Take Nothing for the Journey was a labor of love for composer David Haas. He has been captivated by Franciscan spirituality since childhood. Over the years this draw deepened and was nurtured by Franciscans who have walked with him on his journey. Whether used in your liturgical celebrations or for your personal spiritual journey, the songs in this collection are meant to strengthen the love of God's faithful and to inspire others to discover the divine fire found in the hearts of saints Francis and Clare. They are a reflection of and tribute to the lives these two saints lived–their care for others, the earth, and all its creatures. It is our hope that the sung prayers of Take Nothing for the Journey will offer you encouragement as you come to embrace the vast richness of the Franciscan tradition, deepen your prayer life, and become closer to God.

Gary Daigle has been an important collaborator on many composer collections, serving as arranger, instrumentalist, composer, and recording engineer. Named Pastoral Musician of the Year at the NPM 2019 convention, GIA is pleased to release Gary's first solo collection in over 20 years. Way, Truth, and Life exhibits a wide variety of musical styles. Not only has Gary provided new melodies for familiar texts, he was reworked some standard tunes, thereby breathing new life into classic melodies. With music for children's choir, contemporary ensemble, choral arrangements, including music in both English and Spanish for congregational use, this collection has appeal to many liturgical musicians and assemblies. We are proud to highlight the work of this beloved GIA composer and musician.

Uniting beauty and simplicity, Laudate Omnes Gentes comes from the heart of the Taize Community as it brings together well-known songs by Jacques Berthier and more recent songs composed by brothers of the Community. Listeners will be enchanted by the gloriously delicate choral sound, recorded at the twelfth-century village church at Taize. Using a small group of just sixteen singers and five instrumentalists, the aim of this recording is to encourage smaller groups to use music during their meetings. Simply a gorgeous collection of favorites!

Frank Ticheli is well known for his wind works, many of which have become standards in the repertoire. His music has been performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia, and has been described as being “optimistic and thoughtful” (Los Angeles Times), “lean and muscular” (New York Times), “brilliantly effective” (Miami Herald), and “powerful, deeply felt crafted with impressive flair and an ear for striking instrumental colors” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel). Works on this second volume of the North Texas Wind Symphony’s exploration of Ticheli include his popular ‘Angels in the Architecture’ and ‘Four Shaker Songs.’

Conductor James Jordan writes, "Paul Mealor's music is simple. Usually constructed of only several harmonic chords, which are added to or subtracted from, that are intimately bonded to Paul's melodic gift. Melodies that touch one deeply and immediately... His music, to quote Ezra Pound, is truly 'undivided light,' rooted in deep, spiritual places that are there hidden within if you wish to explore those places with a direct and 'sincere' heart." Born in St Asaph, North Wales in 1975, Paul Mealor studied composition privately as a boy with William Mathias and later with John Pickard, and at the University of York with Nicola LeFanu (BA Hons, 1997, PhD, 2002) and in Copenhagen with Hans Abrahamsen and Per N�rg�rd. His music has been commissioned and performed at many festivals and by many orchestras and choruses and has been broadcast on every major TV and Radio station throughout the world. Since January 2003 he has taught in the Music Department at the University of Aberdeen where he is Professor of Composition.

The creation of the WindWorks label represents an expanded relationship between the North Texas Wind Symphony and GIA Publications. GIA’s generous support and ongoing dedication to wind music has made it possible for the ensemble to continue producing recordings of the highest quality that are a testament to the perseverance and work ethic of everyone involved. The present release showcases works by Philip Sparke, Paul Robert Marcel Fauchet, James M. David, and James Stephenson. Internationally acknowledged as one of the premier ensembles of its kind, the North Texas Wind Symphony is selected from the most outstanding musicians attending the College of Music. The Wind Symphony has been highly acclaimed for “wonderful and artistically rendered performances that are elegant and polished,” and complimented for “terrific ensemble skills that embody a high degree of integrity and sensitivity.” They have been praised for “stunning and inspirational recordings,” and for being an ensemble whose “enriching performances demonstrate their sheer joy of musicing.”

