THE GIFT TO SING: New for Contest & Festival 2026 Monday, January 05, 2026
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
for MIXED Choirs
The Gift to Sing by Brian Jones, SATB divisi a cappella
This piece is written for high school, university, and adult advanced ensembles, and is appropriate for both sacred and secular concerts. With this breathtaking setting, your singers will truly feel the meaning of the text they are singing: unbridled joy, of the power of music, and the beauty of singing to overcome life’s trials and tribulations.
To the Road by Tom Shelton, SSATTB with piano
Set to poetry by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the text and music evoke energy and adventure. Set for SSATTB Choir with a sparkling piano part, this could be a great concert opener or closer for high school, university and community choirs.
Benedicite by Paul David Thomas, SATB with piano
Paul David Thomas is known for writing music that sounds complex and impressive while remaining intuitive for singers. This energetic work, with its driving piano part and thoughtful vocal writing, is a perfect concert opener. A lyrical middle section offers a lovely contrast before building to a thrilling finale.
Dies Irae by Roger Emerson, SATB with piano
Roger Emerson’s intense and foreboding setting of “Dies Irae” ultimately ends with a message of hope and light represented in the composition’s triumphant ending. Gradually stacking musical ideas on top of one another, this composition exposes singers to part independence in an accessible way that will sound impressive to audiences.
for TREBLE Choirs
Swifter Than Flame by Elaine Hagenberg, SSAA with piano
“Swifter Than Flame” invites singers to explore the vast unknown in exhilarating ascent! Rapidly layered vocal entrances and racing sixteenth notes in the piano propel the journey, while text painting lends itself to expressive phrasing. With a brief reflective section of awe and wonder, this dramatic concert selection concludes with a final adventurous launch into “timeless flight!”
Mangisondele Nkosi Yam arr. Michael Barrett, SSAA a cappella
Now available for treble choirs, this traditional Zulu praise and worship song is written in the isicathamiya style – an a cappella form featuring close harmonies that originated among Zulu mine workers during the apartheid era. The piece opens with two soloists calling out, followed by a choral response. Dramatic and powerful, it builds in intensity, with a vibrant rhythmic section at its heart. The title translates to “Let Me Be Nearer, My Lord.” A pronunciation and translation guide is included for ease of learning.
Celtic Jubilate by Daniel Brinsmead, SSAA a cappella with bodhrán (or djembe)
“Celtic Jubilate” is a vibrant unaccompanied piece that weaves together traditional Celtic melodies and harmonies with uplifting rhythms. The work captures the essence of joy and celebration.
Wind in the Pines by Bruce W. Tippette, SSA with piano
This expressive poetic setting opens with a piano motif reminiscent of rushing wind. Three legato voice parts unfold and intertwine. Staggered entrances in the middle assemble and grow until we “hear sonorous lines soaring through the pines.” Encourage singers to soften and slow to a dreamy, relaxed ending. Ideal for contest and festival use.
for TENOR/BASS Choirs
Soon I Will Be Done arr. Marques L.A. Garrett, TTBB a cappella
A spiritual about life after death and seeing loved ones on the other side. An energetic arrangement for TTBB choirs with ever-present joy.
Swilo Yini arr. Michael Barrett, TTBB a cappella with improvised percussion
“Swilo Yini” is a traditional Tsonga song from South Africa that is linked to the sinking of a steamship which carried black South African troops to fight against the Germans during World War I. The story speaks of angry passengers on board blaming the boat keeper for the poor condition of the ship. The addition of improvised drum and dancing adds to the expression of this story.
Ten Thousand Miles Away arr. Steven Mark Kohn & Austin Echols, TTBB with piano
A flowing piano accompaniment supports expressive choral writing in this arrangement of a traditional Irish sea song, giving it energy and warmth. More advanced ensembles will appreciate its lyrical style and accessible yet rewarding textures.
In the Silence of the Night by Andrew Steffen, TBB with piano
Andrew Steffen’s setting of Christina Rosetti’s poem Echo is both contemplative, yet passionate. With lyricism at its heart, this piece moves between unison, canon, and homophonic harmony, guiding the listener through the emotional ebbs and flows of longing, nostalgia, and lost love.
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About the Author:
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.