recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

As contemporary a Cappella ensembles (a la Pentatonix) continue to thrive in schools across the country, we present the titles below as concert literature options that utilize similar choral skills to those developed through pop style contemporary a cappella literature – tone quality and vocal stylings, choral accompaniment to featured melody, achieving style through vocal rhythmic motives, et cetera. Use your contemporary a cappella program to help grow and support your concert choir program!

Down by the Riverside arr. Ryan O’Connell, SATB a cappella
O’Connell’s upbeat and dynamic a cappella setting of this popular spiritual is not to be missed! Rhythmically charged vocals from start to finish make you feel like you’re in your own Dixieland vocal band. The well-arranged vocals imitate trumpets and banjos surrounded by snaps and claps and a whole lot of vocal fun!

Shenandoah arr. Michael John Trotta, SATB a cappella
Michael Trotta’s arrangement of the beloved American folk song “Shenandoah” is built on a rhythmic vocal ostinato which provides the backdrop for the soaring vocal line, casting this familiar tune in an exciting new light. This arrangement is a perfect addition to concert repertoire during concert and festival performances throughout the year.

Be Thou My Vision arr. Connor Smith, SATB divisi a cappella
A stunning a cappella treatment of the enduring Irish hymn. Shimmering “loos” in clustered harmony yield to a simple statement of the beloved melody, which soon blossoms into decadent choral colors. Expressive tempi and dynamics, coupled with ample divisi, offer both exquisite sounds and artistic challenge.

When All the World’s Asleep by John Milne, SATB a cappella
A warm Christmas poem by Sigerson Clifford called the Kerry Christmas Carol is the text that John Milne has set to music. John keeps a hymn-like carol quality throughout, with sumptuous suspensions and satisfying resolutions. The choral writing is so lovely this carol calls to you like great choral music does and begs you to sing it. The text refers to an old Irish custom in which each household would leave a lighted candle in their window on Christmas night in the belief that Joseph, Mary and Jesus still wandered the roads of the world, looking for a place to rest from the persecution of Herod.

What Child? by Ruth Morris Gray, SATB a cappella with djembe & body percussion
Creative programming at its best is reflected in this unique, contemporary a cappella original employing the traditional “What Child Is This?” lyrics. In the opening and closing sections, vocal ostinato patterns support the melody and provide the frame for the middle section which features a lovely setting of the traditional carol tune. The addition of djembe and body percussion will add character and texture to the rhythmic feel of this joyous seasonal offering.

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.