New Publications

On September 30, 2021, I sold my first 5 copies of the Christmas Cantata!

It’s called “New Wine in Old Wineskins – Ten Christmas Carols Set to New Tunes”

Anyone who purchases 5 copies of “Old Wine in New Wineskins” in either the Print version or the Electronic Version, has permission to reproduce as many copies as you need for performance of the work by your organization.  With this purchase you also have permission, royalty free, to record, reproduce and sell or give away copies of the performance to people in your organization. (Church, school, club etc.)

Five copies (minimum order) costs $105. I receive 50% of the payment for every digital sale of 5 copies ($52.50) and 25% of the payment for every printed sale of 5 copies. ($26.25). For every sale, my wife and I have decided to donate 50% of what we receive ($26.50 digital and $13.16 printed) to Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit that invites people to come in and pack meals that are sent all over the world to help the hungry. Learn more about them at
http://fmsc.org

If you would like to see and hear the cantata, it is at
https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welcome.jsp
and in the search bar type kemppainen

If you click the little page icon under the word “preview”
you and both see and hear the score, though you have
to scroll to keep up with the music.
There is also a pause button if you wish to stop and read the Christmas carol histories.

A popular tune published in 1919, How Ya Gonna Keep Em Down on the Farm is now available as an SATB score with piano.

Choral directors: Interested in performing this? It runs ~2:40 and is easy and fun to sing.

Usage is 100% free for non-commercial use. The score, live performance and part demos can be reviewed and downloaded from https://www.free-scores.com/sheetmusic?p=aE11nTJn6a  No membership or login is needed to do this.

Thanks

Charles Davis

In many choral music circles Tracy Wong needs no introduction. Her piece “Wau Bulan” has been tremendously popular for a few years now. We here at Cypress Choral Music publishing stumbled upon this delightful video of Tracy’s “Ikan Kekek” featuring the students of St. Jospeh’s Private School Chamber Choir in Kuching, Malaysia. Enjoy!

Available at Cypress Choral Music Publishing

Tracy Wong

A new book by Dean D. VonDras, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Scott F. Madey, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Shippensburg University has just been released: “Music, Wellness, and Aging: Defining, Directing, and Celebrating Life” (Cambridge University Press, 2021).  This book will be of interest to all choral communities.

As described by the publisher: “This definitive account of the intersection between music, wellness, and aging explores deeper aspects of human nature and later life.”

As Professor VonDras elaborates, co-authored with Scott F. Madey, Ph.D., in writing this book we were inspired by the music that we had listened to and played, and sought to elucidate how music intersects with wellness and aging in such a way that it becomes a powerful force that defines, directs, and celebrates our living. It is our hope that the book will provide further insight and broaden the discussion about the power of music to tell us about ourselves, and the many different understandings that may be grasped. And, it is our most fervent hope, that the reader will seek out opportunities to listen to and make music, move and dance to its rhythms and sounds, and in so doing find comfort, inspiration, and joy in music!

Editorial Reviews from Cambridge University Press:

‘Occasionally we encounter a book that transmits not only knowledge, but also touches upon a deeper level of personal experience. The authors share a history of living with music. They help us reconnect with music, which will endure, with its inspiring, comforting, and reconciling presence.’ – Jan Baars, Extraordinary Professor of Aging, University of Humanistic Studies, Netherlands

‘This book is a joy to read. In clear, compelling language, the authors explain the pathways by which music brings coherence, joy, healing, and growth to our lives. Packed with evidence and personal stories, the volume is a fabulous achievement and a significant addition to the field.’ – Andrea Creech, Professor of Music Pedagogy, McGill University, Canada

‘This is an extraordinary treatise on the impact of music and aging on our lives. The authors achieve a beautiful balance between humanism, science, and spirituality in a writing style that is universally accessible. The book is an inspiring guide to achieving balance and wellness in oneself and society.’ – J. Todd Frazier, Director of the System Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, USA

‘The authors have masterfully examined complex topics, presenting insightful research and demonstrating music’s unique ability to positively influence wellness throughout the aging process. Professional and recreational musicians seeking a broader understanding of music’s transformative characteristics will benefit from this impactful resource.’ – Susan Hochmiller, Assistant Professor of Voice, Gettysburg College, USA

This clever book explains music and music therapy through a scientific lens and personal stories. It provides intriguing insights and an optimistic view on aging and personal growth. What a gift!’ – Hanne Mette Ridder, Professor of Music Therapy, Aalborg University, Denmark

‘Warning: this book may inspire you to dust off an old musical instrument, join a choir or unearth your vinyl collection…’ – Katie Overy, Director of the Music in Human and Social Development Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Scotland

‘This is a major study which develops a compelling argument for the importance of music in promoting health and wellbeing. The authors provide a stimulating and original argument about the transformative power of music. It is an important reference for academics and practitioners alike.’ – Chris Phillipson, Professor of Sociology and Sociology Gerontology, University of Manchester, UK

‘The authors have managed to weave current social issues and scientific, philosophical, spiritual, and psychological literature together into one magnificent symphony. It is a beautiful homage to the power of music. This is a truly wonderful source for both scholars and music lovers!’ – Toru Sato, Professor of Psychology, Shippensburg University, USA

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Access other information about the book through the following links:

Trailer: “Music, Wellness, and Aging: Defining, Directing, and Celebrating Life” – YouTube

Listening Guide to “Music, Wellness, and Aging” – YouTube

Music wellness and aging defining directing and celebrating life | Developmental psychology | Cambridge University Press

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I’m a choral composer based in the UK, and along with many other composers attended the virtual ACDA Conference earlier this year. There was a page on the conference website that contained profiles of a large number of subscribing composers – which I believe is still accessible to conference participants. This page lists works, with links to recordings and videos. It was my impression as a contributor that not many people accessed this page at the time, as the conference had so much other interesting and absorbing content. My own profile (Gordon Thornett) included a range of Christmas pieces, some published in the UK by Oxford University Press, some self-published. If you are still looking for a new setting for a Christmas concert or carol service – for mixed choir (SATB), upper voices (SSA) or children’s choir – please do take a look. The pieces are very accessible. I’ve also listed most of them on my website, newcarols.com. Clicking on any title will take you straight to a recording or live video of a performance.