Because You Sang: New Titles for High School Choir 15 August, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Because You Sang by Arianne Abela, SATB divisi a cappella
The music to carries a hymn-like quality, with a melody that is both easy to recognize and evocative of a protest march. The first verse begins with a solitary voice, gradually joined by an increasing forces.
Aura Lee arr. Bryan Sharpe, SA(T)B with piano
Flexibly set for either SAB or SATB developing choirs, this tender arrangement of the beloved American folk song has a gently flowing piano part that undergirds the harmonic structure throughout. Conservative ranges and sensitive part writing allow all singers to experience success, and the flexibility of the setting allows for smaller choirs with fewer tenors or basses to perform this beautifully.
Show Me the Way by Paul David Thomas, SATB with piano and optional flute & tenor drum
All voice parts have a chance to shine as the request to “show me the way” is passed among the choir, repeated, and transformed through a variety of imitative techniques and textures. Wilcox’s lines suggest that life’s journey is full of challenges and uncertainties, but through love, patience, and a commitment to good deeds, one can find purpose and fulfillment. This hopeful perspective is expressed musically through the driving compound meter rhythms provided by the piano (and optional drum and flute) and the use of accessible chromatic pitches in the vocal lines.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome) by Kyle Pederson, SATB with piano and drum, optional guitar/oud, clarinet or violin
A perfect high-energy opener for mixed choirs of all levels! A lovely Arabic phrase, “Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome),” greets the audience and sets the tone for all to feel included, welcomed, and energized. Born from a collaboration with a Middle East (Omani) high school choral festival, this piece features a rockin’ piano and drum part (along with optional guitar, clarinet, or violin), solo possibilities, and infectious pop harmonies and rhythms. Awesome!
Fly Away (from A Minor Bird) by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano
Presenting a simple conflict between humanity and nature, Robert Frost’s poem, A Minor Bird, is musically set in 6/8 meter. With an agitated piano accompaniment under sweeping vocal lines, the composition mimics the person’s frustration and the fluttering of a bird’s wings as it is shooed away. There is a change of heart in the final lyric of “who would want to silence any song?” creating an engaging work for discussion, learning and performance.
Seasons by Ola Gjeilo, SATB with piano and optional flute
This work by Ola Gjeilo and Charles Anthony Silvestri explores the beauties of each of the four seasons. With a supportive piano part and optional flute part that soars above.
Lovely Chance by Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional hand drum
A driving echoed verse bursts into a dancelike, mixed-meter refrain, brilliantly capturing the nature of Sara Teasdale’s vivid poetry. Narverud’s contrasting B section takes a more contemplative approach, gradually growing to a recapitulation of the spirited main chorus. Accompanied by a vibrant piano and an optional hand drum.
Love Will Remain by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano
Mark Burrows’ sensitively crafted choral work brings a deeper level of understanding to a poignant original text, offering an opportunity for profound emotional connection through music. With expressive harmonies, thoughtful vocal scoring, and a gentle unfolding of musical ideas, this piece invites choirs to engage with the text, creating a powerful shared experience between singers and the audience. Ideal for reflective moments in concert or festival settings, “Love Will Remain” is a journey of empathy, expression, and heartfelt artistry.
Run from the Silence by Roger Emerson, SATB with piano
This song of reflection was inspired by the stop motion film, “Gruff.” In the words of the movie director, Julian Curi, “I believe we all have individuals in our lives, related or not, that pride themselves as the ‘strong silent types.’ Through this short film, I hope all of us can learn to empathize, connect, and more deeply love those who have so much more to say than we think, and just need us to listen.”
Alleluia by Jake Runestad, SATB divisi a cappella
Through history, the singing of “alleluia” has served as an outward celebration as well as an introspective expression of praise. The work begins with a rhythmic declaration of joy and builds intensity through metric changes, tonal shifts, glissandi, and hand clapping. This lively exultation soon gives way to a reverent meditation with soaring melodic lines and lush harmonies. The dancing rhythms from the beginning return with a gradual build in intensity as one’s praises rise to the sky.
Wind of Night by Chris Maunu, SATB with piano
Your choir will transform any performance space into the sonic landscape of a windy night with Chris Maunu’s dynamic composition. Filled with driving rhythmic energy, unrelenting accompaniment, and even wind-like sounds created by the choir itself, “Wind of Night” brings the tempestuousness to life. With ample unison sections and accessible vocal ranges, this striking work is both rewarding and achievable for choirs of all levels.
O Nata Lux by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Victor C. Johnson’s radiant realization of the traditional Latin “light born of light” text is equally fitting for the concert hall, stage, or sanctuary. With plenty of room for expressive singing, this luminous setting gives every voice part a time to shine as it develops the glimmering opening motive into a stunning soundscape.
Laudate! by Christopher Alexander, SSAATTBB a cappella
“Laudate!” is a celebratory work of excitement and praise. After its boisterous opening, the energy of the song takes off with differing motifs and rhythmic figures in each voice before the chorus unites in large, harmonic textures. The anticipation builds again before returning to the polyphonic section from before. The work slightly slows down, while maintaining its energetic spirit, creating polychordal harmonies. The uptempo energy comes back once more and builds through the key change and rollicking finale (similar to the beginning). Each voice section gets featured in this work, and would be a great opener at your next concert. This work is suitable for advanced high school, collegiate, and community choruses.
Flight by Craig Carnelia/arr. Ryan Murphy, SATB with piano and optional string ensemble
“Flight” has long been an incredible and well-loved work by songwriter Craig Carnelia. This dynamic and empowering arrangement, now available for SATB choir, is a great choice for honor choirs, festivals, conferences, and concert performances.
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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.
