Women Choral Composers you NEED to know! 

Unison & 2-part pieces for Fall & Holiday…

and I had to add in a COUPLE new spring pieces… 

This upcoming series of articles is going to be highlighting some of the loveliest Women in Choral Composing that I have had the pleasure to speak with and listen to.  Some, you will already know, and some I pray become household names!  It is my hope that you find one of their pieces to meet the needs of your choir!  Stay tuned to the next listing by following me on social media or signing up for my quarterly newsletter.

Fiona Lander – Winter Carol – This piece gets the gold star as far as my thoughts are concerned! Truly one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard. Snowflakes are beautiful and unique all on their own, but this piece truly brings the winter season to life!  Perfect for any winter or holiday concert!  Available in S & SSA 

Sherry Blevins – The Gift of Giving (with Simple Gifts) – this piece is lovely for young voicing.  The 2 part style allows for independence without depending too much of the singers.  It’s message of giving would fit right in for an early fall performance and based it’s simple, yet lovely melodies, it’s a great place to start the year off right with your choir! Sherry is also available for commissions!  All of her other works can be found here. You Hold the Key – is one to watch out for this spring! Wow!!  Talk about an amazing closer!  Think inspirational, tears flowing, uplifting spirits, I cannot WAIT to hear this one!  I know if will find it’s way into my own library as soon as it’s available!

Carol Troutman Wiggins – When We Give Thanks the Whole Earth Sings! – Oh Carol, her name is on over 900 pieces of choral music! This 2 part mixed piece is a quick and easy song for Thanksgiving and completely accessible for young choirs.  Carol write more upbeat tunes than anyone I know.  Get ready to dig in your heels with Carol’s music, there’s a lot to listen to here! 

Need Sleigh Bells!?  Merrily Ring the Bells is a great tune for your Holiday/Christmas Performance!  I’ll be ordering this 2 part upbeat carol  for sure! 

Australian composer, Sherelle Eyler – Children’s Christmas Song – Oh my goodness!  Sweetest cherubs, for your elementary choirs this is one the audience will be talking about for years!  Such sweet simplicity, a must hear.  In 6/8 “flowing time and easy lyrics to memorize” your students will love singing this over and over again! 

Kate Courage – Sleep, my love – SA the simple melody will lead to great discussions on intervals while building intonation skills.  An absolutely lovely Christmas lullaby for young voices.  

Jen Wagner – In the Bleak Midwinter – Available in 2 – part, SAB and SATB will be released by GIA Publishing Inc. and available this fall!    Arranged with original music and familiar melody by Gustav Holst, boasts a rich piano and cello accompaniment.  This is a “challenge accepted” arrangement, with lots of topics of discussion.  From imagery, and word painting, to harmonies and breathing.  This would be a great addition to any holiday or Christmas concert. 

SPRING – SA & 2 part!! 

These fabulous women have some great pieces for the spring! I encourage you to check out their websites, and peruse their pieces! Particularly: 

Elaine Hagenberg Tyger for SA Choirs, what a FUN piece for young voices!  Get ready for a thrilling piece, boasting energetic mixed meter and vibrant piano accompaniment!  Did you know that Elaine has an “Intro to Choral Composing” course available online?  

Ally Rose Czyzewicz  Maybe Someday , a vibrant upbeat piece for young voices! Also easy enough to learn quickly!  We’re always looking for that song that will grab our students in a pinch!  Your students will really have fun with this one! 

Anne McKennon’s The Arrow and The Song not only for it’s text, great for any elementary or middle school, but the Part 2 range is perfect for the young man’s changing voice.  Limited range and comfortable while also being supported by their unchanged peers. 

Jen Wagner – We Are the Children –  Who needs a big closer!?  Combining your choirs cross divisions?  This is the one you’ve been looking for!  Available in Digital Download, or printed octavo; 2 part, SSA, SAB and SATB composed to be performed together, and includes a soaring small group Latin Descant at the end, this message of love, peace, compassion and hope for a better world is a must!  Performed in isolation during the spring COVID 2020 closings, these students show their vulnerability and dedication to singing through the virtual choir performance.  Let us pray that we are able to have them singing again safely, soon!