Reading Session Picks for Adult Choir
Music publishers often present reading sessions at music conferences, clinics, and professional development workshops. If you’re a director, this is a good way to learn about new repertoire and choose music for the year ahead.
When choosing music for your adult choir, look for pieces with well-crafted music and accessible, meaningful text.
In this post, you’ll find a list of reading session picks I’ve curated through the years. Some feature piano and organ accompaniment, and some include optional instrumental parts (flute, cello, violin, trumpet, brass quartet, timpani, chamber orchestra, and 4-hand piano).
Not everything on this list will work for your choir, but I hope you find at least one piece you love.
Happy singing!
Reading Sessions Picks for Adult Choirs
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
flexible voicingAngels We Have Heard On High (arr. Trevor Manor)
Unison, 2- or 3-Part Choir with Piano + Opt. Handbells and Violin
A sparkling arrangement of this Christmas favorite, perfect for a smaller adult choir or intergenerational choir (adults + youth, adults + children, adults + youths + children).
Not Ashamed (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB or TTBB Choir with Piano + Opt. Violin, Cello, and Percussion
An anthem of hope and courage, with text by Isaac Watts and the hymn tune ARLINGTON. “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, or to defend His cause..."
Our Father (Craig Courtney)
SATB, SSAA, or TTBB Choir with Piano + Opt. Violin
A lush, lyrical setting of the Lord’s Prayer, featuring cluster chords, beautiful piano and violin parts, and clear text declamation.
Go, Tell It on the Mountain (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SAB or SATB Choir, a cappella
A fun, syncopated version of this Christmas/Epiphany favorite. This would make a great Christmas program closer or an ensemble piece for Epiphany Sunday.
Deep River (arr. Victor Johnson)
SAB or SATB Choir with Piano
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 with 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 with 4-hand Piano
Sparkling and fun, this setting is a bright, fresh take on the English classic.
Autumn Carol (arr. Russell Schulz-Widmar)
SAB or SATB Choir + Six Handbells
A lovely Thanksgiving piece incorporating the old hymn "Sing to the Lord of Harvest."
Esto Les Digo (Kinley Lange)
SSAA Choir, a cappella
A moving choral piece with Spanish text based on Matthew 18:19-20.
2-Part MixedJust As I Am, Without One Plea (arr. Lynette Maynard)
2-Part Mixed 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.
3-Part MixedUbi Caritas (Victor C. Johnson)
3-Part Mixed Choir with Piano
A great way to introduce Latin text to your choir. This is an accessible setting of a traditional text, and three-part mixed means you can do it with a smaller group (great for summer choirs) or with a youth choir.
SABLove Came Down at Christmas (Allen Pote)
SAB Choir with Keyboard + Opt. Handbells and C Instrument
I love the text in this accessible setting of a Christmas favorite by Allen Pote. It would be gorgeous with the optional instrumentation!
My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SAB Choir with Piano
This setting of Keith Getty and Stuart Townend’s piece features a hymn-like melody with an interesting, yet supportive piano accompaniment. A lovely anthem of gratitude and praise.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (arr. John Carter)
SAB Choir with Piano
A simple setting of this familiar text and tune (RESIGNATION), with lyrical accompaniment and accessible part-writing.
I Will Give Joyful Thanks (Douglas Nolan)
SAB Choir with Piano
Featuring mixed meter, syncopation, and a percussive piano part, this joyful anthem would be perfect for Thanksgiving Sunday.
SATBPilgrim Song (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Flute
An accessible arrangement of this American folk hymn.
Silent Night (arr. Peter Anglea)
SATB Choir with Piano
A gorgeous (new) melody and accompaniment for this traditional Christmas text. Stunning!
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (arr. Matthew Culloton)
SATB Choir with Flute and Piano or Harp
I love, love, love Matthew Culloton's arrangements, but many are beyond the capabilities of a small church choir. This is one I think you could actually do. Love this melody (and text), and this setting is simple, yet striking.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Piano
One of my favorite Christmas melodies. The original (a cappella) Praetorius version is a classic, but if you'd like something a little different (and with piano accompaniment), this arrangement is really lovely. A nice descant at the end, too!
Be the Light of Christ (Wes Cameron)
SATB Choir with Piano
This lyrical anthem would work well for a stewardship-themed service.
Come with a Thankful Heart (arr. Jayne Southwick Carol)
SATB Choir with Organ + Opt. Congregation, Brass Quartet, and Timpani
A rich setting of a modern hymn, with text based on Psalm 100. Reproducible congregation part included. A wonderful choice for Thanksgiving Sunday, Music Sunday, or general use (the instrumental parts add a lot!).
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Hands of God (Michael Austin Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Trumpet
Written in a hymn style, with repeated rhythms and melodies and incorporating a quote from “A Mighty Fortress.” Great for Reformation Sunday or stewardship.
