Can also be sung SAB a cappella

Composer: Stephen Chatman

This celebratory and joyous original work speaks of music, of wonder, of praise and of thankfulness. Opening with vibrant fanfares, the energy, power and enthusiasm of this anthem make it a magnificent addition to the sacred repertoire.

Composer: David L. Brunner

Written for the 20th anniversary of the CME Institute, A Living Song serves to honor and reflect on the passion for music that CME has instilled in countless singers throughout the years.

Composer: David L. Brunner

With a text from an old gospel hymn, this original setting is brisk and syncopated, perhaps even jazzy and calls for a bright, energetic and joyous choral sound.

Composer: Timothy Broege

A Hebrew setting of Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd), this is the central movement of Imant Raminsh's Symphony of Psalms. For SATB chorus, soprano solo, and piano (optional orchestral parts available from Boosey & Hawkes), the soprano soloist shines, and the choir just soars to a rousing climax and then finishes with a soothing, restful final statement, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Duration: ca. 8:15.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

for Tenor Solo, SATB Quartet (or semi-Chorus) and SSAATTBB Chorus, a cappella.

Composer: Rupert Lang

The title of Ain't That News is a tribute to the superb Staple Singers, who dang a piece by that name, not otherwise quoted in this chart. The opening seven measures are an adaptation of an old Paul Robeson 78. The rest of the piece is original material intended to pay homage to both the black church and black popo music, just one of the many genres that owes its soul to the spiritual. The composer states, "My goal is to allow even the most demure chorister to have at least a little taste of what it would be like to be Aretha Franklin."

Arranger: Stephen Hatfield

The world is sustained by three things: by truth, by justice, and by peace. The elegant and timely message conveyed by this beautiful work is now available for SATB chorus and piano. The vocal lines are satisfying to sing and the piano accompaniment substantial without overpowering the voices. Available separately: SATB, 2-Part. Duration: ca. 4:00.

Composer: Allan Naplan

Inspired by a holiday card inscription, this simple melody for mixed chorus and piano expresses gratitude for the gifts we are given despite the adversity that surrounds us. This message of thanksgiving is relevant at any time, but especially during the winter holidays when we focus so closely on life's gifts. Duration: ca. 3:10.

Composer: David L. Brunner

Beginning with two main thematic ideas that are developed throughout the work: a 2-note gentle, lilting motive and a 4-note lyrical theme that travels throughout the voices, this 7 minute piece for a cappella chorus will challenge any fine chorus. The use of triangles and simple body percussion near the end engage both the listener and the performers in a magical and heartfelt experience.

Composer: Andrea Clearfield

Here is the second movement and emotional heart of Heavenly Home: Three American Songs. Simple, soaring descants, countermelodies, and rich harmonic textures provide a symphonic breadth to this arrangement that encompasses the full, four-octave range of the choral instrument. Duration: ca. 6:15.

Arranger: Shawn Kirchner

The tune for Annabel Lee is an original one, but is treated as a folk song. The path of love is not always sunlit. In Shades of Love, the music expresses a variety of emotions brought on by diverse stages of love: ecstasy, tenderness, bitterness, wistfulness, eternal devotion. The colors and harmonies shift to match the mood of the poetry as each song portrays a different aspect of love.

Arranger: Doreen Rao

A message of hope and optimism, as well as a call to the whole range of life's participants to raise their figurative voices in a celebration of diversity. With piano.

Composer: Jim Scott

The words of the mortally wounded King Arthur reflect on life and the quest for ideals; the music artfully gives life to this wisdom.

Composer: Lee Kesselman

This Chippewa text is energized by close canonic entries.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

Using short, crisp phrases of language and repetitive musical motives, this work is infused with energy, purpose, playfulness, surprise and humor. For mixed voices, contrabass or cello and piano. Duration: ca. 6:00.

Composer: Lee Kesselman

Set in a Romantic style with piano accompaniment throughout, this piece employs long, flowing melodic lines that convey all the potential held in the idea of travel, both literal and as a metaphor for life's journey. Appropriate for graduations, farewell ceremonies, as well as general concert programs.

