Finding New Choir Songs for your Choir
Finding fresh, inspiring choir songs for your choir can be a fun yet challenging task. A choir’s repertoire should be diverse, engaging, and suited to the skill level of its members, but discovering new music that fits these criteria isn’t always easy. Whether you’re leading a church choir, a school ensemble, or a community group, here are some of the best places to find choir songs to keep your singers excited and engaged.
Explore Online Choral Music Libraries and Sheet Music Websites
Today, there are countless online resources where you can access a wide variety of choir songs, from traditional hymns to contemporary pieces. Websites like MusicNotes, Sheet Music Plus, and JW Pepper offer extensive catalogs of choral sheet music in multiple styles and difficulty levels. Many of these sites also allow you to preview the sheet music, so you can make sure it’s suitable for your choir before purchasing.
Some of these platforms even provide digital downloads and printable sheet music, which is helpful for quick rehearsals or last-minute performances. Consider signing up for newsletters from these websites, as they often offer discounts and notify subscribers about new releases, giving you an edge on the latest choral compositions.
Join Choir-Specific Social Media Groups and Forums
Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are home to vibrant communities of choir directors, singers, and music educators who love to share and recommend choir songs. By joining choir-specific groups or forums, you’ll gain access to recommendations from directors and singers who may have similar needs to your own.
Groups like “Church Choir Directors” on Facebook or forums on ChoralNet are active with members discussing their favorite songs, sharing music finds, and even exchanging sheet music. These groups are fantastic for discovering lesser-known pieces and can be a place to exchange resources, making it easy to refresh your repertoire.
Search for Choir Songs on YouTube and Streaming Platforms
YouTube and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have become treasure troves of choir music. Searching for playlists or channels dedicated to choral music can introduce you to new composers, arrangers, and songs you may not find in traditional sheet music catalogs.
On YouTube, some choir-focused channels feature both live recordings and sheet music visuals, which allows you to see and hear the arrangement before deciding if it’s right for your group. Platforms like Spotify have playlists for every kind of choral music, from classical to modern gospel, making it easy to explore different genres and styles.
Reach Out to Local Composers and Emerging Artists
Working with local composers or emerging artists can be an excellent way to find unique choir songs that will set your group apart. Many composers are happy to write custom pieces or offer their existing works for a choir to perform. Collaborating with a local composer not only supports your local arts community but can also lead to a one-of-a-kind song specifically crafted for your choir’s abilities and personality.
To find composers, check out local music conservatories, university music departments, or composer websites like Composer’s Site and New Music USA. Many composers list their works on these platforms, and you might even find contact information to inquire about custom compositions or arrangements.
Explore Digital and Physical Choir Songbooks
Choir songbooks—both digital and physical—are still valuable resources for discovering new choir songs. Many music publishers release annual choral collections featuring popular and trending songs suited for different types of choirs. These collections often include a mix of classics and new compositions, giving you a good variety to choose from.
Companies like Hal Leonard and Oxford University Press publish songbooks that span genres, seasons, and skill levels. You can often find themed songbooks that focus on holiday music, spirituals, or international folk songs, making it easy to find new pieces that fit your choir’s focus. Check your local library or music store for songbook collections, or look for digital versions on Amazon or music publisher websites.
Use Digital Choir Apps and Platforms for Sheet Music and Arrangements
Several apps and platforms are tailored to choir music, providing downloadable sheet music, practice tracks, and even interactive features. Platforms like ChoralWiki (the Choral Public Domain Library) and MuseScore offer access to a large collection of public domain and user-uploaded choral sheet music for free or at a low cost.
For a more interactive approach, apps like SmartMusic and My Choral Coach offer digital sheet music that’s synced with practice features, helping singers learn their parts at home. These platforms allow directors to assign specific choir songs, upload custom arrangements, and track singers’ progress, making them ideal tools for modern choir directors looking to expand their repertoire.
Attend Choir Festivals, Workshops, and Conventions
Choir festivals, workshops, and conventions are perfect places to discover new choir songs while networking with other choir directors and music professionals. Events like the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference or World Choir Games showcase innovative new compositions and arrangements, and often feature sessions on selecting repertoire.
Attending these events not only lets you hear the latest in choir music but also connects you with publishers and composers who can recommend pieces suited to your choir. Some festivals even offer sample sheet music as part of their programs, giving you fresh material to try with your group.
Final Thoughts on Finding New Choir Songs
Finding new choir songs for your choir doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By exploring online music libraries, joining choir communities, using digital tools, collaborating with composers, and attending music events, you’ll keep your repertoire fresh, exciting, and suited to your group’s strengths.
The world of choral music is rich and diverse, with something for every type of choir and every occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, genres, and arrangements. Your choir will appreciate the variety, and each new song will bring you one step closer to creating memorable and inspiring performances.