Jason Max Ferdinand writes: “This project was birthed in the midst of a pandemic. At such times, just the opportunity to create art is a huge gift. This cadre of singers came together with the encumbrance of travel, limited rehearsal time, having to sing in masks, and dug deep to create this body of work. I will forever be an admirer of their collective strength. The purpose of this recording is simple. It is our sincere hope that peace can be found despite all the chaos around us...COVID-19, social maladies, floods, fires, and more. We the members of the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers bring you SOLACE!”

“This recording project was captured mere days before the semester was abruptly altered. This recording would not have happened if it were scheduled three days later! That thought is sobering and makes me cherish even more this compilation. History is teeming with inspiring stories where, in the midst of a tragedy, humanity has risen to levels of heroism that are simply beyond our day-to-day imagination. This phenomenon is in full effect as I write during this two-headed pandemic: COVID19 + racial tensions. These two viruses are literally killing humanity. Both are crippling. Although lingering emotions of fear, uncertainty, and anguish are constant, compassion is on full display during these times of hardship. How moving it is to see tributes being paid to medical workers who are facing this silent killer head on! It brought tears to my eyes to see a community in Italy curating their own concert as they stood in windows and doorways playing instruments and singing. Seeing persons of all varying ethnic backgrounds in the streets protesting for racial equality is a beautiful thing. Music is a reflection of society. For some listeners, it can be a sobering reminder of calamity. In contrast, some people find consolation in music and feed their being with its rhythm and beat. Whenever they feel despondent, they can plug into music to help alleviate their sorrow. If you are reading this, you are a key conduit in making sure this art form reaches the masses. Because music consolidates humanity, it is cause for optimism. Through our programming we can bring hope to so many in need. You, our audience, should be provoked, challenged, and leave with optimism—the type of optimism that Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King possessed. We, the Aeolians, are no longer satisfied with solely displaying musical prowess. Coupling hope with mastery could be the combination that produces uncompromising societal transformation. We have programmed this music hoping to appeal to the mind, but not leaving the heart untouched.” (Jason Max Ferdinand)

John M. Feierabend, renowned lecturer and researcher in the field of music education, and Peggy Lyman, acclaimed dancer and dance educator, join forces to create Move It!-a vibrant and innovative approach to teaching young children and students of all ages the joy of moving to classical music! This package combines a DVD, guidebook, and audio CD to present 20 imaginative dances set to Classical works from Brahms's "Waltz in A-flat" to Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet." The adaptable choreography is perfect for early childhood specialists, elementary music teachers, and dance educators for use with children of all ages, as well as senior citizens and the physically challenged. The movements reflect both the form and the expressive quality of the music, embodying Feierabend's theories of music and movement development and Lyman's belief in the emotional power of gesture. Understanding the organization of movement sequences, exploring personal and general space relating to others, and discovering inner feelings connected to beautifully expressive musical selections and movements-all of this can be achieved with Move It!-an approach as fun and expressive as it is educational!

GIA Publications has produced some of the very best brass ensemble arrangements throughout the years, several of which are featured on this new release. This album offers all sorts of brass ensemble varients, such as traditional quartets, antiphonal trumpet duos, trumpets with handbell accompaniment, and others. Thematically, this release is a brilliant overview of songs for all occasions and seasons, and includes Renaissance motet transcriptions, fantasies on German hymns, and Christmas and Easter celebrations as well.

This exciting collection from a true talent and vibrant voice in sacred music takes you to church! With an eclectic fusion of styles including jazz, R&B, and gospel, the disc includes the bestselling single "Worthy God" as well as bonus track "Anchored in de Lord." Featured Artists M. Roger Holland: vocals, piano, keyboards, Hammond Kate Bassier: Hammond, keyboards Willie Brown, Jr.: guitars Alvin Jones: keyboards Phil Christie: bass Lonnie Christian, Jr.: drums.

This delightful recording contains many of your favorite hymns, carols, and songs that will help cheer your heart and your home. Blending secular and sacred music, Christmas in the City presents an hour of the beautiful sounds of the Christmas season. Listeners will be captivated by the brilliant reverberation of handbells and handchimes performed by the skillful and talented ringers of Chicago Bronze.

