secular

Canadian Boat Song
SSA & piano, Jubilate Music VG-369
Irish poet Thomas Moore wrote the text for Canadian Boat Song as he traveled along the St. Lawrence River in 1842. The tune is a lilting French folksong. The descriptive piano writing portrays tolling bells, the rapids, and the peacefulness of the evening along the St. Lawrence. See score YouTube ChoralTracks

Citadel Hill
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1335
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1245
Mark is a master of writing approachable choral music. After all, he directs his own choirs every week and adjudicates choral festivals all over the country. So his voice leading is intuitive, making the learning process a breeze for the director and a joy for the singers. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube YouTube ChoralTracks

The Cliffs of Dooneen
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165.
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1164
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1889
The Cliffs of Dooneen is a popular and haunting Irish folk song that extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube

Cloths of Heaven
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 023
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 022
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 021
A moving setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths.” Commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival, Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo.  There are two instrumentations available from the composer 1. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano or 2) wind quintet and piano.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube or YouTube

Cotton Jenny
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP CP 2246 
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1787
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP  1790 
Many singers and audience members will remember this delightful folk song by Lightfoot with the refrain, “The wheels of love go ’round!”  Great fun!  See score & listen ChoralTracks

Every Rhythm is the Beat
Words and Music by Sarah Slean arr. M. Sirett
Arranged for Les Chanteuses, Edmonton AB, directed by Heather Bedford.  Text and music used by permission.  For further information contact the composer.

Farewell to Tarwathie  
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1597
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1357
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1876
This lovely Scottish folk song, made famous by Judy Collins and Pete Seeger, is suitable for community, high school and college/university singers. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube

new release 2022 The Gift to Sing
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1152
Written for the anniversary of Canada’s celebrated Junior Amabile Youth Choir of London ON, this work is on the fabulous words of Afro-American James Weldon Johnson.
Sometimes the mist overhangs my path,
And blackening clouds about me cling;
But, oh, I have a magic way
To turn the gloom to cheerful day—
I softly sing.
See score & listen

Give Me Your Stars to Hold
SSA & piano, Santa Barbara Music SBMP
Written for the Association of Music in International Schools Girls’ Middle School Festival, Luxembourg.  Abounding in melodic interest, and blessed with an ever-pulsating accompaniment, this setting of the Teasdale poem is destined to be a favourite of singers. String quintet and piano version available from the composer. See scoreYouTube or YouTube  ChoralTracks

Go, Lassie, Go 
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-475308
SATB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48005157
Instrumental parts for flute, oboe, violin and double bass: M-051-105106
This Celtic folk song is well known in Scotland and Ireland. This is animated rendition that sets the audiences toes ‘a-tappin’ and would make a perfect opening or conclusion to a concert. Listen YouTube ChoralTracks

inngiqtuq
SSA, body percussion & drum, Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-48351-8
inngiqtuq (She Sings) is a soundscape that honours the culture of the Inuit people of the Arctic. Musical references to traditional “throat-singing” and “ay-ya” songs are found in the music. The body percussion – stomping, clapping, chest pounding – and drum will add to the authentic experience this piece brings to singers and audience. See score & listen YouTube

Joy
SSA & piano,  Alliance Music AMP 1176
This sparkling setting of the poetry by Sara Teasdale expresses the joy of young love.  Commissioned by the Calgary Girls’ Choir ‘Brava’ directed by Elaine Quilichini

Lake Huron Autumn 
SSA & percussion (Orff), Boosey & Hawkes M051-48019774
An evocative soundscape on poetry by William Wilfred Campbell is appropriate for children, teens and adults alike. The inventive work captures the sounds of the autumn along the shores of the Great Lakes: rustling bulrushes, leaves, flying geese and ducks, the cold wind. See score & listen YouTube  

The Leaving of Liverpool
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-48177-4
Setting this Celtic folk song in a slow and majestic style, Mark underscores the anguish and uncertainty of the lovers who must say goodbye. The final outburst is full of heartbreak and will be a passionate and emotional moment for your choir and audience. See score & listen  YouTube

Les étoiles
SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 0687
Full of French lyricism and romantic harmonies, Les étoiles was commissioned by the Oriana Women’s Choir of Toronto under the direction of William Brown. Recorded by the Oriana Women’s Chorus on the CD “Child with the Starry Crayon”.  See score & listen YouTube  Listen

Maybe
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971
TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976
The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations.  Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace.  Peace will come, peace will come;  peace will come in time.  All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time.  The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune.  See score & hear

