Friends - I'm always looking for great little gems for my church youth
choir. We have about 13 kids, some good readers, no vocal superstars
(but don't tell them I said that!) Just pleasant young voices. None of
the boys can sing tenor for any length of time, yet they enjoy 4-part
music if the ranges are comfortable.

We sing various genres, from CCM to early music. This week they will
sing Hal Hopson's setting of a Vivaldi canon, "All the Earth Rejoice
With A Gladsome Voice". This is the PERFECT piece for them ... and now
I'm scouring for pieces like this that bring out the best in them.

What works (and qualities I'd like to find more of) -
* range is B to d in all voices ,except for the very brief 4-part
passage in which our two bari-tenors touch an 'e' for a second and
don't stay there.
* the dynamic range is reasonable for young voices
* it has lasting appeal, it's fun to sing, yet not cheesy.

(other successful pieces: Psallite Unigenito - Praetorius, (SATB, but
tenor range was very easy) and a good SAB setting of "Didn't My Lord
Deliver Daniel" ... sorry I can't think of the arranger right now! and
some of the KJOS pieces from their series for smaller choirs)

So... if you have thoughts/suggestions I'd be grateful.

Dan Wagner
Minister of Music
Grace United Methodist Church
300 E Gartner Rd.
Naperville, IL 60540
andante147(a)gmail.com
630.355.1748, ext. 232
630.890.9292 (cell)
andante147(a)gmail.com