Keep Satb A Cappella

Novello New Choral Series-Craig McLeish writes of The Negro Speaks of Rivers; Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the first black American to earn his living from writing. He was an innovator of jazz poetry becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote plays short stories novels and his poetry was widely read. He was also a journalist columnist and lecturer. The Negro Speaks of Rivers was perhaps his earliest published work written when only 17 and while travelling by train to Mexico to visit his father. As the train crossed the Mississippi he suddenly began thinking about how rivers had impacted on Negro history particularly in the fight against slavery.The four rivers mentioned in the poem lent themselves to using musical influences from those particular regions. However I have tried to keep these links fairly tenuous to avoid overt pastiche. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to work with Congolese musicians. These sessions led to the intricate rhythms in The Congo. The Mississippi mentions New Orleans so a jazz fugue seemed the most appropriate compositional device to weave into the texture. The spirit of The Nile was gauged from many hours listening avidly to Egyptian music.Craig McLeish began his musical life as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral. As a bass guitarist conductor musical arranger and composer he has worked with a wide variety of groups in several genres and scored a hit with the cult pop band ‘Fat & Frantic’. He is musical director of Young Voices UK and conducts several youth and community choirs in and around Milton Keynes. Listen to an excerpt from Craig McLeish's The Negro Speaks Of Rivers:  

Opening Michael Jackson's groundbreaking Thriller album in 1983 and covered by the Glee cast in 2012 this invigorating rhythm-infused song will inject a mega-dose of emotion to every concert! Layered percussion and funk-fueled brass licks keep the energy level high! Available separately: SATB 3-Part Mixed SSA 2-Part. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1 tpt 2 tsx tbn bsx g b dm). Duration: ca. 2:45.

This beautiful ballad from “The Greatest Showman” is a duet between two of the characters but destiny keeps pulling them apart. Can they “rewrite the stars” and change the future? This arrangement swells as the message suggests that they can change the world but ends in a more realistic way. A powerful love song your students will want to discuss.

pour choeur mixte a cappella-French composer Jean-Louis Florentz (1947-2004) was a prolific student of Olivier Messiaen. Asmara composed in 1992 is an exciting addition to the choral repertoire. Florentz's music is described as having 'a strong evocative power which keeps the clarity of the French style.' Asmara named after the capital of Eritrea was commissioned by the Culture Minister and is composed for a mixed voice choir. The text is written in the native Ethiopian and a helpful pronunciation glossary is provided preceding the score. For all advanced choirs seeking to vary their repertoire Florentz'sAsmara makes for an exciting performance.

Alan Hovhaness' setting of Psalm 83:1 Keep Not Thou Silence for SATB choir a cappella.

Greg Gilpin's original gospel chorals are solid-gold. “Keep on Following the Star” is no exception. His new original work for Christmas begins with an infectious chorus full of gospel harmonies and style. The versesare sung with an optional solo above gospel “oo's”. Verse and chorus are repetitive allowing for quick learning. Add a key change followed by a hot a cappella with hand claps section finish with a rousing ending andyou've got a new hit for your concert this December. Available separately: SATB 3-part mixed 2-part StudioTrax CD.

The classic holiday hit by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn is crafted into a lovely arrangement for mixed and women's voices. Optional moments of a cappella singing and simple yet elegant harmonies keep the traditional sound of this holiday favorite while adding freshness for your singers and audience.

(with I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm)-Two standards originally paired by the great Tony Bennett make a sweet and charming winter/holiday showcase for all types of choirs! Includes: I Love the Winter Weather I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.

This traditional Latvian a cappella selection appears to be all about horses--horses eager to run--and run they do! However it is really a mythological song about heavenly affairs and two grey steeds with their golden saddles and silver harnesses. An occasional 7/8 measure keeps us on our toes as a variety of percussion instruments add to the excitement. A pedal-tone drone moving from part to part keeps the energy high and the pitch in check.

The 1964 theme of the classic French film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg has become a popular jazz standard recorded by dozens of artists. You'll love the charming chromatic melodic theme of ?watch what happens? when you keep yourself open to finding love. Choirs of all levels will enjoy experiencing this interesting song along with developing style and skill. Available separately: SATB SAB SSA ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr b dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Phil Kern has used his superb arranging skills in this popular and moving African-American spiritual. The Percussion a vital part of the accompaniment joins an energetic Piano to create and support a wide range of vocal dynamics. The ending a cappella chord is stunning as it caps off this outstanding Choral work. This piece is for SATB Choir and Percussion (a Shaker and three Hand Drums) with Piano accompaniment.

Uses: Service Music BenedictionsScripture: Numbers 6:26Here is an essential resource for your chapel choir. Tenderly set by the arranger the warm harmonies of these service pieces deserve a place inyour choir folder for use anytime. Rotating the brief but effective benedictions will give you variety and effectiveness. Titles include: An Irish Blessing A Parting Blessing and The Lord Bless You and Keep You