VOICES FORWARD

National Commissioning Initiative

Connect with Choirs Nationwide in a World Premiere

Join the consortium premiering a new work by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett

Your singers will experience the unique thrill of performing music no audience has ever heard

⏰ Early Bird Special: Save $100 until May 1, 2026
Hero Image - Dr. Garrett conducting

Why Choir Directors Choose Voices Forward

Give your singers the meaningful experience of bringing a new work to life alongside peers across the country—at a fraction of the cost of solo commissioning.

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Premiere Experience

Your singers will perform music no audience has ever heard, creating memories they'll carry forever

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Exceptional Value

Professional commission experience for less than 1/10 typical cost of solo commissioning

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Perfect Length

2-3 minute SATB/SAB work designed for busy directors—ideal for any program or service

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National Collaboration

Connect with fellow directors nationwide as your singers participate in this shared musical experience

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Lasting Recognition

Your choir receives permanent recognition in the published score

Everything You Need for a Successful Premiere

Complete Consortium Package

Designed for busy directors: everything delivered on schedule so you can focus on the artistry.

Performance Rights

All participating choirs share equal rights to present and promote their performances as "world premiere" upon the work's completion and delivery. While Pacific Youth Choir is honored to serve as the lead commissioning institution, we celebrate sharing this premiere experience with all consortium members.

✓ Complete score and parts

Professional-quality SATB or SAB with piano accompaniment

✓ Professional quality materials

Complete score and parts delivered on schedule

✓ Published recognition

Your choir's name permanently in the published score

✓ Permanent performance rights

Own the music forever—program it whenever you'd like

✓ Recording and sharing rights

Educational, archival, and social media sharing permissions included

Working with a Nationally Acclaimed Composer

Dr. Garrett Professional Headshot

Learn more at www.mlagmusic.com

Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett

Dr. Garrett's compositions are performed by professional choirs nationwide—but your singers will be among the first voices to bring his newest creation to life. As Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the University of North Texas, he brings exceptional artistry and deep commitment to meaningful choral music.

Why Directors Trust His Work:

Proven with Choirs: Guest conductor for all-state choirs in 17+ states including New Jersey, Maryland, and Tennessee
Award-Winning Excellence: 2023 recipient of Chorus America's prestigious Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award
Major Commissions: Commissioned by Cincinnati Youth Choir, Harvard University, Westminster Choir College, and Concordia Choir
Widely Published: Music available through 10+ publishers, ensuring quality and accessibility
Inclusive Voice: Scholar specializing in underrepresented composers, author of The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers

Your Consortium Journey

1

Now - May 1, 2026

Early bird registration ($395) — Save $100!

2

May - December 1, 2026

Final registration period ($495)

3

January 2027

Receive completed score

4

February 2027

Receive final parts and materials, ready to rehearse

5

Spring 2027

Present your world premiere performance

Ongoing

Permanent performance rights—program it whenever you choose

Join the Consortium

⏰ SAVE $100

Early Bird

$395

Ends May 1, 2026

RESERVE YOUR SPOT
REGULAR

Final Registration

$495

Until December 1, 2026

JOIN THE CONSORTIUM

Questions about registration? Contact us at info@pacificyouthchoir.org

Designed for Every Type of Choir

PYC singers in rehearsal
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Flexible Scoring

SATB or SAB voicing options to fit your ensemble perfectly

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Manageable Length

2-3 minutes—perfect for concerts, services, or festivals

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Piano Only

No additional instrumentation needed—straightforward accompaniment

Meaningful Texts

Uplifting themes that resonate with diverse communities and values

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Program Builder

Adds prestige to your concerts while deepening singer engagement

Your Choir's Lasting Connection

When you join Voices Forward, your choir becomes part of a national collaboration that extends far beyond the premiere:

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Permanent Recognition

Your choir's name published forever in the official score

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Recording & Sharing

Educational, archival, and social media sharing permissions

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Director Network

Connect with fellow educators across the country

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Premiere Legacy

Join a distinguished tradition of choral commissioning excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

What vocal ranges and difficulty level should we expect?

Dr. Garrett writes thoughtfully for all voice types and experience levels. The work will be accessible while offering meaningful musical challenges.

Can we perform it multiple times after the premiere?

Absolutely! You receive permanent performance rights, meaning you can program this work whenever you'd like after your premiere.

Are practice tracks or learning materials included?

Details about supplementary materials will be confirmed as we approach the delivery date.

Can we make recordings of our performance?

Yes! Educational, archival, and social media sharing rights are included. Commercial recording requires separate licensing with the composer.

Do we get to keep the music permanently?

Yes! This isn't a rental—you own permanent performance rights to this work, and your choir's name will be permanently published in the score as a founding consortium member.

Reserve Your Place in the Premiere

⏰ Early Bird Deadline: May 1, 2026

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