Don Besig spent 31 years directing public school choirs and show choirs in western New York, building programs known for their success at festivals, competitions, and community performances. His experience spans all levels of singers, from middle school through adult ensembles, which directly shaped his compositional philosophy.
Recognizing that student and volunteer church choirs needed music written with their capabilities in mind, Besig began composing for his own groups. His catalog now exceeds 350 published works, with over 15 million copies in circulation. He currently serves as director of music at Perinton Presbyterian Church in Fairport, New York, and continues to guest conduct, adjudicate, and lead workshops across 40 states and Canada. A graduate of Ithaca College and active member of ACDA, ASCAP, and NYSSMA, Besig has received multiple ASCAP Special Awards for his contributions to choral music.
Why we love this
Besig writes with an intuitive understanding of what community and school choirs can actually accomplish. The text carries real spiritual weight without demanding virtuosic technique, and the harmonic language sits comfortably under voices while maintaining musical integrity. Programming this gives your singers a chance to sing something meaningful that doesn't require excessive rehearsal time to sound polished.
What to expect
The music radiates sincerity and warmth, grounded in melody that feels both accessible and genuinely moving. Harmonies are sympathetic to the voice parts while maintaining forward momentum, creating an experience that feels uplifting rather than didactic.
Who it's for
Church choirs, school SATB ensembles, and volunteer singers seeking repertoire that speaks to faith and service without excessive technical demands. The piece suits choirs with modest rehearsal time and varying vocal experience.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the text clarity with the harmonic movement; SATB textures can obscure lyrics if each voice prioritizes its own line over the overall phrase shape.
Let the accompaniment anchor your tempo at first, then gradually shift responsibility to your singers' sense of collective pulse.
Shape phrases by thinking in terms of breath rather than bar lines; this applies especially to longer sustained passages where tension and release matter.
How to use it
This works well as a centerpiece for a sacred concert or as a reflective moment during a longer program featuring mixed genres. It pairs naturally with other Besig arrangements or alongside classical anthem repertoire where you want the emotional temperature to remain intimate and human rather than grand.
Skills your students will build
SATB part independence while maintaining phrase cohesion
Lyric clarity and text interpretation in choral singing
Sustaining harmonic blend across four voices
Balancing personal part awareness with ensemble listening
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