, We'll Dress The House, Ah, Bleak And Chill Wintry Wind, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Some Children See Him, Jesu Parvule, Bright, Bright, The Holly Berries, The Star Carol, Carol Of The Mother, What Are The Signs, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Come, Dear Children

Alfred Burt : Christmas Carols SSA

Review: These delightful carols are the result of a tradition begun by the Reverend Bates G. Burt, his composer son, Alfred and friend-of-the-family Whila Hutson; for many years these three collaborated on the creation of original carols, which were then sent to friends as Christmas cards. The fifteen carols as published are arranged in three sets. The carols within each set were selected to provide a variety of sound and facility of transition from one carol to the next so that each set may be performed as a program group

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling Long Ago, O Hearken Ye, Nigh Bethlehem, All On A Christmas Morning, We'll Dress The House, Ah, Bleak And Chill Wintry Wind, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Some Children See Him, Jesu Parvule, Bright, Bright, The Holly Berries, The Star Carol, Carol Of The Mother, What Are The Signs, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Come, Dear Children

Alfred Burt : Christmas Carols TTBB

Review: These delightful carols are the result of a tradition begun by the Reverend Bates G. Burt, his composer son, Alfred and friend-of-the-family Whila Hutson; for many years these three collaborated on the creation of original carols, which were then sent to friends as Christmas cards. The fifteen carols as published are arranged in three sets. The carols within each set were selected to provide a variety of sound and facility of transition from one carol to the next so that each set may be performed as a program group

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling Long Ago, O Hearken Ye, Nigh Bethlehem, All On A Christmas Morning, We'll Dress The House, Ah, Bleak And Chill Wintry Wind, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Some Children See Him, Jesu Parvule, Bright, Bright, The Holly Berries, The Star Carol, Carol Of The Mother, What Are The Signs, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Come, Dear Children

Alfred Burt and Jimmy Joyce Singers : This Is Christmas Songbook

Review: Considered by some to be the finest recording of Christmas carols ever, these original compositions were written by Alfred and primary lyricists Wihla Hutson and Bates G. Burt (Alfred's father). In fact, the carols were initially sent as Christmas messages to Burt family members and friends! Alfred died in 1954 at the age of thirty three, but his legacy has brought joy to untold myriads of listeners ever since. Artists from Nat "King" Cole to the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus have popularized what conductor John Williams described as "mini-masterpieces." The sixteen voice a cappella choir directed by arranger Jimmy Joyce (who had worked with Alfred in the Alvino Rey Orchestra) is sprightly and surefooted in their performance, which was recorded in 1963. A sentimental and popular favorite.

Songlist: This Is Christmas, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Ah, Bleak And Chill The Wintry Wind, Come, Dear Children, Some Children See Him, Sleep, Baby Mine, All On A Christmas Morning, Caroling, Caroling, The Star Carol, We'll Dress The House, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Nigh Bethlehem, What Are The Signs, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye

Alice Parker : Creative Hymn Singing

Review: 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 / Robert Shaw : Singin' in the Spirit

Review: 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

Review: 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

Anita Kerr : Broadway Charts

Review: A collection of classic Broadway songs arranged in Anita's inimitable style.

Songlist: Anything You Can Do, My Favorite Things (from The Sound of Music), One, Singing in the Rain, What I Did for Love

Augusta Read Thomas : Love Songs

Review: Set of seven love songs with texts by Alexander Pope, Lord Byron, Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and more. Premiered by Chanticleer.

Barbershop Harmony Society : Improving Vocal Techniques Through the Warm Up

Review: Contains more than 200 vocal exercises under the following headings: mental readiness, physical readiness, posture alignment, breath management, tone production, vowels, articulation, range and register, intonation and balance/volume relations. This is an excellent resource for all singers of any style and along with the exercises and text are some excellent diagrams and photos that really does cover all the bases to insure getting the most from your voice in an effective and safe manner. Highly recommended.

