words and music by Bruce Stark 5 pieces for mixed a capella chorus Belle-Kane Publications $10 (US) includes: My Room, Wind Song, Rain Song, Lullabye No. 2, Shy Canon |  Rain Song
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Pieces in this collection have been performed by numerous choral groups, including the Il Cantori Singers of New York, Ars Nova Singers of Colorado under director Thomas Morgan, the Yokohama Marine Chorus, the Kanzaki Academic Chorale and others.
Wind Song was recorded by the Ars Nova Singers on their 2006 release, Blue True Dream, available on-line from the Ars Nova website. |  |
 | Performable as individual pieces or in any combination, these are short works scored for SATB, averaging about 3 minutes each. My Room, Rain Song and Shy Canon are syncopated and rhythmic, while Wind Song and Lullabye are lyrical and hymn-like. The text is intended to evoke a life-affirming spirituality, from the playful celebration of rain in Rain Song to the gospel-influenced, soulful warmth of Lullabye No. 2.. The lyrics of My Room are a metaphor for opening up one's heart and sharing with others, while "listen to the wind" in Wind Song represents listening and drawing strength from one's inner, spiritual voice. Rain Song is perhaps the most challenging to prepare, as it employs 7/8 meter and asks the singers to produce various sounds in addition to singing such as claps, pats, hisses and pops. Shy Canon is a bit of nonsense just for fun. - Bruce Stark
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