Selected Works by Black Composers

Grammy Award winner Bill Withers recorded this happy song in 1977, and this groovin' arrangement stays true to the R&B style of the original while employing some gospel harmonies designed to show off

This sweet and simple original song, with a lilting melody and folk-like harmonies, illustrates the impact of the relationships that we build throughout our lives. Optimistic about the future, the text

William Henry Davies' text is given a driving, rhythmic setting that encourages singer and listener alike to "sing out!" their songs of joy. The contrasting middle section is undergirded with rhythmic

This vibrant setting of a poem by George Parsons Lathrop describes how music underpins all earthly life. An active piano part provides an energetic undercurrent to compelling vocal lines, with the voices

An outside-the-box rhythmic explosion that culminates with a notated step routine! Lyrics encourage listeners to "dance to the rhythm of your own drum," embracing individuality and celebrating differences.

"To sit and dream ... all you who are dreamers, too. Help me make our world anew. I reach out my hands to you." These transformative words penned by Langston Hughes beckon us to reach toward the dreams of a

Jon Batiste's cover of the 1963 Impressions hit in Disney/Pixar's "Soul" brings this early Curtis Mayfield song to a whole new generation. Built on a soulful groove, jazzy twists, and a feel-good vibe, this

Inspired by Amanda Gorman's poem The Hill We Must Climb, this piece reminds us that when we work together, we can be the light in our communities. Up-tempo and easily learned, your singers will

This is a rhythmic, contemporary gospel-style anthem featuring the words of Maya Angelou, charging all of us to take responsibility for making our communities safe, supportive, and just. Reinforced by a

This lovely setting of the O'Shaughnessy text builds slowly through its whimsical melodic development. Accompanied by a beautiful piano part, the movement in the choral lines leads to a triumphant and

This fantastic stylized arrangement will appeal to choirs at many levels. Singable and skillfully arranged, this setting is fun, exciting, and captures the gentle joy of this spiritual. The piano

This energetic setting of the traditional Latin text is ideal for developing choirs. A mixed-meter introduction followed by energetic syncopation and a contrasting middle section make this a great piece for

This beloved anthem of the civil rights movement retains its gospel flavor in this accessible arrangement. With simple harmonies, it is appropriate for use by most choirs. A supportive piano accompaniment

This gospel-style original draws inspiration from the work of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him who worked to break down the barriers of racial discrimination and social injustice. A

Rhythmic, driving, and intense, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual with themes of home, journey, and trial is based on the 1950s Mahalia Jackson version with an Afro-Cuban beat. Add string bass

Your students will love singing this traditional spiritual arranged in an upbeat, gospel style! Call-and-response singing, stacked vocal harmonies, and a funky bridge make this piece oh so fun to sing.

Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and

Written in answer to a call for connection in troubled times, this song is about persistence, community, and moving ahead. "One foot in front of the other" is a metaphor for determination and forward

"You can do it, if you put your mind to it. Hold on, keep holding on. Lay your worries on me, I know we'll succeed. Never give up!" With empowering lyrics written by middle school students, this piece

Part vocalise, part warm-up, part novelty, part concert opener - all this and more in this flexibly fun piece! Explore a variety of vocal textures and articulations, all on neutral syllables that layer and

Madrigal marries Deck the Hall in this beautifully crafted arrangement well suited for developing choirs of all ages. Use handbells, vibraphone, or piano along with hand drum for a delightful and

This joyous and rhythmic a cappella celebration of hope, joy and peace is perfect for developing choirs. Your students will appreciate the high performance value, and you'll love the easy harmonic layering