MS/JH Contest Selections

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

For music educators, the last half of the year is often just as busy, if not more so, than the first. We understand that the last thing you have time for is an extended search for the perfect, hand-selected contest piece. So that you can spend more time rehearsing and less time reviewing, we've gone through the selection process for you. The five pieces below will inspire your singers towards success in the classroom and on the stage!
 

Festival Gloria
Richard A. Williamson

This energetic, forward-moving concert work is a great learning piece for beginning mixed choirs, with diverse musical styles and engaging vocal lines that flatter a choir of any size.

Three-part Mixed




Lux Aeterna
Mark Burrows

This is a stunning work for young voices that creates a simple beauty from emotional melodic lines. The timeless Latin text comes from the Requiem mass. Light eternal, shine on them. A richly orchestrated performance/accompaniment CD is also available.

Two-part and Three-part Mixed

I Never Saw a Moor
Victor C. Johnson

Emily Dickinson’s inspiring poem receives Victor Johnson’s sensitive musical touch in this impassioned concert selection. With opportunities to teach lyrical singing techniques, phrase shaping, and dynamic contouring and music that naturally promotes a mature sound, this piece is destined to become a repertoire staple.

Three-part Mixed and SATB




If Music Be the Food of Love
Henry Purcell/arr. Russell Robinson

Russell Robinson presents this choral masterwork by Henry Purcell in a well-constructed arrangement for middle school mixed choirs. The music for the first and second verses is identical to aid in quick learning of this especially fine contest selection.

Three-part Mixed, opt. a cappella





Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
André J. Thomas
André Thomas was at his creative best when he wrote this energy-driven setting of the spiritual standard. The repeated material makes for quick memorization, allowing you to easily and effectively showcase your singers in a vibrant program pleaser that utilizes a cool jazz piano accompaniment.
Three-part Mixed, SATB, and TTB/TBB




__________________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

Contest Selections for Secondary Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

The Christmas season is often coined the busiest time of the year. If you're a music educator, however, Christmas doesn't hold a candle (pun intended) to the months of January through May. With the start of the new year come preparations for solo and ensemble, contest, musicals, and spring concerts, not to mention fundraisers for all of the above.

With all that you have going on, the last thing that you have time for is an extended search for the perfect, hand-selected contest piece. Because we want you to be able to spend more time rehearsing and less time reviewing, we've selected five pieces of music that we're confident will inspire your singers and captivate the judges.

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
André J. Thomas

André Thomas was at his creative best when he wrote this energy-driven setting of the spiritual standard. The repeated material makes for quick memorization, allowing you to easily and effectively showcase your singers in a vibrant program pleaser that utilizes a cool jazz piano accompaniment.

SATB, TTB/TBB, and Three-part Mixed




Cool Moon
Richard A. Williamson

With limited horizontal movement in the vocal parts and no awkward melodic skips, Richard Williamson’s Cool Moon offers an easy and effective introduction into contemporary a cappella singing. Soothing harmonies enhance this beautiful pairing of words and music.

SATB, a cappella



Don't You Weep, Don't You Mourn
Bryan Sharpe

Cool vocal jazz elements in a relaxed swing style bring this traditional African-American text to life in a fresh, original work. With independent parts and spontaneous twists and turns throughout, it would be equally effective programmed with a full choir or a smaller ensemble drawn from your best singers.

SATB, a cappella




Down by the Salley Gardens
Douglas E. Wagner

This beloved Irish folk song includes the words of William Butler Yeats in an unusual arrangement for women's voices. The vocal parts combine with the masterfully written piano part to add a depth to the musical fabric that will make this piece a lasting and substantial contribution to the concert and contest repertoire.

SSA and TTB/TBB




And Music Shall Untune the Sky
Douglas E. Wagner

Showcase the fullness and strength of the male voice with this robust setting of a powerful passage from Dryden’s A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day. An exceptional opener, this selection would make a dramatic first impression at any concert or contest. "The trumpet shall be heard on high and music shall untune the sky."

