2021 Reading Session Picks: Adult Choir

Every year, I write a round-up post with my favorite choir anthems from summer reading sessions.

Until the pandemic, that is.

In 2020, choirs around the world found themselves separated, singing alone at home while listening to a recording or trying to follow along with a piece of music over Zoom.

One thing I think we all realized early on: It’s just not the same as singing together in person.

Fortunately this year, we’re finding new ways to begin singing together again. Often, it’s still with masks and 6+ feet of distance, but it’s becoming possible.

This year’s reading session picks include pieces with piano and organ accompaniment and some with optional instrumental parts (cello, chamber orchestra, and 4-hand piano).

I recognize that not everything on this list will work for your choir, but I hope this list makes your job a little simpler this summer as you plan and prepare for the coming year. I hope you find at least one anthem you love.

Happy singing (finally)!

2021 Reading Session Picks: Adult Choir

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

O Come, Holy Light (Brian Hanson)
SATB Choir + piano and opt. cello

This anthem was new in 2020. It features rich harmonies and choral texture and a beautiful original (very timely) Advent text based on Isaiah 42:1-9. It’s easy to learn with several unison passages.

The Virtual Learning Resource Pak includes a reproducible PDF score, part-dominant learning tracks, an accompaniment track, and a devotional guide written by the composer.

Deep River (arr. Victor Johnson)
SAB or SATB Choir + piano

If one of your goals for 2021-22 is to include more anthems by African-American composers, this is a great one to consider. This anthem features a solo opportunity at the beginning, a rolling accompaniment that evokes the beauty of the text, and rich vocal textures.

Fairest Lord Jesus (Derek Hakes/revised Craig Courtney)
SAB or SATB Choir + piano

A new tune for this familiar, prayerful text. Includes a beautiful a cappella verse with beautiful harmonies. Appropriate for Transfiguration Sunday or general worship. Available for SAB choirs in the collection Small But Mighty II.

Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB or TTBB Choir + 4-hand piano

Sparkling and fun, this setting is a bright, fresh take on the English classic.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Kyle Pederson)
SATB Choir + piano and opt. cello

Cluster chords, a soaring descant, and rich cello obbligato make this a stunning setting of an ancient chant while still being accessible.

Let Us Build a House (All Are Welcome) (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir + piano and opt. Chamber Orchestra (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe)

A fresh, accessible setting of Marty Haugen’s “All Are Welcome” and Ken Medema’s “Come Build a Church.”

A Resting Place (Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir + piano

A simple opening makes way for a new melodic setting of the hymn, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” rich in harmonic colors, yet grounded in repeated tonal and rhythm patterns.

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Awake, My Soul, Give Thanks and Sing (Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir + piano

A majestic setting of Psalm 57 with Alleluia responses featuring a soaring melody and rich, chordal piano accompaniment.

Just As I Am, Without One Plea (Lynette Maynard)
2-part Choir + piano

A great option for Lent, this flexible anthem can be sung by any combination of voices. Featuring a new melody with the familiar hymn text, this anthem works well for smaller choirs.

If Ye Love Me (Philip Wilby)
SATB Choir + organ

A lovely, lyrical setting of John 14:15-18. Accessible part-writing for smaller choirs and several unison sections make this a good choice for smaller choirs.