Vocal & Choral

Alabama Gal
(Unison Choir or 2-part Flexible Voicing with Piano) 

Premiered by Randolph School 4th and 5th Grade General Music Classes (2006)

This setting combines the classic folk tune with Morte! Lamentations and The Banjo by America's first rock star (aka composer), Louis Moreau Gottschalk.  Alabama (or Buffalo or California...) Gal provides the perfect opportunity to feature an amazing accompanist while teaching students about counting 16th notes, singing arpeggiated triads, and changing tempos.  Not to mention exploring Gottschalk's wild and crazy life.  I've also provided an optional second part with limited range, perfect for boys with changing voices.  The history of Alabama Gal is complicated and deserves further scrutiny. At the very least, please read this article from the Library of Congress before programming the work. [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, High, Community, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, Flexible, School]

All Things New
(SATB with String Quartet) 

Premiered by the Nicholas Nickl Ordination Choir (2016)
Publicly Premiered by Triad: Boston's Choral Collective (2017)
Semi-Finalist for the American Prize (2018-2019)

All Things New was commissioned by Nicholas John Nickl to commemorate his ordination as a deacon.  It allegorizes a near universal desire to improve upon our present condition and each individual's role in infusing life on earth with the love, joy, and peace of heaven. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Pentecost)]

As from Songs in the Key of Life
(SATB w/div. and solos a cappella)

Premiered by the Jacksonville University Singers (2021)

This arrangement is my attempt to combine bits of some of my favorite performers. The core is Stevie Wonder’s classic tune (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) viewed through the lens of Nichole Nordeman’s cover (This Mystery, 2000). I also threw in a dash of flavor from Nota who completely changed my concept of how an arrangement can reshape a song (winner of The Sing-Off, Season 1, 2009). The Jacksonville University Singers had great fun premiering and perfecting this chart, and I’ll never be able to hear it without thinking of James Demps and Meli Caceres! [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Solo, Mixed, School, Holiday (Valentine’s Day)]

Clarion Call
(TTBB with Concert Band or Piano)

Commissioned and Premiered by the Florida All-State Men's Chorus and Concert Band (2015)

Clarion Call connects Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail.  Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's end, it serves as a poignant reminder that our nation still has a lot of work to do to heal the wounds of slavery and racism.  [Keywords: High, College, Community, TTBB, School, Holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday)]

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
(SATB, TBB, or SSA with Piano and Congas)

SSA Premiered by the University of Tennessee Women's Chorale (2002)

TBB Premiered by the University of Kansas Men's Glee Club (2017)

SATB Premiered by the Kentucky Baptist Youth Choir (2018)

This arrangement features a fresh rhythmic take on the classic hymntune. Using subtle text-painting, it presents the text in a meaningful, creative way. The piece was composed for and premiered by the University of Tennessee Women's Chorale.  [Keywords: Middle, High, College, Community, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Election Day, Independence Day)]

Come, Christians Join to Sing
(Unison/2pt Treble with Piano, C Instrument, and Congas)

Commissioned and Premiered by the Music Makers and Young Musicians of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL (2010)

Commissioned and premiered by the Music Makers and Young Musicians of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL for their 2010 Hymn Festival, this work weaves text and melody from five hymns into an infectious rhythmic motive.  [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, High, Community, Treble, Flexible, Church, Holiday (All Saints Day)]

e pluribus unum (Hope Like Gold)
(SSAATTBB a cappella)

2018 Walter Hussey Composition Competition Semi-Finalist
Art Ventures Grant from the Community Foundation for NE Florida (2023)

Featuring a haunting, thought-provoking text by poet Andrea Thoenes, this work explores the fleeting nature of hope. Oscillating between choral unisons and shimmering tone clusters, we remember that what glitters is not necessarily gold. [Keywords: High, College, Professional, Mixed]

Erlkönig
(SATB with Piano, simplified accompaniment available)

Premiered by the Randolph School Concert Choir (2006)

This setting of Schubert's haunting lied uses unique choral voicings to portray the four different roles present in Goethe's poem.  The accompaniment has been simplified, but it still works with the original (assuming you have an accompanist who can play what Schubert wrote). [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School, Holiday (Halloween)]

The Field (ubi caritas)
(SATB choir, string trio, percussion, and piano)

