Voices Forward · National Commissioning Initiative
Bring a world premiere to your singers
Join a national consortium of choirs premiering a new work by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett, setting "To Catch a Star" by Portland composer and poet Coty Raven Morris. Your singers will perform music no audience has ever heard — at a fraction of the cost of solo commissioning.
A world premiere shared across the country
Voices Forward is Pacific Youth Choir's national commissioning initiative — designed to make the experience of premiering a meaningful new work accessible to choirs of every size and budget.
When you join the consortium, your choir becomes a founding member of the world premiere. You'll receive a complete 2–3 minute SATB or SAB work, score and parts delivered on schedule, your choir's name published permanently in the score, and full performance rights to keep programming the work forever.
What makes this commission different: a Portland-area poet and a nationally acclaimed composer, in conversation across the country, with your singers among the first voices to bring it to life.
"To Catch a Star"
A poem by Portland-based composer, conductor, and educator Coty Raven Morris.
"To Catch a Star" by Coty Raven Morris
The Poet
Coty Raven Morris
Portland-based composer, conductor, educator, and founder of Being Human Together — a music education community focused on belonging and meaningful connection.
cotyravenmorris.com →
Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett
A nationally recognized composer whose work is performed by professional choirs across the country — and whose newest creation your singers will help bring to life.
As Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the University of North Texas, Dr. Garrett brings exceptional artistry and deep commitment to meaningful choral music. His writing is known for emotional honesty, accessible technique, and texts that resonate across communities.
Why Directors Trust His Work
- Proven with student choirs: Guest conductor for all-state choirs in 17+ states
- Award-winning: 2023 recipient of Chorus America's Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award
- Major commissions: Cincinnati Youth Choir, Harvard University, Westminster Choir College, Concordia Choir
- Widely published: Music available through 10+ publishers
- Scholarly leadership: Author of The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers
Everything you need for a successful premiere
Designed for busy directors — everything delivered on schedule so you can focus on the artistry.
Complete Score & Parts
Professional-quality SATB or SAB voicing with piano accompaniment. A 2–3 minute work designed to fit any concert, service, or festival program.
Published Recognition
Your choir's name permanently published in the score as a founding consortium member — a lasting mark of your participation in the world premiere.
Permanent Performance Rights
This isn't a rental. You own the music forever and can program it as often as you'd like — long after the premiere season ends.
Recording & Sharing
Educational, archival, and social media sharing permissions included. Capture and share your singers' performance with full rights.
Shared World Premiere
All participating choirs share equal rights to present and promote their performance as a "world premiere" upon the work's delivery.
National Director Network
Connect with fellow educators across the country participating in the same shared musical experience.
From registration to premiere
Early bird registration
Save $100 by registering at $395 before the deadline.
Final registration period
Regular registration available at $495 through December 1.
Receive the completed score
Dr. Garrett delivers the finished work to all consortium members.
Final parts and materials
All performance materials delivered, ready to rehearse.
Your world premiere performance
Present the new work in your concert, service, or festival.
Permanent performance rights
Program the work whenever you choose — it's yours to keep.
Two ways to reserve your spot
Both tiers include the complete commission package and permanent performance rights.
Questions about registration? Contact us at info@pacificyouthchoir.org
Reserve your place in the premiere
Save $100 and secure your consortium registration. Connect with fellow directors nationwide as your singers experience the unique thrill of bringing a new work to life.
Reserve Your Premiere Spot — $395