All the music in this concert is composed or arranged by my talented friends. In April 2020, we began meeting weekly on Zoom, uniting these incredible artists. Every Thursday evening, we gather to share our thoughts on music and life, building a strong and inspiring connection. This bond eventually led to the theme of this concert, with each composer contributing a choral piece to bring it all together.

On January 17, 2025, we lost one of our beloved composers and dear friend whose music is featured in this concert. Audrey Snyder was a guiding light and source of inspiration, not only to our group but to the millions of musicians and singers who have performed her works. This concert is dedicated to her memory with love and gratitude. - Cristi Cary Miller, Director

We Reach
Emily Crocker / John Jacobson

Artwork that inspired this selection:

Thomas Hart Benton’s America Today is a ten-panel mural depicting American life in the 1920s. Commissioned in 1930 for the New School for Social Research in New York, Benton painted it without a fee, using egg tempera for color. The mural captures different U.S. regions—South, Midwest, West, and New York—based on sketches from Benton's travels. The largest panel, Instruments of Power, highlights industrial progress, while Outreaching Hands reflects Great Depression-era struggles. Other panels depict labor, leisure, and urban life, influenced by Benton's study of Mannerism and early film.

We Reach was co-written by Emily Crocker (music)and John Jacobson (lyrics). This uplifting choral piece inspires unity, hope, and perseverance. The melody and lyrics work together to encourage singers to reach beyond their limits and strive for a better future. We Reach offers a meaningful opportunity for young singers to connect with the music on a personal level. It allows them to experience the joy of singing as part of a community while also reinforcing values of perseverance and hope. Ultimately, We Reach stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite. It reminds us that through song, we can reach for our dreams, for each other, and for a brighter tomorrow.

The Keel Row
Arr.  by Cristi Cary Miller 

Artwork that inspired this selection: 

Ralph Hedley's painting, Weel May the Keel Row, captures a vibrant moment in Newcastle’s maritime history. The image vividly portrays a group of rowers, united in their labor, as they propel a keel boat across the river. The bright colors and detailed expression of the figures reflect the energy and resilience of the working-class communities. The rowers’ synchronized movement emphasizes the importance of teamwork, while the backdrop of the industrial landscape underscores the connection between the people and the local economy. Hedley’s choice of scene celebrates both local culture and the perseverance of those who worked the waters.

Cristi Cary Miller's arrangement of The Keel Row beautifully reinterprets this traditional English folk song and creates an engaging experience for singers, allowing them to connect with the history of the song. This traditional Tyneside folksong suggests the life and work of the keelmen of Newcastle, England, upon the rivers Tyne and Ware. Keels were large boats, flat-bottomed because of the shallowness of both rivers, that carried the coal from the banks of the rivers to waiting collier ships. The keelmen who worked these boats, formed a close-knit and lively community on both rivers until their eventual end in the nineteenth century.  

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Arr. by Mac Huff

Artwork that inspired this selection: 

Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night is a masterpiece that captures the beauty and emotion of the night sky. Painted in 1889, the swirling brushstrokes and vivid colors create a dreamlike, almost restless atmosphere. The contrast between the bright stars and the dark landscape evokes both wonder and solitude. Van Gogh’s expressive style gives the painting a sense of movement, as if the sky is alive with energy. Starry Night reflects the artist’s inner struggles while also conveying a sense of hope and awe. It remains one of the most iconic and emotionally powerful paintings in art history.

Mac Huff’s arrangement of Don McLean’s song Vincent beautifully captures the wonder and emotion inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting. McLean wrote the song after reading about Van Gogh's struggles. The artist faced severe mental illness and underwent frequent treatments throughout his years, ultimately taking his own life at the age of 37 in 1890. McLean felt a deep connection to Van Gogh's personal challenges and artistic vision, aiming to show that Van Gogh was not merely "crazy," but deeply affected by a mental illness that shaped both his art and his experiences. This moving piece serves as a reminder that even in moments of darkness, there is always room for light and beauty.

Stand Up
Arr. by Rollo Dilworth
Artwork that inspired this selection:

Paul Collins' artwork The Underground Railroad is a powerful and evocative depiction of the journey to freedom taken by enslaved individuals in the 19th century. Through his detailed and expressive style, Collins brings to life the courage, resilience, and hope of those who sought liberation. The composition of the piece draws the viewer into the emotional intensity of the scene, using rich colors, dramatic lighting, and dynamic figures to tell a compelling story. His attention to historical accuracy and human expression makes the artwork not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful.

Rollo Dilworth's Stand Up is a vibrant arrangement of the empowering song from the movie Harriet, which tells the story of Harriet Tubman's life and legacy. This uplifting composition encourages courage, unity, and perseverance. The lyrics inspire both singers and listeners to stand strong for justice, even in difficult times. With its call-and-response style and powerful contrasts, the piece creates a sense of energy and empowerment, delivering a hopeful message of determination.

The Road Not Taken
Audrey Snyder

Artwork that inspired this selection: 

The Forest in Autumn is an 1841 oil painting by Gustave Courbet, portraying a woodland scene during the fall season. Part of his Real Life Paintings series, this work showcases Courbet’s remarkable ability to depict nature with depth and realism. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece, highlighting his skill in capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Audrey Snyder’s choral setting of The Road Not Taken, based on Robert Frost’s famous poem, beautifully captures the reflective and contemplative nature of the text. The piece uses expressive harmonies and flowing melodies to enhance the poem’s theme of choices and their impact on life’s journey. Snyder’s composition allows singers to connect emotionally with the lyrics, using dynamic contrast and phrasing to highlight key moments of decision and reflection. This selection provides an opportunity to explore both musical and poetic interpretation. It encourages thoughtful performance and discussion about the meaning of choices in life. 

Ain’t We Got Fun?
Arr. by Roger Emerson

Artwork that inspired this selection: 

Norman Rockwell’s Children Dancing at a Party captures the pure joy and carefree spirit of childhood. The painting showcases a group of children dancing together, their faces filled with excitement and happiness. Rockwell’s attention to detail in their movement, from the fluttering skirts to lively steps, creates a sense of energy and life. The warm colors and soft lighting evoke a nostalgic, inviting atmosphere, reminding viewers of the simple pleasures of youth. Beyond the playful scene, the painting highlights the universal joy found in togetherness and celebration, emphasizing the beauty of connection and the happiness in life's lighter moments.

Roger Emerson's arrangement of Ain’t We Got Fun? infuses the classic tune with fresh, lively energy. Written by Richard A. Whiting, Raymond B. Egan, and Gus Kahn in 1921, Ain’t We Got Fun? became a popular hit during the Jazz Age, embodying the carefree and optimistic spirit of the era. The lyrics offer a lighthearted view of life, showing that despite financial struggles, happiness can be found in simple joys like companionship and fun. With its catchy melody and playful tone, the song became a favorite in vaudeville and music venues. Emerson’s arrangement preserves the original's playful essence, reminding us that we’re all kids at heart.