Socially Responsive Selections

Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and

Capturing the importance of the Eloise Greenfield poem and the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman's life, this original work also includes the spirituals If I Got My Ticket and Go

A big, bold piano introduction sets the stage for this powerful and inspirational song. "Let the harmonies of freedom ring" is a message for this time and all times. The gospel feel of this original song

Written in a gospel style, this lyrical second movement extracted from the larger work Credo utilizes a text by W.E.B Du Bois: "Especially do I believe in the Negro Race; in the beauty of its

In her poem Human Family, Maya Angelou teaches us the importance of recognizing and respecting differences while celebrating our common humanity. This gospel setting of these words uses dissonance,

"To sit and dream ... all you who are dreamers, too. Help me make our world anew. I reach out my hands to you." These transformative words penned by Langston Hughes beckon us to reach toward the dreams of a

This seven-movement major work from American composer Margaret Bonds sets W.E.B. Du Bois' Credo text, one of the most iconic civil rights writings, by grouping Du Bois' nine articles into seven

"Mother Earth". A beautiful take on The Lord's prayer. The poem reminds us that our actions here on our planet Earth have had and will forever have environmental effects. And that we have a common mission

This selection is about a transgender woman's dream in which she feels that no matter her struggles, everything will be okay. With inspirational lyrics, "I will not let fear become my beacon," this piece is

This three-movement suite for tenor-bass choirs is intended to elevate conversations regarding mental health. The composer brings his sense of the dramatic to this powerful score. The first movement,

Commissioned to honor three individuals dedicated to fighting diseases that have plagued our world during the 20th and 21st centuries, this exciting modern concert work celebrates the accomplishments of the

Adapting the Reinhold Niebuhr Serenity Prayer, this selection encourages your students to accept what we are given and do what we can to become the kind of people we want to be. The piano offers

With a powerful text by Gwendolyn Brooks, this composition moves seamlessly through relative keys with lots of room for expression. Including rubato and creative word painting, this will be a highlight for

Composed in honor of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. With satirical lyrics, liberation and empowerment are the

Native American women are more likely to be abducted, assaulted, and murdered than any other population group, and the perpetrators are rarely charged or convicted. Each verse of this selection  cries

A dramatic and encouraging text by Georgia Douglas Johnson provides the inspiration for the music in this choral piece. Well-crafted choral lines with occasional counterpoint drive home the uplifting

This lovely selection has a message of peace and justice. Stated as a gentle prayer based on Psalm 85:10, it includes subtle harmonic hues in a gorgeous concert piece that will melt your audience's

"When in the course of human events, a more perfect union makes most perfect sense. In the land of the free, oh say can you see, then we will have justice and peace..." With themes of social justice,

Winner of the 2020 Genesis Prize from ACDA, this is a piece about facing the fear to breathe, and the courage to be together once more. With text and music knitted together in a soundscape of layers and

This third movement from Where We Find Ourselves features inspirational lyrics about hard work in an anthem about what we are leaving for our children. Beginning with a soprano solo, the warm

The final movement from Where We Find Ourselves, this exuberant piece features lyrics about honoring the past while living in the present and celebrating each day. Let us sing to the mystery of

Based on the tragic story of the "Radium Girls" - young women who were exposed to radium as part of their work in clock factories who eventually died from the exposure. This piece is intended to shine a

Imagined and created for a Leonard Bernstein 100th anniversary celebration, We Reply was inspired by his famous quote about making art in the face of adversity. It bursts forth with rhythmic energy

A strong, resolute setting of the familiar civil rights "marching song" vividly calls to mind the images which add depth of meaning and emotion to the notes sung. From the distant beginning to the powerful