Composer: Robert Bowker

A setting of Psalm 130 in German is set here for SSATTBB choir and piano (optional orchestral parts available from Boosey & Hawkes).From the larger work, Symphony of Psalms, lyricism, rhythmic drive, and soaring vocal lines set this movement apart as a emotional supplication to the Lord. Duration: ca. 6:40.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

A beautiful rendition of the sacred text from the Gospel of Luke set for SATB divisi chorus and mezzo soprano soloist. This work has been recorded by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Jon Washburn conducting. Duration: 4:45.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

Arranger: Doreen Rao

There are three sections to the piece. The audience can join in singing the opening groove. When the conductior or leader form the chorus gives the signal, the chorus goes into a second section. Because of the improvisational nature of jazz, the leader can then either return to the first section or go on the third section. During the first section, soloists should come forward to scat or create vocal drum grooves (percussion patterns made with the voice). Invite audience members to come forward to do solos. If you want, change the key of the piece or sing it fast or sing it slow or sing it slow, then fast to create vocal drum grooves to go in the background or, while the vocal drum grooves are wailing away, have the singing suddenly stop, letting the drum patterns shine out by themselves. Jazz is living music. You keep it alive by keeping it spontaneous. The piece should always end with the third section. The fast run at the end of the third section isn't so much sung, as it sounded-li

Composer: Nick Page

This robust, full-bodied song comes from the rich musical tradition of Transylvania. The vocal figures inspired by the dance rhythms and vigorous bowing techniques of this region should inspire choirs to sing out and make this an entirely powerful performance.

Arranger: Stephen Hatfield

While the melody used in this setting is entirely new, it is somewhat reminiscent of an old Scottish air. The violin obligato underscores the great poignancy of Robert Burns' lyrics. (4:00)

Composer: Donna Gartman Schultz

Using a Sara Teasdale poem that lifts up loveliness and beauty, Mark Sirett has crafted music that does exactly that. Written for the association for Music in International Schools Honors Choir Festival in Luxembourg, this is the perfect festival piece. And when the string quartet is employed, it becomes that special piece in the program.

Composer: Mark Sirett

An unrushed setting of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei suitable for liturgical use or for the concert stage. Its small scale makes it easy to prepare without much rehearsal time, or for occasions when the full choir is not available. With handbells.

Composer: Rupert Lang

With a text that speaks of gratitude and contentedness, and also of self-acceptance, Blest By Everything is perfect for milestone events or the concert stage. A triumphant melody infused with hope and optimism.

Composer: David L. Brunner

Commissioned for the 2013 Mississippi ACDA All-State Honor Choir, this Scott Lounsbury poem is full of whirling images, imaginative turns of phrase and a rhythmic insistency that doesn't stop. David Brunner has set this text with urgency, playfulness, electricity and rhythmic propulsion that while a challenge to learn, it will be a joy to perform. Duration: ca. 3 minutes 10 seconds.

Composer: David L. Brunner

A gentle Russian Doukhobor lullaby, the second movement of "Northwest Trilogy." Varied textures and voicings bring this song of warmth and simplicity to life.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

Written for SATB choir, SSA choir and small ensemble or solo voice, this original piece with an original text by the composer speaks of hope and the joy that music brings to the world. With a wonderful yet rare opportunity to bring both mixed voice choirs and treble choirs together, this is the perfect piece to end the school year as all of your ensembles can join together for one final time and declare keep the world alive, that's a world where people are singing. Duration: ca. 4:20.

Composer: Stephen Hatfield

This setting of the familiar Cantate Domino text is full of rhythmic vitality and forward momentum. Enjoy the playful metric surprises!

Composer: David L. Brunner

Kenneth Grahame's simple and slightly archais language brings to mind the gentle rocking rhythm associated both with traditional carols and folk lullabies, which the composer has augmented with occasional cross-rhythms. (3:00)

Composer: Frank DeWald

This setting of a sixteenth century French poem celebrates May Day, the mid-point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, which in many traditions marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season.

Composer: Mark Sirett

Here's a carousing English toasting song, hearty and robust and perfect for the pub with raised glass in hand - or, if the chance arises, perhaps for your next rollicking encore or concert piece!

Composer: Stephen Hatfield | Performed By: England

Stephen Hatfield sets out to accomplish the seemingly opposing objectives of expressing the frustration of war while still providing a sense of uplifting inspiration. He accomplishes this-and then some, in this rhythmically-driven piece for mixed chorus and percussion.

