Concert Openers and Closers

This a cappella setting of a familiar sacred text provides a beautiful moment for personal reflection. With careful attention to detail and voice leading, this piece may be sung with or without a soloist or

This festive original setting of the traditional Latin text captures the essence of joyful admiration of God. Both solemn and majestic, pensive and jubilant, the a cappella sonorities expressed and explored

"We come with song ... may music lead the way." These welcoming words in this Swahili text make this an ideal opener or music-themed piece. The a cappella harmonies are extremely accessible, fun to sing,

In a very different approach for an opener, this upbeat minor-key groove is super fun and engaging. Along with its infectious groove, irresistible rhythms, cool harmonies, and a lyrical contrasting

Rich harmonies and sweeping melodic lines surround this traditional Irish blessing text in a serenely peaceful setting that can be used in both concerts and services. Alternate lyrics give options for how

A traditional spiritual in a stylized gospel setting, this arrangement is designed for all voice parts, with unison lines to suit choirs of any size and skill level. True to Thomas' style, the piano brings

An ideal opener for concerts or festivals, this energetic piece has a memorable melody and lively rhythmic elements. The opening and closing sections offer a syncopated motive, while the middle section

A great opener, this original concert work calls us all to come and immerse ourselves in the music. The 6/8 time signature in the opening and closing sections create energy and drive, while the contrasting

This simple song of gratitude celebrates a plentiful bounty of good things. It begins and ends sweetly, building to a sweeping descant-topped refrain. It's an expressive way to offer thanks at your concert

Following up on Gilpin's Vox, here's another flexible, fun-to-sing original piece with so many uses! Set up as rondo, this perfect opener is part warm-up, part vocalise, and part novelty, with

Begin your performance or concert with this festive, rhythmic processional that features layered African drum ostinati and homophonic chordal harmonies. The Swahili text is easy to learn, and the setting is

Joyful and welcoming, this accessible piece uses melodies and countermelodies that layer to partner together in an easily achieved three-part harmonic setting. A buoyant, Baroque-style piano accompaniment

Very fun to sing, this optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. The text celebrates the lifelong relationships created

Arranged as a joyful processional, this 14th-century Latin motet can be sung completely a cappella or accompanied by hand drum and tambourine. This short work includes an optional repeating section that may

Lend a Latin-American flair to your concert with this exuberant original piece about the joys of singing. The title phrase is the only Spanish text. The combination of catchy melodies that are easy to

The ebb and flow of the sea is painted beautifully in this evocative original setting of Sara Teasdale's poem. It opens with a calm and meditative section that gradually adds harmonic layers before opening

Premiered at Carnegie Hall, this is the ultimate choral for musical unity! Set in a very rhythmic style with optional percussion parts, it can be sung a cappella or with piano. The text is a wonderful mix

Davison yet again applies his Baroque-like style in this rhythmically charged original that is perfect for developing voices. Altos and basses share a part as do the sopranos and optional tenors, making

Highly suitable for treble choirs of all abilities, this concert arrangement of the Kansas state song is simply majestic. A pulsating accompaniment adds forward motion to this sparkling homophonic

Written with joyful exuberance, this Gloria setting contains both homophonic writing and interplay between the vocal parts. Add the optional trumpet for even more festivity in concerts or services at any

Grandiose and exciting, this festive piece has rhythmic energy in the vocal lines coupled with an active yet supportive piano accompaniment. With a variety of accessible voicings, this piece is fitting for

Students will reinforce their sense of rhythm and meter changes in this engaging, celebratory, highly enjoyable piece. With or without the optional percussion, this festive number is the perfect closer for

This gospel-style original draws inspiration from the work of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him who worked to break down the barriers of racial discrimination and social injustice. A

Got peanut butter? Choirs will love singing this ode to the classic sandwich staple while battling their conductor for the coveted jars. Movement and staging suggestions are provided to make this novelty a