A Choral Ensemble is a truly unique type of ensemble, often combining the sound of a piano or other instruments with those of resounding voices, and sometimes freeing the voices to be their own accompaniment. Often, it can be tough to find good music for such an ensemble.
As a result of the years of successfully Composing creative new music for a wide variety of vocal groups, Salt Cellar Creations has a broad knowledge of what it takes to compose and arrange for Choral Groups and our growing catalog of music reflects that expertise. Many of the pieces are Original Compositions, most often written for SATB groups, whether high school, homeschool, college, or community. Of course, other combinations of voices can be arranged. If you don’t see what you need, just Contact Us.
Others are Arrangements of classic rock, pop and Christian songs. This type of music is chosen for its artfulness, rather than simple popularity. These pieces have shown great staying power through the years.
Although singing familiar music is more comfortable for many directors and singers, it is important that Choral Groups try new music, whether an original composition or a new arrangement of an old song.
Singing new and original music helps to foster a sense of adventure in the world of music. Also, performing new and original music challenges musicians to explore unfamiliar musical territory, enhancing their skills and pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Engaging in the creation and performance of original music also can be seen as a reflection of God's gift of creativity.
You probably have a few questions about Salt Cellar’s Choral music. Let’s answer some of them here:
- – What if the music you offer doesn’t have the vocal parts that I need?
- – Just contact us and we’ll arrange for your ensemble. Often, that service is free. There may be a small fee if the arrangement requires writing totally new parts.
Q. – What if I need the music in another key?
A. – Again, contact us and it’s no problem to change keys for the whole piece. That service is also free. Remember that Salt Cellar has researched the best keys for Choral Ensembles and has matched the key used in the music to the target skill level of the piece.
Q. – Does it cost anything to make a suggestion of a song for you to arrange?
A. – NO. PLEASE make suggestions. It’s difficult to guess what choral directors are looking for. You may make other suggestions as to its voicing and style. Otherwise, I will let my imagination run rampant.
Q. – Can you compose a special piece just for my Choral Group?
A. – We can do that in one of two ways.
- The first way is for us to do a truly commissioned piece. It will be composed with your Choral Group as its target skill level, with the type of music you’re looking for, and, most importantly, your Choral Ensemble will be the only one to be able to sing it; it will not be for sale to any other group. The cost for this can range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the length of the piece and its complexity.
- The second way is much more affordable. We can write a piece with your Choral Ensemble and your style generally in mind. We call this a suggested piece. We can offer it to you first and then wait an agreed upon length of time before we offer it for sale, so that you will be the only one to sing it for a certain competition or exposition. Then, we will offer it for sale like any other piece of music. The cost will only be a little more than three times the regular price for Choral Music. That way, I can help you get a sound more like you prefer, rather than my own ideas, at a cost that you can afford. The regular cost is between $2 and $3 each (with a minimum order of 10 copies), so a suggested piece would cost about $75 - $120.
Q. – How long would a commissioned or a suggested work take?
A. – There’s an old saying, “Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” Again, the answer depends on the length of the piece and its complexity. It can take from six to twelve months from the initiation of the work until the music has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance.
Go to the
Choral Music Main Page to see our growing catalog.