Reading Session Picks for Youth Choir
Have you ever attended a choral reading session?
Often, these are presented by music publishers at conferences, clinics, and professional development workshops. Sometimes, clinicians curate their own reading sessions with some of their favorite works. It’s a great way to learn about new repertoire and choose music for the year ahead.
When choosing anthems for your youth choir, look for relevant, meaningful text and well-crafted music (here's an inside look at my process). Look for pieces that will inspire your singers and challenge them musically.
In this post, you’ll find a list of reading session picks for middle and high school youth choirs in a variety of styles. There's also a mix of voicings—everything from unison/2-part to 3-part mixed, SAB and SATB. I hope you find something meaningful and accessible for your choir this year!
Reading Session Picks for Middle and High School Choirs
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Flexible voicing
My Life, My All (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SAB or SATB Choir + Piano
Using Twila Paris' "Lamb of God" tune and texts by Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley ("When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Amazing Love"), this anthem is a beautiful portrait of old and new. Perfect for Lent or the Easter season.
More Love (Mark A. Miller)
2-part or SAB Choir with Piano
A much-needed message for today's world: "More love, less hate." Accessible part-writing for groups of all sizes and ability levels and an opportunity to feature one or more soloists.
Walk in the Light (arr. Andre Thomas)
Unison/2-Part or SATB Choir (flex voicing) + Piano
A soulful, gospel arrangement of "Jesus, the Light of the World" incorporating text from "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Exciting piano accompaniment and accessible choral parts.
Be Thou My Vision (arr. Dan Forrest)
2-Part Mixed, SSA, TTB, SATB Choir + Piano, Opt. Harp and Cello
A stunning arrangement of this historic hymn available in a variety of voicings. Exposed choral parts, but beautiful harmonies and instrumental accompaniment throughout.
For the Beauty of the Earth (Greg Gilpin)
2-part or SATB with Piano and Opt. Flute
The traditional hymn text is set to a new melody and supported by a gentle, flowing accompaniment and flute obbligato. Simple part-writing throughout.
Redeemer (arr. Heather Sorenson)
SAB or SATB Choir with Piano
The strong message: “I know my Redeemer lives” is a recurring statement throughout this majestic anthem. A familiar verse/chorus structure and several unison/2-part passages make it accessible for smaller youth choirs. The text is based on Job 19:25, Psalm 95:4-6, and Psalm 104:18-20.
Sisi ni moja (We Are One) (Jacob J. Narverud)
SA or SA(T)B Choir with Piano and Djembe
A fun, rhythmic piece celebrating unity and what brings us together. A sparkling piano accompaniment and lyrical vocal lines are contrasted by engaging rhythms on the Djembe and gentle syncopations that gradually build in the choral parts. A mix of English and African text is used.
A Prayer for Humility (Patterson)
Unison or SATB Choir + Piano
I love the simplicity of this text. Accessible part-writing and singable lines make it a beautiful addition to any service.
3-partA Mighty Fortress is Our God (arr. Mark Patterson)
SSA Choir with Piano + Opt. B-flat Trumpet
An upbeat, syncopated setting of this traditional Reformation hymn. A lyrical section in the middle provides a nice contrast.
A Canon of Praise (Natalie Sleeth)
Three-Part Mixed Choir with Piano + Opt. 3-Octave Handbells
A joyful canon featuring three melodies each presented in a 3-part canon, then combined the last time. A festive handbell part and simple piano accompaniment help tie everything together.
Four Sacred Rounds (Timothy G. Bushong)
Three-Part Choir, a cappella
Each round in this collection includes three standalone (unison) parts for use as introits, hymn introductions, or prayer responses. The parts may also be sung in 2- or 3-part canon as an anthem or offertory piece. Hymn pairing recommendations are included.
Ubi Caritas (Greg Gilpin)
Three-Part Mixed Choir with Piano
Imitative part-writing, interesting melodic lines, and a simple, flowing accompaniment. Accessible and very appropriate for Lent.
For more Ubi Caritas settings, see these 10 settings for Holy Week.
Salvation is Created (arr. Russell Robinson)
Three-Part Mixed Choir, a cappella
An approachable setting of this classical choral work, with simplified, accessible part-writing and lyrical phrasing.
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SABWalk in Light (Karen Marrolli)
SAB Choir + Piano with Opt. Violin, Oboe, or Clarinet
A soothing, folk-like original melody perfect for Advent services. Peaceful and serene, the instrumental parts weave in the ancient DIVINUM MYSTERIUM tune, echoed by the choir near the end.
