Our collective power shines outward
As Graphite composer Abbie Betinis said in a recent post, “When the world is upside down, it’s up to artists to sound the alarm, and fight with thoughtful resistance.”
Here at Graphite, we are proud of all of our composers and their efforts to create art that does just that — songs that incite us to show up, songs that help us hold on to hope, and songs that bring our community together.
Border Lines
by Mari Esabel Valverde
for SATB divisi chorus and guitar or cello
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 5-10 min.
Born out of empathy for immigrants to the United States who have been separated from their families. The music is inspired in meter and melody by Central American folk song, and the guitar portrays the undulations of “el río” as the narrative unfolds, expressing a clear yearning for belonging.
Performed by Adams State University Chamber Choir
Beth Robison, conductor; Marc Eaton, guitar
Accountability
Participate! Songs that incite us to show up.
Sometimes We Talk Past Each Other
by Saunder Choi
for SATB choir & String Quartet; also see Choral score and Set of Parts
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 5-10 min.
This work explores societal polarization and highlights the importance of listening and finding common ground in an increasingly divided world.
Forged
by Reginal Wright
for TTBB, Piano, Brake Drum, & Bass Drum
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 3-5 min.
Say It Out Loud
by Jocelyn Hagen
for SATB divisi choir, Body Percussion
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 3-5 min.
We Listen
by Alex Berko
for SATB chorus a cappella
Difficulty: 5 | Duration: 5-10 min.
From Graphite composer Abbie Betinis:
The Star-Spangled Banner (aka The Star-Spangled Banner Takes a Knee)
by Abbie Betinis
for SATB a cappella or with piano
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: 3-5 min.
An accessible, yet strong political protest statement, this thought-provoking SATB arrangement of the US National Anthem flips its melody upside-down with the same intention as an American ship might flip its flag: to signify “dire distress.”
Realize Hope
Our collective power shines outward.
United in Song: An Anthem for Our Time
by Mari Esabel Valverde
for solo voice or SATB chorus a cappella
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: 3-5 min.
Composer Mari Esabel Valverde strives to answer the question: “What anthem would I stand for?”
Tides
by Reginal Wright
for SATB choir, Violin, Viola, & Piano
Difficulty: 5 | Duration: 5-10 min.
I Dream A World
by Jeffrey Derus
for SATB chorus & Piano
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 5-10 min.
Outshine (TB)
by Timothy C. Takach
for TB, 2-part mixed, 3-part mixed, SA, SATB, or Art Song
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: less than 3 min.
Bring Friends
Say their hallowed names, and link elbows with your neighbors.
Fighting Over What We Believe
by Elizabeth Alexander
for SSA + Soloists, & Piano; also for SSA + SAB Youth Choir, SATB + SAB Youth Choir, and SATB + Soloists
Difficulty: 3 | Duration: 3-5 min.
Dialogue is a key element of this song, with back-and-forth exchanges between singers reflecting the active engagement present in all powerful conversations.
We Hold Your Names Sacred (TTBB)
by Mari Esabel Valverde
for TTBB div., piano; also for SATB & SSAA
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 3-5 min.
Stardust (SATB)
by B.E. Boykin
for SATB, Piano, & Djembe; also for SSA & TBB
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: 3-5 min.
Bed Run Dry
by Saunder Choi
for SMATTB a cappella
Difficulty: 5 | Duration: 5-10 min.
Hear Me Roar
arr. Liv Grace & Grace Brigham
for SSAA, A solo, Body Percussion
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 5-10 min.
Powerful Words
Time-tested poetry and historical passages anchor these pieces.
Mother of Exiles
by Jeffrey Derus
for SATB chorus, Treble Soli, Soprano Solo & Piano
Difficulty: 3 | Duration: 3-5 min.
This famous text is known as a call to all those in need of refuge.
“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” – Emma Lazarus
We Are All Bound Up Together (TTBB)
by Joan Szymko
for TTBB & Piano; also for SSA & SATB
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: less than 3 min.
I felt my legs were praying
by Gerald Cohen
for Solo Voice, SATB Chorus, & Piano
Difficulty: 4 | Duration: 5-10 min.
Step By Step
arr. by Joan Szymko
for SAB, a cappella
Difficulty: 2 | Duration: 3-5 min.
To Change the World
by Linda Tutas Haugen
for SATB, Viola, & Piano
Difficulty: 3 | Duration: 3-5 min.
