Songs about finding Comfort in Change

New Pieces that Embrace Change

Our Compose Like a Girl (CLAG) series has a batch of new music for your consideration! Read on for introductions to three new mentees and their CLAG premieres, as well as a few other new selections from established CLAG composers.

The Compose Like a Girl initiative amplifies female-identifying composers, helps conductors diversify their concerts, and works toward more equality in music programming and commissioning.

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We are so happy to welcome A.K. Carroll, Hannah Jensen, and Abigail Lewis to the series! Each one brings something fresh and interesting to the CLAG series.

A.K. Carroll
is a current undergraduate student studying music and psychology at Luther College in Decorah, IA. A pianist from a young age, A.K. most enjoys making music in ensemble settings. She participated in band, choir, jazz band, and chamber singing groups throughout high school, and especially enjoyed touring with the STMA Concert Choir. A.K. now sings in the Luther College Nordic Choir, and recently fell in love with playing the organ. When she’s not making music, A.K. can be found reading a good book, hiking outdoors, spending time with loved ones, or playing with her dogs, George and Charlie.

“Found” for SATB div. choir a cappella
“Found” takes the listener on a gentle journey from despair to hope. The long, sustained lines gradually rise and burst into a reassuring climax before ebbing away into a relaxed cadence. “Found” tells a story of metaphorical sunshine conquering a darkened sky.

From A.K.:
I have always felt at home when singing in a choir. Regardless of what was going on in my life outside of rehearsals, singing with others has a way of bringing me back to myself. I truly cherish this feeling, and I believe that it is one shared by many who sing in community. I began writing “Found” with this idea in mind; that a choir can bring people together in spite of the darkness that we so often encounter in our world.

As I continued writing, I realized that this feeling was about more than just choir. We are wired to seek belonging, and this instinct impacts many areas of our lives. Everyone has bad days, bad weeks, even bad months or years. At times, it may feel as though the difficulties we face are reflective of our personal worth. When you’re surrounded by darkness, it becomes easy to mistake the problems presented by your circumstances with problems stemming from the person you are. We all find ourselves in this place from time to time, and we often need reminding of how worthy we are of goodness and love.

“Found” is about more than just music. We all have something that we find ourselves in–perhaps in hobbies, religion, activities, people, or simply the truths we hold in our own hearts. The ambiguity of the text leaves room for the listener to find themselves in the music. No matter what darkness you face, it is never too late for you to find yourself again.

Hannah Jensen
has been creating and performing music her whole life, and holds degrees in piano performance and music education from Hastings College. Hannah shares her love of music with more than 60 private piano, guitar, and ukulele students through her private studio. When not teaching private lessons, she can be found accompanying choirs and soloists, and working as the founder and executive director of the non-profit, Hastings Community Music Academy. Outside of Nebraska, Hannah has taught music in many areas of the Dominican Republic, and was a head instructor at P.L.A.Y. Music at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Hannah also writes and performs original music, blending heartfelt lyrics with engaging melodies to create meaningful musical experiences.

“Mr. Sun” for Unison choir & Piano
Also available for 2-part treble & 3-part mixed voicings
“Mr. Sun” fills a special niche. A playful, innocent text hides a deeper meaning: the sweet things of life are only temporary. Just as the sun sets, our joys cannot last forever.

From Hannah:
This piece was inspired by my time teaching music in the Dominican Republic—days that were so beautiful and meaningful, I often found myself wishing they didn’t have to end. I originally wrote and recorded it as a solo, (which can be heard on any streaming platform). But over time, this song has taken on new meaning through the people I’ve shared it with.

My husband wants it played at his funeral. My sister-in-law wanted it as the closing to her wedding day with my brother. A dear friend hears it and thinks of her late husband and their beautiful life together. A high school senior asked to sing it at her graduation—a request that transformed the song from a solo into one for choir.

I’m deeply moved by the way these words have resonated differently with each person. It’s an honor to know that this song holds meaning for others. My hope is that it can speak to anyone who sings it—that it brings to mind a place, a person, or a moment in life so cherished, you wish it could have lasted just a little longer.

Abigail Lewis
is a composer based in Dallas–Fort Worth, currently studying at the University of North Texas. Her works are a testament to nature and to human emotion. By the age of 19, Abigail has premiered 13 works, including performances by ensembles such as Inversion Ensemble and the Choral Arts Initiative. Abigail’s first published piece was released at age 19, a milestone in her early career.

“Unlost” for SATB choir, Vibraphone & Piano
“Unlost” pulses with a wandering heart, searching for peace amidst the constant changes of life. A play on words, to be “unlost” is to be found. The vibraphone suggests this inversion of meanings, almost like a mysterious reflection of the piano.

From Abigail:
It’s about leaving a familiar place, and the fear that comes along with that; we ask: will I be forgotten? This piece was written for the Austin-based new music organization Inversion Ensemble and is set to a beautiful poem by a good friend of mine, Riley Craig. Riley and I have known each other since 7th grade when we met in choir. The text and music for “Unlost” were written in the spring and summer of 2024, when both of us were graduating high school. For us, graduation meant leaving home and planting new roots elsewhere. People often fear leaving their places of solace; “Unlost” is an acknowledgement of that fear of the unknown. It’s encouragement that despite the change in your life, the good that you have done for others will leave a lasting impact. “The flowers may forget your face, but they will remember your heart.”

New Works

Check out these other new works by established CLAG composers!

What Sweet Love
SATB & Piano
Also for SSA & TTB
This song dances with dynamic meter and tempo changes. The diatonic harmonies and lack of divisi make the piece easy to learn, but the legato textures and key changes will keep the singers on their toes.

I’ll Love You Every Moment
SATB div. choir a cappella
A lovely, unaccompanied partsong suited for any mixed choir. The message is one of gentle yet powerful love. The piece involves silence to emphasize important passages in the text, leaving space for thought and contemplation.

A refresher on what CLAG is all about:

Encouragement

More female-identifying people should feel empowered and resourced to compose choral music!

Conversation

Did you know there is a CLAG podcast, hosted by Jocelyn Hagen? The podcast covers a rich diversity of topics, and it’s for everyone! (Not just for composers who identify as female.) Check it out for your next road trip—your kids will love it! “Mom, Dad, can we please listen to more choral podcasts??”

Mentorship

Jocelyn has mentored women composers at all stages of their career – a great gift to the choral community. Two of this newsletter’s featured composers were some of Jocelyn’s first mentees, and now they are publishing their first pieces!