Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Jingle Bells dates from the mid-nineteenth century and is thought to be one of the first secular Christmas songs to ?top the charts?. It is in fact not about Christmas at all but instead about the ?Cutter? drag races in Boston, where young men would race sleighs and attempt to impress the girls with their speed. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion ? so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

A Gaelic Blessing is a simple and catchy piece by Craig McLeish. This piece will be particularly useful for school, junior and community choirs, and a tuneful introduction to singing simple contrapuntal lines. The second soprano part repeats the tune at bar 33 and should dominate here - the first sopranos and altos should support appropriately. Ease and beauty of tone should be of paramount importance throughout. An inspiring selection of new works from a range of contemporary composers, the Novello New Choral Series offers pieces for all types of choirs, including sacred and secular works from simple, four-part settings to more expansive, yet accessible, repertoire in an exciting variety of styles. Craig McLeish began his musical life as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral under Barry Rose. He began composing at the age of ten and his preces and responses for four trebles are still in the repertoire. After a degree at York University he returned to London to study at the Guildhall and sang again at St Paul's as a tenor. At the time he also arranged and copied music for West End shows such as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, and played bass guitar for various groups. This led to a spell in the cult pop band 'Fat and Frantic', who shaved the top 100 twice with the whimsical anthem Last night my wife hoovered my head. He also worked as musical assistant for David Heneker (Half a Sixpence) and David Fanshawe (African Sanctus). In 1992 Craig became director of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs Orchestra and Singers, performing concerts throughout the UK and becoming involved in a number of recordings and BBC broadcasts. During this time he arranged more than 250 orchestral scores ranging from Queen to Calamity Jane, Stravinsky and Stevie Wonder. Alongside this he began arranging and writing songs for children's collections (Big Blue Planet, Love Shone Down) and producing recordings and string arrangements for various artists (Sheila Walsh, Kim Hill, Matt Redman). He is also well known as a conductor and arranger for Songs of Praise. Recently Craig has collaborated with composer Tolga Kashif writing orchestrations for the RPO's Seo Taiji Symphony, the Classic FM chart-topping CD by saxophonist Tyler Rix, and the Genesis Suite which was premiered at the Barbican. He has been musical director of Young Voices UK for 13 years, bringing large school choirs together to play with a live band and solo artists, and currently conducts the Milton Keynes Community Choir, Hart and Soul Community Choir and the Milton Keynes Youth Choir. / Choeur SSA

A classic choral work from the oratorio 'Saul' by Handel, carefully edited and arranged exclusively for treble voices by Patrick Liebergen. New secular text by the arranger makes it ideal for the school use. Optional easy flute part is simple to add. An excellent introduction to the Baroque style for any treble choir. / Choeur SSA

This is a welcome addition to the quality SAB choral repertoire for the sophisticated three-part mixed choir. The music paints the poignant secular poem Winter by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

A choice secular piece for three-part choirOriginal words and music by Tom Cunningham

Married To A Soldier is a three-part song for SSA Voices with Piano accompaniment. It was written in 1963 by John Clements and dedicated to the Jersey Ladies Choir and their conductor Arthur Lobb. It is a setting of the poem The Pride Of All The Village written in the 1830s by the English poet John Clare (1793-1864).John Clements (1910-1986) was a British composer who wrote both sacred and secular works. His best known work is probably There Is Sweet Music a setting of a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

O Dear Love-This charming secular Renaissance lied for treble voices is an excellent introduction to imitative part-singing and will be a superb addition to concert and contest programs. German and English lyrics. Duration: ca. 1:30.

Moses Hogan and John Jacobson have combined their considerable talents to create a secular gospel-style work that is accessible to choirs of all ages. Ideal for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day Black History month and many otherconcert occasions it is instantly appealing! Available for: SATB SAB and 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Evocation to a Friend was commissioned for the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral on behalf of Befrienders International (now Befrienders Worldwide). The text is by David Race and explores themes of friendship and hope. The music grows in intensity over a cyclic harmonic pattern with repeating melodic fragments arranged across the four voices creating a hypnotic effect. After a bleak and reflective interlude in the middle the music unwinds to a peaceful conclusion.The Novello New Choral Series is an inspiring selection of new works from a range of contemporary composers offering pieces for all types of choirs including sacred and secularworks from simple four-part settings to more expansive yet accessible repertoire in an exciting variety of styles. This collection is perfect for choirs looking to broaden their repertoire and explore some of the best new music around.Timothy Noon (b.1974) is Director of Music at Holy Trinity Cathedral Auckland New Zealand. He received his musical education as a chorister at Hereford Cathedral and subsequently as Organ Scholar at Christ Church Oxford. Following appointments at St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin and Canterbury Cathedral he became Organist and Master of the Choristers at St David’s Cathedral Pembrokeshire and then Director of Music at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral before moving to his present position in 2011. Timothy Noon - Evocation To A Friend by musicroom

This meaningful work for all ages features a 'brotherhood' text and strong, logical voice writing. Can be used any time of year or as a secular 'peace' number at Christmas. Use the optional text for Martin Luther King day. Opens gently, builds to a powerful finish. An outstanding choral work. / Choeur SAB

For soprano alto and baritone voices with piano accompaniment this is a great secular piece for developing independent voices listening across the choral fabric and teaching phrase shape. Try it with your middle school choir.

Here is the famous Psalm 33 motet by Lodovico Grossi da Viadana adapted for younger ensembles. This composition is written in the typical Renaissance style of motets (a cappella sacred works) and madrigals (a cappella secularworks). Available separately: SSA 3-Part Mixed. Duration: ca. 2:10.

Secular winter concert piece medium difficulty secondary level SSAAlso available in SATB (HMC1707)

This energetic and rhythmic 16th-century piece is an excellent introduction to the music of the Renaissance. Includes secular or Christmas lyrics and optional hand drum. Available: SAB a cappella SSA a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 1:00.

Another great secular text Green and Crescenz have set these beautiful words to a brilliant melody accompanied by piano. Drawing a correlation between nature and all of humanity this SAB piece would be effective at any civic celebration on Earth Day or even graduation.