Press Forward: Singing Through a Pandemic Brigham Young University Singers, Men's Chorus, Concert Choir, Women's Chorus

• Vanja Y. Watkins (b. 1938):
• 1 Watkins: Press Forward Saints (Arr. J. Hasler for Bass Choir & Piano 4 Hands) 03:05
• Elaine Hagenberg:
• 2 Hagenberg: Alleluia 02:22
• 3 Hagenberg: O Love (Version for Bass Choir, Cello & Piano) 04:52
• Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897):
• 4 Brahms: O Schöne Nacht, Op. 92, No. 1 03:30
• Dan Forrest (b. 1978):
• 5 Forrest: The Sun Never Says (Version for Mixed Choir) 04:04
• Elaine Hagenberg:
• 6 Hagenberg: I Will Be a Child of Peace (After Gilman) [Version for Treble Choir & Piano] 03:38
• Benny Andersson (b. 1946) & Björn Ulvaeus (b. 1945):
• 7 Andersson, Ulvaeus: Like an Angel Passing Through My Room (Arr. B. Wells for Choir) 05:18
• John Rutter (b. 1945):
• 8 Rutter: O Clap Your Hands (Version for Mixed Choir & Organ) 03:17
• Elaine Hagenberg:
• 9 Hagenberg: Deep Peace 04:56
• Andrea Ramsey:
• 10 Ramsey: Truth 03:44
• Anonymous:
• 11 : Didn’t My Lord Deliver (Arr. M. Makaroff for Mixed Choir) 02:58
• Rachel P. Mohlman:
• 12 Mohlman: The Lord Is My Light 03:00
• Brent Wells:
• 13 Wells: Invitation to Love 04:32
• Stephen Foster (1826 - 1864):
• 14 Foster: Hard Times (Arr. N. Johnson for Bass Choir & Instrumental Ensemble) 04:11
• Anonymous:
• 15 : Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (Arr. J.D. Moore for Bass Choir & Instrumental Ensemble) 02:55
• Charles H. Gabriel (1856 - 1932):
• 16 Gabriel: I Sing Because I’m Happy (Arr. R. Dilworth for Mixed Choir & Instrumental Ensemble) 03:34
• Total Runtime 59:56

Info for Press Forward: Singing Through a Pandemic

At a time when many collegiate choral groups have been forced to postpone in-person rehearsals, the BYU Singers have found creative ways to continue making music together. Even amidst all the necessary safety precautions, students say they are just grateful to be singing.

“Many of our conductor and singer colleagues are still stuck entirely online,” he said. “Teaching choir online is frustrating and nearly impossible, so we thought it would be good to show them a bit of hope for what’s possible.”

On September 28, members of the BYU Singers gathered in person to rehearse “Alleluia” by Elaine Hagenberg. Safety measures included air purifiers, temperature checks and masks made specifically for choirs. In addition, every member stood safely distanced throughout the Madsen Recital Hall. This was the group’s first live session together since March.

“We learned the song and recorded it after less than a week of rehearsals,” Crane said. The video premiered on October 8.

Choir member Grace Hancock explained that one of the most difficult tasks was achieving a unified sound while standing so far apart from the other singers. “Still, even with all the safety measures, it’s very clear that we are extremely fortunate to be able to sing together,” she said. “Singing is an even more sacred experience to me than it was before.”

“Choral singing in the era of COVID-19 requires an elevated level of commitment from each singer,” said student David Kime. “I felt that I needed to take more individual responsibility musically as well as spiritually and emotionally to counteract the new difficulties that we faced. It is during turbulent times that we are most pressed to innovate.”

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