Songlist: Mental Readiness, Physical Readiness, Posture / Allignment, Breath Management, Tone Production, Vowels, Dipthongs and Triphthongs, Articulation, Range and Register, Intonation, Balance / Volume Relationships, On To The Rehearsal

Beach Boys : Arrangements for Male Voices

Review: Surely one of the greatest American vocal groups whose catchy songs and sibling harmony are a signature sound of an era. "Help Me Rhonda" - The Beach Boys at their best! This authentic doo-wop arrangement "sounds hard and sings easy"! Guy groups (and everyone else) will love it! "I Get Around" Your audience will recognize this number 1 hit from 1964 immediately and your guys' groups will love recreating the spectacular sounds of an earlier era. "Good Vibrations" - It was the sound that changed rock music forever! The number 1 hit from 1966 in a great arrangement by Ed Lojeski. "Little Deuce Coup" - Fast wheels, four-on-the-floor - your guys will really respond to this 1963 favorite. A great motivational choice! "In My Room" - The signature harmonies and deeply felt lyrics of the Beach Boys are front and center in this smooth TTBB arrangement of their 1963 pop hit.

Songlist: I Get Around, Good Vibrations, Help Me Rhonda, In My Room, Little Deuce Coupe

Beach Boys : Note-for-Note Vocal Transcriptions

Review: 12 sundrenched hits from The Beach Boys, with vocal parts transcribed exactly as recorded - lead, harmony and background parts, and all inflections. Includes a keyboard reduction of the instrumental parts, and chords labeled to be played by any instrument.

Songlist: Barbara Ann, California Girls, Don't Worry Baby, Fun, Fun, Fun, God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, I Get Around, In My Room, Little Deuce Coupe, Surfer Girl, Surfin' U.S.A., Wouldn't It Be Nice

Style: Pop

Ben Folds : University A Cappella

Review: The talented and creative singer-songwriter Ben Folds became enamored of collegiate a cappella after hearing some of the groups on YouTube. On this release he recorded some of his favorite campus a cappella groups as they each perform one of his songs and the result is a delight. The Spartones open the disc with a stella arrangement of "Not the Same" with the Leading Tones of Ohio University giving a solid rendition of "Brick". Ben Folds himself sings a cappella (with multi tracking) on "Boxing" and the fun "Effington". Mosaic Whispers sings "Still Fighting It" with conviction while the more jazz arrangement of "Selfless, Cold and Composed" helps show why Ben Folds songs are so much fun to arrange and perform unaccompanied. The University of Chicago's Voices in Your Head perform a very interesting arrangement of "Magic" and the Newtones soothing treatment of "Evaporate" surprises. Fifth Element is remarkable performing "Fair" and the closing "The Luckiest" wraps up the recording perfectly. This release certainly shows how talented today's collegiate a cappella groups have become and although a few individual voices may not always be pitch perfect the arrangements are almost all top notch and impressive. Recommended.

Songlist: Not the Same, Jesusland, Brick, You Don't Know Me, Still Fighting It, Boxing, Selfless, Cold and Composed, Magic, Landed, Time, Effington, Evaporated, Fred Jones Part 2, Army, Fair, The Luckiest

Bernice Johnson Reagon : A Cappella Arrangements

Review: Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture with songs and performances that nourish the soul and give courage to singers and listeners. The setting of Matthew 11:28-30"Come Unto Me" is a comforting solace for the weary, with layered vocal phrases and soothing harmonies. "I Remember, I Believe" combines elements of gospel, blues and spirituals into a rich vocal tapestry that reflects on the Hebrew tradition of "remembering" as the basis of faith. Mesmerizing and powerful! "Seven Principles" celebrates the traditions of Kwanzaa in a steady, purposeful style with optional percussion and adaptable vocal parts for any combination of voices.

Songlist: Come Unto Me, Seven Principles, I Remember, I Believe

Bernice Johnson Reagon : A Cappella Arrangements Vol 2

Review: Dedicated to Civil Rights pioneer Ella Baker, "Ella's Song" by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon is a powerful song of courage and struggle. "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes" Also from Bernice Johnson Reagon and Sweet Honey in the Rock, "We Are the Ones We Been Waiting For" written in tribute to the women of South Africa is a powerful and uplifting call for leadership and inner strength. It is especially appropriate as an audience participation number and recessional. "Greed" - From Bernice Johnson Reagon's sermon in music, we are confronted by the sin of greed in each of us. Recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this song offers a humorous but astute assessment of our culture and institutions.

