Emily Crocker New Choral Update 2026

It's been another journey through a year of composing and arranging for me and a REWARDING trip it has been. I am branching out into different styles, different genres and different publishers. If you normally think of me as a composer for elementary and middle school, don't worry, you'll still see several works for this age group. 

However, I have stretched a bit creatively with music for SSA at the high school level and up, including some new pieces in my reflections on famous artworks. 

Thanks to all my collaborators, editors, engravers, producers, publishers and friends who perform my compositions. 

Hope you have a great year of choosing repertoire. Do not hesitate to reach out if you are looking for something specific or have questions. Contact me at my website.

Scroll down to view 2-Part, SSA, TB and Mixed selections. Click on the links for more information, to purchase or to listen/view ScorePlay videos. And as a reminder, the most complete way to explore all Emily Crocker music is to visit Emily Crocker Music

CHORAL MUSIC FOR 2-PART

DEFYING GRAVITY (from Wicked)

Stephen Schwartz/arr. Emily Crocker | 2-Part with piano 

The Act I finale from the musical “Wicked” is one of the key moments of the show and this well-crafted setting captures all the appeal while providing plenty of support for younger and developing choirs. Audiences and singers will enjoy this powerful setting!


DOWN IN THE VALLEY TWO BY TWO

arr. Emily Crocker | 2-Part with piano  

This bright and upbeat game song celebrates the joy of play and movement. Ranges are limited and the vocal lines are easily learned. Bluesy piano accompaniment and body percussion provide additional spirit for the performance!


HERE, NOW, AND ALWAYS

Emily Crocker | 2-Part, piano and percussion | text by John Jacobson

"Here, Now, and Always" by Emily Crocker and John Jacobson is an upbeat, light, and energetic piece for two-part treble choir with optional percussion. Centered on saying goodbye while celebrating an enduring friendship, it looks ahead to a bright future and reminds singers that distance and time can’t diminish the bonds they share. Uplifting and spirited, it’s a wonderful choice for end-of-year performances, or any moment that calls for joy and connection. 


THE IRISH BLESSING

By Joyce Eilers/arr. Emily Crocker | 2-Part a cappella or accompanied

The moving setting of the traditional "May the road rise to meet you" lyric by Joyce Eilers is now available for 2-Part a cappella or optional accompanied. It makes a beautiful closing number or benediction for Treble choirs from high school and up.



PAY ME MY MONEY DOWN

arr. Emily Crocker | Unison/2-Part and piano

This folksong from the Georgia Sea Islands has an easy reggae feel. The song's accessible melodies and rhythms are easy to learn and perform with beginning choirs. Optional percussion ostinati add another layer of fun to this charming piece.

Listen/view ScorePlay


RAPACIÑO DE MI VIDA

Spanish Villancico/arr. Emily Crocker | 2-Part with piano and flute 

“Rapaciño de mi Vida” is a traditional Spanish villancico from the Galician region of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Portugal and Spain. This arrangement features both Spanish and English text with a call to see the Little One in Bethlehem. The refrain incorporates a repetitive series of vocal sounds, “tu-ri-u-ri-u,” giving it a flute-like quality.


SAIL AWAY (WITH THE WATER IS WIDE)

Emily Crocker | 2-Part with piano

Younger and developing choirs can build important choral skills with this partner style arrangement of the beloved Scottish folk song, “The Water Is Wide,” paired with an original song that perfectly complements the gently flowing style of the folk melody.



CHORAL MUSIC FOR SSA

A CAPPELLA SONGS FOR SSA CHORUS (Collection)

This collection of songs and arrangements of folk tunes provides an excellent source of a cappella contest literature for the developing choir. Quality texts, careful attention to range and tessitura, along with thoughtful limits on melodic and harmonic complexity make these settings an ideal choice. Click on song title for ScorePlay video: 



HOLD ON

Traditional spiritual/arr. Emily Crocker | SSA, piano, percussion

Enjoy this arrangement of the spiritual that became a powerful affirmation during America's Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Based on the traditional song, “Gospel Plow,” it's also known as “Hold On,” “Keep Your Hand on the Plow,” and other variants. Easily learned, the supportive piano accompaniment and percussion part give it a contemporary drive, along with opportunities to feature soloists.