TTBB and SATB


_____________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

Show Starters and Stoppers

Developing Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

Finding the right piece to open and close a concert is often one of the most time-consuming concert programming tasks. We understand this struggle and provide music that will highlight your choir during these important moments. The "show starters and stoppers" below will grab your audience's attention and have them begging for an encore!



A Merry, Merry Christmas to You!
Douglas E. Wagner
Sing good wishes to all in this festive offering that creatively incorporates the familiar We Wish You a Merry Christmas tune. Accessible ranges and straightforward counterpoint make this seasonal winner a snap to learn and a joy to perform.

Three-part Mixed and Two-part

Baby Born in Bethlehem
Victor C. Johnson
Quoting Go, Tell It On the Mountain, the excitement surrounding Christmas comes to life in this rockin’ gospel-style selection. Add a driving piano bass line and an optional synth track accompaniment, and you have a piece that's sure to bring energy to any choral concert!

Three-part Mixed and SATB







Jing Jingle Bells
Douglas E. Wagner

Create an exhilarating, feel-good experience with this bright arrangement of the seasonal classic that is paired with a clever original melody. The optional accompaniment puts the final tinsel on the tree and guarantees fun for all at your next holiday concert.

Three-part Mixed or Two-part





Mozart's Celebration Canon
Tom Fettke
Full of teachable moments, this mini-Mozart masterpiece features a fresh text that is fun and easy to memorize. Opening with the harmonized tune, the music gives way to each part singing the melody in canon over the supportive piano accompaniment. Spread the tidings far and wide, love will come at Christmastide...let’s Celebrate!

SAB and SATB





Have a Merry One!
Mary Lynn Lightfoot
An ideal opener or closer that incorporates snippets of Deck the Hall and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, this holiday selection is a quick learn! The clever conclusion builds in intensity and culminates in a resounding wish for all to Have a merry one!

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, and SSA






________________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading.  

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

Bookends for Your Holiday Concert

Secondary Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

Finding the right piece to open and close a concert is often one of the most time-consuming concert programming tasks. We understand this struggle and provide music that will highlight your choir during these important moments. The “bookends” below will grab your audience's attention and have them begging for an encore!


Rejoice and Be Merry!
Larry Shackley

Full of tonal color and stylistic variety, this sparkling medley of British carols includes Sussex Carol; Rejoice and Be Merry; God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; and What Child is This, all with simple vocal lines. Open your December program with the glorious sounds of Christmas!

SATB





Mozart's Celebration Canon
Tom Fettke

Full of teachable moments, this mini-Mozart masterpiece features a fresh text that is fun and easy to memorize. Opening with the harmonized tune, the music gives way to each part singing the melody in canon over the supportive Spread the tidings far and wide, love will come at Christmastide...let’s Celebrate!
piano accompaniment.

SATB and SAB




Joy to the World!
Bryan Sharpe

Bryan Sharpe’s brilliantly conceived setting of the Christmas standard mirrors the spirit of the beloved carol from beginning to end. With a creative sampling of choral scoring techniques and a finale that will leave the listener wanting more, this selection is the perfect attention-grabber for your next holiday concert!

SATB a cappella






Gloria! Sing Gloria!
Lloyd Larson

Lloyd Larson’s thrilling setting of Angels We Have Heard on High will have everyone singing Gloria! The combination of singable vocal lines, a persistently rhythmic piano accompaniment, and an energy-packed ending make this piece a spirited choice for the holiday season.

SATB





Twelve Carols of Christmas
Mark Weston

Mark Weston seamlessly weaves together twelve well-known songs of the season in this perfect program finale. Easily learned vocal parts balance the musical variety, and the colorful synth-track accompaniment adds to the festive spirit.

SATB and Three-part Mixed

________________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting.

Before coming to Lorenz in 2012, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading.  

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.