SKU: HL.269792
UPC: 888680739256. 6.75x10.5 inches.
Here is a jazzy take on a classic pop/rock tune. The original version, sung by the Drifters, with all of its back up harmony and part singing, is a great beginning for a choral arrangement. In the hands of this skilled arranger it is a real concert piece.
SKU: CF.CM9773
ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                            Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                               In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                            If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                     If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                    Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan†should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats†on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.
SKU: HL.114989
UPC: 884088877286. 6.75x10.5 inches.
The rock opera Tommy revolutionized the world of rock and roll when it was first released in 1969. Younger and developing choirs will love this Discovery Series arrangement that takes range and part-singing into consideration while retaining all the impact of this powerhouse 60s song!
SKU: AP.35474
UPC: 038081396705. English.
A favorite of choral directors everywhere, this extraordinary work will take your choir on a musical adventure. On this, its 20th anniversary, additional voicings and a cinematic orchestration provide new opportunities for contemporary performance. If this is not in your library, add it now!
About Alfred Choral Designs
The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.
SKU: AP.47670
UPC: 038081543635. English. Traditional Carol.
It's a high-energy, gospel-infused take on one of the most treasured Christmas carols of all time. Riveting rhythmic syncopation, triadic choral harmonies that climb in inversion, and plenty of melodic blue notes all add up to . . . well, sheer joy! Your piano player really gets to show off on the fully notated riff-like accompaniment. Plus, you can download free bass and drumset parts for the full effect. Not to be missed!
SKU: AP.47669
UPC: 038081543628. English. Traditional Carol.
SKU: AP.41556
UPC: 038081466361. German. Keith Christopher.
A lilting love song with great educational merit. Sing entirely in English or take time to teach the German text (both are included in the publication, along with an IPA pronunciation guide). An international delight.
SKU: AP.48430
UPC: 038081552538. Spanish. Spanish Folk Song.
Take a little singing, and a little dancing, add a little 'le-lo-la,' like the happy yellow bird. This sprightly Spanish folk song is reminiscent of a singing canary, and is a delight to perform! Lighthearted lyrics in both English and Spanish (with pronunciation guide) are included, and suggestions for an optional Latin percussion ensemble lead the way to a lively tango.
SKU: AP.46978
UPC: 038081536279. English. Words by Folliott S. Pierpoint.
Over 100 years after his death, this beloved text from Folliott S. Pierpoint lives on in a gorgeous new choral setting. Greg Gilpin's artistry and skill shine through as each voice part takes a turn with the long legato melody and warm harmonies envelop the ear. An optional flute obbligato is available free online.
SKU: AP.48480
UPC: 038081553030. English.
No one but Mark Hayes could take this Gershwin masterpiece and make it into an absolutely rip-roaring, no-holds-barred choral work. You want rhythm? You'll get it, in more ways than you can count in this outstanding arrangement of one of America's great songs. A classic, by any standard.
About Alfred Pop Choral Series
The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.
SKU: AP.51110
UPC: 038081581477. English.
This exhilarating chart-topper by BTS frontman Jung Kook was featured as the theme song to FIFA's World Cup. The driving rhythms of a strong hook deliver the message of teamwork and striving for a common goal. Sing the full 4-minute version (including an Arabic solo in the middle), or take the optional cut for a 2.5-minute powerhouse performance (without the solo). A pronunciation guide and translation are included in the publication.
SKU: AP.46975
UPC: 038081536248. English. Traditional English Carol.
What happens when you cross a beloved Christmas carol with the hip and asymmetric rhythms of Take Five? This does! A satisfying mix of the familiar and the fresh, the arrangement applies jazz articulation, harmony, and style in a way that's both exciting and accessible. All voice parts get a turn with the melody as well as a fun doo bop accompaniment! Optional parts for flute and vibraphone are free online.
SKU: MN.50-5333
UPC: 688670553332. English.
This SAB setting of the African American spiritual is varied and creative, with vocal percussion and a chill but supportive piano part. Not difficult, although the three vocal lines are sometimes quite independent. Duration: 2:00.
SKU: AP.47005
UPC: 038081536545. English.
A holiday pops tune straight out of the Rat Pack era, co-written by Ol' Blue Eyes himself! This nostalgic mid-tempo swing arrangement starts with voices swapping the melody, then blossoms into sweet choral sonorities. Oh, by gosh, by golly, consider using the SoundTrax CD or SoundPax parts to take full advantage of Mark Hayes's snazzy, jazzy arrangement.
SKU: HL.158106
UPC: 888680611101. 6.75x10.5x0.026 inches.
Jordan Smith's 2015 performance on The Voice wowed the audience with its smooth R&B take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. This choral adaptation captures much of this R&B flavor for a warm contemporary approach.
SKU: HL.368487
UPC: 840126968569. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.
Commissioned by the California Choral Directors Association, here is a piece that touches on the subject of depression in an artful and meaningful way. Using only a few words the notes swim through the deep waters of depression; first feeling the sensation of drowning, then remembering to swim to the surface to take a breath. This piece offers a beautiful way to address an issue that is unfortunately flourishing, especially in young circles. Medium in difficulty.
