SKU: CF.CM9654

ISBN 9781491157268. UPC: 680160915828. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Ab major. English, English. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416).

Burrows's setting of words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) is as relevant today as ever. For the advanced mixed ensemble, the powerful lyrics coupled with gorgeous harmonies make this an optimistic song of hope appropriate throughout the year.
All shall be well, And all shall be well, And all manner of thing shall be well. These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text. One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It's as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in. The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism. Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now. Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.
All shall be well,And all shall be well,And all manner of thing shall be well.These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text.One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It’s as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in.The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism.Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now.Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.

SKU: AP.49765

UPC: 038081568522. English.

When considering various winter holidays, what is the common thread? A candle and a song. Beautiful in its simplicity, here's a quiet celebration crafted to resonate universally. Mark's delicate melody and sweet sonorities float effortlessly over a flowing piano accompaniment. With readable rhythms, easy to learn notes, and sensible vocal ranges, it's intentionally uncomplicated so that the message of the text will clearly speak. Hushed and heartfelt, a memorable moment. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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: CF.CM9795

ISBN 9781491164662. UPC: 680160923571. Key: A major. English. Coty Raven Morris. Original.

The text for When I Grow Up first came to me while I was teaching in Houston, Texas. I noticed that my students were becoming more and more concerned about what steps they had to take as students to secure a future for themselves decades ahead. Young people are finding themselves having to make lifelong decisions at a time where they are still in a season of exploration and wonderment. I then asked myself, What happened to discovery through play and imagination?With the help of one of my former and forever choir students, Monica Juarez, we took my original text and created illustrations of a young Coty in New Orleans, Louisiana imagining, in real time, all of the things that she could be! It was important to me that the images were of real things that I had seen growing up every day.That we are limitless and that it's only in the pressures of growing up that we can lose our creativity, I hope this text allows both singers and conductor to let their imagination take the lead and shape the journey ahead!Sing with JOY!—Coty Occasionally, when I get to visit with young people, I’ll ask, Has anyone ever asked you want to be when you grow up? All the hands go up. Children say yes, and then proceed to tell me what they want to be when they grow up. So, then I ask a follow-up question, Why on earth do you have to wait until you’re a grown-up to be somebody?!When I first read through Coty’s text, I was so moved by how clear and beautiful that message of empowerment shines through:I want to live, and that begins now. I want to be happy. And I refuse to wait until I grow up.I also was struck by her imaginative use of the four classical elements—air, water, fire, and earth—to bring us on a journey of discovery and wonder.I’ve tried my best to, not so much set Coty’s words to a tune, as to go along with her on the journey and see what music would emerge. And I’m so happy you’ve joined us on the journey, too.Welcome!—Mark.

SKU: CF.CM9794

ISBN 9781491164655. UPC: 680160923564. Key: A major. English. Coty Raven Morris. Original.

The text for When I Grow Up first came to me while I was teaching in Houston, Texas. I noticed that my students were becoming more and more concerned about what steps they had to take as students to secure a future for themselves decades ahead. Young people are finding themselves having to make lifelong decisions at a time where they are still in a season of exploration and wonderment. I then asked myself, What happened to discovery through play and imagination?With the help of one of my former and forever choir students, Monica Juarez, we took my original text and created illustrations of a young Coty in New Orleans, Louisiana imagining, in real time, all of the things that she could be! It was important to me that the images were of real things that I had seen growing up every day.That we are limitless and that it's only in the pressures of growing up that we can lose our creativity, I hope this text allows both singers and conductor to let their imagination take the lead and shape the journey ahead!Sing with JOY!—CotyOccasionally, when I get to visit with young people, I’ll ask, Has anyone ever asked you want to be when you grow up? All the hands go up. Children say yes, and then proceed to tell me what they want to be when they grow up. So, then I ask a follow-up question, Why on earth do you have to wait until you’re a grown-up to be somebody?!When I first read through Coty’s text, I was so moved by how clear and beautiful that message of empowerment shines through:I want to live, and that begins now. I want to be happy. And I refuse to wait until I grow up. I also was struck by her imaginative use of the four classical elements—air, water, fire, and earth—to bring us on a journey of discovery and wonder.I’ve tried my best to, not so much set Coty’s words to a tune, as to go along with her on the journey and see what music would emerge. And I’m so happy you’ve joined us on the journey, too.Welcome!—Mark.

SKU: CF.CM9717

ISBN 9781491160961. UPC: 680160919567. Psalm 91:4-5.

The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart. What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren't alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, It's okay. I've got you. It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong. The first word - scapulis - is translated as pinions. On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section - mm. 1-20 - encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort. In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text - and you will find refuge under his wings - is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs: Alto I - Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabis Soprano II - Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabis Soprano I - Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress. The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase. The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance - Felix Mendelssohn's Lift Thine Eyes.
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions,and you will find refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart.What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren’t alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong.The first word – scapulis – is translated as “pinions.” On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section – mm. 1-20 – encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort.In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text – and you will find refuge under his wings – is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs:Alto I – Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabisSoprano II – Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabisSoprano I – Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress.The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase.The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance – Felix Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes.

SKU: HL.35032368

ISBN 9781540032553. UPC: 888680783488. 6.75x10.5 inches.

Rich choral sonorities fill this expressive and contemporary concert setting of an e.e. cummings poem. Thoughtful vocal entrances begin the piece followed by the ebb and flow of dynamics and harmonies, engaging the singer to explore the romantic text.

SKU: AP.50201

UPC: 038081573717. English.

Find hope, shine hope, sing hope. This simple melody stacks beautifully into a 3-part canon by the end of the song, building the skills of developing part-singers. A quote from Emily Dickinson's treasured poem, Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, provides contrast in the middle of this tender and tuneful song. An excellent choice for any time of year.

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.