HIGH SCHOOL/INTERMEDIATE SCORES
Pardon my mess. The “works” section of my website is currently under construction, as I update it to accomodate all the new things I have written during the pandemic. While the “pretty version” is still being built, feel free to peruse my Complete List of Works by clicking here. This spreadsheet contains information on every piece of music in my catalogue (over 80 works) and is filterable by voicing and difficulty level.
Thank you for your interest in performing my music. If I can ever help you find something for your ensemble, don’t hesitate to email me at braeden.ayres@gmail.com.
Deciding what works will be best suited for a high school or intermediate chorus is always a challenge. After all, each of our students comes to us from a different background and level of experience, and the resources afforded us as educators varies greatly. With all that said, the works on this page fit into that "something secondary" mold. Should you need something in particular, feel free to search for a voicing below, listen to recordings, view full scores, and don't hesitate to contact me should you need anything at all.
-Braeden
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Measure Me, Sky
Written for the Desert Canyon Voices as a recognition of their talent after their version of the "Nae Nae" became a viral sensation, this piece premiered two years later as the young women from that choir were invited to perform at the Arizona Music Educator's Association Convention 2018.
Dream on
I was commissioned by Casteel High School in Queen Creek, AZ to write this piece for the dedication of the Dr. Camille Casteel High School Performing Arts Center. The text, “Dream On,” was heavily inspired by a Casteel High School Choir student’s work.
Having both Scottish and Irish lineage, I’ve always loved this kind of music. This arrangement features an extensive treble or tenor solo which could easily be divided over an a cappella, homophonic hymn-like setting. All in all, a simple setting of a beloved Irish tragic ballad. Though the song should be sung in Gaelic, there is a loose "English transcription" of the original language. The track-pack for this piece includes a pronunciation guide to aid singers with the Gaelic text.
Calliope Music
This eccentric little boutique piece for treble voices is an exploration of myths and storytelling. Named after both the calliope organ and the greek muse of song, dance, and poetry, this piece deliberately muddles the similar Greek and Roman myths of Diana and Artemis, an example of how time erodes truth and meaning.
This setting would be very appropriate for an experienced church choir, or as a spiritual/gospel feature on a program. The a cappella setting and slow tempo may present some challenges, but it would afford a wonderful chance to teach staggered breathing, forward motion, and gospel style. The ranges are not difficult, and the swell to the refrain is a lovely moment for me. It ends with simple humility.
When I initially heard the folk song “He’s Gone Away,” I thought it would make a lovely counter-perspective if paired with the ubiquitous “Shenandoah.” The result is a dramatic song that tells the story of two lovers separated, and singing to the same sky. To me, it almost feels like a musical-theatre ballad. I also incorporated “O Waly Waly” in the Bridge, and many of the traditional folk melodies have been modified dramatically in some phrases, so I don’t believe this sounds like a “same old-same old” arrangement.
Originally written in English as "The Amber Harvest," I applied legitimate Japanese haiku by Basho when Iearned that the English translations I was using were not legitimate or authentic. The minimalist piano accompaniment had floated around in my head for years before writing. This is a sort of partner-song, which would make it a very accessible piece for a HS ensemble or advanced MS mixed chorus. This piece pairs with "Toku-Toku," a men's choir piece, as well as a handful of other songs (all with texts by Basho) as part of a cycle which is currently in the works, called "Shiki Haiku," or "Four Seasons Haiku."
"Home" isn't a necessarily a place, and it isn't always where you lay your head down to sleep at night. Home is where you feel safe, where you feel fulfilled, and where you feel surrounded by people and things that make you feel like you belong. "Now Voyager" is about finding that place. In the poem, the speaker is talking to someone who has been searching for home, and they've almost found it. The text of this song is the invitation to come, "be nourished," and let their "long yearning" for home finally be filled. "Now, Voyager" was written for the KCDA Treble Honor Choir.