recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

for Mixed Choir
We Will Do Miracles by Dominick DiOrio, SATB with piano
Originally commissioned in a treble voicing for the Cincinnati Children’s Choir’s 25th anniversary, this new Satb voicing has been commissioned for the 2023 ACDA National Conference “Welcome” concert, with Henry Leck conducting. This is a fun, inspirational, and boisterous tune. The text is adapted from Walt Whitman’s “Song of the Open Road,” and is perfect for any occasion of joy and celebration. From the riveting dynamics to its strong lyrical message, this piece is a wonderful choice for any festival setting.

Capture the Sun by Eric Tsavdar, SATB with piano and percussion
Words and Music by Eric Tsavdar are equally expressive and dramatic. The message of this song will have your singers motivated to reach for the sun. An excellent choice for honor choirs and concert performances.

Cecílíada by Marcin Wawruk, SATB a cappella and optional percussion
The patron saint of music, St. Cecilia, receives an energetic tribute with this delightful piece. It is one of those pieces that dances and sounds more complicated than it really is. No one will deny its joy. For high school to college and community choirs.

United by Michael Engelhardt, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Written in the Gospel style, “United” joyfully expresses the idea that when we are united we make a better way together. Upbeat, rhythmic, and full of life, this piece will make an excellent concert opener or closer and will be fantastic for honor choirs and festivals.

Autumn Vesper by Audrey Snyder/arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano
Newly arranged for SATB choirs by Jacob Narverud, this piece continues to be a mainstay of the choral repertoire. Emily Brontë’s poetry is beautifully set in a lyric song style. The musical painting of an autumn evening is superbly accomplished with flowing lines and a supportive accompaniment. The musical colors offer the ensemble many opportunities for expressive singing.

Bright Morning Stars arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SATB with piano
In this stunning setting of the traditional Appalachian folk song, Schram has seamlessly paired this haunting tune with colorful vocal scorings and a captivating accompaniment, resulting in palate of sound that feels both modern and timeless. This well-crafted arrangement is a reminder of the intrinsic beauty can be found in a new and fresh interpretation of an ageless classic.

Domine Deus by David Caldarella, SATB divisi a cappella
Premiered by the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s Chamber Singers in 2022, “Domine Deus” is a fast-paced work with a unique meter. While short, it is rich with modal inflections modulations, and is well-suited for intermediate high school and college choirs.

Os Justi by Eleanor Daley, SATB a cappella
A new voicing for mixed choirs of Daley’s classic setting of Psalm 37.

We Will Be the Light by Victor C. Johnson, SSATB with piano
An inspired and profound text is joined with a heartfelt and memorable melody to create a truly transformative musical experience for mixed choirs. With sensitive vocal writing and an artistic, yet supportive accompaniment, “We Will Be the Light” is a gentle reminder of the deep well of hope that lies within us and gives us all the inspiration to carry that light of hope wherever we go.

Sing We and Chant It by Bob Chilcott, SATB with piano and optional bass & drums
“Sing We and Chant It” sets the text of a well-known sixteenth-century madrigal of the same name by Thomas Morley in a jazz waltz style. Chilcott injects energy and fun into the piece through a quick three-time metre and extended and altered chords. This is an offprint from the four-movement work “Little Jazz Madrigals.” The optional bass and drum kit parts are printed in this vocal score.

Crowded Table arr. Andrea Ramsey, SATB with piano and optional fiddle
In an easy swing feel, this country pop song from new supergroup The Highwomen delivers a powerful message for women and girls to band together and hold one another up. The optional fiddle adds a nice touch to the pretty choral harmonies in this poignant selection.

for Treble Choir
Listen by Reena Esmail, SA with piano
In this beautiful setting of words by the composer, based on a quote by Brian Palmer, singers are encouraged to listen to the sounds and people around them in order to learn and grow: “one act of love, I know, for sure, is to listen.” “Listen” is suitable for upper-voice or children’s choirs, and its memorable melodies are accompanied by a simple and supportive rippling piano accompaniment.

In My World by Jim Papoulis, SSA with piano and percussion
Here are words and music that hold up the idea that we are able to find and experience peace and joy within our own world, even in tumultuous times, and navigate the world with our inner strength and collective strength combined. As always, Jim’s music is rhythmic, and engaging and full of love.

El Humo (The Smoke) by Eduardo Cota, 2-part with piano
Everyday imagery comes to life in “El Humo” by Eduardo Cota. Pictures of smoke trailing from chimneys up to the sky weave through a charming melody and accompaniment. This is a great selection for choirs learning how to sing in two parts, but its poetry and sonority also work well for older treble groups.

for Tenor/Bass Choir
Every Time by Jim Papoulis, TTBB with shaker, djembe, and optional piano
“I can see that beauty lives deep inside of me” is a message all young people are discovering. They can make a difference in the world if they believe this important sentiment. As always, Jim’s music is full of rhythm and energy. This song of hope and possibilities will inspire your singers and your audience.

Sing Out, My Soul by Marques L.A. Garrett, TTB with piano
This exuberant piece is the inaugural work in the new Beckenhorst Press Concert Series for school, community, and college choirs, edited by Dan Forrest. Commissioned by the Eastern Division of ACDA for their 2020 Conference, Marques L.A. Garrett’s driving rhythmic setting of William Henry Davies’ text encourages singer and listener alike to “sing out!” their songs of joy. A lyrical middle section provides opportunity for more contemplative expression, then eventually gives way to the return of overflowing joy.

O Quam Gloriosum by Jacob Narverud, TBB with piano
Vibrant, bold, rhythmic and harmonically rich, Narverud’s mixed meter accompanied Latin text setting is powerful. For the burgeoning or advanced tenor-bass chorus, it is sure to make your choir gloriously shine.

We Will Sing! by Cristi Cary Miller, TTB with piano
Here’s an exciting new piece for your middle school or developing high school tenor/bass choir. The lyrics and exciting meter changes make this a perfect selection for your festival opening or closing song. Singers will love the energy they produce through this uplifting offering.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.