Wish your audience a iMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year” in just a half a minute. This madrigal-style a cappella novelty is equally easy to learn and enjoyable to sing. Plus, itis a great choice for any seasonal performance: Christmas concerts, community events, madrigal feasts, door-to-door caroling, singing telegrams---you name it! Fun, flexible, and festive in all voicings.

Arranger: Donald Moore

This wonderful compilation of Irish blessing texts is set to a lovely and touching melody. Perfect for end-of-year concerts. Appropriate for school or church use. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Jay Althouse

This gentle lullaby is equally appropriate for school and church, offering a nativity text and a light choral texture. Lush harmonies reflect a faint jazz influence, while ethereal words softly sing the baby to sleep. "Angels are watching over thee."

Composer: Donald Moore

A mixolydian melody becomes the foundation for this stately three-part canon with madrigal style counterpoint. Festive flute and hand drum parts add a Renaissance music touch to a piece with only 12 bars of singing to teach. Ideal for processionals, madrigal feasts, or as a concert opener.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

This partner song arrangement of the best-loved American folk song "The Water Is Wide" features a new, folk-like, counter-melody. Moderate vocal ranges. The extended "echo" section is perfect for developing ages of any age. Flowing piano accompaniment. The 2-part voicing includes a descant which may be performed by a C instrument such as flute or bells. Destined to become a choral classic! This title is available in Music Prodigy.

Arranger: George L. O. Strid

This dramatic choral for SAB choirs showcases three equally exciting, challenging, and achievable voice parts. Percussive phrases and varied sections will make for an impressive concert or adjudication selection. Accompaniment included on PianoTrax 2 CD (00-31290).

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

A powerful concert work featuring a strong piano accompaniment and driving, repetitive rhythms. Features an "echo" section, and a closing soprano/tenor descant. Uncomplicated voice-writing with much repetition makes for easy learning, a Jay Althouse trademark. Effective dynamic changes. Original, English text has no sacred references and is well-suited for school concerts.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Developing 3-part mixed and SSA choirs will achieve their finest a cappella sound with this light choral inspired by traditional madrigals. Conservative vocal ranges and practical part-writing ensure quick learning at any time of year.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: William Gooch

A 4-minute touch of class for your holiday program. This polished medley is rich with classic choral settings of favorite traditional carols. Fine fare for Christmas time.

Arranger: Andy Beck

What a treat: a gospel style original choral piece that fills the holidays with excitement. The infectious melody and full harmonies are highlighted by dynamic contrasts which add to the inherent power of the piece. Feature your best singers on two short solos backed up by choral "oo's." The strong choral writing and the easy, yet full sounding piano accompaniment make this a winner for your December concert. Great SoundTrax.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

This rousing triple meter choral is infused with traditional gospel harmonies, rhythms, and articulations, as the timely text conveys an urgent message for peace. The classic "Dona Nobis Pacem" canon is quoted in three parts at the height of this inspirational powerhouse. Find staging suggestions on Step One!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

How often do we find a warm ballad written especially for Hanukkah? No boom-chicks here, and no minor key either, just a tender heartfelt message of family and tradition. Incorporates a contemporary setting of the traditional Hebrew "Maoz Tzur" just before a dramatic modulation to the final refrain.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This merry madrigal will be a nice addition to your 3-part choir's a cappella seasonal repertoire. Characteristic counterpoint makes this original Donald Moore piece a familiar form but, unlike many Renaissance chorals, the vocal ranges, subject matter, and number of voice parts have been specifically designed for developing choirs. A festive feature for holiday concerts and Madrigal feasts, with just enough optional bass notes in the 3-part mixed/SAB for your developing men's section.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: Donald Moore

The 3-part treble ensemble may be sung by a small group or an entire second chorus in this spectacular, festival-quality choral work for mixed 3- and 4-part choirs. Mixed meters, resounding chords, and exuberant rhythms bring the Psalm 98 text to light. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Laura Farnell

Add some multicultural flair to holiday concerts with this lively arrangement of the Puerto Rican Christmas carol! The playful "la la" section and syncopated verses come even more alive with the addition of handclaps and percussion ostinati. This title is available in SmartMusic.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Here's a marvelous music history lesson! This clever a cappella choral features snippets of well-known madrigal texts and music, mixed in with an original contrapuntal theme.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

We've combined six of our best-selling Alfred Choral Designs seasonal titles into each of these convenient, price-saving publications. Use the six chorals individually, or perform them together as a ready-to-go 20-minute December program. Each of these four collections has been carefully selected to provide your singers and audience with a dynamic and rewarding concert experience. Includes: Goin' on a Sleigh Ride (arr. Albrecht), A Merry Madrigal (Moore), Celebrate the Feast of Lights (Albrecht, Brownsey), Solitary Snowflake (Estes), Down, Down the Chimney (Rothenberg), A Gift for Every Child (Albrecht, Althouse).