Songlist: We Are the Ones We Been Waiting For, Ella's Song, Greed

Billy Joel : A Cappella for Male Voices

Review: Billy Joel is surely one of the great songwriters of contemporary pop songs and many of his songs are particularily suited for a cappella singing. Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of his pop ballad "And So It Goes" is stunning and Kirby also does a fantastic job with "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel), one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s. "The Longest Time" is an excellent piece for featuring and recruiting men for your choral program. It is an authentic transcription of the original Billy Joel hit, and as such it will have automatic appeal with both singers and audiences.

Songlist: The Longest Time, And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

Billy Joel : A Cappella for Mixed Voices

Review: Billy Joel is certainly one of the great American songwriters of the modern pop era and his works are often particularly suitable for an a cappella treatment. His iconic hit "Piano Man" from the 1970s will make a nice concert change of pace in this arrangement by Philip Lawson of King's Singers fame. Smooth vocal backup and great harmonies give "New York State of Mind" a special appeal. "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"is one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s, now in an a cappella setting. This ballad is simply stunning. Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of "And So It Goes" is stunning. Don't miss it! Billy's 1978 pop hit "Just The Way You Are" expresses a universal truth in a simple and beautiful way, and this a cappella setting will resonate with listeners at many concert occasions. This is a great collection and will have the audiences singing along..

Songlist: New York State of Mind, And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Piano Man, Just The Way You Are

Bobby McFerrin : Charts Package

Review: Without a doubt one of the most popular songs of the 20th century, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is re-created here in an exact transcription of the Bobby McFerrin's original hit recording from the album "Simple Pleasures." 3 Soprano parts, 2 Alto parts, and a very hip Bass line back up the soloist or soloists of your choice - a cappella. Great fun to sing and to hear! A reverent and truly beautiful rendition of the widely known "23rd Psalm," this piece is frequently used in religious services. It's pace is slow and contemplative, and the music enhances the beauty of the language. As recorded on Bobby's "Medicine Music" CD. In "Grace," alto, tenor, and bass voices suggest the chant-like song of a carillon while the sopranos create a rhapsodic melody. This meditative score is enhanced with rhythmic breathing and optional parts for two cellos or cello section. Transcribed from "Hush," Bobby's duo album with Yo-Yo Ma. Each of Bobby's arrangements comes with extensive performance notes. With text adapted from the Book of Matthew, "Manna" provides a simple refrain with wonderfully textured variations that bring light to the thought "Whoever believes in Me will live forever." "Manna" includes a through-composed piano part as an additional color in the ensemble. "Come to Me" is rhythmic music full of life, freedom, and joy. An up-tempo piece to make everyone feel good, "come to me" with text adapted from the Book of John, includes parts for vocal percussion, body percussion, and handclaps. As recorded on Bobby's "Simple Pleasures" CD.

Songlist: knickknack, Don't Worry Be Happy, Grace, 23rd Psalm, Manna, Come to Me

Bruno Mars : Songs for SAB Voices Vol 1

Review: Bruno Mars has it all - the looks, the moves, the voice and he writes some great songs! "Forget You" was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year and was famously covered by Gwyneth Paltrow and the Glee cast in Season 2. "Just the Way You Are" was ha huge hit with its confident pop melody, great groove and romantic vocals. "The Lazy Song" is a tribute to the joys of doing nothing! With its reggae-flavored groove and irresistible melody, your singers will have a blast as they recreate the goofy original! "Marry You" will make everyone smile with its appealing rhythmic groove, infectious melody and echoes of an earlier pop era. Fantastic staging opportunities abound!

Songlist: Forget You, Marry You, The Lazy Song

Cantus : A Cappella Arrangements

Review: Kenneth Jennings' settings of two Dylan Thomas poems 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,' and And Death Shall Have No Dominion' are both beautiful arrangements. 'Loch Lomond' is a Scottish folk song that dates back to the Jacobite Rebellion. Care has been taken to preserve the authenticity of the language in this arrangement, with the help of a ipa chart in the performance notes of this chart. With an energetic, strong opening and a more lyric, gentle section in the middle, 'Alleluia' provides an overall sense of the joy we experience while praising god. 'Let the Bullgine Tun,' a vigorous, humorous, traditional sea chantey is guaranteed to delight both singers and audiences.

Songlist: Do Not Go Gentle Into The Night, Let the Bullgine Run, Loch Lomond, Alleluia, Amen, And Death Shall Have No Dominion

Chanticleer : A Cappella Charts for Mixed Choirs

Review: Joseph Jennings' rich a cappella arrangement of the traditional spiritual, 'Steal Away,' is an enjoyable treat for both the singers and the audience. Winner of the 2003 Chanticleer Student Choral Compositition Competition, 'She Walks in Beauty,' for advanced choirs, sets the Lord Byron text in a lush harmonic style. Composer Joseph Twish sets a deeply moving homophonic work with 'Wandering,' exploring the text "God has mercy on me. Wand'ring, wand'ring.' That piece was also a previous winner of the composition competition. 'Galbally Farmer' works well with advanced Jr High, High School or moderate adult choirs, another audience favorite! Set to a 9th Century Japanese poem, in 'Voices of Autumn, composer Jackson Hill uses traditional musical stylistic devices from the same culture to create a seamless, tranquil unaccompanied choral work.

Songlist: She Walks in Beauty, Wandering, Galbally Farmer, Voices of Autumn

Chanticleer : A Cappella Spirituals

Review: Joseph Jennings, long-time music director of the multiple Grammy winning a cappella ensemble Chanticleer, has always had an affinity for spirituals and the group has many wonderful recordings of Jenning's arrangements. This collection for mixed voices a cappella are bound to please.

Songlist: Steal Away, Where The Sun Will Never Go Down, Keep Your Hand On The Plow, Calling My Children Home

Chanticleer : A Chanticleer Christmas

Review: Chanticleer's beloved Christmas tradition is now available in this collection of printed music, featuring a foreword by Tom Brokaw. Edited by Chanticleer Music Director Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer tenor Matthew Oltman. Includes extensive notes and pronunciation guide.

Songlist: Nesciens Mater, Quem Vidistis Pastores, Serenissma Una Noche, Sa Qui Turo Zente Pleta, Noel Nouvelet, Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle, Kristallen Den Fina, Lulajze Jezuniu, O Come, O Come Emamanuel, Star Of Wonder/We Three Kings, A Lullaby/Away In A Manger, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Glory To The Newborn, Silent Night

Chanticleer : Silver Jubilee Anthology

Review: To commemorate their twenty-fifth anniversary, Chanticleer has put together an anthology of some of their favorite songs. Edited by Matthew Oltman and conductor Joseph Jennings, this book is comprised of pieces from the Renaissance through the twentieth century. Selections include "Vox in rama" by Palestrina, "Fuggi, fuggi, dolor" by William Hawley and "There is a Balm in Gilead" arranged by Joseph Jennings. The book includes notes and translations for the pieces as well as performance suggestions. Also featured is a section of pictures of the group from the past twenty-five years.

Songlist: Vox in Rama, Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Credidi, So ben mi ch'a bon tempo, Voices of Autumn, Fuggi, fuggi, dolor, from Tre Rime di Tasso, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Coventry Carol, Two Medieval Lyrics, Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair, Nelly Bly, All The Pretty Little Horses, Dulaman, An Oiche, Lost In The Stars, There Is A Balm In Gilead, Keep Your Hand On the Plow, There is no rose of such virtue

Chanticleer : William Hawley Charts

Review: American composer William Hawley's music has been heard in London, Tokyo, Paris, the Netherlands, Berlin, Darmstadt, Munich, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, and other cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, as well as in the concert halls of New York City. Here is your opportunity to make his Chanticleer-performed compositions part of your repertoire. The ten part voicing in 'Io Son La Primavera' gives this piece an amazing depth and flair. Hawley's arrangement of Torquato Tasso's text, 'Dolcissimi Colori' is sweet and beautiful, perfect for a moderately advanced choir. Both 'Io V'amo Sol Perche Voi Siete Bella' and 'Ore, Fermate Volo' is fairly challenging yet beautiful, great examples of the Chanticleer charm! Two other composition based on text by Tasso, 'Vita De La Mia Vita' is sure to be a crowd pleaser, the setting of 'Siepe, Chegli Orti Vaghi' is beautiful and romantic - another fine example of Hawley's great style.

Songlist: Io Son la Primavera, Vita De La Mia Vita, Ore, Fermate Il Volo, Io V'Amo Sol Perche Voi Siete Bella, Dolcissimi Colori, Sipe, Che Gli Orti

Clayton White : Tryin' to Get Ready

Review: "My primary purpose in this effort is to preserve the rich heritage and the expressive power of the spiritual, while making the music accessible to most amateur and professional choral groups." -Clayton White From the Forward. These are some of the finest and most practical arrangements of spirituals ever published. Superbly arranged with an authentic choral sound. Priced to be affordable for the entire choir, with quality printing to last for years to come.