THE IRISH BLESSING

By Joyce Eilers/arr. Emily Crocker | SSA a cappella 

The moving setting of the traditional "May the road rise to meet you" lyric by Joyce Eilers is now available for SSA a cappella or optional accompanied. It makes a beautiful closing number or benediction for Treble choirs from high school and up.
Listen/view ScorePlay


A JUBILANT PSALM

Emily Crocker | SSA with piano

Opening with a spirited piano introduction, the voices take off with power and jubilance. Rhythmic vitality, meter changes and vocal brilliance make this piece an effective concert opener/closer.




SO MANY STARS

Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman & Sérgio Mendes/arr. Emily Crocker | SSA with piano or rhythm section

Float into a night sky of sound with this dream-like, jazz-infused arrangement of Brasil 66 "So Many Stars." This arrangement shimmers with velvety jazz textures, gentle swing, and a sense of wonder that will captivate singers and audience alike.

SOFTLY SHE WALKS 

Emily Crocker | SSA with piano | text by John Jacobson

Can there be a more alluring painting than Claude Monet’s Woman With a Parasol? Could there be another that tells a story with such elegance and charm? This evocative work for SSA voices offers a musical reflection on this magnificent work of art that allows singers and audiences discover meaningful connections and to expand their imaginations on art and humanity.


WAITING (GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING)

Emily Crocker | SSA with piano | text by John Jacobson

This colorful work is inspired by the famous 1665 painting by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. Exploring themes of innocence and sadness, this accessible work will resonate with SSA singers at the high school level, who also search for purpose, direction and fulfillment in their lives.
Listen/view ScorePlay



CHORAL MUSIC FOR TB/TTB

HOLD ON

Traditional spiritual/arr. Emily Crocker | TB, piano, percussion

Enjoy this arrangement of the spiritual that became a powerful affirmation during America's Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Based on the traditional song, “Gospel Plow,” it's also known as “Hold On,” “Keep Your Hand on the Plow,” and other variants. Easily learned, the supportive piano accompaniment and percussion part give it a contemporary drive, along with opportunities to feature soloists.

THE IRISH BLESSING

By Joyce Eilers/arr. Emily Crocker | TTBB a cappella 

The moving setting of the traditional "May the road rise to meet you" lyric by Joyce Eilers is now available for TTBB a cappella. It makes a beautiful closing number or benediction for Tenor/Bass choirs from high school and up.



UBI CARITAS

Emily Crocker | TB with piano 

Latin phrases in this setting of “Ubi Caritas” form the poetic framework for this accessible concert work for younger tenor-bass choirs. Limited ranges on each part and well-crafted choral textures provide the opportunity to explore expressive singing and unified tone. An ideal choice for developing choirs!



CHORAL MUSIC FOR 3-PART MIXED, SAB, SATB

DEFYING GRAVITY (FROM WICKED)

Stephen Schwartz/arr. Emily Crocker | 3-Part Mixed with piano 

The Act I finale from the musical “Wicked” is one of the key moments of the show and this well-crafted setting captures all the appeal while providing plenty of support for younger and developing choirs. Audiences and singers will enjoy this powerful setting!



DOWN IN THE VALLEY TWO BY TWO

arr. Emily Crocker | 3-Part Mixed with piano  

This bright and upbeat game song celebrates the joy of play and movement. Ranges are limited and the vocal lines are easily learned. Bluesy piano accompaniment and body percussion provide additional spirit for the performance!



FIRE AND ICE

Emily Crocker | SAB with piano 

This poem by Robert Frost reflects on the end of the world, musing whether it might be consumed in fire or ice, and comparing the two elements with the emotions of desire and hate. The composer's music vividly captures the contrast of these elements and allows the singers to dramatically portray that struggle.



HERE, NOW, AND ALWAYS

Emily Crocker | 3-Part Mixed, piano and percussion | text by John Jacobson

"Here, Now, and Always" by Emily Crocker and John Jacobson is an upbeat, light, and energetic piece for 3-Part Mixed voices with optional percussion. Centered on saying goodbye while celebrating an enduring friendship, it looks ahead to a bright future and reminds singers that distance and time can’t diminish the bonds they share. Uplifting and spirited, it’s a wonderful choice for end-of-year performances, or any moment that calls for joy and connection. 