My Heart Soars
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, HL 48023055
Composer Mark Sirett set the beautiful and evocative poem “My Heart Soars” of Chief Dan George for a tribute concert to aboriginal cultures of the world. The concert was recognized by Choral Canada as Outstanding Choral Event of  2010.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube

The Peace of Wild Things
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024168
Here is one of American writer and poet Wendell Berry’s best known and best loved poems. This music captures the serenity and peacefulness of the words and offers hope amid the hurried pace of modern life. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks

The Pierless Bridge
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1332
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1294
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1333
Emily Dickinson explores the question of faith is this poignant poem and Mark gives it the perfect gentle setting.  See score & listen

Red-Winged Blackbird
David Francey arr. M. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music
SSA & piano CP2083
SATB & piano CP2082
TBB & piano CP2084
One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird as the harbinger of spring.  This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs.  See score & listen

Responsibility
SSA & piano, Hal Leonard HL357220
SATB & piano, Hal Leonard HL357218
Jewish leader and scholar, Hillel the Elder, captures the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of caring for others. Canadian composer Mark Sirett combines the ancient Hebrew text with modern English to create an elegant and folk-like setting.  See score & listen

Reel à bouche
SSA, piano & clarinet (or accordion), optional double bass, Alliance Music AMP 0714
In the Acadian tradition, a Reel à bouche is a form of ‘mouth music’ with nonsense syllables and extra vocal effects.  Commissioned by the Amabile Youth Singers of London ON, this rhythmic dance has a French cabaret feeling that is full of fun for performers and audience alike.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube

Shanti (Peace)
SSA, drone, finger cymbals, gong, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47984-9
This soundscape is inspired by the mysticism of ancient Eastern religions, with a Buddhist text: “Peace. May all beings be well and happy.” The work was commissioned to accompany an art installation by Canadian sculptor, Marlene Hilton Moore. The drone was original performed by a singing bowl but a cello, keyboard or low organ pedal could easily be used. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube

Song of the Angels (Gloria)
SSAA, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes, CME In High Voice, M-051-47492-9
Although the Gloria is often associated with Christmas the message of peace is universal and appropriate for many different settings.   Commissioned by La Jeunesse Northumberland Girls’ Choir, this colourful soundscape uses accessible experimental effects often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work has received acclaim at international competitions and festivals. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube

The Songster
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023436
Celebrating the arrival of spring and the glorious song of the birds, Mark Sirett captures the passion and grandeur of Pauline Johnson’s lyrics. Commissioned for the Ottawa Children’s Choir. See score & listen YouTube

Sparrow
SSA & piano, violin or flute, CP 1607
TTBB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1890
SATB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1610
This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe.  The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube

The Spinning Wheel
SSA & piano, ECS Publishing ECS 6416
“Merrily, cheerily, noiselessly whirring”–this delightful Irish folksong tells the story of a young maiden spinning under the supervision of her grandmother. The sounds heard at the window are that of the young girl’s lover come to steal a kiss without her grandmother knowing. An inventive piano part highlights the humour of the story.  See score & listen YouTube

Treat the Earth Well
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, Building Bridges Series, HL 48023877
The words for this ancient prayer comes from the Southwestern United States. It speaks of the earth as a sacred and holy place that is worthy of our love and respect. The prayer challenges us to be diligent stewards of the land for future generations. Written for Les Chanteuses of Edmonton, Heather Bedford, conductor.  See score & listen YouTube

Un Canadien errant
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 109
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 119
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 108
One of Canada’s best loved folk songs, an emotional and heartrending story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland.  This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Easy.  Two versions available from the composer a) Fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) Full orchestra. See score & listen YouTube

Watane
SSA, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473434
Watane is an original work inspired by Canada’s aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois chants, bird calls, and varied percussion evoke the atmosphere of the eastern woodlands. The work has been performed at international festivals, ACDA and the World Symposium of Choral Music. This SSAA score is easily adapted for various voice combinations. YouTube or YouTube  Choral Tracks

Where have all the flowers gone?
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48018855
SATB & piano,  Boosey & Hawkes HL 48018867
Full score with violin, flute, oboe, double bass: M-051-10515-1
Also available for SSA. A beautiful, expressive setting of this favourite song for peace by Pete Seeger. The inventive and deeply moving setting was written for the Cantabile Youth Singers.  Since 911, this work is especially suitable for concerts of remembrance and peace.  Two versions available from the composer a) fl, ob, vl, db, piano b) string orchestra See score & listen YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks