Contest/Festival Choral Sheet Music

About This Collection

Description

Contest and festival choral music requires repertoire that engages singers while meeting adjudication standards. This collection centers on accessible, performance-ready octavos across multiple voicings and difficulty levels. Andy Beck's Carry the Light, Northern Lights, The Moon, and Firefly are popular choices for 2-part ensembles, while creators like Ruth Morris Gray, Jay Althouse, Greg Gilpin, Sally K. Albrecht, and Victor C. Johnson contribute pieces ranging from sacred to secular, folk to world music. You'll find works approved for Texas UIL and NYSSMA competitions, many with recorded accompaniments and optional instrumental parts.

Highlights

Teachers return repeatedly to Andy Beck's 2-part octavos, particularly Carry the Light and Northern Lights, which balance accessibility with musical substance. Jay Althouse's Homeward Bound (SATB) and Greg Gilpin's Tongo (2-Part) are festival staples. Sally K. Albrecht's I Bought Me a Cat and Victor C. Johnson's Siyahamba round out strong choices across voicings.

Recently added

Recent additions include Maria Grever's Tipitin (TTBB a cappella), Greg Gilpin's In Time of Silver Rain (SSA), and Ruth Morris Gray's A la Lata (SATB), all released in spring 2026.

Composer & Author Spotlight

Andy Beck is Director of Choral Publications at Alfred Music and has composed over 450 choral works, vocal resources, and children's musicals currently in print. Beyond his festival repertoire, he's authored method books including Sing at First Sight and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique, making him a resource for both contest pieces and pedagogical support.

Ruth Morris Gray directs choirs at Rosemead High School in California and holds degrees in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University and a Master's in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. With over 100 published choral compositions, she brings classroom expertise to festival writing.

Greg Gilpin is an ASCAP award-winning choral composer and conductor known for performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Festival Hall. His festival works combine accessibility with artistic credibility that appeals to both students and adjudicators.

Victor C. Johnson is the School Choral Editor for Sing!, the educational publishing division of Choristers Guild, and previously directed choral programs at Ft. Worth Academy of Fine Arts for 18 years. His catalog of over 500 choral works reflects deep knowledge of what works in both rehearsal rooms and competition settings.