Morris 22m

FA ’20: MUED 376: Choral Music, Methods and Materials
Dr. van der Vat-Chromy

22M. Decolonized Concert Programming Assignment
 This assignment is the opportunity to design a major seasonal

concert program in an decolonized format that will include three/four
different ensembles of different vocal settings.
 Each program must include 10-12 pieces, varying in voicing, style,

and difficulty. For example, plan to program 3 pieces for your SATB
choir, 3 for your TTB Ensemble, 2 for your Children’s Choir, 3 for
your Treble Choir (s) and a combined Finale, and maybe even a
Combined Opener?!
For example, you may choose from:
K-12 choirs: #BLM/Activism/Fall/Winter/Spring/Graduation Concert

Church choirs: Advent/Easter Program, etc.
Grades 6 -12: #BLM/Activism/Cabaret/MUTH/Opera (“An Evening of Opera”)
 Please give your concert a name or a theme, which will serve as the
organizing principal for your concert.
 For each selection, please enter the necessary information into the
template found on the next page, re-titling “Piece 1”, “Piece 2”, etc. as
you proceed.
 After completing your assignment, please save your document as

a .pdf, and send it to everyone in the class. In this way, we will have
17 concert programs in our files!
1
MUED 376: Choral Music, Methods and Materials
Concert Programming Assignment
Conductor Name: Director Millie Morris

Date:12/12/2023
Concert Theme/Title: Space Themed “Interstellar”
To be performed by: The First Noel High School, Moon Base, Moon.
DesCan’t Get Enough (Treble Chamber Choir)
Pathfinders (Tenor Bass Choir)
The Noel Singers (Advanced Mixed Choir)
Concert Rationale:
As the inaugural year of The First Noel High School, it was crucial for us to set the
tone of our choral culture, as well as celebrating the first high school on the American
Moon base. I wanted to fill the program with music that instills inspiration and beauty in
both the singers and the audience. These are the best of the best and we picked music to
challenge these students.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
(List pieces, composers, accompanists, soloists and instrumentalists as needed)
TITLE Composer/dates
1. Time, Words and Music by Jennifer Lucy Cook, 2023
2. Other side of the cloud, Words and Music by Mark A. Henry, 2023
3. Ad astra, Words and Music by Jacob Narver, 2021
4. Night winds, Laura Farnell,Joeph Cotter, 2010
5. Il Lampo, Ryan Main, Giovanni Pascoli, 2023
6. Blue Moon, Words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgi,

Arranged by Jeff Funk, 2000
7. Capture the sun, Words and Music by Eric Tsavdvar, 2023
8. Caritas, Hildegard von Bingen, Elaine Hagenberg, 2024
9. Stars, Sara Teasdale, Eriks Esenvalds, 2012
10. Final Countdown, Words and Music by Joey Tempest,

Arranged by Kirby Shaw, 2020
2
PIECE #1
Title Time
Composer Jennifer Lucy Cook
Arranger N/A
Voicing TTBB
Length 3:00
Time period/genre/style Contemporary, 2023
Sacred/secular Secular
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) A capella
Difficulty level & age 4
level
Key(s) G,
Meter(s) 4/4, 2/4
Publisher and Publisher # Hal Leonard- Milwin Music Corp. #11513833
Cost per octavo $ 2.85
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Time/11513832.item
Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

T1: A3-G4
T2: G3-D3
Baritone: F3 -B3
Bass: B2-B3
Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Describe this piece in detail (3 – 5 sentences) in such a way that you have written the program notes for
this work. Include thoughts about structure, genre, important teaching concepts, where it could fit into a
school calendar, what kinds of ensembles, composer notes, overall difficulty, overall effectiveness,
meaning, poetry, and why students would both like and learn from singing this work?
This piece’s complex rhythmic density allows for a perfect rote to note learning style.
The students felt successful and impressed by how accurately they were singing
something before seeing it on the page! Also, the distinct A and B sections allow for
clear chunking and vocal style contrast.
Notes From the Composer:

Tiem, like money or borders between one country and another, is one of those funny
human-made concepts that dictate our lives butt are fundamentally meaningless if we
didn’t all agree to go along with it. And, yet we experience aging, the changing of
seasons, and growth undeniably. The line between time’s reality and its invention is
blurry, and there was no better way I could think of to depict that than by writing a
repeating lyric that erodes as the piece unfolds, as lyrics disappear, phrases take on new
meaning, like the way a 30th birthday differs from a fifth birthday, or how old memories
can appear shaper than yesterday’s. We lose time when we try to keep it, we spend time
as we try to save it- and since it insists upon eluding us, we can only notice the fact that
time has been winking at us all along. This, wit, this relentlessness, and this freedom is
the spirit behind Time, and this piece is my way of winking back.
-Jennifer
3
PIECE #2
Title Other Side of the Cloud
Composer Mark A. Henty
Arranger N/A
Voicing TB
Length 1:30
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) Piano
Difficulty level & age level 3
Key(s) Gb
Meter(s) 6/8
Publisher and Publisher # Bicycle Wheel Press #11426333
Cost per octavo $2.50
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Other-Side-of-the-
Cloud/11426333.item

T: G3-D3
B: F3 -B3
This piece is a great tool for learning about mixed meter and how two feels differently
from three. This is a sweet and simple piece that students learned about text painting.
How can we use musical ideas to evoke visual images. This piece is paired with the
images Henty used from the James Webb Space Telescope as inspiration for this piece.
Program Notes:
"The Other Side of the Cloud" is inspired by the first images released by the James Webb
Space Telescope and sings of the discoveries and beauty of our universe now being
revealed to us. Written to fit within a comfortable range for tenor and baritone voices, the
song relies on a simple 6/8 pattern in the accompaniment to evoke movement and allows
for the performers' musical talents to shine through.
PIECE #3
Title Ad Astra (To the Stars)
Composer Jacob Narverud
Arranger N/A
4
Voicing TTB
Length 2:00
Time period/genre/style Contemporary
level
Key(s) A, B
Meter(s) 6/8, 9/8
Publisher and Publisher # Carl Fischer, LLC #11370919
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Ad-Astra/10846403.item

Tenor: E3-G#4
Baritone: D3-E4
Bass: D3-C#4
This upbeat polyphonic writing provided a great challenge to the TB ensemble. They
learned how to listen to one another, and also watch for cues.
Program Notes
“Ad Astra per Aspera” the state motto of Kansas.
“Highly rhythmic in both accompaniment and voices with independent vocal lines, this
work simply radiates energy with a message of hope and empowerment: "To the stars
through difficulties, look upward, move forward, leave all cares behind." Impressive and
accessible!”
PIECE #4
Title Night Winds
Composer L. Farnell
Arranger N/A
Voicing SA or Two-Part
Length 3:15
5
Key(s) G
Meter(s) 4/4
Publisher and Publisher # BriLee Music Publishing Co. #11296988
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Night-Winds/
10086493.item

S: E4-E5
A: A3-C5
This piece provides students exposure to both a female composer and a Black poet, both
serving to expand the cannon of choral repertoire. This piece is elegant and mystical,
encouraging students to think about phrasing, and breath support. We explored the rule
of the steady beat, how can we add a little spice to our held notes.
Program Notes:
In this lyrical, dreamy song of the summer sky, with text by African American poet
Joseph Cotter, Jr., the night winds could never be sad with the shining stars and moon for
companionship. The haunting melody conveys the text beautifully and elegantly. "With
the silver moon to whisper to and the golden stars to kiss amid the blue of a summer sky,
why do the night winds sigh?"
PIECE #5
Title Il Lampo
Composer Ryan Main
Arranger N/A
Voicing SSA
Length 3:00
Key(s) G
Meter(s) 4/4, 7/8, 2/4
Publisher and Publisher # Endeavor Music Publishing, #11515437
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Il-Lampo/11515435.item

6
S1: E4-E5
S2:C4- B4
A: B3-B4
Students were faced with the challenge of singing in a new language, Italian. Like Latin,
there are tall and pure vowels, but students also had to navigate dentalized T’s and
double consonants. The mixed meter posed a particular challenge, but through lots of
modeling and rhythm games, we were able to sing this piece with ease.
Program Notes:
Lightning strikes in the dark of night! A house in the Italian countryside appears and
disappears in an instant. Take your audience and singers on a spellbinding journey that is
as relentless as a building storm. The text is in Italian throughout, and the dramatic
mixed-meter musical setting is just as exciting as you'd expect!
PIECE #6
Title Blue Moon
Composer Richard Rodgers
Arranger Jeff Funk
Voicing SSA
Length 3:00
Time period/genre/style Jazz, Doo wop, 2000s
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) Piano, optional bass, guitar, and drums
Key(s) G
Meter(s) 4/4
Publisher and Publisher # Alfred Music Publishing, #3285236
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/3285210.item

