Breaths by Ysaye M. Barnwell (SSATB)

This beautiful text honors the wisdom of our ancestors and reminds us that our loved ones will always be with us.  The ATB parts of this piece sing repeated ostinato figures and form “the band” while the two soprano parts sing primarily in parallel thirds.  If you don’t often do divisi with your choir, don’t be spooked by this piece, it’s very accessible, tuneful, and within reach of most groups. 

Lumen by Abbie Betinis (Unison Chant with 3 Part Canon)

Receive the light and pass it on. I give that you may give. If there has ever been a time in my lifetime when I need to receive (and give) some light, it’s now!  Sung in Latin, this piece offers a great chance to work on pure vowels and blended tone with the unison chant.  During three-part canon, the chant can be sung as an ostinato for students with voices that do not appreciate the range of the canon.  This piece works well in a variety of spatial configurations, as a processional, or could even include audience participation on the simple chant. 

Let Down the Bars O Death by Samuel Barber

(Listen here)

With an incredible text by Emily Dickinson and a haunting setting by Samuel Barber, this piece does not get enough performance time.  Perhaps because it’s so short, but when combined with other pieces it can really anchor a set of music.  With only a bit of extended harmony, this largely homophonic piece comes together quickly with a more advanced choir. 

Prepared by Aaron Humble, D. Mus

Associate Professor of Voice and Choir

California State University San Marcos

August 2025