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
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
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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 
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April Song
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 2:20 Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) Not yet premiered
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The Fountain
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:10 Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) Not yet premiered
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
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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
I Would Live In Your Love
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 2:40 Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) Not yet premiered
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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
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Life Has Loveliness
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:40 Text: Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
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Nothing But the Night
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 3:00 Text: A.E. Housman (1859-1936)
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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.
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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.
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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
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Theme for Band
For Concert Band/c. 4:10 Not yet premiered
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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
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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 Two Coffins
SATB Choir a cappella/c. 5:30 Text: Eugene Field (1850-1895) Performed by the Missouri State University Chamber Singers
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