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.48911

UPC: 038081562353. English.

We will reach out, sing out, make a change. We will show the world what love can do! These empowering lyrics were inspired by thoughts and feelings from amazing young people at a virtual conference held in 2020. Spread the important message with this stirring anthem of hope by stellar composer and youth mentor, Mark Burrows. Starts with a tiny mezzo-soprano seed and blossoms into a full bloom fortissimo. Along the way, intuitive pop rhythms, satisfying harmonies, an especially memorable bridge, a moment of a cappella, and even handclaps help to secure that full finale effect.

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.298185

ISBN 9781540057853. UPC: 888680951238. 6.75x10.5 inches.

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were one of many in the Las Vegas casino scene and made the “rat pack” name famous and beloved. Here is a medley of some of their hits they did individually and as a group in concerts, stage, television and film. The medley, fantastic for mixed as well as men's choirs, includes You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, and Come Fly with Me.

SKU: PR.312419190

ISBN 9781491136225. UPC: 680160688500.

Adolphus Hailstork’s setting of this beloved Christmas Spiritual is a call-and-response dialog, with each verse set in a different way. The work starts with the soprano soloist in the lead, answered by the chorus. In the second stanza, the soloist answers the chorus; the third stanza is set as dialog between the full ensemble’s men and women, followed by a glorious coda.