Songs that Celebrate Music

As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks of the precious gifts of life and loved ones. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

A joy-filled journey through the many gifts that singing brings us! Memorable lines and contemporary harmonies are backed by energetic percussion for shaker, tambourine, and cajon. Easy to learn and

This well-known Italian madrigal by Orazio Vecchi is offered in two voicings, enabling singers to be successful while staying true to the style of the period.

This piece sets a text exploring how singing can be shaped through gesture, "inspiration, wit, and will." With minimal divisi, the vocal parts explore ranges from low to high in rich harmony,

Written in response to choruses falling silent during the pandemic, yet applicable to any challenging situation one faces in everyday life: "There is no way to stop our hopes, our dreams, our music." Rich

With a fresh, contemporary feel, this selection brings an uplifting message of hope and friendship through times of darkness. With its wide appeal, it is available in several voicings, including the Ember

A longtime festival favorite for SATB divisi choirs, this remarkable a cappella setting of a 17th-century poem by Andrew Marvell celebrates the power and influence of music. This setting is now available

This beautiful a cappella arrangement was commissioned by Cantus for their album A Harvest Home. Written as a companion piece to the setting of Simple Gifts, this arrangement sounds traditionally

This is a lively reimagining of the 19th-century American folk hymn that opens with a solo verse then proceeds with a soaring top melody supported by the rhythmic vocal accompaniment of the lower voices,

Fasten your seatbelts for this showstopper! From Haiti, this piece is an excellent festival selection for advanced choirs. It tells a tale of three drums in playful competition through a text by Louis Marie

This tremendous work will make a fantastic concert opener! The dramatic solo opening is followed by an up-tempo traditional-style choral arrangement of this South African song with djembe and handclaps.

Inspired to write a piece that could be performed virtually by his high school choir during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rust's a cappella work combines an accessible harmonic texture with lyrics that express the

This joyous piece extols the virtues of making music and singing together. With English lyrics in a rhythmically challenging arrangement, this selection evokes images of fireworks in a true celebration of

This lyrical setting of Sara Teasdale's poem starts with a reflective and contemplative tone that shifts dramatically to a more joyous expression celebrating the power of singing - alone and collectively -

This piece, with original text, celebrates the awakening and life-transforming power of music as a force that enlivens and enlightens us. Extensive instructions are provided for the ethereal aleatoric

The consummate concert closer! "A sound of hope, a sound of peace, a sound that celebrates and speaks what we believe. A sound of love, a sound so strong. It's amazing what is given when we share a song.

A text by Thomas Moore provides the inspiration for this innovative a cappella piece which uses percussion accompaniment to create a magical effect! It begins with a simple melody, then each part joins with

Sarah Quartel's own inspiring text about the empowerment of singing is set to a catchy melody with imitative scat singing and a driving hand drum accompaniment. This piece has all the hallmarks of her

This is a fun, upbeat piece not to be missed. The legendary Alice Parker wrote both the text and the music. It can be used as an opener or closer for a chamber choir that enjoys singing excellent a cappella

A meditation on the mystery and wonder of music, this Estonian tone poem is a little gem for a cappella choirs. With gorgeous harmonies that intensify the text, this will resonate deeply with your singers.

This arrangement of the American folk hymn is inspired by the shape note or Sacred Harp tradition, marked by the placing of the melody in the inner voice, the tendency toward open fifth sonorities, and an

"Sing, sing, sing and rejoice. Sing alleluia, sing and rejoice!" This rhythmic a cappella piece begins with the bass section laying out a captivating minor key line followed by the entrance of the tenors on

The well-loved song by Robert Lowry takes on a more reflective and emotional style in this elegant, simple setting for mixed voices. Accessible choral parts make this a good choice for developing a cappella

Rainer Maria Rilke's oft set An die Musik text has been translated into English and given a beautiful a cappella divisi texture. Cluster harmonies and a seamless rhythmic feel evoke a feeling of