Creating Transformational Experiences: Repertoire

I’m in the process of finalizing the program for the Advent/Christmas Concert at my church. While it’s not 100% confirmed, the working title of the concert is Journey Through Darkness and Light. The ultimate goal is to provide a space for people to collectively stop, pause, and reflect on their faith through Advent/Christmas music, readings, and visual art. Chancel Choir (Adults), Chancel Ringers (Adult Handbell Choir), Youth Choir (grades 6 – 12), and Children’s Choir (grades 1 – 5) will participate, along with a hired string quintet. Typically, I would find a way to combine all ensembles. However, this year, due to the pandemic, I am limiting that aspect of the concert. For example, Chancel Choir will sing a few selections with the string quintet, but not sing with the Children’s or Youth Choirs.

From my perspective, repertoire is one of the key determining factors whether or not an ensemble is successful. For the concert, I decided to repeat a few more pieces than I typically would. I also dialed down on the difficulty level and chose choral music with more limited ranges in all parts. I believe so much in the intent of the concert that I want to do my part to ensure that all performers are emotionally engaged and not thinking too much about the technical aspects of the repertoire.

As a result, for today’s post, I thought I would share and review a taste of some of the repertoire I’ve programmed in case it would be of help to any of you.

Handbells

Lo, How a Rose arr. Cathy Moklebust, Choristers Guild CGB843. 3, 4, or 5 octaves, L2+.

https://www.choristersguild.org/store/cgb843-lo-how-a-rose-full-score/2080/

I conducted this anthem during the Christmas Concert at my church in 2019. One of the wonderful aspects of this piece is its flexibility. It can be rung with just bells, or a combination of bells and organ or strings. Two years ago, I used both organ and strings. Conducting it was a very moving experience and I’m glad to revisit the piece again this year. It’s a wonderful piece to work on legato ringing, dynamics, and rubato.

The King Shall Come arr. Cathy Moklebust, Choristers Guild, CGB690 (2-3 octaves) or CGB691 (3, 4, 5, or 6 octaves). L2.

https://www.choristersguild.org/store/cgb691-the-king-shall-come-3-4-5-or-6-octaves/4382/

This is another piece that is great to work on legato ringing, dynamics, and rubato. There are optional chime tree, suspended cymbal, and finger cymbal parts. However, the piece is lovely without the percussion parts. It’s based on a powerful hymn of the same name as the handbell arrangement.

Vocal Choir

Light of Hope by Mark Patterson. Unison with piano and optional handbells or handchimes.

https://www.choristersguild.org/store/cga1552-light-of-hope/8096/

This collection contains three pieces that cover Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. The Children’s Choir I direct is working on the first two anthems. Each has an optional part for 4 or 5 handbells or handchimes. Although each anthem is short, there is a lot to teach in terms of the church year, music literacy, technique, and expressive singing.

Jesus, What a Wonderful Child arr. Rollo Dilworth. SAB with piano and optional trumpets, bass, and drums.

https://www.jwpepper.com/10515981.item#.YXd0STZKjeo

Fortunately this piece is available in multiple voicings. My Youth Choir is working on the SAB voicing. It would also be suitable for an Adult Choir with limited numbers of tenors and basses. It’s great for teaching style, dynamics, and expressive singing.

O Emmanuel by Karen Marrolli. SATB with piano and violin.

https://www.ecspublishing.com/catalog/product/view/id/74331/s/o-emmanuel/

This anthem is a setting of the tune STAR IN THE EAST in a text by the composer while also referencing the hymn text by Reginald Heber. The violin part captures the yearning for light and healing that the text references. While it is composed in SATB voicing, there are some sections in unison. This is a moving piece with accessible vocal lines. This is a piece the Chancel Choir is singing during the concert.

Walk in the Light arr. Andre Thomas. SATB with piano.

https://www.choristersguild.org/store/cga1063-walk-in-the-light-satb/3514/

This is a joyful piece that also has a Unison/two-part voicing (CGA1062). In the past, I’ve combined Adult, Children’s, and Youth Choirs. This year, the Chancel Choir will be singing it during the concert. It is an energetic and joyful anthem that focuses on Jesus as the light of the world.

Although there are so many current challenging situations, I have found great joy working on this repertoire with my ensembles. As it gets closer to the concert, I’ll share more of the repertoire I’ve planned, as well as other aspects of the program. What Advent and Christmas music are you most excited about this season? Feel free to share in the comment section!