Sarah Martinez : Oy Khodyt Son

This traditional Ukrainian lullaby is characterized by a somber minor key and heartfelt rubato. This beautifully sparse treatment invites ensembles to personalize their performance by including the optional piano accompaniment or featuring solo voices. An optional narrator may read the English text translation during delicate interludes. Both phonetic and IPA guides appear in the publication or view the pronunciation video to hear a demonstration by a native speaker.

Arranger: Sarah Martinez | Composer: Traditional Ukrainian Lullaby

Mark Burrows : You Are Light

"In the light I have found my family, I am safe to sing my song." With a lightly syncopated, contemporary sound, this uplifting original expresses the need for a warm and welcoming community for all. Composer Mark Burrows reminds us that we can help others feel comfort and belonging simply by sharing our inner light. Perform with piano alone or with the addition of an optional djembe. Rich with opportunities for social-emotional learning.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Celebrate the work of one of America's best loved composers with this exciting arrangement by Philip Kern. This ragtime show-stopper opens with short male and female solos, adds the tight harmonies of your SAB or SATB choir, swings into a scat section featuring a trumpet-like vocal solo, ritards to a cakewalk tempo, and finally crescendos to an amazing ending that may very well raise the roof of your auditorium. Feature your accompanist with the left hand stride accompaniment, add a ragtime instrumental ensemble with the optional SoundPax, or perform this one with the rousing SoundTrax CD. Publication includes optional staging suggestions. Featured on "On with the Show!" video, #21799.

Arranger: Philip Kern | Composer: Irving Berlin

A bombastic and stately theme, based on stacked modal harmonies, gives a triumphant air to this contemporary setting of the traditional Latin text. Hushed B and C sections offer contrast before recapitulating the grandiose opening and an even fuller final cadence. Timpani, tubular bells, and triangle (which may be downloaded for free) may be performed by a single percussionist and add to the riveting drama.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. This is the second movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Wow! A fast swing intro punctuated by piano, bass, drums, and finger snaps leads into a jazzy arrangement of the traditional spiritual unlike any you've ever heard. The excitement grabs your ear right away and doesn't let up, building to an impressive climax at the end. Add your own rhythm section (parts are free online) or our smokin' SoundTrax CD for extra effect.

Arranger: Tom Fettke

This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues directly into the closing movement of Like Dust I Rise. When performing separately, Mark Hayes includes an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Edge-of-your-seat excitement! Substantial contrasts in dynamics and articulation make this arrangement of the traditional spiritual a fitting entry point into the study of the style. Embrace the drama and storytelling of the classic struggle between the Israelites and Pharaoh, while knowing that you're also giving your singers solid choral repertoire.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Here's a rousing mini-medley of three favorite spirituals in less than three minutes! A grand choral fanfare gives way to a jubilant tour through "Great Day," "In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin'," and "My Lord, What a Mornin'"---including some mingling of themes at the end. Strong part-writing makes individual lines straightforward, and a full range of dynamics creates excitement.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

In the words of Jamaican musicologist Marjorie Whylie, "Jamaican folk songs are full of social commentary, censure, and recrimination in a vehicle of humor." This publication includes three charming arrangements for a cappella singers and percussion. One describes a comical scene at a train station; a second playfully questions a neighbor about some missing food; and the third (complete with simple instructions to recreate a ringplay game) cheers a naughty cousin who threw his aunt's coat out the window. A printed guide and online video provide vetted learning tools for the Patois language. Unique, authentic, fun!

Arranger: Marjorie Whylie

In 1993, Maya Angelou recited this poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and the first female poet to deliver an inaugural recitation. Subsequently, Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. This is the opening movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

A warm adagio introduction breaks into a joyous iHosanna” chorus in this 44-measure homophonic masterwork. Taken from Schubert's Mass No. 4, this edition offers sensible vocal ranges, editorial dynamic and metronome markings, plus a complete IPA guide for the brief Latin text. The orchestral parts have been reduced to a playable piano accompaniment while preserving the Classical characteristics of the original work.

Arranger: Patrick M. Liebergen

Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! This is the final movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Ruth Morris Gray has a gift for presenting worthy texts in satisfying choral settings, and this piece is no exception. With words from the poem iNovember” by William Cullen Bryant, former editor of the New York Evening Post, this expressive concert work evokes the stark beauty of coming winter. An optional C-instrument part adds a shimmering layer to the luscious choral/piano texture.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

The optional lilting flute and rhythmic hand drum parts lend a festive air to this song that celebrates the end of winter. Robust choral singing throughout beckons a change of season, and a soaring descant at the end signals the triumphant return of spring. A fully developed piece for winter and spring programs.

Arranger: Charles McCartha

Sally and Jay's heartfelt text reminds us of the impact of singing together, which serves as a symbol of our unity. The memorable hook and important message will engage and inspire your singers from the first rehearsal to the final performance. Sign language featured on With a Song!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jay Althouse