Songlist: Been in the Storm So Long, Blin' Man Stood on the Road and Cried, Calvary, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Done Made My Vow to the Lord, Fix me, Jesus, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Good News, Guide My Feet, Lord, Heavy Burdens, Hold On!, Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name, If Anybody Ask You, In Bright Mansions Above, King Jesus Is A-listenin', Lord, Don't Move the Mountain, Lord, I Ain't No Stranger Now, My Lord, What a Mournin', My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, O Lord, Done Done What You Tol' Me to Do, Oh, Freedom!, Over My Head, Ride On, King Jesus, Rise Up, Shepherd, Steal Away, There Is a Balm in Gilead, This Train, Tryin' to Get Ready, Who Is That Yonder?, Yonder Come Day

Craig McLeish : The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Review: Craig McLeish writes of The Negro Speaks of Rivers; Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the first black American to earn his living from writing. He was an innovator of jazz poetry, becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote plays, short stories, novels, and his poetry was widely read. He was also a journalist, columnist and lecturer. The Negro Speaks of Rivers was perhaps his earliest published work, written when only 17 and while travelling by train to Mexico to visit his father. As the train crossed the Mississippi he suddenly began thinking about how rivers had impacted on Negro history, particularly in the fight against slavery. The four rivers mentioned in the poem lent themselves to using musical influences from those particular regions.

Songlist: I've Known Rivers, The Congo, The Euphrates, The Mississippi, The Nile

Cristi Cary Miller : Mary Poppins

Review: Surely one of the greatest Disney musicals ever! Cristi Cary Miller does a wonderful job with clever and accessible arrangements of these classic songs that your kids (and their parents!) will love. The happy-go-lucky melody of "Let's Go Fly a Kite" is a sprightly salute to spring! The fun never stops with the light-hearted "I Love to Laugh". It's a smile-a-minute! Show off your best diction with this delightful arrangement of the favorite "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" that's just right for younger singers.

Songlist: Feed the Birds, A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, I Love to Laugh, Let's Go Fly a Kite, Step in Time

Dan Locklair : Brief Mass

Review: Like the basic bread and wine elements of Mass, the fundamental musical materiel of "Brief Mass" are simple. Yet, like the profound and eternal meanings of Mass, the use and development of the musical materials strive for deeper musical dimensions. The pitch material of each movement is basic, very limited, and does not stray from its foundation pitches. Each individual movement serves as a vital link to the whole of the work. "Brief Mass" requires a minimum of eight singers for performance: SSAATTBB. It is suggested that the singers be divided into two separate SATB antiphonal choirs.

Songlist: Mass

David Blackwell / Andrew Carter (Edited by) : In the Mood

Review: In the mood is an anthology of choral arrangements of seventeen classic popular songs by great names such as Fats Waller, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and Richard Rogers. All the pieces are expertly arranged to suit the needs of amateur SATB groups looking for lighter popular repertoire -- school choirs, youth schoirs, or chamber choirs of any description. There's a mixture of accompanied and unaccompanied numbers, and a variety of styles: smoky blues, up-tempo sat, sentimental swing, exuberant Dixieland, sophisticated close-harmony, plu an opulent show-stopper or two like 'Somewhere over the rainbow'.

Songlist: Ain't Misbehavin', Autumn Leaves, Begin the Beguine, Blue Moon, The Continental, Deep Purple, I Got Rhythm, Laura, Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), Over the Rainbow, She Was Beautiful, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Summertime, 'S Wonderful, Tea For Two, Night and Day, In the Mood

David Del Tredici : Heartfelt Anthems

Review: Generally recognized as the father of the Neo-Romantic movement in music, David Del Tredici has received numerous awards (including the Pulitzer Prize) and has been commissioned and performed by nearly every major American and European orchestral ensemble. "Del Tredici," said Aaron Copland, "is that rare find among composers - a creator with a truly original gift. I venture to say that his music is certain to make a lasting impression on the American musical scene. I know of no other composer of his generation who composes music of greater freshness and daring, or with more personality." From Del Tredici's Program notes: "In this traumatic post-9/11 world, I felt an urge to connect with, and even comfort, the youngest generation of budding musicians. Heart and felt are two words that directed my choice of texts: I wanted to tell something about myself, as well as about the joys of childhood ... Stevenson's "The Little Land" re-creates the imaginitive world that to daydreaming children seems so natural." David Del Tredici writes: "My setting of the 1727 New England Primer's "Alphabet" might horrify its Puritan author by transforming its simple text into an exuberant tour de force. Its 26 couplets tumble upon one another in tight three-part counterpoint, testing the young performers' range and endurance alike."