The human condition causes each of us to ponder questions that have no answers. What is the purpose of our living? How do connections with others happen? What is the meaning of sacredness and spiritual light? And: How do we continually affirm ourselves as we walk our individual journeys? This album explores all of those questions through words and music-presenting a broad canvas of questions with really no answers, except those answers that are defined by our own lives. On this release, life's unanswered questions are explored in Thomas LaVoy's 'Songs of the Questioner.' How we abide with ourselves and others through love is one of life's most poignant questions, and is explored in Dan Forrest's 'Abide' through the words of Jake Adam York. LaVoy's 'White Stones' paints a musical scene of a child's night terrors, and of his parents' struggle to reassure him and to teach the child spiritual comfort while dealing with the reality of life. Two pieces by Peter Relph allow the listener to journey into the world of spiritual "enlightenment" by creating a luminous and comforting spiritual presence. Spiritual questioning throughout life asks us to seek answers to some of life's most human questions: 'The Dream I Knew' provides answers to the basic life question of the value of others in our life's journey; LaVoy's 'Salvator mundi' reminds us all of the spiritual stillness that abiding and questioning provides. Paul Mealor's setting of C. S. Lewis reminds us of the pivotal role that love plays in our life journey. The Same Stream was born out of a close-knit family of singers who are dedicated to a commonly shared musical experience. Drawn from a Grammy-nominated choir, they are bonded by a passion to build on the experiences shared in their Westminster journey.

Westminster Choir 100th Anniversary Recording

Music has the ability to illuminate aspects of the human condition in ways that only sound married to texts can achieve. One of the greatest preachers of the twentieth century, William Sloan Coffin, often remarked that music in most cases was more powerful than the spoken word. This recording represents just that. All the music on this recording reflects, in sound, that serenity (and, yes, beauty) is within all of us if we choose to go there. This recording celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Westminster Choir in 1920 by John Finley Williamson, albeit a bit later.

Mark A. Miller has a passion for building community through music and believes everyone is a child of God. His music has been called the soundtrack for a new generation to express and celebrate hospitality, equity, and justice. The music of Mark Miller heard on this recording is widely published and sung by communities of faith around the world. "Mark Miller, composer, minister, professor, and musical griot, is carrying on the tradition of creating New World hymns for a nation hungry for songs that speak to the head, heart, and crisis of modern living. He reminds us, hope will never fail, even when anguish and apathy seem to prevail across the landscape of our country." (Otis Moss III, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL)

Prior to 1991, students at Westminster Choir College organized services of lessons and carols during the season of Advent. Inspired by the famous Service of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge, these services were held in Bristol Chapel under the leadership of Sacred Music students and accompanied by student organists. Each year, for the past 30 years, we have gathered to witness this familiar tradition and to be moved by sound and word. This evening brings stability, beauty, and comfort to all who experience the music in this great space. This 30th Anniversary live recording at the Princeton University Chapel includes the Westminster Alumni Choir, Westminster Chapel Choir, Westminster Choir, Westminster Concert Bell Choir, Westminster Jubilee Singers, Westminster Symphonic Choir, Timberdale Brass, and alumnus Robert McCormick on organ.

TRACKLIST OF WORKS:

Disc 1:

• Who is This King of Glory?
• Nata Lux
• Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)
• Angel Tidings
• Toccata on Veni Emmanuel
• I Wonder as I Wander
• Missa Carolae
• Come, O Come Emmanuel
• Handel: Messiah, HMW 56
• Organ Improvisation
• In Splendoribus Sanctorum (Strathclyde Motets)
• Dame Russa Trepak
• Betelehemu

Disc 2:

• Come, All Ye Faithful
• In the Bleak Midwinter
• On This Day Earth Shall Rise
• Dona Nobis Pacem
• Hark the Herald Angels Sing
• Festival First Nowell
• Silent Night
• Ringing in the Season
• Joy to the World
• L’année d’or
• The Lord Bless You and Keep You
• Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella

Poetry and music accomplish together what neither can accomplish alone. For the majority of the works on this album, John Wykoff collaborated with one of the best choral lyricists of our time. In writing the words for many of the works, Charles Anthony Silvestri was finely sensitive to the ways in which music transforms a text and is transformed in return. His lyrics are imaginative and beautiful, yet he leaves room for music to interpret the text and divert it's meaning... Music can account for many dimensions. From the comfort, consolation, protection, sacredness in Out of This Darkness, it also has the power to combine these with their opposite: threat, danger, and disquietude. Only the combination of words and music makes all these nuances possible. While lyrics typically precede music, sometimes it is the other way around, as with the Inventions for Choir (and Piano), where Wykoff considered what it would mean to take the spirit and purpose of Bach's famous keyboard inventions, but not the style, and write a set for singers in a contemporary choral idiom. And then there is Five American Songs, which began not with words or music separately, but with old songs whose words and music were already wed. Wykoff set out not to alter or change each song, but to lovingly frame it (to "curate it," as he heard Alice Parker say once). Any undue intrusion of the composer would distract from these charming songs, not enhance them. Songs do not live on paper. They come alive only when sung and played. The Missouri State Chorale, Parker Payne, and Cameron LaBarr bring these works to life. Music is something humans do together. And singing together is something that usually makes us more human.

The creation of the WindWorks label represents an expanded relationship between the North Texas Wind Symphony and GIA Publications. GIA’s generous support and ongoing dedication to wind music has made it possible for the ensemble to continue producing recordings of the highest quality that are a testament to the perseverance and work ethic of everyone involved. SPECIAL NOTE: This is the last recording Eugene Migliaro Corporon will conduct for the WindWorks series.

The creation of the WindWorks label represents an expanded relationship between the North Texas Wind Symphony and GIA Publications. GIA’s generous support and ongoing dedication to wind music has made it possible for the ensemble to continue producing recordings of the highest quality that are a testament to the perseverance and work ethic of everyone involved. SPECIAL NOTE: This is the last recording Eugene Migliaro Corporon will conduct for the WindWorks series.

In partnership with Oxford University Press and authorized by the Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust, this major new initiative brings the incredible catalog of Ralph Vaughan Williams to the wind band community, with scholarly transcriptions by leaders in wind band composition. Titles in the Symphonic Series come from treasured major orchestral works by Vaughan Williams that have never before been available for wind band.

The Barcelona Clarinet Players commissioned six prominent Latin American composers to write new works for clarinet quartet and wind band. During their 2021–2022 season; they recorded each work with a different wind band in the United States or Latin America; and the result is a captivating album of extraordinary musical richness and diversity that showcases the unique aesthetic of each composer and the artistry of the performing ensembles.

A versatile Mass setting for use throughout the liturgical year, Mass of the Sun of Justice / Misa Sol de Justicia is fully bilingual, singable entirely in English or in Spanish, or any pastoral combination of both languages. At its core, this setting is built on assembly-minded melodies. Much of the choral writing is two-part, albeit spelled out in four voices, whereby the basses frequently double the soprano melody, and the alto and tenor lines essentially share a single harmony in their respective ranges, splitting only at cadence points for a fuller effect.

Optional descants and divisi further expand the voicing possibilities. The additional instrumentation is particularly spirited, further enhancing these sung texts for solemn occasions. “Sun of justice” is a term used to reference Christ with respect to his second coming, as found in the ancient “O” antiphons. This title appears in the Lectionary among the Alleluia options for the common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is, in fact, assigned to the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated within the Advent season. As such, the music is “Advent-like” in nature, joyful and filled with hope.

This recording includes a five-movement work by Michael John Trotta along with three a cappella traditional works. Intimations of Immortality is based on Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood, by English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. In these poems, Wordsworth presents a fully developed, yet morally flexible, picture of the relationship between human beings and the natural world. The work was dedicated to the Mississippi State University State Singers for the opening of the new Music Building. However, because of the global pandemic, COVID-19, the debut performance has been on hold, until now.

A new collection of songs from a true talent and vibrant voice in sacred music, Roger M. Holland II. Featuring the title track, We R the Church, which was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in home studios in New York and Denver, Colorado.

From the Introduction to the hymnal... One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism contains selections of diverse styles and genres, including traditional ecumenical hymns, contemporary texts written for the twenty-first-century church, praise and worship selections, music from Taizé, The Iona Community, choral responses, responsorial psalmody, traditional and contemporary gospel music, and Negro spirituals.