Healing, Coming Together, And Celebrating Our Shared Experience

Contributing Editor: Jonathan Campbell

This article includes music themed for issues of healing and uniting as a common people. Sometimes we focus too much on what divides us instead of what unites us. Music and art have always served the public good in calling out truths and challenging us to be better, more empathetic people. We hope some of these pieces might bring healing and hope to your community.

SATB

“Holding the Light”

B.E. Boykin

SATB and piano

Difficulty:

The story Boykin tells in “Holding the Light” is one of healing and finding metaphorical light in the global community. Her piano accompaniments urge the singers on, representing time and providing momentum.

 

“Belong”

Jocelyn Hagen

SATB, piano

Difficulty:

Nothing brings a group of people together quite like singing. “Belong” celebrates this act, which is so important for many people. Choir is a safe place, for people to feel like they belong ~ young or old, rich or poor, LBGTQ+. This incredible text by poet Marisha Chamberlain focuses on what “you” and “I” can do to create a sense of community, even if that very community is being challenged or facing hardship.

 

“O, that I had Wings like a Dove”

Jon Strommen Campbell

SATB (div.) a cappella

Difficulty:

A sustained, expressive piece, filled with longing for peace. This work is harmonically rich and romantic. The simple text is universal in its appeal for the troubled soul to find rest from turmoil.

 

“Coffee Calling”

J. David Moore

SATTB a cappella or SSAA a cappella

Difficulty:

An original doo-wop, written as a promotion for Dunn Brothers Coffee Shops in the Twin Cities. Easily turned into a general paean to the loving cup with the substitution of a few words. Favorite line: “two hours work in ten seconds flat/Decaf drinkers can’t do that.”

SSAA

“I Sing of the Northland”

Eric William Barnum

SA div., piano

Difficulty:

A genuine and poignant, natural text set with long rolling melodies and approachable, enjoyable harmonies. A contemporary style piano accompaniment shines and the piece concludes full of joy and revere. A wonderful piece for young choir, or even a more advanced treble ensemble looking for a dramatic pastoral work with a sweeping, cinematic flare.

 

“Call”

Joan Szymko

SSAA a cappella, taiko drums (2) or low/high calf skin drums

Difficulty:

Waking and rising to the call for conscious engagement around widespread gender imbalance in matters of education, economics and politics and spiritual leadership.

 

“In Her Image”

Katerina Gimon

SSAA a cappella, with divisi

Difficulty:

At its core, “In Her Image” is a celebration of sisterhood as well as an exploration of individuality within a collective. Mirroring the text written by poet Lauren Peat and the journey of self-discovery it describes, the music evokes a sense of curiosity, longing, reflection, and continual growth – with folk-like melodies, interweaving lines, and gradual textural transformation.

 

TTBB

“Been in the Storm”

arr. Cantus

TTBB a cappella, solo

Difficulty:

Raw emotion drives the pacing of this spiritual arrangement. A strong solo voice leads the singers, and blues-inspired harmonies pervade the accompaniment. “Been in the Storm” offers an introspective, prayerful moment in your concert program.

 

“America Will Be!”

Paul John Rudoi

TTBB a cappella

Difficulty:

“America Will Be!” is a theatrical work for men’s voices, based on Langston Hughes’ eye-opening “Let America Be America Again,” focusing on the importance of listening, learning, and changing from those often forgotten around us. Set as a journey through complacency, confrontation, realization, acceptance, and action, audiences and choirs alike will find hope within Hughes’ statements alongside Paul John Rudoi’s passionate setting.

 

“You Find Yourself Here”

Dale Trumbore

TTBB a cappella, also available for SATB or SSAA.

Difficulty:

This vibrant piece is about the moments when a single experience reshapes you: you visit a place, meet a new person, or learn something new about yourself you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. This fast-paced piece builds to a climactic ending and is often programmed as a concert-closer.

 

Our Contributing Editor

Jonathan Campbell, BA, MSM, DMA, currently serves as Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, MN., and is a Contributing Editor for Graphite Publishing. His music publishers include Augsburg Fortress, Concordia, Morningstar, GIA, Sacred Music Press, and Falls House. He won first prize in the Morningside Choral Composition Contest and was also awarded a Faith Partner’s Residency with the American Composer’s Forum. Jonathan has served many churches, conducted the Chorale of the Honors Choirs S.E. MN for eight years, and has served on the faculties of Winona State University, Augsburg University, and Pomona College.