Commissioned by the San Jacinto College Choir, Patrick J. J. Callaghan, Director (2019)
Third Place, the American Prize, Major Choral Works (2019-2020)
Added to the Project : Encore Catalog (2020)

Combining texts from the Ubi caritas chant, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, and Leviticus, The Field (ubi caritas) uses ostinato to mimic the cycles of life, both large and small. It calls us to build community and seek unity by practicing the most essential quality of life: love. [Keywords: High, College, Professional, Mixed]

Fire and Ice
(SSATB a cappella)

Premiered by Triad: Boston's Choral Collective (2015)
Added to the Project : Encore Catalog (2017)
NYC Premiere by C4: The Composer/Conductor Choral Collective (2018)

"Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice."  This conversational and contrapuntal setting of Frost's famous poem leaves the final decision up to the audience, but gives the choir ample opportunity to discuss.  Join the dialogue to remind us why we should do whatever we can to find balance and avoid either fate. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, School]

Four Motets by Giovanni Battista Bassani
(Bass Solo, Two Violins, and Continuo)

I transcribed this set of four motets for solo bass voice and continuo as a project during my doctoral studies. They are fantastically virtuosic, but also quite witty and charming. I would love for the world to hear them again! I’m offering them here for free, and only ask that you let me know if and when you intend to perform them. Included are four PDF scores, four mp3 midi realizations, and a paper explaining the provenance, transcription process, and a musical analysis.

[Keywords: Solo]

Green Is the Color of Its Flame
(SATB with Piano)

Commissioned and Premiered by the Huntsville (AL) Community Chorus CHamber Chorale (2018)
Semi-Finalist for the American Prize (2018-2019)

Commissioned for an April 2018 premiere, Green Is the Color of Its Flame celebrates spring with fanfares, flourishes, and fresh life!  Pianistic writing underscores approachable vocal lines proclaiming Henry David Thoreau's inspiring text from Walden.  Set your audience ablaze with the fire of life!  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, School, Holiday (Earth Day)]

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
(2pt Treble with Piano)

Commissioned for and Premiered in THE 10th Anniversary Diocese of Lexington Area Choir Concert (2014)

Commissioned for the 10th Anniversary Diocese of Lexington Area Choir Concert, this setting of the classic hymn features a fantasia-style piano accompaniment supporting ethereal, accessible vocal lines.  Marrying old (chant notation and canon) with new (aleatorism) techniques, it celebrates both tradition and innovation. [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, High, Community, Treble, Mixed, Flexible, Church]

How Long the Night!
(SATB with Piano)

premiered by Curry College Sing! (2017)

Setting Samuel Silas Curry's My Helper, this composition was dedicated to the students, faculty, and staff of Curry College.  It depicts a journey from stormy waters to the safety of one's home port, crossing from strident dissonances to a welcome sunrise.  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School]

If I Can…
(Tenor or Soprano Solo with piano)

Premiered by Timothy Keatley, Tenor and the composer, piano (2020)

Composed in the context of a pandemic, political unrest, and systemic injustice, If I Can… provides a contemplative experience leading to awareness. The vocal line throughout is rhythmically out of sync with the piano's rocking motive, symbolizing the frustration and powerlessness many of us have felt in the face of our present challenges. This subtle tension gradually builds to a climax of realization: to serve others--whether by voting for change, speaking out on behalf of marginalized communities, or simply wearing a mask--is the ultimate act of living. In these actions, we find our voice. By helping others to live, we come alive. [Keywords: College, Professional, Solo]

Il est bel et bon
(2pt a cappella)

This is an arrangement of the infamous chanson for two-part chorus.  A cappella and accessible, it’s a great introduction to the genre for young singers.  [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, Flexible, School]

I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise
(TTBB with Piano)

premiered by the TeBa Voices of Jacksonville Unviersity (2024)

George Gershwin’s satirical roast of the censors continues to speak to audiences. This arrangement mixes barbershop and vocal jazz with Gershwin’s original accompaniment. Put on your dancing shoes and let’s start climbing together. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, TTBB, School]

I'm Gonna Sing
(SATB a cappella)

Commissioned and premiered by the Roane Choral Society (2002)

Commissioned to mark the celebration of their 30th anniversary by the Roane Choral Society, this spirited setting is sure to bring down the house.[Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School]

In the Hall of the Mountain King
(SATB and Piano)

premiered by Jacksonville University Choral Union (2023)

Introduce your singers to the original earworm (and music of the Romantic Style Period). Grieg’s unforgettable tune gets new life thanks to amazing meta-lyrics from Charles Anthony Silvestri. Accessible and fun, this piece is perfect for Halloween concerts. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School, Holiday (Halloween)]

Justify This Day
(SATB a cappella)

Commissioned to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the linda berry stein college of Fine Arts and Humanities at Jacksonville University (2022)

Premiered by the Jacksonville University Singers (2023)

This work celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne. Before she served Jacksonville University as president, she was the founding dean of the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Dr. Kinne was a trailblazer who lived her life in perpetual service to others. May her words and actions inspire us to live likewise.  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, School, Holiday (Graduation)]

Lacrimas
(SATB a cappella)

Premiered by the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chamber Chorale at the 2011 Huntsville New Music Festival

Lacrimas weaves the familiar Psalm text, "They that sow in tears will reap in joy" into a poignant moment from St. Augustine's confessions: "And sending out tears, where I was holding them in, so that they should flow so smoothly, they spread out beneath my heart and it rests on them."  Musically, the piece develops in waves that emanate from the opening “sobbing” gesture.  Rest finally arrives in the final, optimistic, upward resolution.  The University of Alabama in Huntsville Chamber Choir premiered the work under the direction of Dr. Erin Colwitz-Dehning as part of the Huntsville New Music Festival of 2011. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School]

The Lover’s Crown
(SATB a cappella)

Added to the Project : Encore Catalog (2024) 
Art Ventures Grant from the Community Foundation for NE Florida (2023)
Commissioned by the Voices of Jacksonville (2022)

Setting a luscious poem by Oscar Wilde, The Lover’s Crown reminds us of what matters most in life. More than riches, fame, or beauty, only love is truly worth the quest required to obtain its crown. Soon to be published by Galaxy Music/ECS Publishing. [High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, School, Holiday (LGBTQ+ Pride Month)]

Lullaby
(SATB w/opt. Piano & String Quartet)

Premiered by the Jacksonville University Singers (2024)

Remind everyone that love is love through this touching choral pop song. Lush harmonies rise and fall like deep breaths sustained by caring for one another. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, School, Holiday (LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Valentine’s Day, Wedding, Funeral)]

Masters in This Hall
(SATB w/div. a cappella)

Premiered by the Mercer Singers of Mercer University at the 2002 Southeastern Composers League Conference

This exuberant carol unfolds like gossip crossing the hills.  Whispers gradually grow into song as news of the newborn savior traverses the globe.  Premiered by the Mercer Singers of Mercer University for the 2002 Southeastern Composers League Conference. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Christmas)]

Minstrel Boy
(SATB, SSAA, or TTBB w/div. and Piano)

SATB Commissioned and premiered by the Huntsville Community Chorus Association (2009)

TTBB COMISSIONED and premiered by the University of Kentucky Men's Chorus (2013)

This dramatic setting uses voices and piano to imitate traditional Irish instruments.  A favorite of service personnel, the Irish air is perfect for tributes and memorials.  Contact me for the score.  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, School, Holiday (Memorial Day)]

Never Handle Firearms Carelessly
(Mezzo-soprano Solo and Piano)

Premiered by Fresia Schuil, Mezzo-soprano and the composer, piano (2000)

[Keywords: Solo]

O nata lux
(SATB a cappella)

Premiered by Triad: Boston's Choral Collective (2015)
Added to the Project : Encore Catalog (2017) 
Art Ventures Grant from the Community Foundation for NE Florida (2023)

This poignant, stark setting of the classic text was written in memory of those lost on September 11, 2001 and premiered by Triad: Boston’s Choral Collective (2015). [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Advent)]

Pandemonium from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
(SSAT or SSAA, solos, and Piano)

PREMIERED BY the Huntsville Jacksonville University Singers (2023)

