Meetin’ Music for TTBB

Contributing Editor: Jonathan Campbell

Choral music is about people coming together and singing as a group—meeting! Social distancing means we can’t sing together for a while, but it also stirs in us an appreciation for the communal aspect of making music. We’re happy at Graphite to distribute a music series by Cantus in our Marketplace that features one of their big hits: “There’s A Meeting Here Tonight.” It’s a blast for young TB voices to sing and a sure crowd-pleaser. This arrangement was arranged collaboratively by members of Cantus.

Cantus perform “There’s a Meeting Here Tonight” at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

“There is a Meeting Here Tonight” stems from social singing in the U.S. and exudes a feeling of “Americana.” It would pair wonderfully with Susan Brumfield’s gorgeous arrangement “No Time,” based on an American “traditional camp meeting song.” It’s scored for TTBB and piano. I’ve both sung this and conducted it on several occasions; it’s a rare example of a piece that’s equally rewarding to sing, conduct, and experience as an audience member. Side note—it also works in the other arrangements for mixed or treble voices.

To round out a set of TTBB music rooted in the American religious-folk tradition, consider J. David Moore’s popular setting of “Down to the River to Pray,” popularized by the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou.” It’s a straight-forward homophonic setting—easy to learn, satisfying to sing, and enjoyable for audiences.

These and more great arrangements below:

About the composers

Recognized for their artistic excellence and musical versatility, the eight members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, allowing audiences to experience a direct connection to the singers. Committed to a cappella presentation of significant music, Cantus is renowned for adventurous programming spanning many periods and genres, including newly commissioned work. The ensemble enjoys a vigorous schedule of international touring, concerts in its home of Minneapolis/St. Paul, educational outreach programs and recording.

J. David Moore is a composer, arranger, conductor, teacher, and Southerner who has lived in the Upper Midwest for most of his life. His music has been called “endlessly inventive,” “glorious…haunting…breathtaking,” and “joyous…wild and elemental.” He publishes through his company Fresh Ayre Music and is the founder and conductor of The First Readings Project, a chamber choir that acts as a resource for composers in the development and promotion of new work. He lives with his wife Anna in Minneapolis, where he bakes bread, drinks tea, and is distracted by beauty.

Our Contributing Editor

Jonathan Campbell received his B.A. from Luther College in 1998, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota in 2002, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting in 2015 at North Dakota State University. As a composer, Jon has received numerous awards and commissions, including a Faith Partner’s Residency through the American Composer’s Forum, as well as first place in the Morningstar College Choral Composition Festival. From 2004-2012, Jon conducted the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota Chorale and in the spring of 2011, served as interim director of choral activities at Winona State University. At Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN he recently served as faculty conductor of the Cedar Singers male chorus and the Masterworks Chorale. Jon is founder and was artistic director of the Minnesota Renaissance Choir, and is currently Director of Music and Fine Arts at Claremont United Church of Christ and Lecturer in Music at Pomona College, both in Claremont, CA.