Composer: Stephen Hatfield

Based on a Carl Sandburg poem, this work tells the story of the mutual longing of mother and grown child for the time and place of childhood. From the larger work From the Heart. Duration: ca. 4:50.

Composer: Daniel Brewbaker

Written in response to the 2003 war in Afghanistan, this haunting a cappella work is based on an original plainchant. Using only the words dona nobis as the text, the melody weaves effortlessly through the different voice parts, and then is heard in inversion and augmentation. Duration: 2:00.

Composer: Caroline Mallonée

with Mezzo-Soprano solo and optional Handbells. Melody by Janicka Vandervelde. (4:45)

Composer: Aaron Jay Kernis

Dubula is a folk song of the Xhosa people of South Africa. The style is boisterous, party-hardy and open-throated.

Arranger: Stephen Hatfield

This David Brunner work evolved from a project that involved middle, high school and college singers in a virtual choir environment. The text, with its strong rhythm and sturdy refrain, artfully captures what it feels like to be a singer in a chorus. The entire work is an anthem to bands of empowered singers everywhere: from many, comes one song! Duration: ca. 2:25.

Composer: David L. Brunner

This piece begins and ends with the text 'Earth grown old,' portraying the idea of the cycle of life. In between are beautiful images of the cold Earth that are represented by the choir's interweaving lines and the interaction between the piano and the chorus as they explore the mysteries that are held by the Earth.

Composer: Jenni Brandon

Composer Rupert Lang has created a beautiful mediative and reflective work based on an Ute Nation prayer. From the earth we can learn how to live our lives with wisdom. Earth, teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth, teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth, teach me. Duration: 7:45.

Composer: Rupert Lang

This is a setting of all four verses of Martin Luther's original hymn tune and text. Luther created both the melody and words when the Plague was spreading throughout the community in which he was living at the time. This musical setting employs the melody in its original rhythm which has a much more syncopated and energetic quality in comparison to the usual smoothed-out version that is most sung today. (5:00)

Arranger: John Burge | Composer: Martin Luther

A movement of a larger suite, Under the Baltic Sun, this Latvian folk song is the lament of an oppressed people. For mixed chorus and piano, the publication includes text translation and IPA pronunciation guide. Orchestra score and parts available on rental from the publisher. Duration: ca. 3:00. Orchestra score and parts available on rental from Boosey & Hawkes.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

For a cappella SATB chorus (with divisi), this setting of Shakespeare's Sonnet 87 is full of longing and desire. Voices fit comfortably around the ranges of their parts, and will resonate beautifully within the warm, sonorous harmonic language of Wayland Rogers.

Composer: Wayland Rogers

February Twilight is a stark setting of poetry by Sara Teasdale. The controlled restraint used in the vocal lines creates the image of a cold, clear winter's night. You'll practically see the night sky before you, and feel the chill of the air. Available: SATB. Duration: ca. 4:00.

Composer: Daniel Shaw

Different influences from across the gospel tradition gather together in this spirited piece. Body percussion and double choir call and response make for a vivid performance!

Arranger: Stephen Hatfield

The lovely new tune by Paul Short is a lyric and expansive melody, particularly well-suited for the voice, while the appearance of the original tune by Samuel Ward and the juxtaposition of the two in the final verse lends a feeling of familiarity.

Arranger: David L. Brunner

This collection of four variations, one for each of the four winds, is the first in a set of pieces based on Carl Sandburg poems. The piece is stormy and sometimes gently, ending with a burst of wind.

Arranger: Imant Raminsh

After a haunting, chant-like opening, this a cappella Christmas work builds throughout, concluding with an exuberant full chorus. Singers and audience will embrace the jubilant text My heart for very joy doth leap, my lips no more can silence keep; I too must sing with joyful tongue that sweetest ancient cradlesong. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Composer: Wayland Rogers

Written as a farewell to a beloved choir director, this work is filled with meaning and imagery both textual and musical. The text Bon voyage, I'll be moving, moving with the wind is illustrated by slowly drifting melodies and ostinati until the final quiet farewell. Duration: ca. 5:00.

Composer: Stephen Hatfield