Planning your spring concert or searching for the perfect pieces for your choir to take to festival? You’re in the right place! In this video, we’re sharing an exciting mix of brand-new Editors’ Choice choral works—carefully selected to inspire your ensembles and make your next performance truly shine. Whether you teach middle school or high school choir, you’ll find music in a wide range of voicings, styles, and genres to fit your needs. These highlights are designed to spark ideas and help you build a meaningful, memorable concert program.
We hope these selections inspire you as much as they inspire us. Let’s dive in and discover some incredible new music for your choir!
Music Makers and Dreamers of Dreams
Victor C. Johnson
A jubilant setting of Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s beloved text, this festive selection works perfectly as a concert opener or closer. A bold fanfare reveals the syncopated statement of the main theme, which then transitions into a lyrical, flowing middle section and propels back to the opening motive for a truly exhilarating finish!
Starts at 0:42
From the Underground
Dan Wiebe
Brimming with energy, this rhythmically charged work captures the thrill of the unknown and the pull of inevitable change. Starting with a foreboding feel, dissonant harmonies give way to rhythmic ostinatos that build in dynamic intensity along with a pounding bass drum. Full of contrast and excitement, this is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Starts at 1:32
Hashkiveinu
Reuben A. Burrows
Elegant and lyrical, this simple setting of a traditional Hebrew text has lovely vocal writing supported with a flowing piano accompaniment. The lyrics are a sweet and tender prayer for peaceful sleep and to awaken in the morning. A translation and pronunciation guide are provided.
Starts at 2:25
Meet Me in the Afterglow
Kate Crellin
Thoughtful and creative, this work reflects on the proverbial nature of moving on, whether from current experiences or in a broader, more eternal sense. With warm a cappella harmonies and a contemporary yet nostalgic feel, the piece celebrates the lasting bonds formed through shared journeys. “With all you were and all you’ll be, in the afterglow we’ll meet.”
Starts at 3:21
Sikiri Sako
Cedrick Howoseb
Rooted in a Namibian childhood game and sung in Khoekhoegowab, this rhythmically vibrant piece features call-and-response, sectional interplay, djembe, and a modern choral sound. With infectious energy and a strong groove, Sikiri Sako blends cultural tradition with contemporary style for a compelling performance experience.
Starts at 4:13
Fire and Ice
Emily Crocker
This Robert Frost poem reflects on the end of the world, musing whether it might be consumed in fire or ice, and comparing the two elements with the emotions of desire and hate. The poetry sparkles in this concert work, capturing the contrasts in the text and offering the singers a chance to dramatically express these important concepts. There’s a great piano accompaniment, too!
Starts at 5:05
I Would Live in Your Love
Music: Michael John Trotta, Lyrics: Sara Teasdale
Set with a simple melody that unfolds into independent parts, this inspirational setting of Sara Teasdale’s Pulitzer Prize-winning text is a lovely lyrical selection for treble choir. “I would empty my soul of the dreams that have gathered in me, I would beat with your heart as it beats, I would follow your soul as it leads.”
Starts at 6:08
Bluestem
Joseph Piontek
With a spirited Americana style, this original concert work has the feel of a folk song but with an uplifting text that is sure to inspire. Ideal for graduations, year-end events, or any concert, this approachable piece will be a favorite. “Just lift your eyes up to the skies, and the stars will lead you home.”
Starts at 7:00
Canto’ E Libertad (Song of Freedom)
Diana Saez & Suzzette Ortiz
Composed in the Afro-Puerto Rican bomba style, one of the oldest musical traditions of Puerto Rico, this song of hope comes with an invitation to free ourselves of hate and prejudice. The music is pattern based and easy to learn with lots of repetition and percussion as well as a detailed IPA pronunciation guide.
Starts at 7:53
Joy! Joy!
Music: Jacob Narverud, Lyrics: Pamelia Yule & Jacob Narverud
An ideal concert opener or closer for treble choir, this bright and cheerful setting of Pamelia Yule’s exuberant text features catchy melodic lines, bold cluster chords, and lighthearted “la la la” refrains. The rhythmic piano accompaniment supports the voices throughout, making this a superb choice for concerts, contests, and festivals. Lovely!
Starts at 8:47
The Entertainer
Scott Joplin/arr. Andy Beck
You’ve never heard ragtime like this! Scott Joplin’s signature piano piece is cleverly arranged for voices with a supportive accompaniment. Carefully crafted to match the original, the vocal syllables are intuitive to learn, and a truncated ABA form makes this two-minute showstopper come together in no time. Versatile and vibrant, choirs will love singing this!
Starts at 9:40
My Lord What a Mornin’
arr. Adam Podd & Matt Podd
Balancing deep tradition with fresh energy, this vibrant arrangement reimagines the classic spiritual with the drive and spirit of modern gospel music. Careful attention to ranges and accessibility makes this possible for choirs of all ages, and the creative harmonic writing makes this a joy to sing!
Starts at 10:41
