SKU: PR.312419280

ISBN 9781491137925. UPC: 680160692613.

Terra Nostra focuses on the relationship between our planet and mankind, how this relationship has shifted over time, and how we can re-establish a harmonious balance. The oratorio is divided into three parts:Part I: Creation of the World celebrates the birth and beauty of our planet. The oratorio begins with creation myths from India, North America, and Egypt that are integrated into the opening lines of Genesis from the Old Testament. The music surges forth from these creation stories into “God’s World” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, which describes the world in exuberant and vivid detail. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “On thine own child” praises Mother Earth for her role bringing forth all life, while Walt Whitman sings a love song to the planet in “Smile O voluptuous cool-breathed earth!” Part I ends with “A Blade of Grass” in which Whitman muses how our planet has been spinning in the heavens for a very long time.Part II: The Rise of Humanity examines the achievements of mankind, particularly since the dawn of the Industrial Age. Lord Alfred Tennyson’s “Locksley Hall” sets an auspicious tone that mankind is on the verge of great discoveries. This is followed in short order by Charles Mackay’s “Railways 1846,” William Ernest Henley’s “A Song of Speed,” and John Gillespie Magee, Jr.’s “High Flight,” each of which celebrates a new milestone in technological achievement. In “Binsey Poplars,” Gerard Manley Hopkins takes note of the effect that these advances are having on the planet, with trees being brought down and landscapes forever changed. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “A Dirge” concludes Part II with a warning that the planet is beginning to sound a grave alarm.Part III: Searching for Balance questions how we can create more awareness for our planet’s plight, re-establish a deeper connection to it, and find a balance for living within our planet’s resources. Three texts continue the earth’s plea that ended the previous section: Lord Byron’s “Darkness” speaks of a natural disaster (a volcano) that has blotted out the sun from humanity and the panic that ensues; contemporary poet Esther Iverem’s “Earth Screaming” gives voice to the modern issues of our changing climate; and William Wordsworth’s “The World Is Too Much With Us” warns us that we are almost out of time to change our course. Contemporary/agrarian poet Wendell Berry’s “The Want of Peace” speaks to us at the climax of the oratorio, reminding us that we can find harmony with the planet if we choose to live more simply, and to recall that we ourselves came from the earth. Two Walt Whitman texts (“A Child said, What is the grass?” and “There was a child went forth every day”) echo Berry’s thoughts, reminding us that we are of the earth, as is everything that we see on our planet. The oratorio concludes with a reprise of Whitman’s “A Blade of Grass” from Part I, this time interspersed with an additional Whitman text that sublimely states, “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love…”My hope in writing this oratorio is to invite audience members to consider how we interact with our planet, and what we can each personally do to keep the planet going for future generations. We are the only stewards Earth has; what can we each do to leave her in better shape than we found her?

SKU: CF.CM9713

ISBN 9781491160084. UPC: 680160918683. Key: G major. English. Robert Bode. Original.

