Send us your song!
The Peace Choir is looking for songs with a message of peace, social justice, or environmental sustainability. We've devoted our life as a choir to singing such songs, and watching their effect on those that sing and hear them. We know there are far more good songs out there than we would ever be able to find.
If you have made such a song, send it to us! We'll listen. If we like it, we may perform it.
Here's the deal:
If we choose your song, we ask for a license to perform it. You retain all rights. We give you credit for your work whenever we sing your song. We send you a letter of appreciation saying that your song was selected for performance by the Eugene Peace Choir. If other choirs want to sing your song-which is likely to happen, since we perform at festivals-we refer them to you. Your song becomes an honored part of the increasing community choir movement repertoire.
What we look for in a song:
First, DO WE LOVE IT? When we perform it, each choir member will spend time with it, learn it, and internalize it. Would we enjoy it? Could we adopt it as our own expression? Can the choir, with that song, get beyond the words and music entirely, to create an experience that goes straight into the hearts of the listeners?
Second, is it SINGABLE? Are there melodies or harmonies or something enjoyable for singers in each part? How is the balance of parts? How technically difficult is it to sing, or remember? Are the lyrics too complex? Is it a good song FOR A CHOIR? Or does its effect depend on the artistry of a particular singer, or on an instrumental setting?
Third, is it READY? Is there a CD? Tracks of the different voice parts? A musical score? Is it arranged for choral singing in three or four voices? The Peace Choir learns things from scores or by ear depending on the style and complexity of the music. However, we only arrange a piece or two a year at most. If you can send us your piece already arranged, we encourage you to so
Fourth, is the MESSAGE of the song clear? Are the lyrics appropriate and meaningful? We are a secular choir that sings in support of environmental sustainability, peace, and social justice. We aren't afraid of the spiritual-but we use it to serve one or more of those causes. What about the history and tradition of the song? The political and social context of the times? Content, context, and delivery together create the message.
Finally, does it FIT in our repertoire? Our songs are about peace, environment, and social justice. We do slow numbers, and rousing ones, simple numbers, audience sing-alongs, and complex pieces that display the artistry of the choir. We need a balance of humor and seriousness; and of various styles and cultures. Your song may be wonderful, but still not fill our needs as a choir.
The bottom line: Send us your song!
