2026 Choral Reading Picks

from PAM’s Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, NC

Ah, yes, a summer music camp with many, many Presbyterians. Actually, it was a wonderful experience for this conference newbie. I really learned a lot.

From Monday to Thursday, we had daily reading sessions of choral music from 4 different publishers: Beckenhorst Press, St. James Music  Press, Morningstar Music and Choristers’ Guild. These were my favorites.

St. James Music Press selections are available through their subscription service.

There were many great pieces to choose from but these ones stood out to me. My opinions are all my own.

SATB with piano/organ

Christ’s Part - Glenn L. Rudolph

Don’t have it within you to do the Randall Thompson’s Best of Rooms? This text is similar but the setting is less difficult, though no less poignant. Best with organ.

God is Our Strength and Our Song - Becki Slagle Mayo

Joyous and uptempo, this would be a wonderful opportunity for an intergenerational choir setup. Quotes O God Our Help in Ages Past.

Kyrie Eleison - Michael Ware

A relatively simple melody with rich harmonies and a soprano solo. If you’ve got a high voice that you’d like to shine a light on, possibly during communion, this might be a great pick.

I Will Bow - Frederick Chatfield

A simple and incredibly effective setting of a Shaker text. Would be lovely during communion or for summer pick-up choir. (SJMP)

I Will Sing with All My Soul - Tom Trenney

With divisi in the soprano and tenor parts, this is not for all choirs. But it would be a lovely opening for a Music Sunday or a concert. With optional brass.

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Terre Johnson

I am, admittedly, not a fan of the original tune so this was a lovely surprise. The text you know with a fresh, new melody and optional cello obbligato.

Sound Over All Waters - Maureen Howell

A rolling 3/4 time signature ushers in a this fresh and delightful setting of John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem. Definitely feel this in 1 to a bar and enjoy a Christmas text with solid mission and calling. Soaring descant in the final refrain - get out your high As!

The First Noel - Molly Ijames

Molly Ijames does lovely immersive, anthem-like,  hymn singing experiences for congregations and this is another lovely addition to that genre. Use as an anthem or a sing-a-long. Maybe as an nice lift for Epiphany?

This My Church Shall Be - Borghild Jacobson, arr. Carol Muehlig

Simple enough that a congregation would catch on quickly or great as an anthem. Missional in text, this would work well for ordination, installation, church anniversaries or discipleship themes. (SJMP)

Unison/SA/2-part

Blessed is He! - Vivian Hare and Katie Houts

A Palm Sunday Partner song with optional handbells/chimes and percussion. Singable, fun and a chance for different choirs to sing together, depending on how it’s organized. Very nice!

Open the Gates - Hal Hopson, ed. Katie Houts

With alternate texts, this could be used for Advent, Palm Sunday, Easter, or Transfiguration. It’s a 4 for 1! Melody is easy and your congregation can sing it back on the repeats. (With opt. Congregational singing and handbells)

Will You Light a Candle? - Katie Houts

A charming advent song that is also general enough for secular use, if needed. This would be a lovely work to journey through advent, especially with different musical groups leading the call and response sung by the congregation. Includes an option second voice part.