SKU: HL.143361
UPC: 888680055547. 6.75x10.5 inches.
From the British singer/songwriter Sam Smith, this pop ballad found major chart success across the globe. With a message of heartache and loss, this piano-driven track features simple, emotional lyrics that will resonate with choirs and audiences everywhere.
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: CF.CM9718
ISBN 9781491160978. UPC: 680160919574. Key: D major. English. Manmohan Ghose.
Manmohan Ghose was a professor, poet, and brilliant scholar from Eastern India in the late 19th century. He was educated in London, and was one of the first poets originally from India to publish poetry in English. A Lament is one of his earliest published poems; it progresses with vivid, scenic language from lullaby to permanent goodbye. Much later in life, Manmohan experienced a series of family tragedies that gave him a unique perspective on grief. After returning to India to mourn his father's death and eventually the passing of his wife, he never again made it back to England as he had wished to before his own death. The text of this piece has been paired with a mixolydian modal structure and a blend of musical elements designed to invoke a nostalgic, dream-like atmosphere. In the words of the composer: I like to think of this piece as a metaphorical hall of mirrors. The original 'image' of the melody becomes the source for multiple echoes and imitations that blossom into layers of polyphonic movement. As a nod to the poet's birth place, notes reminiscent of the kan-swar grace note technique of Hindustani classical music add ornamental interest to the piano and voices. This piece functions as an excellent educational introduction or further study into the concept of modes. When presenting this piece to a choir, directors may find it helpful to identify G as the tonal center and follow up with an explanation that G mixolydian has the same key signature as the key of C, because it naturally has no sharps or flats.Manmohan Ghose was a professor, poet, and brilliant scholar from Eastern India in the late 19th century. He was educated in London, and was one of the first poets originally from India to publish poetry in English. “A Lament†is one of his earliest published poems; it progresses with vivid, scenic language from lullaby to permanent goodbye. Much later in life, Manmohan experienced a series of family tragedies that gave him a unique perspective on grief. After returning to India to mourn his father’s death and eventually the passing of his wife, he never again made it back to England as he had wished to before his own death. The text of this piece has been paired with a mixolydian modal structure and a blend of musical elements designed to invoke a nostalgic, dream-like atmosphere. In the words of the composer: “I like to think of this piece as a metaphorical hall of mirrors. The original ‘image’ of the melody becomes the source for multiple echoes and imitations that blossom into layers of polyphonic movement.†As a nod to the poet’s birth place, notes reminiscent of the kan-swar grace note technique of Hindustani classical music add ornamental interest to the piano and voices. This piece functions as an excellent educational introduction or further study into the concept of modes. When presenting this piece to a choir, directors may find it helpful to identify G as the tonal center and follow up with an explanation that G mixolydian has the same key signature as the key of C, because it naturally has no sharps or flats.
SKU: CF.CM9747
ISBN 9781491162354. UPC: 680160921102. Key: E lydian. English. The Vastness of the Universe Jonas Hallgrimsson (1807-1845).
About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.About Jónas HalgrÃmsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself. Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
SKU: AP.48459
UPC: 038081552828. English.
I'm not givin' up . . . no, not yet. This lead single from Andy Grammer's album Naive is featured in the movie Five Feet Apart and gained YouTube fame among choir directors after Grammer's personal visit to PS22 in New York City. The lyrics speak of the power of friendship, the strength to fight, and the importance of support during difficult times. The catchy, syncopated chorus (with optional handclaps) makes great use of stacked harmony. Use the SoundTrax CD, or add guitar, bass, and drums to build your own band!
About Alfred Pop Choral Series
The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.
SKU: CF.CM9585
ISBN 9781491154076. UPC: 680160912575. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: G major. English. Original.