The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (arr. Charles McCartha)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Cello
An accessible Advent anthem incorporating an early American hymn tune and an original chorus: "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to us."
This Is My Father’s World (arr. Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano + Violin
A beautiful setting of this familiar hymn. Expressive piano writing, lyrical violin obbligato, and simple, sweeping soprano descant.
Long-Expected Dawn (Karen Marrolli)
SATB Choir with Piano + Flute
A warm, prayerful anthem for Advent: “O let your advent herald clear an end to sorrow and to fear!” The flute obbligato incorporates fragments from VENI EMMANUEL and ERMUNTREDICH.
The Little Drummer Boy (arr. Joel Raney)
SATB Choir with 4-Hand (Opt. 2-Hand) Piano
A Christmas classic, this new arrangement preserves the original tune and rhythms underscored by a playful 4-hand piano accompaniment. Download a free 2-hand piano part here.
O Day of Peace that Dimly Shines (arr. Jantz A. Black)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Violin
A flowing accompaniment and lyrical violin obbligato bring new colors and urgency to this familiar 20th-century hymn tune. Text by Carl P. Daw, Jr. offers a cry for peace and quotes Isaiah 11:6-9 (“then the wolf will dwell with the lamb”).
Sing a New Song! (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Organ or Piano + Opt. 2 Trumpets, Timpani, and Congregation
A majestic setting of Psalm 96 incorporating the traditional hymn, "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above."
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.
People, Look East (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Piano
A sparkling arrangement of this Advent carol—perfect for a Hanging of the Greens service.
Behold Our God (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Orchestra
A majestic Christmas anthem with hints of “O come let us adore Him” throughout.
O Come, Holy Light (Brian Hanson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Cello
This anthem 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.
Christ Is Born This Holy Night (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. 8 Handbells or Chimes
A unique, reflective medley of three Advent/Christmas carols: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” “Still, Still, Still,” and “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly."
I Surrender All to You (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano
Set to the traditional Irish tune, SALLEY GARDENS, this anthem uses the text from “O Jesus, I Have Promised,” bringing a whole new perspective to this beautiful prayer.
O Love (arr. Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lovely, deeply moving setting of “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” beautifully set by Elaine Hagenberg.
Rock of Ages (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano
An accessible setting of James Ward’s tune, with original text by Augustus M. Toplady, followed by a quote of the original hymn.
I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Steven Strite)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Brass and Percussion
An exciting, rhythmic setting of the traditional hymn text with a new tune and driving accompaniment. Fun!
Emmanuel (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Strings and Percussion
A thoughtful, contemporary lullaby with a moving chorus. Beautiful text and rich harmonies.
In the Spirit of Thanksgiving (arr. Brad Nix)
SATB Choir + Piano
Set to the tune BEACH SPRING, this accessible Thanksgiving anthem has great text (written by Joseph Martin) and a marked early American sound brought out by the animated accompaniment.
Come Home (Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir with Piano
A moving, lyrical anthem with text from the hymn "Softly and Tenderly." Beautifully written.
See Amid the Winter’s Snow (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. String Quartet and Percussion
A quiet, elegant setting of the traditional English carol with an original "Alleluia" refrain. The instrumental accompaniment captures the essence of a snowy winter night.
I Saw the Cross of Jesus (Victor C. Johnson)
SATB Choir with Piano
This is another setting of an old text—a hauntingly beautiful piece for Lent.
Christmas Bells (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano or Opt. 4-Hand Piano and Handbells
A fun, upbeat piece for the holiday season, this one quotes "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" and "Joy to the World" and has optional parts for 4-hand piano and handbells.
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir + Solo, a cappella
A really lovely, quiet setting of this well-known text. Works well with Psalms 23 and 103.
If Ye Love Me (Philip Wilby)
SATB Choir with 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.
Let Us Break Bread Together (arr. Brian L. Hanson)
SATB Choir with Piano
A very nice setting of this traditional communion hymn.
Be Still, My Child (Lee Dengler)
SATB Choir with Piano
A beautiful, reverent setting of Psalm 46:10, incorporating the hymn, “Be Still, My Soul” with poetic text by Susan Naus Dengler: “There is a voice, a still, small voice that calls to you from wind and fire, that speaks amid the noise of life, and says, ‘Be still, my child, and know I am God.’” Powerful and poignant.
On This Silent, Holy Night (arr. Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano
A fresh, new arrangement of the hymn tune HUMILITY, this Christmas text by Joseph Mohr (1792-1848), adapted by Mary McDonald, incorporates lines from “Silent Night.” Perfect for Christmas Eve.
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (arr. Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Small Ensemble or Orchestra
An energetic, syncopated setting of this traditional hymn text with a new melody set in Dorian mode and a lilting 12/8 meter.
Be Filled With the Spirit (Allen Pote)
SATB Choir with Piano
Based on Colossians 3:12-17, this chorale-style anthem features accessible part-writing and ranges, simple harmonic language, and a lyrical accompaniment.
