Here is another example of Eric Barnum's masterful blending of great poetry and sensitive music, ending with a soaring soprano solo. A fine festival piece for high school choirs and beyond, this work offers a great palette of expression for the choir. Duration: ca. 5:40.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Eric William Barnum

Award-winning film composer Kenneth Lampl produced this dramatic setting of the celebratory Hebrew text. Rich harmonies and exquisite melodies distinguish this fine composition.

Composer: Kenneth Lampl

A beautiful setting for the advanced choir. Composer Schlenker knows how to create drama in his music-this piece is one of those rare ones that brings chills to the listener.

Composer: Terry Schlenker

A stunning, concert-worthy arrangement utilizing three verses of the original text, it builds to a dramatic, maestoso ending. Listen to the exquisite recording provided by the commissioning choir.

Composer: Samuel A. Ward

This work is set to a stunning love poem, which translates to "You are the Love of my Soul". It was written in the early 1500s by Spanish author Garcilaso de la Vega. It may be performed with or without the accompaniment. For advanced high school or college. Moderately difficult.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Z. Randall Stroope

A stunning setting of this Latin text that speaks of a guardian angel, "Angele Dei" has great melodic interest combined with superb drama. Building to an impassioned climax, it then dissolves the momentum via repeated "amens" colored by interesting harmonies and ultimately comes to rest with all voices now low in their ranges.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

As though in a dream of lost love, the men sing the melody first as the women add color with their "oos;" then the reverse takes place, with the women singing the melody. Finally they join together to bring closure to this beautiful and poignant song for the lonely heart.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

This dramatic piece is rich in harmonic interest, tasteful in the setting of the text, and above all, highly memorable. Sensible ranges and natural voice leading add to the excellence of this composition.

Composer: Alvez Barkoskie

Utilizing the traditional shape-note style, the composer/poet gives us this piece inspired by his love of nature and concern for the environment. His distinctive music enhances his great message: "the ocean and air, forest, hill, and plain, animal in flight, are in your care."

Composer: Seth Houston

This touching work with a musical emphasis on love is especially appropriate when honoring someone, whether in retirement, remembrance, or gratitude. As always, Susan crafted each vocal line with great care so that all voices feel central to the piece.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

One of thousands of hymns from the 1700s set to the words of Methodist Englishman Charles Wesley, the pentatonic melody gives it the feel of an early American hymn. Carey has done a masterful job with this arrangement.

Composer: Lewis Edson; Paul Carey

Steven Sametz's remarkable stylized treatment of this traditional spiritual with its powerful solo and haunting choral writing will leave audiences staggered. Requires an accomplished soloist (tenor or possibly alto) and a strong choir.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Arranger: Steven Sametz

A thrilling setting of English, Basque, and Latin texts that proclaim the joy of singing to God. Already much loved around the world from various performances at the 2011 World Choral Symposium and the 2013 Tolosa International Choral Festival.ÊThis TTBB arrangement was commissioned by the Golden Gate Men's Chorus. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.Recording is SSAA version.

Composer: Josu Elberdin

This lively setting of a beloved Robert Burns poem brings to mind charming images of Scotland. Very achievable and fun with great vocal construction, making this a good option for high school and above. A favorite of Prince Charles!

Composer: Sarah Rimkus

This prize-winning piece by a talented young Aussie composer has intrigued all who have heard it. Harmonically rich, it is a masterful example of how to create musical drama via great melodic interest combined with exquisite tonal shifts realized through superb voice leading.

Composer: Daniel Brinsmead

Winner of the 2010 American Choral Directors Association Raymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Contest, the piece was premiered to great acclaim at the 2011 ACDA National Convention. Tennyson used the metaphor of an ocean sand bar to describe the barrier between life and death. In order to reach the shore, the ocean waves must crash against the sandbar, creating a sound that Tennyson describes as the "moaning of the bar." Composer Mills dramatically captures this text. An elegant, provocative piece for the mature choir.

Composer: Michael J Mills

"El Besu" ("The Kiss") is based on a hauntingly beautiful folk tune from the Principality of Asturias in northwestern Spain. This tender love song will provide a nice contrast to a program that features several upbeat pieces. It is to be sung in the original language, and a transliteration is included in the score.

