SKU: LO.65-2125L
ISBN 9780787789961.
Ballads have been used throughout history to tell a story through music. Pepper Choplin has long used his signature musical voice to tell the meaningful stories of our faith, so itâ??s especially fitting that heâ??s brought the timeless story of Christmas alive once more with The Ballad of Bethlehem. Available for SATB or SAB choirs with rehearsal aids and accompaniment options ranging from piano only to a thrilling full orchestra written by Michael Lawrence to recorded tracks, this stunning cantata dramatically moves from a recollection of ancient prophecies through the quiet manger scene to its joyous conclusion featuring a rousing call to â??Shout with the Shepherds!â? This season, let the folk-like energy of Pepper Choplinâ??s unique voice bring The Ballad of Bethlehem to you and your listeners. â??O sing a ballad of Bethlehem. I want to hear it once more. I love that story so often told to generations before.â?.
SKU: CF.CM9773
ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                            Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                               In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                            If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                     If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                    Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan†should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats†on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.
SKU: AP.50222
UPC: 038081573922. English.
From high school flutist turned pop superstar Lizzo, here's a high-energy hit about self-confidence and accepting the love we deserve. An '80s rock sound drives singers to answer the question: Am I ready to be loved? This powerhouse anthem will leave you feeling energized, uplifted, and ready to dance!
SKU: CF.CM9706
ISBN 9781491160022. UPC: 680160918621. Key: D minor. English. Sara Teasdale, adapted by Meredith Tompkins.
Sara Teasdale was a celebrated American poet who lived at the turn of the twentieth century, known for her classical style and pure, openhearted writing. At the young age of twenty-three, she became a published author and went on to release a total of eight award-winning collections of poetry in her lifetime. Love-Free is a reflective poem that appears in Part I of Rivers to the Sea, published in 1915. In the text, the narrator experiences a range of emotions centering around lost love and the desire to either separate from or rekindle it. Reminiscent of an antique music box, the text is paired with a waltz-like accompaniment in a lilting 3/4 pattern. Melodic exploration of the natural minor scale is achieved through mostly step-wise motion and some carefully placed, text-painted leaps ranging from a minor third to a sixth. With some unison, SA, and SSA sections, this piece can show off the wide array of colors and textures available to treble choirs.Sara Teasdale was a celebrated American poet who lived at the turn of the twentieth century, known for her classical style and pure, openhearted writing. At the young age of twenty-three, she became a published author and went on to release a total of eight award-winning collections of poetry in her lifetime. Love-Free is a reflective poem that appears in Part I of Rivers to the Sea, published in 1915. In the text, the narrator experiences a range of emotions centering around lost love and the desire to either separate from or rekindle it. Reminiscent of an antique music box, the text is paired with a waltz-like accompaniment in a lilting 3/4 pattern. Melodic exploration of the natural minor scale is achieved through mostly step-wise motion and some carefully placed, text-painted leaps ranging from a minor third to a sixth. With some unison, SA, and SSA sections, this piece can show off the wide array of colors and textures available to treble choirs.
SKU: AP.47563
UPC: 038081542560. English.
You are not alone, love will call you home. A theme of love and connection lies at the heart of this stunning piece with words written from father to daughter on the occasion of her graduation. The expressive vocal lines and warm choral harmonies perfectly embody the sincerity of the lyrics. An irresistible, expressive gem in any voicing.
About Alfred Choral Designs
The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.
SKU: HL.275369
UPC: 888680743710. 6.75x10.5 inches.
The Broadway musical Rent changed the face of musical theatre with its relevant topics and contemporary rock music. And here we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ground breaking show. This powerful reprise of “I'll Cover You,” in a pulsing gospel feel, sings of love in real and meaningful ways that will resonate with your students.
SKU: HL.275367
UPC: 888680743703. 6.75x10.5 inches.
SKU: AP.47564
UPC: 038081542577. English.
SKU: HL.102483
UPC: 884088672300. 6.75x10.5x0.157 inches.
Dick Clark and American Bandstand chronicled over three decades of American Rock & Roll music and shaped pop culture history for generations of fans. This 18-minute medley highlights some of the greatest memories in a fast-paced retrospective that will appeal to every audience! In four sections, it is easily adaptable for a variety of performance options and includes choreography by John Jacobson. Songs include: Bandstand Boogie, Rock Around the Clock, That'll Be the Day, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, La Bamba, The Twist, I Get Around, I CanÂ’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), I'm a Believer, For Once in My Life, Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, ABC, Last Dance, Jump (For My Love), We Built This City, Auld Lang Syne.
SKU: XC.1806013
9 x 12 inches.
A reflective text expressing gratitude, an appreciation for personal growth and past experiences, and the idea that even as everything appears to be changing, connections to loved ones will last forever. The gentle musical setting is lovely and easily learned. It's a perfect way to close a year with a humble acknowledgement of the impact that others have had in our lives. Help your students rehearse with the part-dominant MP3 practice tracks, available in a multi-user bundle to share with your whole choir.
SKU: XC.1806012