The madcap complaints of a vengeful middle school spelling cabal come to life in this chaotic choral setting of Pandemonium from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Faithful to the original Broadway cast recording, it is set in the original key with the saxophone licks transferred to vocal parts. Perfect for ensembles with no basses! The tenor part is high enough to be sung by Altos, just be sure you teach them how to belt! The sheet music includes the original lyrics, but you’ll hear in the recording that we made a few…adjustments. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Solo, Treble, Mixed, School]

A Parable of Choices
(SATB a cappella)

Winner of the Yale Glee Club Emerging Composers Competition (2017)
Finalist for the American Prize (2018-2019)

A Parable of Choices won the 2013 Yale Glee Club Emerging Composers Competition.  Its text alternates between Wilfred Owen's gripping anti-war poem, The Parable of the Old Man and the Young and Genesis 22, verses 8 and 13.  The parable presents a relentlessly confrontational choice:  humility vs pride; life vs. death; peace vs. war.  Though one may see it as a rebuke of national hubris, these concepts resonate most vibrantly for me when held up to the daily decisions of life.  In our habits of commerce, travel, communication, and the like, may we move consistently toward humility, life, and peace. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School]

Presidential Campaign Songs Medley
(SATB w/div., solos, and Piano)

Commissioned and PREMIERED BY the Huntsville Community Chorus Association (2005) 

Before there were 30-second attack ads, there were Presidential Campaign Songs!  This arrangement, commissioned and premiered by the Huntsville Community Chorus Association in 2008, is perfect for patriotic concerts during election years (and any other time when history or satire is on the program).  Featuring consistent themes of American politics (drunkenness, character assassination, patriotism, and optimism), take a tour of the best and worst of presidential campaigns. Available as a 15-minute mega-medley or a 4-minute abridged version. Contact me for details! [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School, Holiday (Election Day)]

Redemption Mass
(SATB w/div, Piano, Strings or Winds, and Percussion Ensemble)

Winner of the American Choral Directors Association Brock Memorial Student Composition Competition, PREMIERED in part BY University of Louisville Cardinal Singers, ACDA National Conference (2013)

Winner of the 2013 American Choral Directors Association Brock Memorial Student Composition Competition, this concert mass is a tuneful, rhythmic, and inspiring setting of traditional and non-traditional texts. Reviewing for the Choral Journal, Timothy Powell describes “a movie-score quality” that “weaves mantras of melodic patterns together like a hypnotic blanket over driving frenetic orchestra. … The Sanctus is particularly infectious.” Premiered by the Blue Valley Northwest High School Choirs and Symphonic Orchestra on January 25, 2018, Beth Richey-Sullivan and Michael Arbucci, directors. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Pentecost)]  Contact me for details.

“Every year I give a reflection as part of the final. In many of the responses, the students listed Redemption Mass as the most impactful performance of the year. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful experience!” —Beth Richey-Sullivan

A Riddle
(SACB or T(C)TB Choir with Piano)

Premiered by Lavilla School of the Arts Chamber Singers (2023)

What is “a stealthy force of darkness in the shadows whose footsteps sparkle in the moonlight?” This the question your choir will need to answer before performing this piece. The last two measures include a “fill in the blank” opportunity, so every performance will showcase the singers’ creative response to Melanie Stapleton’s challenge. Part 3 is written with cambiatas (male changing voices) in mind, so it has a limited range, and Part 4 is always doubling either Part 2 or Part 3 to provide extra security for new baritones. Project:Encore added it to their peer-reviewed catalog, writing that it demonstrates "brilliant respect for cambiata parameters" and a "genuine musical challenge" that is "Worth it!" [Keywords: Middle, High, School, Holiday (Halloween), TTBB, Mixed]

Run, Freedom, Run!
(SATB with Solo & Piano)

Run, Freedom, Run! is a rousing ramekin of revolution from the satirical musical, Urinetown. Bobby Strong seeks to unite the people in opposition to their corrupt corporate government, and he draws on the traditions of gospel music to make it happen. This arrangement is faithful to the original show, and provides an excellent opportunity to show off one or two soloists. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School]

Sinner, Please
(SATB w/div. a cappella)

Sinner, Please is an intense plea for reconciliation, but it is also a reference to the urgency of the Underground Railroad.  May this song remind us that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of what little we have. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Mixed, Church, School]

Spring Triptych
(SATB and piano)

Spring Triptych sets transcendentalist texts of Emerson, Whitman, and Thoreau. The first movement, To Youth bursts with the extravagant energy of young lives, while There I Wander with Them presents an exploration of relationships built from community. Green Is the Color of Its Flame presents the symbolism of new life bursting forth across the landscape every spring. As a whole, the three pieces offer hope that even in the darkest, coldest days of winter, resurrection is just around the corner. 