HOLD ON

Traditional spiritual/arr. Emily Crocker | SAB, piano, percussion

Enjoy this arrangement of the spiritual that became a powerful affirmation during America's Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Based on the traditional song, “Gospel Plow,” it's also known as “Hold On,” “Keep Your Hand on the Plow,” and other variants. Easily learned, the supportive piano accompaniment and percussion part give it a contemporary drive, along with opportunities to feature soloists.

RAPACIÑO DE ME VIDA


Spanish Villancico/arr. Emily Crocker | 3-Part Mixed with piano and flute 

“Rapaciño de mi Vida” is a traditional Spanish villancico from the Galician region of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Portugal and Spain. This arrangement features both Spanish and English text with a call to see the Little One in Bethlehem. The refrain incorporates a repetitive series of vocal sounds, “tu-ri-u-ri-u,” giving it a flute-like quality.

SO MANY STARS

Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman & Sérgio Mendes/arr. Emily Crocker | SATB with piano or rhythm section

Float into a night sky of sound with this dream-like, jazz-infused arrangement of "So Many Stars" by Brasil 66. This arrangement shimmers with velvety jazz textures, gentle swing, and a sense of wonder that will captivate singers and audience alike.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Choral Music for 2025-2026

Image
New Emily Crocker Publications So glad to enjoy another year of friends and music! And happy that I've had a creative year of composing and arranging. Thankful to all my *helpers* who edit, engrave, record, publish and promote my music! (You know who you are!) And especially Jack, who provides hours of entertainment during periods of writer's block!  Africa (TB and piano, Hal Leonard) This one started out as self-published, but Hal Leonard has taken it into their catalog. There are lots of popular arrangements of this Toto hit, but no TB voicing. This one is easy and fun for middle school and up, with a high (cambiata) tenor part.  CLICK HERE Down in the Valley  (TB, with piano an opt. harmonica or other obbligato instrument, Shawnee Press) I've always loved this song, and grateful that Greg Gilpin found a place for it in the Shawnee Press choral catalog. Crafted to be in the vocal sweet spot for range and tessitura, this nostalgic American folk song is arranged for begin...
Read more

Now available for UIL PML

Image
 Texas Choral Prescribed Music List I'm pleased to share that several titles from the Texas choral PML that have been POP are now again available. They are all available from Sheet Music Direct and J.W. Pepper. I have put links to each in the descriptions below. Here is a complete list of Crocker PML titles as of 2023-2024 for your reference. Crocker UIL PML titles Rejoice, Alleluia - Grade 1 Mixed 3-Part Mixed with piano or opt. a cappella by Emily Crocker Set in a buoyant 6/8, this concert/festival piece will let developing choirs with changing voices showcase their skill and style. Variations in texture and dynamics add flare! Available at  Sheet Music Direct  or  J.W. Pepper I Will Sing the Goodness of the Lord - Grade 2 Mixed SATB with piano by Emily Crocker This setting of Psalm 89 for mixed voices and piano is a buoyant expression of joy that's ideal for both concert and festival programming. Available at  Sheet Music Direct  or  J.W. Pepper Glo...
Read more

New UIL/PML Additions 2025-2026

Image
 New Crocker titles on PML It's always exciting to see the new PML additions each year. So much goes into the process, from the submissions by publishers and teachers, to AMAZING work by the committee, to the programming by UIL, the announcements, and finally, the concert performances by mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles. I'm pleased to announce several new works of mine or my series have been added and I hope that you'll consider them in selecting your UIL programs. For a complete list of Emily Crocker PML titles:  CLICK HERE Tenor-Bass, Grade 2 The French love their onions as you can hear in this French marching song from the 1800s. The verses tell the story (in compound meter) and the refrain helps the marchers stay in step (in duple meter). Impressive sounding and easily learned! Just a very little French to learn, but an excellent showpiece for young tenor-bass ensembles. For TB with piano. Treble, Grade 3 “Winter Eve” takes its text from the poem “Good Hours” by ...
Read more