SSA Voices, Piano, C Instrument
I began this project as a gift to the Sing Omaha Youth Choirs (3-6th grade) and Girls Choir (7-12th grade) in tandem with a multi-movement “Gloria” was composing for the Sing Omaha Master Chorale (auditioned adults). Both compositions were included in a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council, and both received their premier at Sing Omaha’s 2024 “Christmas Fanfare” concerts.
In writing for such a diverse age group, I endeavored to create singable (and memorable) melodic material for both verse and refrain material. I approached that challenge with an effort toward balancing simplicity with sincerity in both lyric and tune, and the result, I hope, feels like a modern ‘carol’ of sorts, with ‘warmth’ added by the French Horn (or C Instrument).This is also the first project for which I composed both music and lyrics, which was a joy.
TEXT
Autumn leaves have fallen, snow is coming soon.
Frost upon the branches white beneath the moon.
Friends are all around us, family’s drawing near
searching for an answer to a question so dear:
“What is Christmas? What does it mean?
Can it be more than some lights on a tree?”
I think it’s the love that we give and receive,
and a light in the darkness, given for you and for me.
Shadows on the rooftops, whispers in the air,
snow is softly falling, love is everywhere.
Gathered close together feeling something new.
Wondering if Christmas holds a light that is true.
“What is Christmas? What does it mean?
Can it be more than some lights on a tree?”
I think it’s the love that we give and receive,
and a light in the darkness, given for you and for me.
A light in the darkness was given for you and for me.