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Candlelight Canon: SSA Choral Octavo

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Candlelight Canon: SSA Choral Octavo

Words and music by Andy Beck

Item: 00-43626

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Description
A reflection on the candle as a symbol of peace, this simple yet elegant selection is appropriate for choirs of all ages, at any time of year. The beautiful single-octave melody (from D to D) is sung in unison before becoming a round. A contrasting refrain pleases the ear and warms the heart.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Candlelight Canon: SSA Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081491660
SKU: 00-43626

More about this title

About the Composer: Andy Beck

Andy Beck

Andy Beck serves as Director of Choral Publications at Alfred Music, where he has shaped the trajectory of modern choral repertoire for decades. His compositional output spans over 450 published works for singers of every age and ability level, from elementary students to advanced ensembles. Beyond composing and arranging, Beck has authored influential choral resources including Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique, all of which reflect his deep commitment to music literacy and vocal pedagogy.

Beck's influence extends far beyond the page. He maintains an active career as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and has been commissioned to conduct honor choirs throughout the Southeast and beyond. A trained tenor with a Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and a Master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University, he brings performer's insight to every piece he writes. His work with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and decades of involvement in musical theatre performance have grounded his compositions in practical, singable writing that performers genuinely enjoy.

Why we love this

Beck's gift for creating singable, emotionally resonant melodies shines in this octavo. The structural arc from unison to round feels inevitable rather than gimmicky, giving students genuine satisfaction as they discover the piece's architecture. For programming, you get year-round flexibility with a piece that works equally well in winter concerts, peace-focused services, or spring shows without ever feeling trite.

What to expect

The piece radiates quiet dignity and warmth. The gentle melody feels contemplative without being somber, and the refrain introduces a brief moment of tenderness that makes the return to the round feel like a conversation between voices rather than a technical display.

Who it's for

SSA choirs at any level can access this piece. It works equally well for middle school singers discovering rounds for the first time and experienced high school ensembles seeking elegant, accessible programming. The single-octave range (D to D) ensures no one is stretched technically, allowing singers to focus on musical expression and ensemble listening.

How to get the most out of it

  • Allow the unison section to breathe; these eight measures establish the melody in singers' ears and voices before they navigate the round complexity.
  • Shape the refrain as a genuine contrast by adjusting dynamics and vibrato quality, creating a moment of repose within the piece's architecture.
  • Stagger the round entrances slightly at first rehearsals so singers hear their own part clearly before adding layers; only compress timing as confidence grows.

How to use it

Pair this with other pieces exploring light, hope, or reflection for a thematic winter concert. Its accessibility makes it an excellent anchor for a concert that includes more challenging repertoire, and it works beautifully as a concert closer or opening piece due to its ability to draw an audience in without demanding technical virtuosity.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in unison with clear intonation and blend
  • Entering and maintaining a round part independently while hearing other voice parts
  • Interpreting dynamic and expressive contrasts between sections
  • Following a conductor while maintaining focus on ensemble listening

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