for SATB and piano On this Silent Night perfectly conveys the magic and excitement of winter, conjuring images of warmth by the fireside while the weather outside closes in and giving a subtle nod to Franz Gruber's Silent night. The vivid imagery of the secular text is enhanced through gleaming harmonies and glittering quaver movement in the piano accompaniment. Hemiolas give the piece a dance-like quality, while a contrasting middle section uses darker sonorities and textures to reflect the storm outside.

for SATB and piano or orchestra Based on William J. Kirkpatrick's 'Cradle Song', A Christmas Meditation was originally written as underscoring for a reading of the Biblical account of the Nativity (Luke 2:1, 3-14). In the tradition of incidental music, this wordless piece may be used in a variety of ways, including as a processional, as a transition between other works, or as background for spoken words and images.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Characteristically sung on Christmas Day, this Catholic chant depicts mystery and wonder at the birth of Jesus, as witnessed by the animals. The second half of the text relates to words spoken by Elizabeth, welcoming Mary into her home. In McDowall's setting, deep, sonorous chords open and close the piece, which has a sustained tempo that gives space for the melismatic vocal lines and rich harmonies to take full effect. O magnum mysterium is the first of McDowall's set of three 'O' text settings conceived as Trinity Triptych.

for SSATB unaccompanied The O nata lux text is taken from a 10th-century anonymous hymn that uses the concept of light to symbolise hope, a particularly pertinent theme for Advent. Throughout this setting the sopranos intertwine their high, melodic lines above interjections from the lower voices, creating an atmosphere of ethereal luminosity. O nata lux is the second of McDowall's set of three 'O' text settings conceived as Trinity Triptych.

for SATB and organ Light Triumphant Breaks combines the text of the Sarum introit from the second Sunday of Advent and a translated anonymous Greek text using dancing dotted rhythms and intricate articulation. A free use of metre and contrapuntal movement make this a lively and jubilant piece that would be enjoyed by church and cathedral choirs alike.

This book presents a comprehensive view of children's musical artistry and how to develop it in both the music classroom and children's chorus. Presenting the musical mind as the gateway to children's artistry, and addressing the power of movement in its embodiment and advancement, author Mary Ellen Pinzino shows how song-rhythm, melody, and text, independently and together-influence children's developing artistry musically, expressively, and vocally at every level. Accordingly, she also offers a multitude of specific songs that inspire children's artistry, all in various tonalities and meters and on a continuum of increasing difficulty. Keeping the need for practical application in mind, Pinzino offers materials for implementation with children from kindergarten through seventh grade, as well as guidance for professional development. Content can be applied alongside any pedagogical methodology, as well as with older singers in the process of developing their own artistry. In short, this book makes the intangibles of children's artistry more tangible. It enables music teachers and choral conductors to draw artistry out of every child and draw every child into the choral art. It summons music teachers and choral conductors to bring artistry to the forefront of every music class and choral rehearsal-and to the forefront of the field of music education as a whole.

Born dirt-poor (his family had the dirt floor to prove it), Waylon Jennings took all the grit of his hometown of Littlefield, Texas, into his soul and his sound. From childhood, this son of a farm laborer considered nothing else but playing music. Stubborn enough never to lose sight of his goal, dumb enough not to realize how long and hard the road, he started as a country disc jockey in Lubbock, then signed on as a protege of fellow Texan Buddy Holly, missing the plane crash that claimed Holly's life by an accident of fate. Cut in the mode of Hank Williams and Carl Smith, yet determined to infuse conservative country music traditions with the energy of rock and roll, Waylon broke the closed society of Nashville sessions in the sixties. Under the tutelage of legends like Porter Wagoner and Ernest Tubb, he shared living quarters with Johnny Cash, took songwriting tips from Roger Miller and encouragement (often unsolicited) from Willie Nelson, and hung out after hours with Kris Kristofferson and George Jones. In the wake of country's own distinctive counterculture, when southern-fried acid freaks met - and partied with - diehard good ol' boys, Waylon helped give America something genuinely new. His 1976 anthology album, Wanted: The Outlaws, was a stunning platinum success, heralding a sound and a mood that evoked the country's pioneer spirit, a restlessness always pushing at the horizon and looking toward the next ridge. But while the artist and performer devoured life and rewrote the rules of the nation's popular music, the star binged on an endless stream of cocaine and pills and staggered through three failed marriages. Ultimately - and inspiringly - Waylon triumphed over his drughabit, proving he would fight for the right to sing his song. At the same time, he ended his long search for the right woman and married Jessi Colter, a country-singing great in her own right and now Waylon's wife for more than a quarter of a century. Today, two-time Grammy winner and sixteen-time chart-topper Waylon Jennings keeps the country fires raging, joining fellow superstars Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson on their sold-out international tours as the Highwaymen.

for SSATB unaccompanied. This atmospheric setting of the celebrated poem 'April Rain Song' by (the Harlem Renaissance writer) Langston Hughes captures the sense of comfort and security while listening to rainfall. The ebb and flow, careful phrasing, and rich harmony make this an ideal ensemble piece.

for SATBB unaccompanied By The Way, I Love You is a fun a cappella number that sets words by Garth Bardsley in a big band style. Swing and rhythmic groove is vital to the performance, with the catchy melody held first by the sopranos before passing between the voices, always over a bed of lively scat singing. There is great interplay between the voice parts, with playful interjections from the accompanying voices as the melody part recounts everything that they love about the special person they are singing about.

for SSAA and piano Our Roots is an upbeat setting of evocative words by Delphine Chalmers on the themes of unity and commonality. An effective syncopated, single-note motif in the piano underpins the piece, rooting the tonality and providing a firm ostinato around which the music blossoms. Chilcott's word-painting - in places such as the drawing together of the four-part choral texture into unison on the words 'yours and mine the same' and the use of the piano's upper and lower registers as the text looks to roots and sky - creates a great sense of unity between music and lyrics. Powerful key changes and a strong rhythmic drive create an affirmatory setting that is sure to uplift both singer and listener.

for SATB unaccompanied Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is both poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and strength towards a brighter future. The choral writing beautifully reflects the powerful text, leading us towards a climactic reminder that 'Tho' thick the battle and tho' fierce the fight, There is power in making for the right'. My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano Marked 'light and flowing', Quartel's setting of Sara Teasdale's poem 'Peace' features slow, sustained vocal writing over a piano part with continual moving quavers. The harmonic palette is rich and warm, and soaring soprano lines conjure Teasdale's vivid celestial imagery.

for SATB chorus and organ, or orchestra This uplifting and highly effective arrangement of the popular Stanford hymn-tune ENGLEBERG, to words by Fred Pratt Green, was commissioned by the Broadway Baptist Church (Fort Worth) in Texas, and later recorded for broadcast by The Tabernacle Choir. The piece is suitable for regular worship services but most often at special praise services, choral liturgies, and musical feasts, and for recognizing the work of church musicians.

TTBB unaccompanied Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is both poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and strength towards a brighter future. The choral writing beautifully reflects the powerful text, leading us towards a climactic reminder that 'Tho' thick the battle and tho' fierce the fight, There is power in making for the right'. My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in a version for SATB unaccompanied.

for SSA and piano, with optional melody instrument With lyrics by the composer, Come Alive explores the scientific notion that energy never dies, but instead transforms into or transfers to something new. The text calls us to renew our connection to nature in order to reawaken our senses and reconnect with a lost loved one. This energetic piece features an appealing combination of textures, from unison melody to four-part counterpoint (with a solo/small-group line), and builds to a full, emphatic climax at the close. The optional instrumental part may be played by any suitable melody instrument in C, including glockenspiel, xylophone, flute, and violin.

SA and piano The Compass uses evocative imagery and metaphor to describe how feelings of being lost and adrift can be assuaged by journeying towards self-acceptance and positive change. A characterful four-note motif punctuates the piano part, which provides a steady rhythmic cushion for the stylistically syncopated and catchy melodic lines. This soul-searching piece is brought to a close by an empowering final chorus that celebrates moving forwards on a different path away from difficult times towards somewhere hopeful and new.

for SSA and piano In this captivating piece Mahler explores feelings of doubt and insecurity, employing the compelling metaphor of the tide and asking searching questions in a quest for existential meaning. Bewitching piano cascades and rolling broken chords accompany addictive melodies, with strong three-part harmonies in the chorus providing a supportive anchor to the more soloistic verses.

for SSA and piano This is a vibrant setting of a poem by George Parsons Lathrop that describes how music underpins all earthly life. An active piano part provides an energetic undercurrent to compelling vocal lines, with the voices beginning in unison before opening out into two and then three parts. Music of Life is the perfect selection for choirs looking to celebrate the life-affirming power of music. Also available in a version for SABar and piano.

for SSATB unaccompanied In this sensitive choral arrangement of 'Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, Michael Higgins sets the Eucharistic hymn 'O salutaris Hostia', written by St Thomas Aquinas for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The familiar melody passes seamlessly between the voice parts, and Elgar's lush, rich soundworld is perfectly emulated by the choral textures Higgins has fashioned.

for TTBB unaccompanied. TaReKiTa is a refreshing concert piece that effortlessly fuses the Hindustani (North Indian) and Western classical music styles. The composer's scats are combined with a fast triple metre, vocal slides, and captivating melodies built on the Jog raga. A pronunciation guide is included in the leaflet, and a video guide by the composer is available through a companion website. A version for unaccompanied mixed voices and SSAA unacompanied voices is also available.

for TTBB and piano This setting of a song from Act II of Shakespeare's As You Like It was originally published as part of Rutter's cycle When Icicles Hang. Here, it has been specially adapted for TTBB choir by the composer, allowing tenors and basses to enjoy this artful, atmospheric setting of a famous Shakesperean extract.

for TB 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 basses accompanying the tenors' melodic line, before the beguiling melody of the opening returns to bring the setting to a poignant close. Also available in versions for SA and piano, SABar and piano and unison upper voices & piano.

for TTBarBB unaccompanied Skilfully set to tender words by the poet e e cummings, 'I carry your heart', this piece was commissioned by the acclaimed close-harmony group, The King's Men, and was recorded on their album Love from King's. Also available for SSATBB.

for TTBB unaccompanied or with optional handbells (or percussion, or organ) Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar fifteenth-century text in this enchanting carol. The dialogue between Mary and the infant Jesus is woven to a beguiling folk-like melody, in 6/8 metre, through each of the voice parts, with each verse ending in the lilting refrain 'Lully, by by, lullay'. Also available in a version for upper voices or SATB.

for TTBB unaccompanied This profoundly beautiful setting by John Rutter of one of the earliest English prayers, from the Sarum Primer of 1514, has been specially adapted by the composer for tenors and basses.