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All music scores and live recordings on this website are protected by copyright. Most of the scores are available in PDF and or SCORCH formats. The live recordings are the property of the performing choir used by permission for our promotion of the music; they are not to be used for any other purpose without explicit permission. Report copyright infringements to Webmaster@sbmp.com
The repertoire listed below for Senior Choirs was selected by Dr. Victoria Meredith, author of SING BETTER AS YOU AGE, published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing. The title of this award winning book could have been AGE BETTER AS YOU SING. Here are some quotes from experts in the health field:
Studies have linked singing with stress reduction, a lower heart rate, and lower blood pressure.
Patricia Preston Roberts of Glen Ridge, NJ, co-leader of music psychotherapy groups at New York University
Communal singing is good for mind and body. As well as burning off 150 calories an hour, it improves breathing and muscle tone, alleviates depression, stammering, stress, low self-esteem, asthma and chronic pain.
Researchers at the University of Newcastle
In a 3-year study entitled "Creativity and Aging" Dr. Gene Cohen of George Washington University studied the health-related effects of 3 types of artistic activities (painting, writing, and choral singing) with participants between the ages of 65 and 100 years. In all 3 activities -- including choral singing -- major health benefits were
reported, including: fewer falls and less hip damage, fewer doctor's visits, less use of medication, diminished vision problems, less depression and loneliness, increased involvement in other activities. Other changes notices by the participants were: improvement in speaking voices, a younger tone quality, easier breathing, fewer aches
and better posture.
At the University of California, Irvine, researchers measured levels of Immunoglobulin A (a disease-fighting protein) in the saliva of choral singers before and after rehearsals and performance of the Beethoven 'Missa Solemnis'. These saliva studies showed that the immune system rose 150% during rehearsals and 240% during performance from a baseline level . . . the more passionate a singer feels, the more this effect is heightened.
Victoria Meredith's criteria in selecting the titles recommended for Senior Adult Choirs:
* conservative ranges
* tessitura not too long in the upper range
* uncomplicated rhythms without a lot of rhythmic independence between parts
* lack of dynamic extremes (especially very loud)
* generally conjunct writing with predictable larger leaps
* manageable phrase lengths
Alleluia, Rejoice! arr. J. Edmund Hughes
see
the music CD recording
availableORDER HERE
A Blessing by David N. Childs
Melodist Childs has done it again. A beautiful setting of the Sara Teasdale poem with a final benediction for peace from the bible. A soaring flute part and rhythmically supportive piano part add to the beauty of this gem.
see
and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
flute part - SBMP 504.1 - FREE DOWNLOAD
Christus factus est Johann Michael Haydn, ed. Martin Banner
A treasure from the classic era.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:55
catalog number: SBMP 793
[© all rights reserved] performed by The Concert Choir of Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, NY, conducted by Rebecca Reames
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
Carrickfergus arr. Philip Silvey
The beautiful, plaintiff Irish tune is artfully arranged. The song begins, I wish I was in Carrickfergus... (Carrickfergus is a town in Northern Ireland) and proceeds to tell a rather typical dark Irish tale. The melody is unforgettable and will have audiences leaving humming it.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 3:00
catalog number: SBMP 902
see and hear the music: Scorch
ORDER HERE
The beautiful, plaintiff Irish tune is artfully arranged. The song begins, I wish I was in Carrickfergus... (Carrickfergus is a town in Northern Ireland) and proceeds to tell a rather typical dark Irish tale. The melody is unforgettable and will have audiences leaving humming it.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 3:00
catalog number: SBMP 902
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
A colorful text about the sea; sing it in Spanish as preferred by the composer, or use the alternate English version. The composer has given the piece a distinctive Spanish style and dramatically brings the colorful text to life. Conservative ranges and very little divisi make this piece accessible to many choirs.
SATB - piano [ difficulty level: medium] duration - 4:40
catalog number: SBMP 875
[ ©all rights reserved] performed by St. Mary’s International School, Tokyo, Japan, International Show Choir, Randy Stenson, conductor
see and hear the music - Scorch ORDER HERE
Famine Song VIDA, arr. Matthew Culloton
Written by a professional vocal quartet of women named VIDA, and inspired by the stories of Sudanese basket weavers who expressed the pain and hope experienced by those in the famine of the 1980s, this is a most unusual and fascinating song. Arranger Culloton has captured all the pathos of the original version. A proven audience pleaser.
see and hear the music: Scorch
ORDER HERE
Gartan Mother's Lullaby, The Irish folksong - arr. Neil Ginsberg
A jewel from the folk heritage of Ireland. The text generated great curiosity and a bit of research to uncover its unique meaning. A favorite of many Irish singers, choirs will love the melody, revel in the beauty of the haunting flute opening, the sweeping piano accompaniment, and the special meaning of this piece. Easy.
see and hear the music: Scorch
ORDER HERE
fl or vln parts - SBMP 314.1 - FREE DOWNLOAD
Garden’s Last Red Rose, The by Brad Nix
The Sara Teasdale poem about love in autumn is set to a beautiful melody that travels from part to part sometimes sung alone in unison, other times with a counter melody.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:45
catalog number: SBMP 930
performed by: Sterling College Chorale, Mark Clark, conductor [© all rights reserved]
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
see the music
hear the music - Midi RecordingORDER HERE
Hine Ma Tov Hebrew song, arr. Neil Ginsberg
A flowing piano accompaniment joined by a flute obligato add great color to this piece. Easy, tasteful, sing it in the original Hebrew or in English.
see and hear the music: Scorch CD recording
availableORDER HERE
flute part- SBMP 286.1 - FREE DOWNLOAD
How Can I Keep from Singing by Robert Wadsworth Lowry, arr. Karen P. Thomas
series: Giselle Wyers
Starting with the most innocent of beginnings featuring the famous treble melody, the piece builds to a dramatic ending, all the while maintaining the integrity of the original hymn tune.