Songlist: Alphabet (Fuga), Sabbath's Child, The Little Land

David Dusing : Stephen Foster for Treble Voices

Review: Written in 1854, Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair was dedicated to composer Stephen Foster's wife, Jane McDowall. The opening lyrics, "I dream of Jeanie with the light brown hair," are said to have inspired the popular 1960s sitcom, I Dream of Jeannie. Sweet and lilting, this whimsical piece is arranged for soprano and alto voices.

Songlist: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair, Nelly Bly, Oh! Susanna

Deke Sharon : Pitch Perfect (the movie) for Female Voices

Review: Remember the scene in Pitch Perfect where Beca first teaches the Barden Bellas how to sing a mashup? This is that exact arrangement of "Just the Way You Are/Just a Dream " from the movie, distilled into 4-part harmony plus duet. Vocal percussion optional. "Cups" is the irresistible break-out hit by Anna Kendrick from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack has a sweet folky flavor and the fun "cup" accompaniment will be a hit with your choir! Now crossing over to YouTube and mainstream radio, the song is getting major attention in the media. May be performed a cappella or accompanied. "Bellas Finals" - Perhaps the biggest a cappella moment in modern cinema, the Barden Bellas win the ICCAs with this exact full-length arrangement from the movie Pitch Perfect, distilled into 4-part harmony plus solo. Vocal percussion optional.

Songlist: Just the Way You Are/Just a Dream, Bellas Finals, Since U Been Gone, Party in the U.S.A., Cups

Deke Sharon : Pop Songs for Male Voices

Review: "As" was performed by NBC's The Sing Off Season Two Winners Committed on their eponymous debut album, this uplifting Stevie Wonder classic combines both rich close harmony and interwoven polyrhythmic counterpoint, making it an impressive showstopper for an advanced group. Vocal percussion optional. Note: a full video of the song can be seen on www.youtube.com."Little Lion Man" - The debut single from 2009 by Mumford & Sons from their debut album Sigh No More packs a folk rock punch in this arrangement for unaccompanied male voices."Good Life" - Here is the 2011 pop hit by OneRepublic as arranged by a cappella guru Deke Sharon for Tim Seelig and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in a vibrant and joyful setting! The lyrics may not be suitable for every choir, so be sure to preview it first!Your favorite male collegiate group from Pitch Perfect is back, this time with a fun Mika song, complete with vocal trumpet jam and gospel breakdown.

Songlist: As, Little Lion Man, Good Life, Lollipop

Deke Sharon : Pop Songs for Younger Female Voices

Review: "Royals" - The pop megahit and Grammy-winning song of the year by Lorde will be an accessible and fun introduction to pop a cappella for younger SSA choirs!"Happy" - Younger or beginning a cappella groups will love this creative and upbeat song from Pharrell arranged for unaccompanied voices!"The Climb" - This Miley Cyrus song continues in popularity and offers an inspirational message for pop and spring programming in this unaccompanied setting.Katy Perry's #1 hit "Roar" was immensely popular with young singers, with its affirming message of strength and inspiration. This accessible a cappella setting gives it a whole new dimension for developing choral skills and confidence.

