Joshua Chism
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Composition

My identity as a composer, which I am passionate about, is a secondary extension of my identity as a conductor and educator. In the classroom, when I was in a situation where I needed music for a specific event or special group of singers, I simply wrote it. In many instances, compositions have emerged as gifts for friends and colleagues along the way. I believe that it is vital that choristers understand that composers are not a nebulous, far-removed, or unknown part of the musical process but rather an integral and vibrant component of the music-making experience. As a composer, it is my goal for choristers to learn that their efforts breathe life into choral works–that the works are there to serve the music makers, not the other way around.

Below are samples of many of my compositions. My works range from advanced collegiate pieces to unison works for children. I believe that a musical work must suit and showcase the specific skills of each ensemble. Please note that the attached scores are perusals and lack the final page. If you are interested in programming any of my works or are interested in a special commission for your ensemble, please contact me directly. As an educator who has served in several positions with finite financial resources, I know what it is like to seek enrichment opportunities for my choristers with limited means. I would be delighted to compose a work specifically for your school, church, or community choir, or clinic your ensembles. Contact me with any questions or requests.
​–Joshua Chism 

Newest Work

Rivers to the Sea–Vol. 1
Song Cycle for SATB Choir a cappella/c. 9:00
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884–1933)
1. Peace
2. Moods
3. The River
4. Alchemy
5. April
Rivers to the Sea–Vol. 1
File Size: 680 kb
File Type: pdf
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April Song
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 2:20
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
​Not yet premiered
April Song–Perusal Copy
File Size: 255 kb
File Type: pdf
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By a Flower– By a Letter–
Cycle of 9 songs for Mezzo Soprano and piano/c. 17:00
Text: Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
Performed by Dr. Paula Patterson, Missouri State University
​Audio 1: Mvts. 1–5/Audio 2: Mvts. 6–9

By a Flower– By a Letter–Perusal Copy
File Size: 592 kb
File Type: pdf
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Children of the Heavenly Father
SATB Choir and piano/c. 2:30
Music: Swedish Melody/
Text: Caroline Sandell & Ernst W. Olson (trans.)
Commissioned by the Stockton, MO United Methodist Church/2011
Children of the Heaveny Father–Perusal Copy
File Size: 120 kb
File Type: pdf
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A Child's Hymn
SAB Choir and piano/c. 3:00
Text: Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
For the 2010 Big Spring Conference Honor Choir/Southcentral Missouri
A Child's Hymn–Perusal Copy
File Size: 336 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Courageous (and Foolhardy) Don Quixote
For two-part Choir and piano w. opt. marimba/c. 3:50
Text: Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes's novel ​El ingenious hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha
Commissioned by the Singer Select Ensemble at West Jr. High, Columbia, MO/Premiered at the 2011 Missouri Music Educator Association Conference
The Courageous Don Quixote–Perusal Copy
File Size: 283 kb
File Type: pdf
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A Crown of Wind-Flowers
Unison (two-part) Choir and piano/c. 3:10
Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894)
For the choir of Wood Elementary in Waynesville, MO/2014
A Crown of Wind-Flowers–Perusal Copy
File Size: 193 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Divine Artist and His Creation
SSAATTBB Choir ​a cappella/c. 5:10
Text: Adapted from Genesis 1:1–2:2 (NIV)
Commissioned by the Nixa, MO High School Chamber Choir/Premiered at the 2010 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference
The Divine Artist and His Creation–Perusal Copy
File Size: 588 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Fountain
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:10
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
​Not yet premiered
The Fountain–Perusal Copy
File Size: 121 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Frogs and Toads All Sang
Children's mini-musical in 10 short songs/c. 8:00
Text: Arnold Lobel (1933-1987)
10 songs and narration/skit for primary voices

The Frogs and Toads All Sang–Perusal
File Size: 715 kb
File Type: pdf
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From Age to Age (A Christian medley)
SATB Choir and piano/opt. 4-oct. handbells/c. 5:00
Source: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty/O God, Our Help in Ages Past/A Mighty Fortress Is Our God/Doxology

Commissioned by the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Springfield, MO/2011
From Age to Age–Perusal Copy
File Size: 662 kb
File Type: pdf
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I Would Live In Your Love
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 2:40
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
​Not yet premiered
I Would Live In Your Love–Perusal Copy
File Size: 117 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Golden Daffodils Dance
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 4:45
Text: William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
Performed by the Republic, MO High School Chamber Choir
The Golden Daffodils Dance–Perusal Copy
File Size: 344 kb
File Type: pdf
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Life Has Loveliness
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:40
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
Life Has Loveliness–Perusal Copy.pdf
File Size: 239 kb
File Type: pdf
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Nothing But the Night
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:00
Text: A.E. Housman (1859-1936)
Nothing But the Night–Perusal Copy
File Size: 91 kb
File Type: pdf
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Rest
SSA Choir and piano/c. 5:00
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
Commissioned by the South Valley Jr. High School 9th Grade Women's Ensemble, Liberty MO/Premiered at the 2009 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference
Recipient of the 2009 MCDA "Opus Award"
Note: The perusal score differs slightly from the provided recording.
Rest–Perusal Copy
File Size: 224 kb
File Type: pdf
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Sing-Song Vol. 1
Two-part choir and piano/c. 0:00
Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894)
1. Ferry Me Across the Water/2. A Linnet in a Gilded Cage/3. Hear What the Mournful Linnets Say/4. What Does the Donkey Bray About?

Premiered by the Columbia, MO Public Schools 5th Grade Honor Choir
Note: Provided video is of mvts. 1 & 3. Audio files are mvts. 2 & 4.
Sing-Song Vol. 1–Perusal Copy
File Size: 422 kb
File Type: pdf
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Snow-Flakes
SSAATTBB Choir a cappella/c. 3:30
Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
Premiered by the Hillcrest HS Madrigal Ensemble/Springfield, MO
Snow-Flakes–Perusal Copy
File Size: 164 kb
File Type: pdf
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Theme for Band
For Concert Band/c. 4:10
​Not yet
premiered
Theme for Band (full score)–Perusal
File Size: 336 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


To Music: A Song
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:30
Text: Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Video: Performed by Nixa, MO HS Choral Department
Audio 1: 2008 Missouri State Summer Choral Camp Choir 
Audio 2: MSU Chamber Singers
​Audio 3: Fusion Vocal Ensemble, Springfield, MO
To Music: A Song–Perusal Copy
File Size: 230 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Tree of Song
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:00
Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
Premiered by the 2011 Missouri State University Summer Choral Camp
The Tree of Song–Perusal Copy
File Size: 163 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


The Two Coffins
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 5:30
Text: Eugene Field (1850-1895)
Performed by the Missouri State University Chamber Singers
The Two Coffins–Perusal Copy
File Size: 163 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



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