Are you looking for new music for your choir? We know many choir directors depend on the OCP Music Showcase at the NPM National Convention to hear new titles and get helpful song suggestions for the year ahead. While there was no National Convention this year, OCP did participate in NPM “On the Road” regional events in five cities across the U.S. this summer.
Explore titles which were performed “On the Road” and find the music that’s right for your ensemble. You can order these titles and find many more suited to ensembles of all sizes and skill levels on ocpchoral.com – the new sacred choral music website developed by choir directors for choir directors.
Ave Verum Corpus
By Ricky Manalo, CSP
Music Series: Intercultural Music Series
Difficulty Level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir, Descant
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, Flute, Oboe
“Ave Verum Corpus” is a multilingual Communion hymn inspired by the text ascribed to Pope Innocent VI (d. 1362). This hymn consists of eight verses, designed to accompany Communion processions in various settings, ranging from small gatherings to large assemblies. The combination of the refrain and the eight verses draws from the rich heritage of the Roman Catholic Eucharistic tradition. The melody of “Ave Verum Corpus” is composed to be accessible for congregational singing. It can be performed in various worship settings and in diverse cultural communities; Verse 5, in particular, has six language options!
Use: Communion, Eternal Life/Heaven, Eucharist, Ministry/Mission, Paschal Mystery, Real Presence, Social Concern, Unity
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
By Angela Birkhead-Flight
Music Series: Easy Choral Anthem Series
Difficulty Level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: 2-part, Assembly (includes Hymn Version)
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar
Matheson’s classic text beautifully expresses the depth and constancy of God’s abiding love, the musical setting for which Birkhead-Flight gives us two options. The first is a two-part concertato choral arrangement for treble and bass/baritone voices accompanied by piano and/or guitar; this version is enhanced by both a bridge that presents new musical content with original text by the composer and by an expressive key change for the fourth and final verse. The second option is a simplified unison hymn version without the bridge or key change, which will aid assembly participation.
Dwell in the Midst of Us
By Jeffrey Bonilla and David Lockwood
Music Series: OCP Advent & Christmas Series
Difficulty Level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: Three-part Choir, Descant, Assembly
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Oboe or Clarinet
A shifting tonal center throughout this song helps underscore the watchful anticipation for the coming of God in this Advent text. Longing for God is a principal theme of the three verses and reflective refrain. It comes together with little rehearsal, and rich harmonies help the piece sound more complex than it actually is, making it an ideal choice for choirs who wish to add new music to their Advent & Christmas repertoire.
Jesucristo, Te Seguiremos / Jesus Christ, You Alone We Will Follow
By Iván Díaz
Choral Series: Cantar Alabanzas
Instrumentation: Keyboard and Guitar
Voicing: 3-Part
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Scored for keyboard, guitar, and 3-part vocals, this contemporary bilingual arrangement is sure to get your congregation moving! Its buoyant rhythms reflect the excitement and energy of the text's joyous call to follow Christ. This accessible piece is a great option for liturgies that focus on themes of discipleship, peace, and social concern.
I Call, O Lord, on You
By Nichlas Schaal and James Quinn, SJ
Choral Series: OCP Choral Series
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, and Solo Instrument in C
Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
This piece is ideal for the Lenten season or other liturgical moments that highlight themes of comfort, mercy, supplication, and forgiveness. As noted by the composer, careful attention to pacing and dynamic shape is essential to this piece. The introductory duet between the piano and solo instrument sets a somber, contemplative tone. The five verses, which the composer suggests may be sung by a soloist or unison voices, convey a sense of personal prayer and longing; the full SATB harmonies of the refrain emphasize the heartfelt, collective hope for Christ's mercy. The stepwise melody and its steady quarter-note rhythm will easily engage the assembly.
Señor, Quiero Servirte/My Lord, I Want to Serve You
By Santiago Fernández with English translation by Sarah Hart
Choral Series: Cantar Alabanzas
Instrumentation: Keyboard and Guitar
Voicing: SAB
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
This song of surrender the abandonment of one's self to the will of God has been a beloved part of the Hispanic repertoire for years; this edition features a new English translation by Sarah Hart, which should broaden its appeal to an even wider audience. It can be used for the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts, Communion, or hymn of praise after Communion. Because its lyrics emphasize discipleship, with a special emphasis on the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the song is appropriate for Masses with themes of giving thanks, like quinceanera celebrations. It is arranged for SAB choir, keyboard, and guitar.
Those Who Eat My Flesh / Los Que Comen Mi Carne
By Bob Hurd with Spanish translation by Jaime Cortez
Choral Series: Cantar Alabanzas
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Violin 2-Part, and Trumpet 2-Part
Voicing: SATB
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Linguistically flexible, this song may be sung all in English, all in Spanish, or bilingually. Helpful usage notes give performance suggestions. The refrain is catchy and singable and is supported by SATB choir. The verses, also catchy, are more simply set with a two-part harmonic texture. Parts for violin I & II and trumpet I and II in B-flat can help lend an almost mariachi feel to the song. Note: this song was commissioned in 2012 for the 25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Lexington. In this newly published version, both the melody of the refrain and the Spanish translation of the verses have been revised.