Composer: Donald Moore

One of Mozart's most memorable melodies is placed in an easy range for young 2- and 3-part singers. Supported by a simple piano accompaniment, enhanced with an optional instrumental obbligato, and combined with lovely original material. This title is available in Music Prodigy.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

An easy-to-learn Alleluia setting by Jay Althouse for your developing choir. Highlighted with comfortable ranges and simple harmonies, this is an excellent choice for an additional selection that won't take too long to prepare. A wonderful warm-up song for your rehearsal, then sing it in concert! Great year round. The simple piano part adds a rhythmic pulse, or use the calypso-esque SoundTrax.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It's a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. "Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, 'cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day." If you don't perform with the kickin' SoundTrax accompaniment, be sure to add a groovin' drummer and riffing organ of your own. We dare you (and your audience) not to clap along!

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Anthemic, heroic, and bold, the words of Alfred, Lord Tennyson spring to life through superb choral writing and a stirring piano accompaniment. A powerful opening theme builds to a final avalanche of sound, evoking the spirit of adventure. "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Alfred Lord Tennyson

During the holidays, each of us yearns to have family and friends by our side. For those who canit be with us, we sing this special heartfelt song to encourage them to "find a place that feels like home." Dedicated to a special choir at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Practical, timeless advice abounds in this jaunty contemporary choral with texts lifted from Renaissance-era poetry and a translation of ancient verse. The opening melody winds around the tonic triad before the B section breaks into colorful contemporary harmony in a chorale setting. Light, yet legit.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Richard Fanshawe

Composed as a special commission for the North Carolina All-State Honors Chorus, this contemporary concert work is satisfying from start to finish. The exuberant music provides a joyful foundation for a text inspired by the Book of Psalms, and a layered add-on section builds to the glorious coda.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This poem has long been a favorite of singers due to its deep passion and expressive imagery, not to mention the warm vowels at the end of each line. In this artistic setting, Greg Gilpin incorporates a contemporary harmonic palette, expressive tempo nuances, and elegant dynamic shading to form a colorful garden of sound. The final chord suggests the rose/thorn quality of love, as singers sustain sweet dissonance. Give special consideration to the S.S.A. voicing---the romantic text may have great appeal to your ladies.

Composer: Robert Burns

Developing 3-part mixed choirs will enjoy learning and performing the independent "fa la la" melodies in this joyous original a cappella madrigal. Each voice part gets a chance to lead the add-on refrain. Offers an optional baritone part, too!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Greet seasonal concertgoers with this festive original sung in the madrigal style. Joyful (and mostly step wise) "fa la la" refrains are sung following each of two welcoming verses, arranged with slightly different choral colors the second time. A wonderful Renaissance inspired SoundTrax sets the early music tone, or consider playing the keyboard part on a harpsichord synthesizer.

To the trained ear, this Jay Althouse original displays onomatopoeia, harmonic intricacies, and skillful vocal writing. But for most, it's a tender ballad, beautiful in its simplicity and elegant in its austerity. Any choir can master the gentle tune and every choir will enjoy its musical expressiveness. A contemporary ballad just right for wintertime concerts. Optional SoundTrax and SoundPax parts are playable by student musicians. SoundPax includes parts for fl., cl., ob., Fr. horn., bsn./cello, gtr.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

This haunting minor-key original combines images of frosty winter with memories of the very first Christmas. "Child is born, the angels call, 'peace on earth, goodwill to all'." Perfect for school or church.

Arranger: David Waggoner

It's the delicate Lied sensitively set for developing voices. Dr. Robinson has skillfully adapted Mendelssohn's classic and arranged an appropriate Romantic-era piano accompaniment to support 2- and 3-part voices. Optional English lyrics are included as well as a complete IPA guide for the German text---a wonderful way to introduce art song.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

This new edition of an a cappella English madrigal is well-researched and remains true to the original, yet makes harmonic challenges particularly accessible for 3-part choirs. Enjoy major and minor keys, independent complimentary lines, and welcomed repetition balanced with contrasting sections.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: John Wilbye

This simple yet elegant setting is sung on just two short Latin phrases. A partner song approach gives each voice part independence, while a brief B section includes some homophonic choral harmonies. Halfway through the piece, a delicate descant-like third part is introduced, which floats gently above when the lyrical theme and counter theme return. Excellent concert or contest repertoire for developing groups.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Bongo and hand drum accompaniment highlight this African-styled work filled with rhythmic intensity. The simple "alleluia" text allows the melodic and rhythmic lines to take center stage. An add-on section makes it an exciting piece, building to a powerful finish.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

A traditional Latin text paired with the spirited rhythms of Africa. This joyful concert work includes a contrasting "et in terra pax" section, adding a lovely legato to the middle of the piece. Layered percussion patterns are included in the octavo.

