for SATB and children's choir/SSATB unaccompanied Introduced by the children's choir, Quartel's simple and uplifting melody repeats throughout the piece, beautifully coloured by the surrounding parts. The voices offer joyful praise and the rich harmonies build up to a warm and rousing finish. The children's part may also be sung by a congregation or divided soprano part.

for SATB unaccompanied The Parting Glass is a traditional Scottish song, often sung as a farewell at the end of a get-together. Sarah Quartel's arrangement features close harmonies, idiomatic Scotch snap rhythms, and effective interjectory moments in what is a largely homophonic setting. The arrangement was made for the composer's friend Matt Jones, who served with the Canadian Military in Afghanistan in 2010-11; his deployment and eventual safe return inspired the setting of the piece. With its valedictory message, The Parting Glass would make a fitting end to a performance, perhaps as an encore item.

for SATB unaccompanied This beautiful setting of a medieval English text is simple yet effective, written in Assersohn's clear and approachable style. With tender 'lullay, lullow's, lilting phrases, and gentle modal inflections, this hushed lullaby paints a serene picture of the baby Jesus at rest.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or orchestra This is a beautiful, sensitive arrangement of the African-American spiritual and folk hymn Oh, watch the stars. The text reflects on the beauty of creation, and alternative verses by David Warner celebrating Christ's birth have been included for performance during the Christmas season. Wilberg artfully retains the understated feel and simplicity of the original spiritual while demonstrating hallmarks of his unique style, such as rich harmonies, contrasting keys and textures, and effective obbligato instrumental fills.

for SATB and piano Quartel's arrangement of this well-known Irish carol is distinctly refreshing, characterized in part by its charming and sparkling piano part. The middle section offers an opportunity for both the choir and pianist to shine individually, and explores further the beautiful modal harmonies of the original melody.

for SATB and piano Slow Down has a relaxed swing feel, with imaginative lyrics by the composer that encourage us to take time out of our busy lives. The vocal lines explore a swung quaver style, along with scat syllables and jazzy harmonies, all underpinned by a supportive yet characterful piano part. Also available for cambiata voices and piano in the Emerging Voices series, and for TTBB and piano.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This beautifully expressive piece is based around The Seven Sacred Virtues of the Lakota; the title, 'Walking the Red Road', refers to the commitment to purposefully live by these values, the metaphorical 'red road', being a spiritual way of life. The unhurried tempo gives space for the listener to reflect on the text, while sumptuous harmonies create a rich cushion of sound.

for SATB and piano With a text by the composer, this work was originally inspired by members of the Radcliffe Ladies' Choir and their motto 'friendship through singing'. The lilting vocal lines are subtly underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, and the opening performance direction, 'contentedly rocking', describes the overall nature of the piece: peaceful, content, and easy-going. Also available in a version for SSA and piano in the Songbird series.

for SABar and piano, with opt. bass and drum kit This is a funky arrangement of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' with an English text by Henry van Dyke. Milloy jazzes up the well-known melody by arranging it in 12/8 time and adding syncopation, while supporting it with a groovy piano accompaniment and optional bass part (available at the back of the leaflet). Originally published in Pop Voiceworks 2.

for SABar (with optional Bass) and piano Higgins's setting explores the vibrant, natural imagery in Rossetti's text with flowing melodic lines and warm harmonies. The elegant piano accompaniment is characterised throughout by quick demisemiquaver flourishes, as though painting an aural portrait of the 'singing bird'. First published in The Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs.

for SABar and piano I remember sets a text reflecting on the wonder of the natural world and the people who shape our lives. The stirring melody calls to mind the folksong tradition, and is underpinned by a gently flowing piano accompaniment. The middle section brings a contrast of tonality, with the altos and baritones accompanying the sopranos' melodic line, before the beguiling melody of the opening returns to bring the setting to a poignant close. Also available in a version for SA and piano.

for SA and piano (with optional percussion) With a text by the composer, this is a beautiful piece about optimism, companionship, and the belief that 'all will be well'. Todd's gentle melodies are supported by a delicate, pulsing piano accompaniment, and an optional percussion part (snare drum, bass drum, and cymbal) that adds extra spark to the music. Originally published in The Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs, this piece is also available in a version for SABar and piano.

for SABar and piano Higgins's arrangement of the popular German carol is given a modern twist with fresh harmonies, but still captures the gentleness and tranquility found in more traditional settings. Supported by sustained 'oo's and 'ah's throughout, the well-known melody is underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, with an optional unaccompanied middle section.

for SABar and piano or organ Ideal for a carol service or concert, this piece follows the three Kings on their journey to the birth of Jesus and is characterised by its alternation of major and minor modes. Also available in a version for SATB and piano or organ.

for SSA and organ or piano Paul Drayton's setting of three stanzas from Laurence Binyon's poem 'For the Fallen' is poignant, dignified, and atmospheric. A serene and expressive refrain for unison voices (which the congregation may join in if desired) is interposed between evocatively turbulent passages for SSA choir. The accompaniment should ideally be played on the organ, but may be performed on the piano if organ is not available. Also available in a version for mixed voices.

for SATB unaccompanied This is a declamatory setting of a popular Easter text by Gerard Manley Hopkins in an upbeat 7/8 metre. Featuring compelling interplay between choral sections, a slower reflective passage, and a rousing conclusion, this anthem will bring a fresh sound to Easter services and concerts.

Throughout history, two books have accompanied the advancement of Christianity: the Bible and the Hymnal. We may easily forget words that we read, or even memorize, but the melodies that we hear and sing remain in our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts forever. When Biblical truths are stated in a musical form we enjoy, the result is a penetration into our lives that has lasting spiritual benefits. These enduring songs convey a message that never grows old! So sing the hymns. Sing them over and over again. Seek out some of the great traditional songs that are rarely heard today. Purposefully learn hymns you do not know -- you will discover some gems. Whatever your musical tastes, discover anew the joy of singing the hymns! Pass this great tradition on to your children, and to the generations to follow.

for SATB unaccompanied Let all mortal flesh keep silence is a reflective, homophonic setting of text from the fourth-century Orthodox Liturgy of St James. Sheehan's setting, an original rather than the customary pairing with the hymn tune 'Picardy', is steeped in the Orthodox tradition, and has pure harmonies and a beautiful stillness.

for SATB and organ or piano This Easter carol is based on J. M. Neale's translation of the Latin Piae Cantiones and occupies a captivatingly exotic soundworld. Sheehan's setting is in strophic form, with a texture that builds from verse to verse and with varying harmonizations, culminating in a dramatic cadence.

for SATB and organ, with optional congregation This congregational mass setting is short and accessible, with a congregational part that may be intuitively learnt. The organ plays a supportive role throughout, while the choral parts are of melodic and harmonic interest, but always keeping the discernibility of the text at the fore. The congregational part, which may be photocopied, is available at the back of the vocal score.

for TTBB and piano This sensitive arrangement of a well-known Yiddish folksong introduces singers to the harmonic characteristics of Yiddish music. Clapping and body percussion is employed to great effect, and a pronunciation guide and English translation are included, along with a fascinating contextual note.