EDITED BY KATIE HOUTS
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Choristers Guild Family,
Communities gravitate toward music in times of uncertainty. Musicians offer solace and hope in the form of a melody––oftentimes the simplest. What happens in a musical ensemble is no small miracle, I think. Music is created by people of different ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities who come together for a shared purpose: to make art.
This art is sometimes an act of worship, other times a beacon of hope, or even something that pushes the boundaries of what’s accepted or understood.
The last few months have seen natural disasters uproot our dear neighbors – from hurricanes to wildfires to floods to droughts. A contentious election has deepened divisions between both friend and stranger. Conflicts and wars and injustices continue.
In the midst of all this, what can we offer?
No doubt your music ministry is turning to pieces in your library that are well-worn and wellknown, providing immense comfort and steadiness for troubled times. As we look toward the future with hope, Choristers Guild has curated a Spring release of new choral titles that offer assurance of God’s love and send us on our way to live out our faith in word and deed.
These are anthems that tell of God’s care and blessing, that remind us of Jesus’ saving love for all, that give thanks for our communities – the family we find along the way, and that call us to our best selves for the sake of the world.
Our team at Choristers Guild is so grateful for the work you do. We are holding you in prayer as you journey with your singers and ringers into this new year and beyond. May our music never cease; for the gift of music helps us find our way back to one another, back to our shared identity as beloved children of God.
…through all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing.
KATIE HOUTS
Sacred Choral & Curriculum Editor
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SPRING 2025 SACRED CHORAL COLLECTION
Click on any cover for
CGA1739
PRAISE GOD!: PSALM 150
Toni Sullivan
Click on any blue text throughout the catalog for more information on our website.
Written for Choristers Guild’s 75th Anniversary, this anthem celebrates the many ways we can praise God - with instruments, with our bodies, and with our voices. Composer Toni Sullivan finds the ideal balance of singable and expressive in her Rote to Note anthems, and this is no exception. Phrases rise in all the right places to feature tall vowels and the poetic nature of her writing connects with children as they sing their faith.
Unison with piano CGAC1739 Accompaniment Track
CGA1753
MAY GOD BLESS US AND KEEP US
Katie Houts
Based on the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24, this simple song of blessing is written specifically for developing voices. A memorable lyrical structure and a supportive piano accompaniment help young singers easily catch and recall the melody, while a Discovery Page aids emerging music readers in identifying rhythmic patterns in the song.
Consider using “May God Bless Us and Keep Us” as a ritual song in rehearsal, a choral benediction for worship, or in a rotation of seasonal blessings.
Unison with piano and 6 optional handbells or handchimes CGAC1753 Accompaniment Track
CGA1754
MY FAITH’S GOT SHOES
Mark Burrows
Faith in action is on full display in this anthem by bestselling composer Mark Burrows. If you’re a fan of “Encourage One Another,” or Mark’s musicals, “Called,” “In the Image,” and “Storms” - this is the perfect anthem for your music library!
Featuring a catchy melody that kids will sing all year long, a grooving piano accompaniment with optional percussion, and a message that sticks, it’s no surprise that this song will become a favorite of your choristers. A great selection for a Music & Arts Camp, VBS, or Sunday School theme song.
Two-part with piano and optional conga & shakers CGAC1754 Accompaniment Track
Higher Ground
CGA1755
HIGHER GROUND
Thomas Keesecker
A classic text with a modern treatment, this uplifting choral anthem for SATB or SSA voices reminds us that building a world where all are free requires our best selves - we cannot dwell in fear, doubt, or division. Strong community is built on higher ground. A perfect complement to worship themes of peace, justice, and community, and accessible to ensembles of various sizes and abilities with flexible accompaniment options.
SATB with piano or guitar
CGA1756 SSA Voicing
CGAC1739 Accompaniment Track
CGA1757 SHOUT! SHOUT HOSANNA!
Charles McCartha & Julie Myers
Join us and greet the King! This Palm Sunday anthem is bursting with energy, anticipation, and joy. Developing voices shine with a melody written in the perfect range for young treble voices.
Add the optional second part for older elementary or middle school singers, allowing them to explore their expanded alto range and become confident part-singers.
Unison/two-part with piano
CGAC1757 Accompaniment Track
CGA1758 THE FAMILY WE FIND ALONG THE WAY
Mark Burrows
The memorable hook of this joyful refrain captures the best part of singing in a choir - it’s a family! In Mark Burrows’ newest anthem for youth choirs, this special bond of a chosen family is named and celebrated. “The blessings we breathe in, the bond we believe in - the family we find along the way.” With a gospel groove that sits right in the pocket and harmonies that are tons of fun to sing, youth and adult choirs will love singing this with - and for - one another.
Track
CGA1759
ORABO SPIRITU
Richard E. McKee
Translated as: I pray with my spirit and with my mind also. This dynamic piece from composer Richard McKee showcases the dexterity and spirit of treble voices, featuring powerful sections of unison singing as well as imaginative partner sections that depict the many ways we are moved by the spirit. With an empowering message to focus our energy on what is good, true, and lovely, middle school and high school treble singers will enjoy this musical challenge!
Unison/two-part with piano CGAC1759 Accompaniment Track
CGA1760
GOOD NEWS: A HYMN FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Britt Cooper
This treble anthem by composer Britt Cooper celebrates the work of Christian education and highlights the importance of faith formation in the lives of children and families. What better way to offer thanks for this valuable ministry than through the voices of children? “Because our church has guided us, we can live the good news!” This piece is easily taught to children’s choirs or Sunday school classes, and makes an especially good choice for multi-age ensembles.
