Vox vibe
Greg Gilpin – Alfred Music Publishing
Following up on Gilpin’s Vox, here’s another flexible, fun-to-sing original piece with so many uses! Set up as rondo, this perfect opener is part warm-up, part vocalise, and part novelty, with full-on performance value, too. Using just vocables with no text, it can be performed a cappella or with optional piano accompaniment, guaranteeing success.
Starts at :53
Onomatopoeia
Mark Burrows – BriLee Music Publishing
The only lyric in this piece that is not an onomatopoeia is the word “onomatopoeia,” making this original song so much fun to sing! Unison singing, echoes, and spoken parts make this piece accessible to elementary and other young choirs. Perfect for teaching rhythmic and cross-curricular concepts, your students will not only learn something, but they’ll also have a good time!
Starts at 1:49
Tunakuja Na Wimbo
Victor C. Johnson – Choristers Guild
“We come with song … may music lead the way.” These welcoming words in this Swahili text make this an ideal opener or music-themed piece. The a cappella harmonies are extremely accessible, fun to sing, and include plenty of repetition. The notated percussion rhythms for hand drum, djembe, and shaker effectively support the texture. A pronunciation guide and translation of the Swahili text are included.
Starts at 2:46
Swifter than Flame
Elaine Hagenberg – Elaine Hagenberg Music
Explore the vast unknown with this impressive and dramatic setting of Carl John Bostelmann’s poem. Rapidly layered vocal entrances and racing sixteenth notes in the piano propel the journey while thoughtful voice leading and text painting lend themselves to expressive phrasing.
Starts at 3:39
The Open Hand
Susan LaBarr – Walton Music
Inspired by quotes from the life of Bridget “Biddy” Mason, an enslaved woman in the 1800s who worked and fought her way to freedom and success, this work for treble choirs is sure to resonate with your singers. Set in a smooth contemporary style, the approachable vocal lines are supported by a steady piano accompaniment that will ensure space for a sensitive and meaningful performance.
Starts at 4:29
With a Melody
Pinkzebra – Pinkzebra Publishing
Can words set to a melody communicate more emotion than words alone? This lyrical and uplifting ballad explores the profoundly beautiful ways that emotions can be expressed when lyrics are set to music and how music can so effectively bring people together.
Starts at 5:21
Song Is Not Dead
Kate Crellin – Heritage Music Press
Robert Fuller Murray’s text about the importance of music and song is given a full-fledged contemporary a cappella setting that both concert choirs and a cappella groups will enjoy. Utilizing vocal syllables for accompaniment and rhythmic motion, the vocal writing in this work will be well received by choirs looking for a rewarding challenge and a unique programming option.
Starts at 6:22
Becoming You
Bethany Main – Endeavor Music Publishing
“Adventure awaits. A journey to becoming you. Leaving behind who you know, see how much you grow.” This joy-filled song is overflowing with positive rhythmic energy and uplifting lyrics, perfect for year-end concerts, graduation and moving-up ceremonies, or any occasion. The soaring lines, empowering text, and pop-style harmonies are so fun to sing!
Starts at 7:27
Rain, Rain!
Daniel Brinsmead – Santa Barbara Music Publishing
With an original rainy-day text, this engaging treble piece is oh so fun to perform and definitely worth the challenge. Sound effects, body percussion, and varied rhythmic articulations imitate a rainstorm and will keep your singers on their toes while enchanting the audience. Unique and exciting!
Starts at 8:27
Get on Board, Little Children
arr. André J. Thomas – Gentry Publications
A traditional spiritual in a stylized gospel setting, this arrangement is designed for all voice parts, with unison lines to suit choirs of any size and skill level. True to Thomas’ style, the piano brings beautiful harmonies, rhythmic energy, and gospel flair. It’s a wonderful concert addition or closer!
Starts at 9:26
