Calling from Afar: New Poetic Texts for Choir Monday, April 14, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Calling from Afar by James Eakin III, SATB with piano
“Calling from Afar” was composed in honor of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. Glorious images of the cosmos are painted by the music and lyrics, with a deep message of finding our place in this vast universe.
Measure Me, Sky by Ruth Elaine Schram, 2-part with piano
Ruth Elaine Schram’s inspiring setting of the Leonora Speyer poem features an expressive accompaniment that flows and weaves underneath soaring melodic lines which seem to rise and fall, as if soaring to the sky. This exquisite text exudes innocence and optimism, and is a marvelous piece for young and developing choirs. Highly recommended!
The Bells by Ben Kapilow, SA with piano
Edgar Alan Poe’s fast-flying words are brought to life in a vibrant, high-energy piece for treble choirs. Employing echo-singing, chromaticism, and back-and-forth meter changes, this setting is one and a half minutes of pure excitement! The composer uses only the non-seasonal text, so it can be programmed year-round. An ideal feature for your collaborative pianist and advancing SA singers.
She Walks in Beauty by Penny Rodriguez, TTBB with piano
This exquisite poem is set as a lyrical art song for low voices. An opening solo sets the tone for gorgeous choral harmonies that follow. The expressive piano accompaniment never doubles the vocal parts, but rather creates independent, complementary lines. Perfect for advancing tenor-bass groups!
The Echoing Green by Jeffrey Bernstein, SSA a cappella
Jeffrey Bernstein received an ACDA Composition Focus Prize with this lovely work for treble choir. The treatment of the text fits the voices well, and the text painting is engaging.
Thither Will I Go by Tom Trenney, SSAA with piano
An exploration of light and darkness, this setting of Laurence Housman’s text is an incredibly engaging piece for treble choir. Alternating between broad homophonic singing and sprightly canonic writing, this piece builds on a memorable motive and increases in intensity until the emphatic ending. A must-sing!
If… by Jonathan Reid, TTBB with piano
Kipling’s powerful text is made even more empowering within the context of Reid’s choral setting for TTBB ensembles. “If…” contains accessible vocal lines and opportunities for each section to shine.
Notes from Emily by Robin McLaughlin Conine, 2-part with piano
Composer Robin McLaughlin Conine weaves two famed Emily Dickinson poems into this enchanting and whimsical piece. Delightful meter changes and an unforgettable, thrilling melody showcase its charm and creativity. Syncopations within the melody lend a modern touch while remaining perfectly crafted for the concert choir.
Sweet Afton by Edmund Jolliffe, SATB with piano
The classic Robert Burns poem is treated with a lovely and fresh approach in this sensitive setting. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to teach phrasing and blend with this selection.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.