A Christmas Call To Worship

SATB

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

At the sound of the trumpet and three octaves of jubilant handbells your Christmas service is launched. This holiday proclamation has a cheerful neo-classical sound. The addition of Joy to the World adds just the right exclamation point to crown the anthem with thrilling purpose.

Published by: Shawnee Press

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And I Shall Not Be Moved

SATB

Composed by Vicki Tucker Courtney

Words by Barbara Furman

Published by: Shawnee Press

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COME TO THE MANGER

SATB

Music by Vicki Tucker Courtney
Lyrics by Mark Austin

This beautiful Christmas prayer takes us from the whispers of the nativity to the confident proclamation of the Savior's birth. The pleasing meter has a delicate sway that is immediately compelling and when familiar strains enter the anthem, it concludes with a deep spirit of worship and awe.

Published by: Shawnee Press

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Ring! Christmas Bells!

Two part 
Arranged by Vicki Tucker Courtney

J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice 2010-2011

A perfect holiday processional or concert choice, this new original piece incorporates the sound of bells into the text and music. It incorporates the familiar carols O Come, All Ye Faithful and Angels We Have Heard on High making it easy in rehearsal. Light percussion completes the package.

Published by: Shawnee press

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The Baby Savior, Jesus

Unison/Two Part

Words by Bert Stratton

Arranged by David Ashton

Using the celebrated music of Greensleeves, this sensitively arranged holiday choral is a wonderful manger lullaby. "Pray, pray for peace on earth. The Lord has come to free us. Sing, Sing! Proclaim His birth, the baby savior, Jesus."

Published By: Shawnee Press

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STAR IN THE EAST 

SATB

Arranged by Vicki Tucker Courtney

Authentic style and sound covers this arrangement featuring material from the southern folk hymn tradition. Follow the Star of Bethlehem and with the Magi lay your finest gifts before the King. The optional instrumentation will add a distinctive timbre to your performance of this ancient but effective Epiphany carol.

Published by: Shawnee Press

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God Breathe

SATB

Words by Bert Stratton

Music by Vicki Tucker Courtney

In a relaxed, meditative 3/4, this beautiful prayer reminds the believer of the active presence of God's Holy Spirit in our daily lives. A modern day Psalm, it explores the healing power of God's sustaining companionship and our longing for the comfort and strength the Spirit provides. The accompaniment is rich, but not difficult and the accessible choral parts are beautifully reflective.

Published by: Alfred Music Publishing

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A Night Ride

TBB

Lyrics by Herb Frombach

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice 2010-2011

This is exciting for male voices! As the piano depicts a horseman racing along a beach at night, the voices sing, "Faster and faster, each step in the sand, we're moving as one, the reins in my hands..." Finally, the tempo slows, the ride is done, and this evocative piece of music comes to a quiet and satisfying close.

Published by: Carl Fischer

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Across the Sky

Two Part
Lyrics by Bert Stratton

J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice 2010-2011

Portraying a rainbow as a bridge in the sky, leading to a wish come true, this lyrical song captures all the lovely imagery of the words in flowing melodic lines and colorful harmonies. "For just this once please reappear to whisper secrets in my ear. And then, perhaps, I'll surely know what lies beyond your pastel bow." Simply delightful for young voices!

Published by: Carl Fischer

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Breath of Winter

SSAA

Music by James Austin
Lyrics by Bert Stratton

Women's voices seem to capture the icy texture of winter in this evocative work. "Breath of winter, always bold, icy glitter, frosty cold..." Lovely phrasing and harmonic colors make this an especially nice winterscape piece for winter programs.

Published by: Carl Fischer

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Cold December’s Winds

Three Part Mixed  
Arranged by Vicki Tucker Courtney

The text of this traditional Catalonian carol uses the symbolism of the Rose and the Lily to represent the beauty and promise of the miracle of Christmas. "Cold December's winds were stilled in the month of snowing. As the world fell dark one night, Springtime's Hope was growing..."