S1: E4-E5
S2: B3-B4
A: B3-B4
7
Who doesn’t love vocal jazz! This piece was a great opportunity to learn about vocal
jazz style through modeling, listening, and repetition. We learned all about accents,
strong and weak beats, and staccato v.s legato. Finally, this piece was a real treat, as we
got to collaborate with three local instrumentalists on the Moon Base.
Program Notes:
The classic Rodgers and Hart song takes on a whole new life in this upbeat doo-wop
arrangement that has "sha-na-na's" to spare and a bass line with real personality! A
winner!
PIECE #7
Title Capture the Sun
Composer Eric Tsavdar
Arranger N/A
Voicing SATB with alto or tenor solo
Length 3:30
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) Piano and percussion
Key(s) Bb
Meter(s) 4/4
Publisher and Publisher # Gentry Publications, #11514206
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Capture-the-Sun/
11514206.item

S: Eb4-F5
A: B3-B4
T: -G3-D4
B: B2-B3
This is an inspiring piece written by TJ’s Middle School Choir Director. I love the use of
percussion and solos to increase student engagement and confidence. The solos can even
be split up for more opportunities for students. This piece was inspiring and was
dedicated to our graduating seniors who can do anything they put their minds and hearts
to.
8
Program Notes:
The message of this song will have your singers motivated! Featuring a soloist or solo
group, it is lightly syncopated with lots of textures that ebb and flow. With limited
divisi parts, this piece will make an excellent choice for honor choirs and concert
performances. "So keep an eye on me now, I'll show you all, wait and see; I'm gonna
capture the sun!"
PIECE #8
Title Caritas
Composer Elaine Hagenberg
Arranger N/A
Voicing SATB
Length 3:00
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) Piano and optional solo Violin
Key(s) G
Meter(s) 3/4
Publisher and Publisher # Elaine Hagenberg Music, 2024, #11539414
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Caritas/11539414.item

S: E4-G5
A: A3-E5
T: A3-C5
B: C3-C4
Elaine Hagenberg is a stunning Female composer that the students have heard of before
and enjoyed her work. Students learned about the tall vowels of Latin and how to sing a
piece in a foreign language.
Program Notes:
Hildegard of Bingen's text on the virtues of love shimmers in this serene setting that
serves as the second movement from "Illuminare." Opening with a section of treble
divisi, the lower voices enter as the harmonic texture expands, framed beautifully here
with piano accompaniment and optional solo violin. Stunning!
PIECE #9
9
Title Stars
Composer Eriks Esenvalds
Arranger N/A
Voicing SATB
Length 3:00
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) A capella, water glasses
Key(s) D
Meter(s) 2/2
Publisher and Publisher # Musica Baltica, 2012 #10461523
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Stars/10461523.item

S: E4-G5
A: B3-D5
T: B2-C4
B: G2-B3
This is a work I had the opportunity to perform in high school and I wanted to circle
back and explore this piece with these skillful singers. Students were given the
opportunity to play a unique and beautiful instrument and focus on mystical blending.
Program Notes:
This stunning a cappella work for divisi chorus and six water-tuned glasses utilizes a text
by Sara Teasdale. Widely performed by festival and collegiate choirs, and recorded by
VOCES8, this beautiful Baltic piece is representative of the modern choral harmonic
style with cluster cadences and effectively placed dissonance throughout.
PIECE #10
Title Final Countdown
Composer Europe Jowy Tempest
Arranger Kirby Shaw
Voicing SATB
Length 3:05
Time period/genre/style 80s rock
10
Forces (a cappella, instruments?) Piano and optional instrumental accompaniment
level
Key(s) Bb
Meter(s) 4/4
Publisher and Publisher # Hal Leonard, 2020, #00345301
Miscellaneous https://www.jwpepper.com/Final-Countdown/
11203990.item
S: Eb4-Eb5
A: B3-G4
T: G3-Eb4
B: Bb3-Bb4
What do you think of when you think of space travel? Liftoff! It’s our Final Countdown
with our whole choir. It’s accessible, it features instrumentalists, and most importantly
it’s fun! Students have learned how to collaborate and have made friends in other
ensembles, bring our community closer together.
Program Notes:
Your audience will be rocking to this '80s tune with the iconic riff made famous by
sporting events and commercials. In a fun opening section, the choir sings the well-
known riff using vocables and accents. The main melody is presented with plenty of
unison singing and accessible harmonies, leading to a powerful conclusion.
11
Summary, Reflection, and Logistics Planning

