As we start off another academic year in 2024, here are a few pieces of repertoire for advanced SATB choirs that I highly recommend for a well-developed choral program.

“Sakkijarven Polkka” by Jonathan Rathbone 

1. • If you are wanting a really fun, challenging piece for your advanced SATB choir, then definitely look at programming this one. The singers mimic the sounds of instruments that are used in playing a Finnish Polkka. Provides the chance to really teach your singers to be independent in their part and have fun while doing it.

“Hymne au Soleil” by Lili Boulanger

1. • This is a fantastic festival piece for your advanced SATB that provides your students with exposure to a female composer and gives them the opportunity to experience full singing in French. Also has a great opportunity for a Soprano soloist.

“A Cold Wind Came” by Andrew Jacobson

1. • Andrew Jacobson is a living composer who is a fantastic find! I commissioned this piece for my Chamber Singers, and Jacobson worked with a living poet to create the text before then composing the choral work. It is a great piece for any advanced mixed ensemble that has a gorgeous melody and harmonies that will provide your students with an excellent challenge. 

“Childhood Christmas Favorites” by Jamey Ray

1. • For a fun, unique holiday medley, look no further than this piece! Originally performed by Voctave, this piece allows your students to sing a variety of holiday favorites in an a cappella style with thick harmonies. Great for your winter/holiday concert!

“Tu Sola Remedio” by Michael John Trotta

1. • If you want to incorporate a beautiful piece into your festival repertoire that is also in Spanish, then this piece does just the trick. You will want an accomplished accompanist to play the driving piano part, but your students will love this piece and it provides a great opportunity to discuss the poignant poem from Jorges Manrique.

“They Are Mother” by Jennifer Lucy Cook

1. • This piece provides a fantastic opportunity to help teach your students forward resonance as Cook has written in hums throughout the piece. Your students will love it as they mix together traditional choral techniques with a more pop-style of writing. The piece also provides the chance to discuss the divine Mother Nature or simply focus on the idea of Motherhood and the many people that take on a role of being a mother or a motherly figure.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Jacob Narverud

1. • Coming from the Pentatonix version of this song, Narverud provides any large, advanced mixed ensemble with a fun, upbeat arrangement that your students will be sure to love. It will be the highlight of any winter/holiday concert!

“A-Wassailing” by Chad Weirick

1. • You will want to make sure you have an accomplished pianist for this piece, but once you do, your students will enjoy learning this fun holiday piece. It is a unique arrangement of a more traditional song that works great as a holiday concert opener or closer.

“Ronde” by Maurice Ravel

1. • This piece provides a challenge for your students during any festival season if you want something that is public domain and in French. The French is tricky because the piece is written at a quick tempo, but once your students have learned the French pronunciation and their parts, they will find a great sense of accomplishment in performing this exciting piece. 

• “Let My Love Be Heard” by Jake Runestad

1. • If you are not familiar with this piece from Runestad, you will definitely want to add it to your future repertoire. It is a cappella and combines a beautiful message with beautiful melody and harmonies. Once your students have learned the piece and connect with the message they are singing, it will be sure to be moving for them and their audiences.