Men's Choir

Dr. Adam Potter, R&R Chair

The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child

T(T)BB, piano, optional cello

Dan Forrest

Beckenhorst Press, Inc. BP1991

Dan Forrest’s abilities to write singable and tuneful yet original melodies is unparalleled. In this gorgeous setting of Thomas Troeger’s equally gorgeous Christmas poem, that ability is on full display. As is typical of Dan Forrest’s anthem-length pieces, this piece is structured to begin and end reverently with a glorious and dramatic climax in between. It is scored for piano and optional cello and a full orchestration is also available for purchase. 

Betelehemu

TTBB a cappella with ad lib percussion

Via Olatunji, arr. Wendell Whalum

Lawson-Gould 52647

In all likelihood, you’re already familiar with this Christmas classic from Nigeria, but if you haven’t performed it recently it’s worth revisiting! Teaching opportunities abound—it features both simple and compound meters and, because all pitches are diatonic, is perfect for practicing reading on solfège syllables in the key of B♭ major. And it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Kuimba!

TTB unaccompanied with optional percussion

Victor C. Johnson

Heritage Music Press 15/3058H

Students are captivated by multicultural and ethnic music, and Victor Johnson has written this piece as an accessible approximation for your middle school or beginning high school guys. The text is about the joys of music and will be at home in a concert with any theme.

Score & rehearsal preparation: A realistic approach for instrumental conductors. Stith, G. (2011) Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications.

I’m including this book as my recommended resource this month because, even if you’ve seen it, you’ve probably overlooked it. It’s aimed at instrumental conductors but is an invaluable text for choral conductors who are striving to approach their score study more methodically and comprehensively. Stith breaks the score study process into three phases encompassing a total of 23 steps that will ensure success on whatever music you’re preparing to teach. I’ve found it the perfect “refresher course” in score study as I’ve prepared my own rehearsals this semester!