African Psalm (Victor C. Johnson)
SAB Choir, a cappella
This new setting of a traditional Zambian folk song includes some challenging syncopation, but the repetitive rhythm patterns make it relatively easy to learn.
I Shall Not Live in Vain (Ruth Morris Gray)
SAB Choir with Piano + Opt. Violin
Beautiful lyrics by Emily Dickinson speak of the influence we can have and the good we can do with our lives. “If I can keep one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain."
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.
SATBRoll Down Justice! (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir + Piano with Opt. Congregation
This anthem has a strong, powerful message—a cry for restoration, healing, and justice, incorporating the familiar hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."
Note: This anthem is part of Mark Miller’s songbook, Roll Down Justice, featuring 23 songs for congregational worship.
I Put My Hope in You (Cindy Berry)
SATB Choir + Piano
A reflective, hopeful anthem incorporating text from "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less." Memorable chorus with accessible rhythms and part-writing.
I Surrender All (arr. Victor C. Johnson)
SATB Choir + Piano
A modern setting of an old hymn, this arrangement features a stunning piano accompaniment, rich harmonies, and an a cappella verse.
Psalm 139 (Allen Pote)
SATB Choir + Piano
An original, timeless setting of Psalm 139 ("Lord, you have searched me and known me"). Accessible part-writing (it begins in 2-part) and relevant text make it perfect for youth choirs.
I’m Gonna Sing! (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano
This arrangement provides some rhythmic interest and a great opportunity to feature soloists from your choir.
You Sing Over Me (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano
This anthem, based on Isaiah 62:5 and Zephaniah 3:17, features syncopated but repetitive rhythms and a recurring chorus. The inclusion of several unison passages throughout makes this accessible and easy to learn.
Search With All Your Heart (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano and Opt. Bass and Drum Set
This one is a few years old now, but it’s worth sharing (and singing!) again if you haven’t already. The text is based on Jeremiah 29:11-13 and accentuated by a driving and rhythmic piano accompaniment with optional bass and drum set. There are several unison passages throughout, making it fairly easy to put together.
Our God Is Love (Mary McDonald)
SATB Choir with Piano and opt. Cello
Set to the English tune, KINGSFOLD, this anthem is both majestic and singable. Beautiful, uplifting text will be an encouragement to your choir members and congregation.
My Light and My Salvation (Lloyd Larson)
SATB Choir with Organ
A lovely setting of the familiar Psalm 27 text, with clear declamation, singable lines, and supportive organ accompaniment.
Show Us How to Love (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano
A poignant and deeply meaningful anthem by Mark A. Miller with beautiful lyrics by Lindy Thompson: “Hearts open, minds awake, change us now for heaven’s sake. Leave us not alone in hatred’s wake. Show us how to love.”
Creation of Peace (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir + Piano
The text reads: "Come build a land where sisters and brothers, anointed by God, can create peace..." Mark Miller's creative use of repetition makes this one easy to learn and easy to teach to the congregation.
He Will Hold Me Fast (arr. James Koerts)
SATB Choir with Piano and Opt. Cello
Soft and gentle, the encouraging and comforting lyrics in this anthem are a balm to the weary soul. Lyrical part-writing and several unison passages make it accessible for smaller groups, as well.
Silent Night (Close Your Eyes and Sleep) (arr. Heather Sorrenson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Instrumental Accompaniment
A lyrical, more contemporary setting of “Silent Night,” with a few slight rhythmic variations and an original song, “Close Your Eyes and Sleep,” in the middle.
Welcome to God’s Love (Mark A. Miller)
SATB Choir with Piano
A gentle song of welcome, affirmation, and acceptance, with meaningful text by Lindy Thompson: “Every person has a place in this holy, sacred space, earth’s entire human race, welcome!”
My Alleluia (Heather Sorenson)
SATB Choir with Piano + Opt. Violin and Cello
Gentle syncopation and a memorable repeated chorus: “Before I greet the morning sun, before I start the day, I’ll thank you for the things to come, I’ll worship as I pray. Alleluia.”
For Everyone Born (arr. Tom Trenney)
SATB Choir with Piano + Cello
A warm affirmation: “For everyone born, a place at the table, to live without fear, and simply to be, to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, for everyone born, the right to be free!”
I’d love to hear from you:
Which piece is your favorite? What would you add to this list?
Choir is a meaningful way to build community, promote unity, and bring people together.
Whether you direct a community choir, a church choir, or work with a professional choir, combining with other groups can be a memorable, enriching musical experience for all involved. It's also a practical way to expand what's possible on a concert program: more voices, more opportunities for divisi, and a bigger sound than one group could create on their own.