Unison with piano CGAC1760 Accompaniment Track
CGA1761
BLESSING OF AARON
Orin Johnson
This setting of the beloved blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 provides SAB choirs with a well-crafted benediction to share in worship and in rehearsal. Beautiful and accessible for youth or adult choirs, the expressive writing from composer Orin Johnson is musically rich and balanced.
SAB unaccompanied CGAC1761 Accompaniment Track
Orabo Spiritu
I Pray with My Spirit
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
CGA1763
JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
arr. Craig Curry
Another grand hymn setting from bestselling composer Craig Curry! This impressive setting captures the exhilaration of Easter, combining a rhythmic introduction and interlude with the soaring Alleluias in the hymn tune, LLANFAIR. This flexible arrangement can be used with full brass quintet or solo trumpet, with optional handbells, timpani, and snare drum (or any combination of those instruments).
SATB with piano and optional brass quintet or solo trumpet, timpani, snare drum, and two octave handbells
CGA1762 Full Score with reproducible instrumental parts
CGAC1762 Accompaniment Track
CGA1764
ALL I CLAIM: CHRIST ALONE
Adam Miller
All I Claim
Using the imagery of stormy seas and God’s never-failing guidance, this will be a new choir favorite. Heartfelt and moving, this original piece by Adam Miller has qualities of a Getty modern hymn: a memorable melody with meaningful storytelling. A supportive piano accompaniment and accessible choral writing make this easy to rehearse and a joy to sing.
SATB with piano
CGAC1764 Accompaniment Track
Charity and Love
CGA1765
CHARITY AND LOVE
Sarah T. Tullock
Originally commissioned for a sacred honor choir featuring combined treble and mixed choirs, Sarah T. Tullock’s Charity and Love finds a welcome home in the Choristers Guild catalog. Tullock’s paraphrase of the traditional “Ubi caritas” text celebrates the rich heritage of this sacred hymn in a stunning piece for all ages.
Features a creative refrain that can be performed as a stand-alone canon during worship. Flexible voicing allows ensembles to perform this with or without a treble choir.
SATB unaccompanied with optional children’s choir
CGAC1765 Accompaniment Track
God Will Take Care of You
CGA1766
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
Kris Crunk & Becki Bice
With an earnest spirit, this piece from Kris Crunk and Becki Bice shares the important message of God’s never-failing presence. The lilting melody is delightfully singable for developing choristers, and the optional two-part section provides young singers the fun opportunity to experience independent harmony.
Unison/two-part with piano
CGAC1766 Accompaniment Track
CGA1767
HOSANNA TO THE KING OF KINGS
Becki Slagle Mayo
Welcome the King of kings on Palm Sunday with this stately anthem for mixed voices. Composer Becki Slagle Mayo has done it again, with a well-crafted anthem that is accessible and easily learned, while being musically edifying for singers and listeners alike. A wonderful musical retelling of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Also includes an optional descant..
SATB with piano
CGAC1767 Accompaniment Track
CGA1768
FORTY DAYS OF LENT
Brian Childers
Young choristers share a meaningful message to begin Lent in this piece by Brian Childers. A wonderful teaching piece for the season highlighting the many themes of Lent: humbleness, repentance, fasting, praying, forgiveness, and caring for those in need. Includes an easy handbell part (seven bells) that children can play as they sing.
Unison with piano and optional two octaves handbells or handchimes
Accompaniment Track
Hosanna to the King of Kings
Forty Days of Lent
Amazing Grace with Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord
CGA1769
AMAZING GRACE with PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE THE LORD arr. Becki Slagle Mayo
Filled with joyful rhythm, Becki Slagle Mayo combines two favorites for a winning combination! The piece opens with the Cameroon processional “Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord,” which transitions seamlessly into “Amazing Grace” and infuses the beloved hymn with jubilant energy. Very accessible and easily learned by youth and adult choirs. Also available for unison/two-part voices..
SATB with piano and optional percussion
CGA1631 Unison/two-part
CGAC1769 Accompaniment Track
CHORISTERS GUILD INSTITUTE
JULY 21 - 24, 2025 | RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Become a Leader in Church Music Education
Are you passionate about growing as a music leader and shaping the next generation of worship through choral excellence? The Choristers Guild Institute (CGI) is your opportunity to elevate your skills, connect with inspiring faculty, and transform your ministry. With limited spots available, early registration is strongly encouraged—don’t wait to secure your place!
Why Attend CGI?
CGI is a three-year certification program designed for directors of children’s and youth choirs in church settings or schools. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just beginning your journey, this program equips you with tools to grow musically, spiritually, and as a leader.
Led
by
Esteemed Faculty
Learn from renowned experts in their fields of church music and choral education! Our faculty brings years of hands-on experience and passion for nurturing musical excellence. Their sessions will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact in your ministry.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The curriculum at CGI is a perfect blend of practical strategies and theological foundations. From conducting techniques to creative programming, spiritual leadership, and community building, every session is thoughtfully crafted to enrich your skills and ministry vision.
Who Should Attend?
• Church choir directors passionate about improving their craft
• Educators looking to integrate faith and music in meaningful ways
• Aspiring leaders who want to deepen their impact in their ministry
If you’re called to use music to shape faith and community, CGI is where you belong! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER