Choral Questions & Answers III: The Rehearsal

Choral Questions & Answers II: Young Voices

Grey Geese Grazing

Triumphant Blessing

You'd Better Run

Open the Window Mister Noahy

Leron Leron My Dear

Je Danse la Polka (Papa Says No!)

My Shepherd

Ash Grove has been a favorite English folk song for many years. Poulshock's setting is tasteful and beckoning. A superb performance and teaching song for young voices.

Inspired by J.S. Bach's Prelude in C and based on Matthew 11:28-30 Larry Nickel has penned a stirring anthem of hope. The violin solo and obbligato add to the beauty while the closing a cappella section provides a stunning finish.

The SATB edition (00159337) was released last year and became an immediate hit. Carrying the positive message that we are all “connected” and need to take care of one another is just the beginning of why this is a great piece. It has a style all itsown: rhythmic a cappella with simple but engaging counterpoint a culminating chorus and a winning ending. For SSAA choirs of all ages. Easy to medium.

Here is a song that celebrates the joy of childhood - the playfulness the newness shrills and laughter. Based on Kankana-ey a Filipino folk song the words are also in Filipino as well as non-sensical sounds. The piece begins slowly but quickly accelerates finally ending in joyful sounds of children's laughter. Medium difficulty for SSAA children's choirs.

Kevin Memley used the words of Soren Engström for this tender piece commissioned in memory of a college student. The text carries questions that remind us of the fraility of life and encourage us to enjoy our time alive. The music holds all the characteristics that have made Memley one of the most sought-after composers of our day - an inspiring melody rich harmonies a captivating piano part and a touching ending. Medium in difficulty for high school community and college choirs.

This is a song composed for one of the girls' barracks in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during the Holocaust. It's intent was two-fold: first when the girls were being moved about ina group outside the barrack it was sung on lai lai lai to keep the girls together and to identify them as belonging to a certain barrack: second the text consisted of virulently anti-Nazi lyrics that could be sung in the barrack to keep Hope alive when the girls were alone.

Dr. Timothy Howard from Cal State University Northridge has arranged this enchanting Appalachian folk song for SSA Treble choir. He captures the open-string character sensationally well - there is a Copland-esque quality to the entire setting. Destined to be a favorite for high school and college choirs everywhere.

If there ever was a piece that describes a text in song this is it. Sara Teasdale's descriptive words about the clouds become sound in this exquisite composition. Accompanied by piano and celesta a glockenspiel part is also provided for those who have no access to a celesta. Great for festivals or a concert at any season this is a piece that is a joy to share.

Heinrich Schtz is one of the greats and revered scholar Peter Aston provides the information to do his music right. Providing the text in both the original German and English Dr. Aston also includes in-depth historical notes from the original source. The music is exquisite and worthy of study and performance in high school and college but still germane to the church choir as well.

Truly an uplifting piece of promise and hope with a stirring history this setting by English composer Paul Ayres is appropriate for graduation ceremonies and concert occasions. Appropriate for both children's voices or adult voices the optional cello part is a moving addition. A chamber orchestral accompaniment is available separately.

The profound text of this anthem makes you think. The text by H. N. Fifer was ripe for interpretation and William Malpede has stretched it just right. The chords he uses pulls at the text and your heart in all the right places. The questions asked are poised in harmonic colors that move you to the core. Medium in difficulty.