"Christmas Is...." takes everything you're hoping for in a new Christmas piece and wraps it up beautifully!  Sentimental but not sappy, simple but not simplistic; easily singable in two parts with a few three part notes added in for singers with lower voices where needed.  Two lyrical melodic sections (into AABAB coda) are shared between the parts supported by a stunning piano accompaniment featuring bell-like echoes and rich harmonies. The message of "Christmas Is..." is timeless - hope, joy, love and peace. 

On a personal note, the images evoked by the text are memories of my own childhood in wintry Canada where Christmas was made magical not by things (because no one had much) but by kind friends, seasonal sights and sounds, and simply being and sharing together.

Christmas Is ...

A stunning new arrangement of this much-loved Shaker melody! Subtle harmonic shifts and rhythmic motives add colour and interest. The tune is featured in every instrument and each part has its own idiomatic unique character while still balancing perfectly within the ensemble. Written in the mid-range for all instruments, "Simple Gifts" ensures a successful learning and performing experience at the medium-easy / intermediate level.

Simple Gifts for Brass Quintet

This hauntingly beautiful and artistic arrangement for SSA choir of "She's Like the Swallow" contains the original, very old Newfoundland folk text very rarely used due to it's tragic story line. It is in the genre of "beware the uncaring man" common in folk songs of Europe which served to teach and warn young girls about the dangers of infatuation.  This genre travelled to the United States and Canada in the 1700's. The expression "apron low/apron high" is a common thread in this genre and refers to being pregnant.  "She's Like the Swallow" tells the tragic tale of a young girl who has fallen in love with, no doubt, a handsome but uncaring man.  The story is told from each character's perspective plus an observer (narrator).  The girl ultimately creates her own funeral bower of rose petals (ripping them off in desperation as she frantically runs through a garden), lies down on this 'bed of roses' and dies.  You have probably heard this song many times without ever knowing the true meaning due to significant verses left out.

You will need a skilled accompanist!  The accompaniment utilizes significant word painting throughout to highlight the haunting melody line. Word painting depicts the swallow, uncaring cruelty, desperation, blindly going in circles, anger, church bells and fading away/dying.  The conductor is free to take liberties with the tempi and dynamics in order to create a unique interpretation that will resonate with their own choral group.

This arrangement of She's Like the Swallow is an exceptional festival or competition piece and one that should be in the repertoire of every skilled women's choir!

She's Like The Swallow SSA Choral work with piano accompaniment

"Solitude" is a reflective piano solo written for the upper intermediate level student. Multiple pianistic techniques are employed including hand crossovers, melody projection, and a wide keyboard range. The mood is introverted, passionate, thoughtful, expressive.

Solitude

"Our World is Full of Colour" explores colours just a bit differently. There is a subtle hidden meaning for you and your child to discover. Catchy, fun, "gets stuck in your head" tune!

Our World Is Full Of Colour

"I Like It !!" Join Baby Ezra as he shares all the things he likes doing with his real life family, who live in Ontario, Canada. Adorable original children's song.

I Like It!

By Varying Degrees

A haunting Irish folk tune arranged by Stella ter Hart for SSA choir, Celtic harp and violin. Its message invites us all to set our cares aside and enjoy this beautiful day.

Where Fancy Is Free - SSA Choir, Harp and Violin

Exquisitely beautiful arrangement of these two beloved folk songs. Delicately intertwined melting harmonies contrast with perky phrases.  Arranged for flute quartet or flute choir (includes piccolo).

Lord Of The Dance

"What is Beauty, What is Love" for SATB chorus builds a rich, beautiful wall of lush harmonies coupled with a deep piano accompaniment.

What Is Beauty, What Is Love - 2021 - 02 - 13

Cradle Song, from "4 Songs of Innocence" by Stella ter Hart, text by William Blake. Commissioned by the Indian River Festival, Prince Edward Island and performed at the Festival on August 6, 2002.  Performed by the Northumberland Brass, and soprano, Sung Ha Shin Boey.

http://www.stellaterhart.com