The process for searching for the repertoire for this concert was challenging and
engaging. I wanted to stick with the moon, celestial theme, but did not want every song to
be about stars. I started off with many more songs just about space, and eventually
narrowed it down to my favorites. When choosing songs, I also wanted to choose at least
one song in a foreign language for each ensemble. I also spend considerable time choosing
the order. Once I picked these pieces, I had to figure out which song came before which.
While doing this, I took into consideration the tempo of the piece, the difficulty, and the
student’s favorites; trying to make each ensemble closer their strongest piece. I had a
difficult time finding songs by people of color. Specifically, I found plenty spirituals and
African folk songs, but there were all arranged by white men or women. I think finding
music that expands the canon would have taken even more time and energy that I do not
currently have. If I were to teach high school, I would spend countless hours searching for
repertoire that is decolonizing and also fun. I would also consult my friends and colleagues
on what pieces they enjoy and recommend, since two minds are always better than one!
Logistics:
Preset Backstage: Water glasses, 2 stands, guitar amp, bass amp
Preset Onstage: 2 microphones, drumkit
Pathfinders walks on Sage Right. Conductor and Pianist join after from Stage Right
1. Time, Words and Music by Jennifer Lucy Cook, 2023
a. A capella, starting notes given
2. Other side of the cloud, Words and Music by Mark A. Henry, 2023
a. Piano
3. Ad astra, Words and Music by Jacob Narver, 2021

a. Piano
Pathfinders and conductor walk off Stage Left. Pianist stays on stage. Meanwhile,
student volunteers set up 2 stands (Stage Right), and 2 amps (Stage Right) for the
bassist and guitarist.
Descan’t get enough walks on Stage Right. Conductor joins from Stage Right.
4. Night winds, Laura Farnell,Joeph Cotter, 2010
a. Piano
5. Il Lampo, Ryan Main, Giovanni Pascoli, 2023

a. Piano
Bassist, guitarist, and drummer enter Stage Right and take their places.
6. Blue Moon, Words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgi,
Arranged by Jeff Funk, 2000
a. Piano
b. Drums
c. Guitar
d. Bass
Descan’t get enough, instrumentalists and conductor walk off Stage Left. The Noel
Singers enter Stage Right. Percussionists enter Stage Right. Conductor enters Stage
Right.
12
7. Capture the sun, Words and Music by Eric Tsavdvar,
2023
a. Piano
b. Drums
c. Shaker
Percussionists exit Stage Left. Student Violinist enters Stage Right.
8. Caritas, Hildegard von Bingen, Elaine Hagenberg,

2024
a. Piano
b. Violin
Violinist and Pianist Leaves Stage Left. Students playing water glasses leave Stage
Left to grab their pre-set water glasses.
9. Stars, Sara Teasdale, Eriks Esenvalds,
2012
The Noel Singers walk off Stage Left. Choirs assemble in combined choir formation.
Combined choir enters Stage Right. Drummer, guitarist, and bassist enter Stage
Right. Conductor enters Stage Right.
10. Final Countdown, Words and Music by Joey
Tempest, Arranged by Kirby Shaw, 2020
a. Piano
b. Drums
c. Guitar
d. Bass
Combined choir bow and walk off Stage Left. Student volunteers strike stage.

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FA ’20: MUED 376: Choral Music, Methods and Materials

Dr. van der Vat-Chromy

 This assignment is the opportunity to design a major seasonal

 Each program must include 10-12 pieces, varying in voicing, style,

For example, you may choose from:

K-12 choirs: #BLM/Activism/Fall/Winter/Spring/Graduation Concert

 After completing your assignment, please save your document as

Conductor Name: Director Millie Morris

1. Time, Words and Music by Jennifer Lucy Cook, 2023

3. Ad astra, Words and Music by Jacob Narver, 2021

4. Night winds, Laura Farnell,Joeph Cotter, 2010

5. Il Lampo, Ryan Main, Giovanni Pascoli, 2023

6. Blue Moon, Words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgi,

7. Capture the sun, Words and Music by Eric Tsavdvar, 2023

8. Caritas, Hildegard von Bingen, Elaine Hagenberg, 2024

9. Stars, Sara Teasdale, Eriks Esenvalds, 2012

10. Final Countdown, Words and Music by Joey Tempest,

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Notes From the Composer:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Ranges: Please list or notate on the staff below:

Annotated discussion, program notes, and/or important information for consideration:

Summary, Reflection, and Logistics Planning

3. Ad astra, Words and Music by Jacob Narver, 2021

5. Il Lampo, Ryan Main, Giovanni Pascoli, 2023

8. Caritas, Hildegard von Bingen, Elaine Hagenberg,

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