Good Shepherd (Gwyneth Walker)
SATB Choir with Organ
A lovely setting of this text (“The King of Love my Shepherd is”), incorporating a brief repeated chorus using the text, “God before me. God beside me. God behind me. God above me.”
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (arr. John Ferguson)
SATB Choir with Organ + Opt. Brass Quartet and Timpani
A traditional setting of this hymn featuring brass fanfare, rich organ accompaniment, congregational singing, a creative choir-only stanza, and a soprano descant for the last verse.
To the Lamb On the Throne (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Organ or Piano + Opt. Brass Quintet and Timpani
A majestic and powerful setting of Charles Wesley's text, “Ye Servants of God.” Rich harmonies with a descant and creative accompaniment throughout.
All Glory, Laud, and Honor (arr. Caleb French)
SATB Choir with Piano
A new setting of the traditional text and tune set in 6/8 meter.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Kyle Pederson)
SATB Choir with Piano + 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 with Piano + Opt. Chamber Orchestra
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 with 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.
Were You There (arr. Brian L. Hanson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Cello
A reflective setting of this traditional Lenten spiritual with a beautiful cello obbligato. Includes an optional ending for Lent/Holy Week and one for more general use.
The Wexford Carol (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Piano
This is a great setting of a classic, beloved carol. I love Howard Helvey's arrangements! Listen to his arrangement of Ride on King Jesus if you don't know it.
He Covers Me (Craig Courtney)
SATB Choir with Piano
A tender, reflective anthem. Words of faith and assurance to remember throughout the year.
Silent Night (arr. Eric Nelson)
SATB Choir with Piano
An exquisite setting of this classic Christmas text—quiet, calm, and simply beautiful.
He Leadeth Me (arr. Benjamin Wegner)
SATB Choir with Piano
Familiar hymn text with a new musical setting that is both reflective and captivating.
Thou Who Wast Rich (arr. Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lovely setting of a lesser-known Christmas carol, with text by Frank Houghton (based on 2 Corinthians 8). Beautiful!
The Meditations of My Heart (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir with Piano
A lyrical, delicate setting of Psalm 19:14, marked by rich harmonies, sweeping lines, and flowing accompaniment.
The Huron Carol (arr. Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. String Quartet
A tender setting of this haunting carol with subtle Celtic influences.
Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord (Mark Hayes)
SATB Choir with Organ, Handbells, and Congregational Response
A memorable, lyrical setting of Psalm 150 with lots of repetition, creative handbell and organ accompaniment, and an optional congregational response.
Like a River in My Soul (arr. Tim Osiek)
SATB Choir with Piano
A modern, flowing setting of the simple prayer for “peace like a river, love like an ocean, and joy like a fountain” in our souls.
O Sing to the Lord a New Song (Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Flute and Handbells
A lilting setting of Psalm 98 with accessible choral part-writing and quotes from the hymn tune, HYFRYDOL.
I Want to Be Ready (arr. Howard Helvey)
SATB Choir with Piano
An unexpected setting of this traditional Spiritual—gentle, lyrical, and quiet.
O God Beyond All Praising (arr. Rodney Abriol)
SATB Choir with Piano
A traditional setting of this favorite hymn (tune: THAXTED by Gustav Holst, with text by Michael Perry). Simple piano accompaniment and accessible choral part-writing.
Prayer to Jehovah (Molly Ijames)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Strings
A surprising, sweeping setting of the traditional hymn text, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” that brings the words to life in a whole new way.
Let Us Pray for Peace (Thomas Keesecker & Nancy Kraft)
SATB Choir with Piano
Such beautiful text in this simple, lyrical anthem. A heartfelt prayer for peace and understanding.
SATB (divisi)
Sweetest Music, Softly Stealing (Elaine Hagenberg)
SATB Choir, divisi with Piano
Lovely text and gorgeous setting.
My Hope Is Built (arr. Tom Trenney)
SATB Choir, divisi with Piano
A gospel-style piano accompaniment brings new life to this hymn. The arrangement includes a contrasting section in relative minor and a repeated section at the end that begins with the basses and layers the other voices on top.
The Work of Christmas (Dan Forrest)
SATB Choir, divisi, a cappella
Beautiful text by Howard Thurman and lovely setting by Dan Forrest. Great for the Sunday after Christmas or during Epiphany.
If God Is For Us (Allen Pote)
SATB Choir, divisi with Piano
A lyrical setting of the text from Romans 8:31-39 with good text declamation throughout and a strong ending. Some Soprano divisi towards the end.
I’d love to hear from you:
Which piece is your favorite? What would you add to this list?
It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s time for all things Fall, new school supplies, and the start of a new academic year.
If you’re a planner like me and like things to be organized, you probably spent some time this summer cleaning out folders and boxes, straightening up counters and rearranging chairs, getting the piano tuned, and planning music for the Fall semester.