Published by: BriLee

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Come Join the Holiday Season 

SATB 
Lyrics by John Parker

Everyone will enjoy singing about holiday lights, fun with friends and family, and "dashing through the snow" with this rollicking expression of holiday cheer. An excellent choice for a holiday concert opener!

Published By: BriLee

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Holiday Craziness 

SATB

Music by James Austin

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is described in this seasonal offering from Bert Stratton and James Austin. It's not officially the holiday season without a certain amount of craziness in the mix!

Published by: Carl Fischer

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River of Imagination

SATB

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

Here's an innovative approach to textual imagery, employing words in a free-form technique to represent a flowing river of imagination. "Winding, wending, never-ending, twisting, turning, ever-yearning...still eluding, convoluting, pounding waves of agitation..." The music is equally intense, passing the sharply enunciated phrases through the choir. If you're looking for a different, refreshing way to challenge your ensemble, be sure to consider this.

Published by: Alfred Music Publishing

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Song of the Sparrow 

Two Part

Lyrics by John and Jillian Parker

J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice 2010-2011

What a marvelous way to teach word painting through music! "She flits on the ground in the grassy glade in search of her morning food, and rummages through each leaf and blade, whistling her merry tune. La, fa, la, la, la, fa, la, la..." Very sweet and musical, with a lyrical, sensitive piano accompaniment and expressive dynamics, this is exceptional. Highly recommended!

Published by: BriLee

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Take a Stand

SATB

A cappella

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

"Pick the hill you're gonna stand on. Choose the mountain you will climb. Go out and find the spot you're gonna land on as you test your wings and fly..." This upbeat a cappella original delivers its message through music in a spiritual style, for graduation or any other time of year.

Published by: Carl Fischer

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The Dover Cliffs

SATB  

Lyrics by Herb Frombach

Here's an attractive original in Celtic folksong style. The optional parts for flute, tambourine, hand drum and triangle add to the work's lilting, dance-like charm. "Come home, come home and be with me..."  

Published by: Alfred Music Publishing

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The Glasgow Hoot

TB

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

Here's a refreshing alternative to the standard fare for male voices - an original Scottish reel. "Step up...step back...click your heels...stomp and tap..." It's easy to add simple choreography, or you can invite a fiddler to join in for an extra measure of light, bouncy fun!

Published by: BriLee

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The Last Blue Rose

SSA

Lyrics by John Parker

J. W. Pepper Editor’s Choice 2010-2011

"One rose as yet remains unborn; it bears no leaf, it holds no thorn; But still its charm surpasses all along my heart's own garden wall..." Although the blue rose does not occur in nature, in literature it carries a very special and mysterious significance. It can represent hope, dreams, and impossibility, or it can symbolize hope for a miracle, enchantment, and new possibilities. Most famously, the blue rose represents the impossible and unattainable, as is so beautifully expressed in this scrumptious ode to a love always admired but never attained. Perfect for a spring concert or any other occasion, this is exceptional for women's voices! Highly recommended!

Published by: Heritage, a division of The Lorenz Corp.

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The Silence Speaks

SATB

Lyricist: Herb Frombach

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

This inspirational text is beautifully set for SATB voices. Moving seamlessly between unison and four-part singing, the text is painted with gentle strokes of melodic and harmonic nuances and is a wonderful example of dynamic contrast that teaches the singer interpretive abilities and quiet, full singing. Available separately: SATB, PianoTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:57.

Publisher: Shawnee Press

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The Sounds of Time 

SATB

Music by James Austin

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

James Austin and Bert Stratton team up again with this tribute to the storied legacy witnessed by nature. "The more I listen the more I find this land is alive with the sounds of time." With accompaniment by piano, oboe, and percussion, "Sounds of Time" delivers an almost Celtic dance feel.

Published by: Carl Fischer

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Without Music

SATB

Lyrics by Bert Stratton

"A lover's serenade, a solo sweetly played, a live performance of your favorite song..." Without music, we would miss all of these experiences; music enriches our lives in so very many ways. Everyone can relate to this message, and Vicki Courtney's musical ideas express it so well. A lovely selection, especially for concerts emphasizing "arts awareness."

Published by: Carl Fischer

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