Belonging was commissioned as part of a consortium of multiple choirs for multiple voicings, including SATB, SA, TB, and Unison & Piano options. The text and music of Belonging explore the universal need to belong, whether that is part of a friend group, a community, or society in general. The fear of not belonging can be so strong and paralyzing, it is important that we actively engage in body language, gestures, and speech that create welcoming spaces for those who long to join. A direct message of “You belong here. Please join me.” can be the deciding factor in someone finally feeling like they belong.
This piece is suitable for any Mixed-Voice ensemble and would fit well in any concert about friendship, community, and love.
Continue reading Belonging – SATBWe are the Voices, commissioned by Dr. Kyle Weary and dedicated to the South Middleton School District Choirs, is an anthemic text that calls upon both the singer and the listener to sing: for ourselves, for those who have passed, and for the future we would like to create. This piece is full of rhythmic drive in the piano, creating an exciting bed for the singers.
This piece is also designed to use limited pitch and rhythmic materials in order to build singer confidence and solidify learned concepts. The melody only uses Major Pentascale (do-re-mi-fa-sol) and simple rhythms in simple meters (whole, dotted half, half, quarter, & paired eighth Notes, as well as whole, half, and quarter Rests).
A Guitar may accompany the Piano using the provided chord symbols. An optional Bongo Drum part has also been included and may be used or omitted as desired.
This piece is suitable for any Treble Choir looking for an accessible setting and anthemic text.
WEST-COAST PREMIERE RECORDING CREDITS:
Choir: Ball Junior High Intermediate Choir
Conductor: Lorraine Joy Welling
Pianist: Eunyoung Kang Sohng
Percussion: Daniel Garcia