Stars Beyond
(SATB, handbells, and piano)

Commissioned by Hazel Green United methodist Church (AL) Chancel Choir 

Charles Anthony Silvestri contributes a unique text where all the stars above yearn to be chosen as “the one” to light the path to Bethlehem. Rhythmic and exciting, this setting soars and shimmers, anticipating the joy of redemption. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Christmas)]

There I Wander with Them
(SATB and piano)

Dragon Music Prize Winner, Minnesota State University Moorhead

There I Wander with Them is the central movement of Spring Triptych (along with To Youth and Green Is the Color of Its Flame).  It begins in stark solace.  A lone voice sets out to collect flowers to celebrate others’ love—a kind of relationship he doubts will ever be possible for himself.  However, the journey gradually reveals a supportive community and myriad opportunities to connect with others.  Occasional sparks of “fire” find grounding in “earth”, while the “meadow” meets the “forest”, referencing the joy of youth past and foreshadowing the green flame of chosen family awaiting just around the corner. 

Life is a tapestry of connections, and we die in isolation. 

May we always recognize the troop gathered around, that we may wander together.

There's a Song in the Air
(SATB or SA with Piano)

Premiered by the Randolph School Concert Choir (2005) 

This haunting Appalachian melody captures the peaceful magic of the first Christmas morning.  Written for and premiered by the Randolph School Concert Choir, it is among my most often performed arrangements.  [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, High, College, Community, Treble, Mixed, Church, School, Holiday (Christmas)]

To Youth
(SATB with Piano)

Premiered by Triad: Boston’s Choral Collective (2019) 

To Youth is the opening movement of Spring Triptych (along with There I Wander with Them and Green Is the Color of Its Flame). Bursting with the exuberance of youth and filled with canonic imitation, this piece makes an excellent opener. [Keywords: High, College, Community, Mixed, School, Holiday (Earth Day)]

Wade in the Water 
(SACB Flexible Choir with Piano)

Premiered by the Randolph School 5th Grade Choir (2005) 

This jazz-inspired arrangement features a fantastic accompaniment that is written so that no improvisation is necessary (though in this style, it is always welcome).  A cambiata part is included for boys with changing voices, and the arrangement is designed for maximum flexibility—SA, SSA, TB, SAB, SACB, and unison are all possible.  Given the history of spirituals and the continuing consequences of the injustice that surrounded their creation, I will donate half of the proceeds from this arrangement to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.  [Keywords: Elementary, Middle, High, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, Flexible, Church, School]

We Are the Music Makers 
(SATB, SSAA, or TTBB with Piano)

Premiered by the Randolph School Graduation Festival Choir (2011)

This accessible setting brings O'Shaughnessy's famous text to life through lush harmonies, word painting, and exciting fanfares.  Dedicated to the Randolph High School Class of 2011, and premiered by their Concert Choir in the Commencement Ceremonies.  Please know that the accompaniment looks and sounds a LOT harder than it is to play (though it’s admittedly not super easy).  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, School]

...with music... 
(SATB, SSAA, or TTBB with Piano)

Commissioned and Premiered by the Youth Performing Arts School of Louisville Gentlemen's Ensemble, for the Inter-Collegiate Male Chorus Festival, New Brunswick, NJ (2014) 

Commissioned and premiered by Louisville's Youth Performing Arts School Gentlemen's Ensemble, under the direction of Jacob Cook for the Intercollegiate Male Chorus Festival of 2014 hosted by Rutgers University.  This work combines two previously unpublished songs by Kentucky Composer (and graduate of Louisville's Manual High School) John Jacob Niles.  Come Gentle Dark and Epitaph provide a poignant look into the composer's later views on life and death interwoven with beautiful melodies and subtle harmonic surprises.  [Keywords: High, College, Community, Professional, Treble, TTBB, Mixed, School]

Instrumental