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American Choral Directors Association

American Choral Directors Association

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You are here: Home / R & R Quick Picks–Social Justice Themes

R & R Quick Picks–Social Justice Themes

Can We Sing the Darkness to Light? by Kyle Pederson

SATB; View Score

Ryan Beekan Recommendation: Addresses violence and acceptance; imagine a world without weapons of war.


How Can I Cry by Moira Smiley

SAATB/SAAT, body percussion, optional low instrument; View Score

Joy Hirokawa Recommendation: “Written to honor the cultures and individuals who have defied oppression, inspired and changed lives through raising their voices in song.”


kasar mie la gaji by alberto grau

SSAATB; View Score

Ryan Beeken Recommendation: Wonderful piece for the advanced choir addressing global warming; “the earth is tired”


Stand Up from “Harriet”; Words & Music by Joshuah Campbell & Cynthia Echeumuna-Erivo; arr. by Roger Emerson

SATB; View Score

Kelsey Burkett Recommendation: Stand Up is the title song from the film “Harriet”, starring, sung, AND written by Cynthia Erivo. Roger’s arrangement is highly accessible to middle school singers and beyond, and includes body percussion, gospel style harmonies, and an opportunity to showcase an outstanding soloist.


Stardust by B. E. Boykin

Treble choir, percussion (also SSA & TBB versions); View Score

Joy Hirokawa Recommendation: Great piece commemorating black lives lost to violence, including Ahmaud Arbery, Mother Emanuel shooting, George Floyd, & Breonna Taylor


Take What You Need by Reena Esmail

Double choir & String Quintet (other versions available); all versions available for FREE; View Score

Jennaya Robison Recommendation: Piece is offered for free use on Esmail’s site. A variety of options provided including unaccompanied choir, double choir, choir with strings, one singer and piano. Could be used with audience participation (with help from a section of the choir).


Until Love Is Spoken by Karen Marrolli

SATB; View Score

Jennaya Robison Recommendation: Could be used as a concert theme, opener, or closer – Karen Marolli’s work is appropriate for a variety of settings including school and worship. The text is a beautiful directive for all of us to create the community and world in which we want to live.


Warrior by Kim Baryluk

SSA; View Score

Kelsey Burkett Recommendation: “Warrior” is an anthem about the strength and fight within women. Check out the music video produced by the composer and Canadian ensembles Lady Cove Women’s Choir and Eastern Owl.

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