Arranger: Sonja Poorman

Freshen up any holiday concert with this new rhythmic treatment of 'Angels We Have Heard on High.' Add optional Orff instruments or any rhythm instruments to enhance your performance. Simple but effective!

Arranger: Carole Stephens

Perform two traditional mass settings in a whole new way with this exciting original which means "African Kyrie and Sanctus." Your singers will be inspired by the tribal rhythms and sonorous harmonies, and your audience (or adjudicators) impressed by the juxtaposition of Latin, English, and Swahili texts in both contrasting movements. Accentuate the multicultural flavor by adding the SoundPax drum ensemble, or using the SoundTrax CD. SoundPax includes parts for African Percussion Ensemble, bass.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Breathtaking! This gorgeous setting of the Agnus Dei text begins with piano and gradually crescendos to a mezzo forte before ending in a pure, hushed final major chord. Easy to teach, this ABA-form piece will show off your choir in concerts, festivals and adjudications. It's a winner!

Composer: Sherri Porterfield

This lyrical setting of the traditional Latin text overflows with warm harmonies and expressive melodic lines. Developing mixed and treble choirs will achieve a polished sound and appreciate an enriching musical experience. Accomplishable A-B-A form.

Composer: Brian Lewis

This, the stirring final movement from John Leavitt's world-famous Missa Festiva, is presented in newly engraved octavos, available for all choirs. A superb new chamber orchestration enhances the musical texture and color of this captivating modal work.

Arranger: John Leavitt

All sections of the choir take a turn singing the elegant melody in this harmonically rich concert work. Encourage pure vowels when pronouncing the familiar Latin text, which comes from the Mass Ordinary. A reverent piece of great depth.

Arranger: Sonja Poorman

Three favorite spirituals are cleverly combined in this mini-medley. Call-and-response arranging makes for memorable interplay between voices, eventually leading to an innovative mash-up. Staging suggestions found on Step One! and at alfred.com/video. Fresh and fun!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

This traditional American folksong truly comes to life in this extremely creative setting by Jeff Funk. The beauty of the original melody and the power of its haunting text come through. Perfect for festival time!

Arranger: Jeff Funk

This innovative arrangement presents the well-known American folk song with a jazzy twist. Unexpected, but highly creative, it's something truly different for concert or jazz groups. A smooth obbligato for flute and/or vibes is available free at alfred.com/choralparts.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Four brief vocal duets highlight this joyful work from the motet Veni Sancte Spiritus, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was only 12 years old. Classical sonorities resonate through the varying textures of this newly adapted masterwork, and the piano and choral parts are impressive, yet manageable for concert and festival choirs.

Arranger: Larry Shackley | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

New for SATB and SAB! A singable Mozart melody is the basis for this fine 2-part arrangement by Donald Moore. An optional flute (included in the publication) also joins in the canon. The canonic style makes it great for choirs of all ages who want to sing the music of the masters. Text is an "alleluia," suitable for singing year round.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This majestic piece is a glorious addition to choral concerts and festivals year round. Earlene's 6/8 setting of the Latin text is underscored by a full-sounding piano accompaniment that is not difficult to play. Make it more festive by performing with live brass and percussion or the jubilant SoundTrax CD.

Arranger: Earlene Rentz | Composer: Earlene Rentz

A strong choral statement that begins in C minor, builds, and finishes powerfully with a jubilant ending in E-flat major. Great contemporary writing, accessible for today's choirs. One of Jay Althouse's best works. Perfect for festivals, adjudications, and concerts, any time of year.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Here's an African-style piece which includes a combination of English and Swahili text: "As we travel down this weary road, amani utupe na ustawi." Outstanding SoundTrax has an African feel.

Composer: Patsy Ford SimmsPatsy Ford Simms

It's a sensitive and elegant setting of America's favorite folk melody. This arrangement opens with a haunting piano figure followed by a soprano solo (or section). Features an a cappella section with a harmonization reminiscent of Copland. Amazing Grace is one of Jay Althouse's finest arrangements and could become a choral classic. A touchingly simple, yet sophisticated arrangement.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Sally Albrecht combines three celebrated African folk songs into one exuberant arrangement for choirs of all levels from elementary through high school. Pulsating rhythms and a joyous layering of vocal parts build to an explosive finish. Sing this cross-cultural gem in Swahili and English for seasonal concerts, or use the alternate "Alleluya" text all year long. A lively African feel SoundTrax is available, or add your own rhythm instruments.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht