👉Top Beginning High School Choir Repertoire
I know summer time is for rest and relaxation. However, sometimes I can’t relax until I have chosen (or at least started) concert music for the year. So…here we go!
✨After teaching high school choir beginners for over 20 years, I’ve noticed a few things about choosing repertoire at the start of the year:
1-The first semester feels like you are still teaching middle school students. So, be sure to program a few fun songs in a variety of styles/tempos that will grab their attention! 🎉
2-You can’t anticipate what voice parts will arrive in your classroom. Each fall, I am amazed how quickly voices change over the short summer. Choose a few songs that could work with all scenarios and be ready to punt. Give yourself permission to reprogram a song if it isn’t working for your choir. Sometimes a song that doesn’t work in the fall will be perfect for spring! 🫶
3-Don’t choose difficult music for your first concert. Instead, look for pieces that will make students feel successful. Focus your first few weeks of choir establishing classroom procedures and making choir a fun experience instead of stressful! 😜
I have several SAB, SSAB and SATB songs that I use on repeat with my beginning high school choir. Over the years, I’ve found these pieces contain “easy to teach” concepts, are “catchy” with the age group and become some of their favorite pieces to sing!
✅I’ve divided them into three categories by voice parts. (Please note-I have included links to JWPepper so you can listen and check out the score. I am NOT an affiliate with this company.)
🎶SAB Music
Let’s talk about voice parts. If your choir is struggling or very new to singing, consider starting with SAB music. The list below contains songs that are more “mature” for the age group, but more importantly, contain a baritone part that goes down to at least second space C in the bass clef. I’ve found that many SAB songs have a higher range (F-middle C), which can be difficult for high school baritones to sing over the long haul.
Aurora Borealis, by Amy F. Bernon- Amy is a master at creating singable melodies in a range that works for all voices. This song includes solos and also comes in a SATB version. I’ve done both voices with my choirs. For an added effect, project a video of the Northern Lights during your concert!
Dreams of Thee by Eric William Barnum- This song feels like a true upperclass high school song but is easily obtainable for a beginner. Includes an optional solo and a C instrument part. This is a nice way to feature an older high school band student!
Sixteen Tons, arranged by Kirby Shaw- This piece comes in both SAB and SATB so choose the voicing that works for you. The baritone/bass section will be so excited to sing low!
Storm, by James M. DesJardins, This is a great piece to start the year with. It depicts an incoming storm and calls for body percussion and drums. Get your light person to flash the lights throughout and add a few rainsticks.
The Cuckoo, but Robert Hugh- Includes the coolest baritone line for your lower voices in a scat-like style. The alto part is fun to sing and the sopranos can divide into two parts at the end. Add some snaps and claps and you’ve got yourself a winner!
The Wind Gives Voice to the Trees, by Greg Gilpin- This piece is beautifully written for the beginning high schooler and includes both SAB and SATB voices. My students are always hooked on the minor tonality and flow of the piece.
🎤SSAB
Some years (thank you, COVID) I have had 4 boys, but a million girls in my beginning high school choir. So, I focused on SSAB music. These songs are challenging enough for the soprano and altos, yet hold the attention of the baritones.
Bring Me Little Water, Silvy- arranged by Greg Gilpin- Features the baritone part and allows the soprano and altos to sing in block chords. Added body percussion and percussion create a show stopper. Also comes in many voicings.
Hold Me, Rock Me, by Brian Tate- If your choir has a great sense of pitch and wants the challenge of singing a cappella, check this one out. I like how the voices are layered in, making it easier to learn pitches. Plus, the baritones get to expand their range.
I Hear a Voice A-Prayin, arranged by Greg Gilpin-Looking to challenge your group with singing in 4 parts, a cappella?
Si Tu Suenas by Francisco Nunez and Jim Papoulis- I do this one on REPEAT! The Spanish is easy and the rhythmic lines come together so easily! I would suggest programming this one at the end of the year.
Sisi ni moja, by Jacob Narverud- If you’ve never heard of this song, you need to listen immediately! While this song comes in many voicings, I think the SSAB version works perfectly for a beginning HS choir.
🎵SATB
If your choir already sings SATB music, hooray!! Below, I am recommending a variety of pieces if you are just getting started in SATB music or want something contest worthy.
A Red, Red Rose, by Z. Randall Stroope- This song is slightly advanced and makes the perfect song for end of the year contests.
Ale Pun, by Ruth Ann Schram- My students love the flow of this piece, which has a very singable tenor and bass part. Add instruments like triangle and wood block for added appeal. Also comes in three-part mixed.
Beautiful December, by Amy F. Bernon- If you are looking for a secular Winter Concert song, this one hits all the marks and comes together quickly.
Corner of the Sky, arranged by John Leavitt-I have to confess…I’ve done this song more than I probably should. However, I love that it offers two solos and the chorus part repeats. It is a very quick learn and my students get so excited to audition for solos!
I Sing Because I’m Happy, by Rollo Dilworth-This one was a student request this year and I LOVE IT!
Who Has Seen the Wind? By Victor Johnson- This is my GO-TO piece at the beginning of the year when I want students to be successful at singing 4-parts.
Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, by David Brunner- I. Love. This. Song! Not only are you teaching the students a Spanish text, but the rhythm clapping parts are a blast to perform. I use this one A LOT for the end of the year contests.
I hope these suggestions will make repertoire choosing a little easier and less stressful for you!
Happy Planning! 😎Melanie
