SKU: CF.CM9787

ISBN 9781491164587. UPC: 680160923496. Key: D major. English. Original.

The text for the first voicing (SSA) of this piece came to me in the fall of 2020 while teaching at Crosby High School in Crosby, Texas. My students, though enthusiastic to be back in Choir, were struggling to cope with the civil unrest around them, in addition to the pandemic. When considering how I could help them navigate this time, I realized that they were in need of some sort of consistency, of feeling grounded in themselves. As we  focused on building of community and citizenship, this text and tune came to mind, each phrase highlighting an element of personal and community wellness.I lead with my spirit keeping love in the circle around me. (Social)Expressing my spirit (Occupational)Loving what I can see and cannot see, I'll take care of the vessel I am in (Physical)I love with me that's under the skin (Emotional)Taking care of my mind (Intellectual)Envisioning the me I want to be (Spiritual)I had the honor of collaborating with composer/educator Saleel Menon to create the beautiful piano accompaniment and SATB setting.Who I Want To Be opens with a solo functioning as a mantra throughout the tune. As the piece continues, voices join in unison and harmony to emphasize the intent.When the repeats in mm. 48–51 occur, invite students to share some of their own mantras and affirmations, or feel free to borrow from the words my students in the Crosby HS choir inspired me to write:Allow yourself graceI am persistentI am fragile, not brokenYou are worthyI am worthyI know that your success is not my demise!The only validation I need is my ownI believe in myselfI see youIt’s okay to not be okayBreatheI love and I am lovedPrepare yourself for not only a powerful performance, but a rewarding experience and conversations with your students.THIS is the piece you want stuck in your students’ heads!~CRM.

SKU: XC.HRMG2150

UPC: 785147105053. English.

A powerful message of hope, this simply set original text is easy to learn and provides great opportunities for expressive singing. Carefully prepared suspensions add harmonic interest to the straightforward rhythms. A favorite with choirs and audiences alike. “The world is cold and bleak and harsh, the night is dark, the wind is strong. But I feel safe here in your arms where I am warm and held and loved.”  .

SKU: HL.345808

UPC: 840126920741. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches. I John 4:8, John 15:9, Titus 3:4-7.

It is love at first listen with this stunning new setting of a beloved hymn of hope. Unison singing delivers the theme and first verse. The second stanza adds a vocal orchestration that creates a lovely sonic ambience. The anthem continues to grow in choral texture with enchanting moments of word painting and lush vocal adornments. After a final key change and a soaring obbligato, the piece recedes to a whispered ending and a final spiritual affirmation.