Good friends see the best in us. They tend to downplay our faults while applauding our strengths. In short, they encourage us to be the best we can be, maybe even a little more. The text of Paint Me was born out of the desire to be that person my best friend thinks I am. To Mary Jo, my sister and best friend. May I really be that person you see and love. In setting the text of Paint Me to music, I tried to let the cadence of the words dictate the rhythm of the music. Use rubato, word stress and syllabic stress to enhance this. Remember, no two eighth notes are alike, so dont be afraid to let the interior part of a phrase move along, while relaxing the beginning and ending. I would recommend a straight tone as opposed to vibrato for the held notes, since the accompaniment plays around with other harmonies while choral chords are being held. Diction is so important in this song. You have a great opportunity to paint the words, as well as making every idea understood. Enjoy adding the color and shading to make this piece of art your own.Good friends see the best in us. They tend to downplay our faults while applauding our strengths. In short, they encourage us to be the best we can be, maybe even a little more. The text of Paint MeA was born out of the desire to be that person my best friend thinks I am. To Mary Jo, my sister and best friend. May I really be that person you see and love. In setting the text of Paint Me to music, I tried to let the cadence of the words dictate the rhythm of the music. Use rubato, word stress and syllabic stress to enhance this. Remember, no two eighth notes are alike, so donat be afraid to let the interior part of a phrase move along, while relaxing the beginning and ending. I would recommend a straight tone as opposed to vibrato for the held notes, since the accompaniment plays around with other harmonies while choral chords are being held. Diction is so important in this song. You have a great opportunity to apainta the words, as well as making every idea understood. Enjoy adding the color and shading to make this piece of art your own.Good friends see the best in us. They tend to downplay our faults while applauding our strengths. In short, they encourage us to be the best we can be, maybe even a little more. The text of Paint Me was born out of the desire to be that person my best friend thinks I am. To Mary Jo, my sister and best friend. May I really be that person you see and love. In setting the text of Paint Me to music, I tried to let the cadence of the words dictate the rhythm of the music. Use rubato, word stress and syllabic stress to enhance this. Remember, no two eighth notes are alike, so don't be afraid to let the interior part of a phrase move along, while relaxing the beginning and ending. I would recommend a straight tone as opposed to vibrato for the held notes, since the accompaniment plays around with other harmonies while choral chords are being held. Diction is so important in this song. You have a great opportunity to paint the words, as well as making every idea understood. Enjoy adding the color and shading to make this piece of art your own.Good friends see the best in us. They tend to downplay our faults while applauding our strengths. In short, they encourage us to be the best we can be, maybe even a little more. The text of Paint Me was born out of the desire to be that person my best friend thinks I am. To Mary Jo, my sister and best friend. May I really be that person you see and love. In setting the text of Paint Me to music, I tried to let the cadence of the words dictate the rhythm of the music. Use rubato, word stress and syllabic stress to enhance this. Remember, no two eighth notes are alike, so don't be afraid to let the interior part of a phrase move along, while relaxing the beginning and ending. I would recommend a straight tone as opposed to vibrato for the held notes, since the accompaniment plays around with other harmonies while choral chords are being held. Diction is so important in this song. You have a great opportunity to paint the words, as well as making every idea understood. Enjoy adding the color and shading to make this piece of art your own.Good friends see the best in us. They tend to downplay our faults while applauding our strengths. In short, they encourage us to be the best we can be, maybe even a little more. The text of Paint Me was born out of the desire to be that person my best friend thinks I am.To Mary Jo, my sister and best friend. May I really be that person you see and love.In setting the text of Paint Me to music, I tried to let the cadence of the words dictate the rhythm of the music. Use rubato, word stress and syllabic stress to enhance this. Remember, no two eighth notes are alike, so don’t be afraid to let the interior part of a phrase move along, while relaxing the beginning and ending. I would recommend a straight tone as opposed to vibrato for the held notes, since the accompaniment plays around with other harmonies while choral chords are being held. Diction is so important in this song. You have a great opportunity to “paint†the words, as well as making every idea understood.Enjoy adding the color and shading to make this piece of art your own.
SKU: HL.371969
ISBN 9781705148563. UPC: 196288014638. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.
In 2012, Jimmy Fallon started a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show†in which The Roots use classroom instruments to play pop songs with celebrity guests. These skilled musicians pull off engaging performances using instruments many people don't take seriously beyond the elementary music room. Nathan Howe has continued his musical genius in a cappella writing with this pop tune sung a cappella with classroom percussion. It's amazing and fun and suitable for all ages with the variety of voicings available. The choral also includes notes on different ways to teach, learn, and perform the piece and all the percussion parts are included as a free download.
SKU: HL.371971
ISBN 9781705148587. UPC: 196288014652. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.