Composer: Vicente Chavarria

The inspiration for this fantastic piece came when the then seventeen-year-old composer was fishing with his dad in Colorado. The music draws from the shape-note tradition and features a hearty sound, an imitative fugal section, melodic ornaments, open intervals, and doubling at the octave. It is unusual in that the melody is in the bass part. The text by the composer draws on the hymn-writing style of the great theologians of the shape-note tradition, though it proclaims a more contemporary message of environmental stewardship. It has had an extensive pre-publication life that includes performances on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" and by the Christmas Revels, Village Harmony, and Northern Harmony.

Composer: Seth Houston

A new setting of the well-loved spiritual by arranger Stacey Gibbs. Gibbs upholds the integrity of the spiritual while still offering some new and unique compositional ideas. Suitable for school choirs and church choirs alike. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Arranger: Stacey V. Gibbs | Performed By: SoundingLight

Susan LaBarr has taken this lovely contemporary song by Sara Groves and arranged it with taste, drama, and sensitivity for SATB divisi choirs. Ideal for a poignant concert moment, this beautiful love song ends with the text "When you love me, there's nothing I wouldn't try, I might even fly."

Composer: Sara Groves; Susan LaBarr

The text can stand easily on its own as one of the greatest poems by Fred Pratt Green. Jonathan Rodgers has set it to the Welsh folk tune (best known as All through the Night) with such superb craftsmanship it can serve as a powerful church anthem or a stirring concert piece. Thanksgiving, praise, or benediction, it is medium in difficulty but worth every moment of practice.

Arranger: Jonathan Rodgers

Gaur Akelarre tells the story of a coven of witches and warlocks preparing for the night through energetic rhythms and interesting melodic leaps and harmonic passages. A fun challenge that is sure to impress your audience. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.Gaur Akelarre IPA Pronunciation GuideRecording Choir: USC Chamber Singers; Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor

Composer: Josu Elberdin

A sprightly, festive arrangement of the favorite Christmas spiritual, this setting will have the audience sitting up and moving to the rhythm. The majestic final phrase will bring them up onto their feet!

Composer: Stacey V. Gibbs

Composer Nicholas McKaig elegantly utilizes the haunting refrains of "Taps" to create this harmonically rich arrangement. Programming possibilities abound, and performance impact is ensured!

Composer: General Daniel Butterfield; Nicholas McKaig

Sara Teasdale's poem of thanks inspired a beautiful, melodic setting by composer Susan LaBarr. A quiet opening builds into a gorgeous, resounding climax before coming to a more reflective, thankful close. The piece could provide a tender, thoughtful ending to a concert, or be part of a theme of thanksgiving.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

Once again, composer Brinsmead demonstrates his talent for creating an impressive a cappella piece. The composition dramatically comes to life with each musical phrase beautifully crafted to give distinctive sensitivity to the delivery of the text.

Composer: Daniel Brinsmead

An exciting major work for double women's chorus which offers a challenge for the advanced or professional women's choirs.

Composer: Richard Nance

The haunting minor-key tune dating from seventeenth-century Canada is superbly arranged with English text for a special addition to the Christmas repertoire. Conservative ranges put this piece within reach of choirs both young and mature.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

Ken Berg's vibrant version of this traditional spiritual will lift the spirits of singers and listeners. Inject high energy into your concert with its contemporary sound and rhythmic drive.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Arranger: Ken Berg

Beautiful beyond words! Nicholas McKaig has created a highly moving masterpiece with this setting of Psalm 121. Gorgeous, flowing lines and haunting open harmonies create a mood that makes this selection a welcome addition to a cappella literature.

Composer: Nicholas McKaig

A tribute to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, this spiritual setting offers rich sonorities and unexpected harmonic twists. Repeated choral figures develop naturally and give a choir a chance to highlight its expressive stylistic sensibility.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Arranger: Jeffery L. Ames

A soloist presents the "Huron Carol" in the original language of the Huron people while the choir repeats the words of the title, providing a harmonic underlay for the solo. A drum adds ethnic authenticity and rhythmic interest.

Composer: Susan LaBarr

Terry Schlenker's setting of In Monte Oliveti deeply expresses the sentiments of trial and suffering found in the ancient Latin text. Long, sustained lines mix with rhythmic passages, creating great textural interest. The minor mode and the theme of the poetry make this a unique addition to your program. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.Duration: Approx. 4:30MP3 Recording Choir: St. Martin's Chamber Choir, Timothy Krueger, conductorÊ

Composer: Terry Schlenker

From Minnesota composer David Dickau, this lovely setting of the e.e. cummings poem is a great showpiece for an advanced choir. Expansive vocal lines, an engaging text, and full harmonies add to its appeal. A hit at the 2005 ACDA National Convention.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: David C. Dickau

A Basque love story that reaches across cultures and backgrounds. The story of the love-sick star is brought to life through Josu Elberdin's rich harmonies and memorable melody. Thick textures and interesting harmonic choices will make this a favorite of singers and audiences alike.

Composer: Josu Elberdin

This tremendous work from Philippine composer Nilo Alcala will stun your audiences! Based on a popular children's counting chant from the Southern Philippines, the work employs quick rhythms, clapping, stomping, and shouting to make this a truly unique selection for your choir. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.Kaisa-isa Niyan Pronunciation GuideRecording Choir: Philippine Madrigal Singers; Mark Anthony Carpio, conductor

Composer: Nilo Alcala

A great festival or competition work, with exciting Latin rhythms and text in Creole. A fun challenge for an accomplished, larger size high school choir and sure audience pleaser.ÊJo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Composer: Sydney Guillaume

Opening and concluding with a dramatic chant-style solo, the heart of the piece features genuine South African rhythms. Intricate and energetic at its core, Nicholas McKaig has created an outstanding, unique treatment of this well-known tune that gives it a truly authentic feel.

Composer: Nicholas McKaig

Stacey Gibbs' Li'l David for women's chorus is a tremendous creation by the well-loved arranger. This will be a great choice for more advanced women's choirs, but the way the two SSA choirs play off of one another is natural and achievable. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

Arranger: Stacey Gibbs

David Dickau's delightful treatment of this beloved poem incorporates soaring melodies and great charm that make it an irresistible addition to any library. Conservative ranges with little "divisi" make it accessible for many choirs.

Composer: David C Dickau

This is the third setting of words by Octavio Paz (Water Night; Cloudburst) from this successful young California composer. Little Birds pays homage to Gabriel Faure with its running piano part and fluid sensual melodies. According to the composer "it holds mysterious and magical effects", imitating delicate birds. Suitable for festival or competition use. The piano part is available separately as well as in the vocal score. Moderately difficult.

Arranger: Eric Whitacre | Composer: Eric Whitacre

Hauntingly beautiful, rich harmonies and arching melodies bring great color and drama to this Latin text.

Composer: Daniel Brinsmead

Christina Rossetti wrote a wonderful text that has inspired many great composers to set her text to music. David Dickau is one of today's most celebrated composers and he has brought new loveliness to this time-honored poem. High school, college and community choirs will enjoy the way he weaves his vocal parts so tastefully.

Arranger: David Dickau | Composer: Christina Rossetti

With a text by e e cummings, an eloquent violin accompaniment, and colorful choral writing, this piece has great artistic merit. Violin part is available as a free download.

Composer: David C Dickau

With a text by Michelangelo this music reflects deep spiritual appreciation for beauty and the desire it evokes. An easy and inspiring piece for high school concerts. In English.

Composer: Kurt Knecht

Stacey Gibbs' setting of My God Is a Rock is dynamic and challenging, while still upholding the authenticity of the spiritual. Texturally captivating and unique in its construction. Features two treble trios - a chance to highlight some of your strongest singers. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.Recording Choir: Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams; D'Walla Simmons-Burke, conductor

Arranger: Stacey Gibbs

Stacey Gibbs pulls out all of the stops with this blockbuster arrangement. The rhythmic vitality of this spiritual makes it a phenomenal closer that your choir will love to sing!

Composer: Stacey V. Gibbs

Based on the traditional Latin text, Andrew Larson has created this truly glorious setting. Offering an opportunity for treble choirs to really shine, the piece builds to a grand climax and is a superb selection for the larger treble group.

Composer: Andrew Larson

The master arranger of spirituals has created a special rendering of this beloved piece. It has a glorious ending, making it a great closer for a concert or a stunning addition to church repertoire.

Composer: Stacey V. Gibbs

A gorgeous arrangement of this beloved folk song.

Composer: Timothy Jon Tharaldson