Celebrate This Life​

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Musica Est Dei Donum Optimi, Orlando di Lasso​

The eclectic, prolific and well-traveled composer Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594) was one of the leading composers of the late Renaissance. The Latin text of this piece translates to "Music is God's Greatest Gift."​

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Pennsylvania (Keystone of My Heart), Russ Diamond arr. Sam Barge

This piece is in consideration to become the official new state song of Pennsylvania. The piece has been arranged for performances by a variety of ensembles​ as part of the campaign for its adoption. This arrangement was produced by BYC's director, Sam Barge.

If I Were a Fish, Corinne Savage and Olivia Lynn Barton arr. Roger Emerson

A perfect novelty number with a deep and relevant message, this quirky indie rock song became a viral TikTok sensation. It deals with bullying and judgment on social media and asks why we can't just accept each other for who we truly are. With lots of unison, it offers singers a chance to really interact with the lyrics, all packaged in a happy swing that even ends with a surprise instrument! 

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The Song That Nature Sings, Ruth Elaine Schram

​A lovely, simple melody is sensitively wedded to an exquisite text: "In everything there is beauty; a hint of love, a form of grace… everything in nature has its place." Ruth Elaine Schram Has created a beautiful melody that is within everyone's range. The song urges the choir to incorporate a beautiful, graceful tone quality with a sense of legato singing and follows the natural rise and fall of the melodic line. 

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The Mending Song, Daniel Kallman

The song is a fantasy about a woman who uses her sewing skills to fix the world around her.  The song also features a part written for clarinet to accompany the choir.

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There's a Hole in the Bucket, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Song arr. Blake Richter

“As the piece begins, we hear the piano compliment resemble a music box. This music box takes us back to when we were kids. My brother and I used to listen to a cassette tape called We Sing Silly Songs. On that tape, the song “There's a Hole in the Bucket” was one of my favorites. Children's songs leave a legacy on our lives. Our grandparents sing song to our parents, our parents pass those songs down to us, and we pass those songs on to our children. Some children's songs have a single purpose: to make you smile and that is definitely the case when it comes to this piece.  I hope you enjoy an inside look at Liza and Henry's argument as you listen to this unique, comedic take on the song “There's a Hole in the Bucket”.” - Blake Richter

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Dance the Night—Dua Lipa, Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson and Caroline Ailen, arr. Alan Billingsley

This hit song by Dua Lipa was best known for its role in the Barbie film in 2023. The song has a disco-pop groove and a feeling of resilience—the night will be fun, no matter what has been getting us down.

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Reamo Leboga, arr. Duncan Miano Wambugu and Russell Robinson

This is a traditional hymn from Botswana that can be found in some hymn books from that country and elsewhere. Botswana is in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The Setswana text translates to "We give thanks to our God, There is no one like God."

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Bloom, Lisa Longe

"Though we are small, we are meant to break free and bloom." This piece celebrates growth and renewal, which is all too relevant in the springtime.

 

Take This Gift, Tracy Wong

The catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing undergird a text that celebrates the lifelong relationships created and nurtured within the choral community.

 

Celebrate This Life!, Sherry Blevins

​Layers of ostinati, partner melodies, and fun-to-perform body percussion combine in this piece that encourages us all to explore possibilities and celebrate life. The core message of the piece: "What if today was the best day of your life, but you missed it because you were busy worrying about tomorrow?"​​

 

Corner of the Sky, Stephen Schwartz arr. John Cacavas

This piece is from the musical Pippin, about a fictional man who is searching for meaning in his life. In this piece, we wonder where we belong in this life, and where we'll find meaning.

 

Time, Jennifer Lucy Cook

The line between time's reality and its invention is blurry. This piece's texture highlights the fleeting nature of time. Time insists upon eluding us; we can only notice the fact that time has been winking at us all along. This music is a way of winking back.

 

Stand Up, Joshuah Campbell and Cynthia Echeumuna-Erivo arr. Rollo Dilworth

This piece was promoted alongside the 2019 film Harriet about Harriet Tubman. The bass ostinato in each verse provides a sense of grounded stability, which contrasts with the faster harmonic rhythm and gospel harmonies of the refrains—creating a sense of freedom and movement. The piece emphasizes the sense that anything can be overcome if people stick together. "I'm gonna stand up, take my people with me. Together we are going to a brand new home... I can feel it in my bones."

 

Light of a Clear Blue Morning, Dolly Parton arr. Craig Hella Johnson

This iconic setting of the classic Dolly Parton tune by Craig Hella Johnson explores a full range of textures available in an a capella piece. First, a flute and then a soprano perform over a unison hum. Then harmonies arrive in the chorus, who eventually evolves from "ooh"s to text. Then a repeated section builds overlapping melodies into a symphony of sound that imitates the crescendo of a sunrise. We hope you enjoy this message that no matter your struggles, there are better days ahead.

 

Will the Circle Be Unbroken, arr. J. David Moore

This Appalachian tune sings of transcendence above the struggles of life. "There's a better home awaitin' in the sky."

 

Dancing Through Life, Stephen Schwartz, arr. Roger Emerson

This carefree song from the musical Wicked celebrates a laissez-faire approach to life. While we wouldn't suggest this approach to our students' studies, we do believe that it's important to celebrate without stress or worry, when the moment calls for it.

 

Blessing​​​, arr. Katie Moran Bart

This setting of the Irish blessing has been a BYC staple since our founding in 1992. Our graduating seniors perform the first verse together, and we wish them, our alumni, and all of our community the very best in the days ahead. "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back."

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