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MIXED CHOIR

Much of my choral and vocal music can be purchased through J.W. Pepper
The Gargoyle (2026)

Heritage Music Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Voicing options:

SAB choir

SATB choir

Take a ride with “The Gargoyle!” Subtle chromatics, heart-pounding rhythms, and a “Danse Macabre”-like B section make for an evocative setting that practically sounds like a gargoyle—even without the text. A natural fit for fall programming, this work is also a memorable choice for concert and festival use.

Benedicite (2026)

Heritage Music Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice​

 

Voicing options:

SAB choir

SATB choir

Ideal as a concert opener, this energetic work features a driving piano part and thoughtful vocal writing. A lyrical middle section offers lovely contrast before building to a thrilling finale. Accessible to learn and enjoyable to sing!

O Fortuna (2025)

Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

SATB choir

This contemporary setting expresses the unpredictable and sometimes capricious nature of fate in its use of mixed meter, at times shifting without warning between 7/8 and 4/4. While current listeners may not hold the superstitious beliefs the original medieval authors may have held, the concept of fate as a power that can both plague and please is still an idea that captures our present imagination.

Show Me the Way (2025)

Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

SATB choir

All voice parts have a chance to shine as the request to “show me the way” is passed among the choir, repeated, and transformed through a variety of imitative techniques and textures. Wilcox’s lines suggest that life's journey is full of challenges and uncertainties, but through love, patience, and a commitment to good deeds, one can find purpose and fulfillment. This hopeful perspective is expressed musically through the driving compound meter rhythms provided by the piano (and optional drum and flute) and the use of accessible chromatic pitches in the vocal lines.

The Winter Owl (2020)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Voicing Options:

SA choir 

TB choir

3-part Mixed

This compelling setting of a William Shakespeare text vividly describes the winter season with its frigid temperatures and chilling wind. In contrast, the owl hooting merrily is illustrated with a change in meter and accented syncopated phrases. This minor-mode piece provides an interesting change of pace for winter concerts.

I Will Be Worthy of It (2020)

Michael John Trotta Signature Series/Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Virginia CDA Music List - Grade 4

SAB choir

With an empowering text urging the singer to press on regardless of difficulties or setbacks one may face in life, this musically satisfying piece is propelled by a driving piano and interesting rhythms in the vocal parts that mimic the intrinsic motivation spoken of in the lyrics. With a modern sound and engaging harmonies, this work will make a wonderful closer or opener.

Incendiary (2019)

SATB choir

Commissioned by the Flower Mound High School Jaguar

Chorale, Flower Mound, TX

Outside In (2019)

SATB choir

Commissioned by the Ryan High School Choir, Denton, TX

Lux in Tenebris (2019)

Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

SATB choir

Reinforced by a driving piano accompaniment, the inspiring text "We follow the light that shines in the darkness" is made musically poignant through the confident vocal line. A few Latin phrases are interspersed with English lines of text to create a mature and significant concert work that remains accessible for developing mixed choirs. A wonderful selection!

I Saw Three Ships (2018)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Voicing Options:

SA choir

Three-part Mixed choir

SATB choir

TB choir

Jolly and jaunty, rhythmic and fun, this energetic setting of the traditional English carol is sure to be a holiday favorite for your choir. Accessible ranges and a supportive accompaniment make this a great choice for developing choirs. Add the optional frame drum and flute parts for a more stylistic interpretation.

The Hurricane (2016)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

J.W. Pepper Basic Library 

Texas PML - Grade 2 Mixed Chorus

Texas PML - Grade 2 Treble Chorus

Florida Vocal Association Music List

Ohio MEA Music List - Class B

Voicing Options:

S(S)A choir

Three-part Mixed choir

This setting of a text by William Cullen Bryant really conveys the excitement of a hurricane! Knee slaps, finger snaps, and blowing sounds effectively imitate the rain and wind while the piano contributes just the right percussive effects to complete the illusion of the storm. "Lord of the winds! I feel thee nigh, I know thy breath in the burning sky!"

Loss is Indeed Our Gain (2014)

baritone and organ 

A New Creation's Joy (2014)

SATB choir 

Commissioned by Trinity United Methodist Church, Denton, TX

A New Creation's Joy - Trinity UMC Chancel Choir
00:00 / 00:00
If God Is For Us (2013)

SATB choir 

Passiontide (2012)

cantata for soloist and SATB choir 

The Fallow Ground (2011)

Pierrot ensemble with baritone solo 

Uprooted (2007)

song cycle for bass, piano, and percussion 

The Gargoyle
Benedicite
O Fortuna
Show Me the Way
The Winter Owl
I Will Be Worthy of It
Incendiary
Outside In
Lux in Tenebris
I Saw Three Ships
The Hurricane

© 2026 by Paul David Thomas

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