SATB div. - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 4:30
catalog number: SBMP 897
[ ©all rights reserved] performed by Seattle Pro Musica, Karen Thomas, conductor
see and hear the music: Scorch CD recording
available ORDER HERE
Rardin again creates an upbeat winner. A great closer.
[© all rights reserved] performed by the Towson University Chorale, Paul Rardin, conductor
see
the music CD recording
available ORDER HERE
It Sings in Me by Philip E. Silvey
A charming piece for spring. Lots of melodic writing for all three voice parts, with support and interest added by a sparkling piano accompaniment.
SAB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:35
catalog number: SBMP 808
see and hear the music: Scorch read the textORDER HERE
Johnny-O & Sally Anne! Southern Mountain Frolic Tune arr. Ken Berg
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
A little romance here, and a lot of fun. This is high class, hillbilly music.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:20
catalog number: SBMP 907
see and hear the music : ScorchORDER HERE
Kumbaya arr. Nicholas Carl McKaig
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
Opening and concluding with a dramatic chant-style solo, the heart of the piece features genuine South African rhythm. Outstanding, unique treatment of this well known tune.
SATBB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:35
catalog number: SBMP 901
[© all rights reserved] performed by the USC Chamber Singers, Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor
see and hear the music: Scorch CD recording
available ORDER HERE
La Bonne Nouvelle Traditional French-Canadian Carol, arranged by Robert Sieving
A beautiful arrangement for the Christmas season. The popularity of the treble version inspired the creation of this mixed voice setting.
SSATB - piano, flute [difficulty level: medium]
catalog number: SBMP 724
[© all rights reserved] Armstrong High School Concert Choir, Plymouth MN, Stephanie Trump, conductor
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
Mary, What You Gonna Name that Pretty Little Baby arr. Laurie Betts Hughes
choral series: Giselle Wyers
Number three of Three Mary Carols, the special charm of this set is in great evidence here.
SATB - a cappella - duration: 3:05 [difficulty level: medium]
catalog number: SBMP 920
performed by: University of Washington Chamber Singers, Geoffrey Bowers, conductor [© all rights reserved]
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
The drum-cadence rhythms of the piano set the mood. The choral ranges are suitable for the young choir, however any choir may enjoy this easy, effective arrangement.
see
the music
hear
the music - Midi RecordingORDER HERE
Moh lee hwah (Lotus flowers) Chinese folk song arr. B. Wayne Bisbee
Composer Bisbee has painted a beautiful picture of a Chinese garden. The gentle finger cymbals set the tone, the piano adding embellishment like a colorful blossom in the garden. To be sung in Chinese, there is a pronunciation guide for this easy text.
SA(T)B - piano, finger cymbals; opt. hand chimes [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:50
catalog number: SBMP 847
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
Morning Has Broken by Shawn Kirchner
Eleanor Farjeon's poem, made famous by the Cat Steven's setting, is set to a beautiful new melody in a dramatic folk-hymn style with optional soprano solo. A fine pianist, composer Kirchner always adds great color and style to his choral music through his accompaniments.
see and hear the music: ScorchORDER HERE
Oh My Love's Like a Red, Red, Rose by R. Scott Coulter
series: Charlene Archibeque
SSA/TB [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:00
[© all rights reserved] San Jose State University Choraliers, Charlene Archibeque, conductor
see
the music CD recording
available ORDER HERE
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks M. Durham, arr. Ken Berg
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
The 19th century hymn tune is from the shape note tradition, originally published in Southern Harmony. The arranger skillfully moves the melody around among the voices, and builds the music to a rousing climax as the text takes us to the Promised Land.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:10
catalog number: SBMP 811
[© all rights reserved] performed by The DeKalb Choral Guild, Bryan Black, conductor
see the music, PDF fileORDER HERE
A charming setting of this long-time favorite carol.
SAB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 3:00
catalog number: SBMP 780
see and hear the music: Scorchsingers: Learn the notesORDER HERE
Series: Matthew and Michael Culloton
An upbeat, charming, tho lesser known carol, this is a very flexible arrangement. It can be sung by a quartet or a chorus, a cappella or accompanied - an optional piano or harp accompaniment appears in the score; the arranger offers many suggestions for adding instrumental color to the piece; and both an English text and the original French text are included.
SATB - optional piano or harp [difficulty level: medium] duration: 1:45
catalog number: SBMP 732
[© all rights reserved] performed by The Singers: Minnesota Choral Artists, Matthew Culloton, conductor
see
the music - PDF file CD recording available
ORDER HERE
