SKU: GI.G-9958

UPC: 785147995807. English. Text Source: From I Loved You First, Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894, alt. Text by Christina Rossetti.

 The English Romantic poet, Christina Rossetti (1830–1894), is chiefly known for her mystic religious lyrics. Her limited number of love poems are mostly of an unhappy nature, rather like objective expressions of happiness denied. A certain steely stoicism within her caused her to turn away from love twice in her lifetime with two separate men. There is no evidence of resolute refusal of love in this poem, however. Here she profusely proclaims her deep love for another. Wayland Rogers has set the last five lines of I Loved You First to music. The setting is an excerpt from his song cycle, I-Thou , which was commissioned and premiered by Fourth Coast Ensemble in Chicago in 2018.  About the Series: Doreen Rao, 2019 Robert Shaw Award recipient, launches her culturally inclusive choral series, Global Encounters for Young Voices, featuring accessible treble- and mixed-voice works for developing choirs.

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: LO.10-5204S

ISBN 9780787763695.

This beautifully crafted anthem of discipleship from Douglas E. Wagner combines the tunes of I Love You, Lord and Jesus Loves Me. The mood throughout is of quiet assurance and comfort.

SKU: OU.9780193561335

ISBN 9780193561335. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATBB unaccompanied By The Way, I Love You is a fun a cappella number that sets words by Garth Bardsley in a big band style. Swing and rhythmic groove is vital to the performance, with the catchy melody held first by the sopranos before passing between the voices, always over a bed of lively scat singing.

SKU: LP.OR-2544

UPC: 765762109506.

Complete parts for accompaniment by live orchestra. Includes full, transposed conductor's score and parts for instruments which you may photocopy (for your church's use only).