The piece was commissioned by Kevin Scully, Director of Creative Arts, for the Port Washington School District, New York, with special thanks to the Ed Foundation and HEARTS for their unwavering support. Performance Notes This lighthearted piece is a great way to bring multiple choirs together in harmony. It may be sung by a single SATB choir, though it is intended to be performed by multiple choirs of varying age levels. Song of the Sound was written for an all-district feeder festival piece for combined elementary, middle level, and high school choirs. Here is a suggested outline for combining multiple choirs: Rehearsal Letters A to B: Elementary choir only (two-part, Soprano, Alto) Rehearsal Letter B: add Middle Level Soprano, Alto with Elementary choir Rehearsal Letter C: Middle Level choir only Rehearsal Letter D: High School choir only Rehearsal Letter E to the end: Everyone! Song of the Sound: Running on the beach, digging in the sand, Seaweed in my toes, bucket in my hand. When I'm at the shore, way above the rest, These are all the things that I love the best. Skipping like a stone on the water, diving deep in the silvery foam, Swimming far where the land cannot hold us, where the lighthouse calls us home. Flying free above the marshes, soaring high above the sea, Where the tern and cormorant and plover call to lands we cannot see.Come let us go to the water, let us go to the singing shore: Where the gentle breezes whisper and the mighty breakers roar. We will look to the shining ocean, to the East, where the new day dawned: We will sing a song of the edge of the world and the waiting sky beyond. -Poem by Robert Bode (Hope Springs Retreat Center, Ohio. August 2019) About the Composer: Jacob Narverud (b. 1986) is an American composer, arranger, and conductor. Dr. Narverud is an active guest Conductor/Clinician for Choral Festivals and All-State Choirs across the country and is the Founder/Artistic Director of the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, a professional ensemble comprised of musicians from across the Great Plains. As a sought-after composer, Narverud has been commissioned to write new works for a variety of choral ensembles and organizations. Many of his Editors' Choirs compositions are publisher Best Sellers and are performed worldwide by choirs of all levels. Website: www.jnarverud.com YouTube & Spotify: @jacobnarverud.
The piece was commissioned by Kevin Scully, Director of Creative Arts, for the Port Washington School District, New York, with special thanks to the Ed Foundation and HEARTS for their unwavering support.Performance NotesThis lighthearted piece is a great way to bring multiple choirs together in harmony. It may be sung by a single SATB choir, though it is intended to be performed by multiple choirs of varying age levels. Song of the Sound was written for an all-district feeder festival piece for combined elementary, middle level, and high school choirs. Here is a suggested outline for combining multiple choirs:Rehearsal Letters A to B: Elementary choir only (two-part, Soprano, Alto)Rehearsal Letter B: add Middle Level Soprano, Alto with Elementary choirRehearsal Letter C: Middle Level choir onlyRehearsal Letter D: High School choir onlyRehearsal Letter E to the end: Everyone!Song of the Sound:Running on the beach, digging in the sand,Seaweed in my toes, bucket in my hand.When I'm at the shore, way above the rest,These are all the things that I love the best. Skipping like a stone on the water, diving deep in the silvery foam,Swimming far where the land cannot hold us, where the lighthouse calls us home.Flying free above the marshes, soaring high above the sea,Where the tern and cormorant and plover call to lands we cannot see.Come let us go to the water, let us go to the singing shore:Where the gentle breezes whisper and the mighty breakers roar.We will look to the shining ocean, to the East, where the new day dawned:We will sing a song of the edge of the world and the waiting sky beyond.-Poem by Robert Bode (Hope Springs Retreat Center, Ohio. August 2019)About the Composer:Jacob Narverud (b. 1986) is an American composer, arranger, and conductor. Dr. Narverud is an active guest Conductor/Clinician for Choral Festivals and All-State Choirs across the country and is the Founder/Artistic Director of the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, a professional ensemble comprised of musicians from across the Great Plains. As a sought-after composer, Narverud has been commissioned to write new works for a variety of choral ensembles and organizations. Many of his Editors' Choirs compositions are publisher Best Sellers and are performed worldwide by choirs of all levels. Website: www.jnarverud.com  YouTube & Spotify: @jacobnarverud.

SKU: HL.2050267

ISBN 9781705153451. UPC: 797242013799. 6.75x10.5x0.318 inches.

Randy Vader, Jay Rouse, and Camp Kirkland present the powerful sequel to THE WONDERS OF HIS LOVE. Christmas is a modern day miracle of ancient origin. Two thousand years of human history have not diminished the importance nor the implications of the Incarnation. The joy of that event will resound for millennia to come. As we celebrate the antiquity of the Christmas story, we must be mindful of the significance the account of the coming of Christ has on our lives today. The Light that shone from Bethlehem, from Galilee to Jerusalem, from a rugged cross to the Father's throne; that Light still shines in the darkest night it will lead us home. The visions of a star, a stable, shepherds, wisemen, a young mother and father, and a tiny baby in a manger of hay, are still wreathed in wonder and awe. The tidings of great joy that reach to us from that time long ago in that place far away, resound with this great promise and truth... “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16).

SKU: WD.080689634178

UPC: 080689634178.

Come along on this adventurous tour to Bethlehem! Your tour guide, Mr. T, is geared up and ready to guide his group of students through the various parts of a living nativity…following the signs of Christmas along the way! Filled with scripture and songs of truth, Good News Ahead…The Signs of Christmas!, created by Gina Boe and Barb Dorn, will be the most exciting living nativity tour you’ve ever experienced, bringing Old Testament prophecies and the Christmas story to life through scripture-based songs your kids choir will love!

Good News Ahead…The Signs of Christmas! is a part of the best-selling, easy-to-learn, easy-to-sing children’s series, the Simply WordKidz Series, meaning that this musical is the perfect Christmas resource for any kids choir. With no hassle, easy-to-learn, easy-to-sing songs, all within a 25-minute production, this musical is especially created to be easy for you to produce. Above all, Good News Ahead…The Signs of Christmas! will instill important scripture lessons about the many signs of Christ’s birth as foretold by the prophets. Join us on the tour to Bethlehem this Christmas!

Casting

• 4 large roles (18-29 lines)
• 4 tiny roles (1 line)
• 5 non-speaking roles

• Cinch Bag
• Listening CD
• Good News Ahead Flashlight
• Rubber Bracelet
• One Way Sticker

• Good News Ahead Signs (Set of 6)

SKU: HL.428738

ISBN 9781705163269. UPC: 196288064268. 6.75x10.5x0.268 inches.

For such a time as this comes a work that will bring hope and light to your community of faith. Decorated with beloved carols and engaging original anthems, this “chamber cantata” is brimming with the joy of Christmas and arranges for success with well-crafted, impactful and accessible selections. The scripture based narration will affirm the Christmas message. Colorful orchestrations by Ed Hogan can be done by a minimal number of players, making this work not only beautiful, but practical. Score and Parts (fl 1, fl 2/ob, cl, tpt, hn, tbn, perc 1-3, pno, hp, vn 1-2, vc, db) available as a digital download. For the Accompaniment, Split, and Part Dominant Tracks: Audio is accessed online using the unique code generated upon purchase and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right. To purchase, click on the cart icon and add to the Shopping Cart. HL00428740: Accompaniment Tracks HL00428741: Split Tracks HL00428745: Part Dominant Tracks Songs include:Overture of Joy; A Weary World Rejoices; Redeem, Restore, Renew; Arise! Rejoice!; Come, Graceful Rose; Away in a Manger; Sing, O Heavens; Beautiful Star; Cantique de Nöel.

SKU: WD.080689703232

UPC: 080689703232.

Featuring the William Carey Choir, and made popular by Kim Walker-Smith, Love Came Down is an anthem filled with hope and promise of the Love that came down to give us peace, take away our fears, and show us the light that conquers all darkness.

SKU: ST.B934

ISBN 9780852499344.

This, the ninth of a series of books begun in 1983, contains Brian Wren's 36 most recent hymns (2009 to 2012). It is nicely presented and laid out in a user-friendly way. The hymns are divided into five thematic sections: Jesus from Cradle to Cross; Easter Hymns; Church and Mission; Praise; and Metrical Psalms. This last section, rooted in (though not bound by) the Old Testament, is often influenced by Isaac Watts and will be of more use to some than others; it concludes with a tremendous rendering of Psalm 8; a paean of praise which all will love, set to a stirring tune.

Each section is prefaced with a single page introduction listing the contents and, in some instances, giving an interesting insight into Brian Wren's theology and thinking which provides food for contemplation. Each hymn is printed in words format with all the necessary information for inclusion in an order of worship. Every hymn is also printed with full score music for accompaniment interlined with the words. The book is slightly larger than A5, and there are various useful indexes.

The tunes range from ancient to modern, some very familiar, including Candler (better known as Ye Banks and Braes). A number are of a metre where alternative tunes are available. Those tunes which are new vary in ease of use; some will be readily picked up, others would prove challenging for occasional use in a small congregation but could be used as music group items.

These are hymns which need to be read as a whole and require thought. The words are chosen with care and notable as much for those not used as those included e.g.: 'Christ, untameably alive,/ breathe your life upon us - / Compass, Governor and Guide, / with us and beyond us,/ Sky and Sunlight, / spreading Vine./ Spring of Living Water,/ Truth and Wisdom, Way and Word,/ here, and then hereafter.' These hymns will be useful in worship as either sung or read pieces, and will also prove an invaluable resource for private devotion.

Robert Canham, Reform

SKU: ST.EM35B

ISBN 9790220211652.

Organist of St George's, Windsor, and successor to the famous Marbecke, Mundy was amongst the earliest of the English madrigalists. There are 12 madrigals in this collection, ranging from Of all the birds, a tribute to William Byrd, to In deep distress and the tragic setting of words written by Chideock Tichborne on the eve of his execution in the Tower of London, My prime of youth. The volume also contains 25 psalms in three, four, and five parts.

CONTENTS
As I went walking (SAT)
Blessed art thou (SAT)
Have mercy on me, O Lord (SSATB)
Hear my prayer, O Lord (STB)
Heigh Ho! 'chill go to plough (SSAB)
I lift my heart to thee (SSAT)
In deep distress (SATB)
In midst of woods (SSATB)
Lightly she whipped o'er the dales (SSATB)
Lord arise and help thy servant (SSATB)
Lord to thee I make my moan (SATB)
My prime of youth (SATB)
O all ye nations (S (or A) AT)
O come let us lift up our voice (SAT)
O Lord of whom I do depend (SSAT)
O Lord turn not away thy face (SAT)
Of all the birds (SAT)
Penelope that longed (SSATB)
Praise the Lord, O my soul (SAT)
Save me, O God (SAT)
Sing ye unto the Lord (SSAT)
The black-bird made (SSATB)
The longer that I live (SSAT)
The Shepherd Stephon (S solo, A. viol, T. viol, B. viol)
Thus art thou bless'd (SAT)
Turn about and see me (SA (or T) T)
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes (SSATB)
Were I a king (SATBB)
Who loves a life (SSATB)
Witness ye heav'ns (S solo, A. viol, T. viol, B. viol)
Ye people all in one accord (SAB).