Songlist: Royals, Happy, The Climb, Roar

Voicing: Teen

Deke Sharon : Songs from Pitch Perfect 2 for Female Voices

Review: The second Pitch Perfect movie was an even bigger hit than the first and the songs are just as catchy. "Bella's Opening " - the girls are back for their senior year and better than ever with a modern pop medley fit for the President? until Fat Amy ruins everything. Sing the arrangement that the Bellas sang, wardrobe malfunction optional. Songs include We Got the World, Timber, America, The Beautiful, and Wrecking Ball."Bellas Finale " - As in the first movie, this mashup weaves together several great songs and storylines from throughout the film, with a twist of an ending. Songs include Run The World (Girls), Where Them Girls At, We Belong, We Got The World, and Flashlight."Bellas Back to Basics" - The Bellas have lost their sound, and to find it again they sing this medley of some of the greatest and most iconic women's harmony groups from the past, from the Andrew's Sisters to En Vogue. Songs include Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, You Can't Hurry Love, Lady Marmalade, and My Lovin'."Cups" - The trailer for the highly anticipated Pitch Perfect 2 gives us a sneak peek at the music for the new film, including this expanded version of Anna Kendrick's breakout hit Cups. After a sweet, reflective opening verse, it moves into tempo for a more expanded treatment.

Songlist: Bella's Opening (from Pitch Perfect 2), Bellas Finale (from Pitch Perfect 2), Bellas Back to Basics (Medley), Cups (When I'm Gone)

Derric Johnson : A Cappella Americana Songbook

Review: Widely considered to one of today's top a cappella arrangers Derric Johnson is also one of our favorites. This songbook is a collection of 14 classic American folk songs as for arranged and performed by Derric Johnson's Liberty Voices and which can be heard on their CDs "A Cappella Americana" and "A Slice of A Cappella". To study a Derric Johnson arrangement is to contemplate the canon of a master. Key to his style is his seamless blending of classical choral and jazz idioms that are fresh, yet easy to assimilate. We highly recommend this songbook for most all choirs, ensembles and groups should have a least one Derric Johnson arrangement in their repertoire.

Songlist: America, The Beautiful, Love's Old Sweet Song, My Country 'Tis Of Thee, Oh! Susanna, Shenandoah, Simple Gifts, Skip To My Lou, The Star Spangled Banner, Swing Low, Taps, The Red White And Blue, We The People, Yankee Doodle, You Are My Sunshine

Derric Johnson : Christmas in Velvet Charts

Review: Quite probably the busiest performing a cappella group in the country The Voices of Liberty are also one of the longest running professional a cappella groups as they perform several sets each and every day at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The group follows in an even longing-running tradition of Regeneration, as both are almost the same as they were both directed by, and perform almost exclusively the arrangements of, the great Derric Johnson. The sheet music we've all been waiting for, finally some of Derric Johnson's finest Christmas arrangements have been printed for us to sing! Included are 3 Volumes of 4 songs each from the namesake recordings.

Songlist: A Cappella Christmas Vol. 1, Away in a Manger, Gesu Bambino, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, O Holy Night, A Cappella Christmas Vol. 2, Deck the Halls, Go Where I Send Thee, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Jingle Bells, A Cappella Christmas Vol. 3, Christmas In The Air, French Chorale of Praise, Pat-a-Pan, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Dominick Argento : A Nation of Cowslips

Review: A set of seven choral pieces based on whimsical doggerel verses by John Keats. Published as separate movements in 1969, this work is now available as a complete set for the first time.

Songlist: The Devon Maid, In Praise Of Apollo, On Visiting Oxford, A Party Of Lovers At Tea, Sharing Eve's Apple, There Was A Naughty Boy, Two Or Three Posies

Dominick Argento : Everyone Sang

Review: Pulitzer Prize winning composer Dominick Argento displays a natural dramatic impulse with this 4 1/2 minute piece for double mixed chorus a cappella.

Songlist: Everyone Sang

Dominick Argento : Seasons

Review: Texts by Pat Solstad. In four movements:

Songlist: Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer

Dominick Argento : Spirituals and Swedish Chorales

Review: Six beautiful and challenging original works by Dominick Argento. The works with Swedish text have English translations.

Songlist: So I'll Sing With My Voice, Vi Lofve Dig, O Store Gud, There's Singing Up In Heaven, EnDag Skall Uppga For Var Syn, What Can That Shadow Be, a Ar Fulkkomnadt, Jesu Kar

Eclipse 6 : It's Christmas Time - Charts Vol 1

Review: Rapidly gaining a solid reputation in a cappella circles the arrangements of Patrick Rose are original, creative and fun to sing. These are the arrangements as sung by Eclipse on their popular holiday CD release of the same name. Freshen up your male ensemble's Christmas repertoire!

Songlist: Shake Up Christmas, I Saw Three Ships, Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, We Need a Little Christmas