Greetings from the dog days of summer. I’m writing to share four new pieces for Mixed Choirs! Themes of resilience, learning from one another, and finding common ground ripple through these selections.
- “We Make it Home” is about embracing resilience, connection, and hope even in the face of loss and change;
- “American Dream” is reminding me that hope, unity, and reconciliation are possible;
- “Phoenix” is a fiery piece that emphasizes the importance of working through pain to find beauty in rebirth;
- And “What Do the Trees Know?” is an imaginative portrayal of swaying limbs and fluttering leaves (and a great option for beginning choirs!)
Featured
We Make it Home
Voicing: SATB div. choir and piano
Duration: 6 Minutes
Difficulty: 4 (Medium Difficult)
Poet/Lyricist: Julia Klatt Singer
We Make it Home offers a meditation on the meaning of home. Through rich harmonies and expressive phrasing, the music embraces themes of resilience, belonging, and shared humanity. Even in the face of loss and change, the piece affirms that home can be found in memory, in connection, and in the hope we carry forward.
American Dream
Voicing: SATB Choir and Piano
Duration: 5-10 Minutes
Difficulty: 4 (Medium Difficult)
Poet/Lyricist: Julia Klatt Singer
I commissioned this poem from my friend Julia Klatt Singer, who brought together all the beauty of the flowers across the United States into one bouquet, rich in color and diversity. This diversity should be celebrated, and we should honor the differences in each other. I believe that most Americans also believe this to be true. Singing this song will remind us of that truth.
Phoenix
Voicing: SATB div. Choir, Cello, Piano
Duration: 3-5 Minutes
Difficulty: 4 (Medium Difficult)
This piece begins in the pain of rebirth and grief, but leads to an unexpected, sweet climax. Contrapuntal writing and a virtuosic cello part bring drama and excitement! Take a listen and follow along with the score.
Premiere performance recording of “Phoenix” from August 4, 2023 by Isthmus Vocal Ensemble.
Dr. Michael McGaghie, conductor
Vincent Fuh, pianist
Mark Bridges, cellist
What Do the Trees Know?
Voicing: 3-part Mixed Choir and Piano
Duration: 3-5 Minutes
Difficulty: 2 (Medium Easy)
“What Do the Trees Know” imaginatively portrays swaying limbs and fluttering leaves. Trees are wise too: they patiently grow and endure wind. They stay rooted to the ground and lean into the wind, all the while silently producing buds for the next season. The music flows and changes with the text, sometimes like swaying branches in the wind, or hard and accented like an oak. Singers will enjoy exploring the various interpretations.
Enjoy the rest of your summer break!
~ Jocelyn
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.