W E L C O M E
Take your choral ensemble to the next level with clinician extraordinaire and master teacher, Dr. Robert A. Harris. Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL), Dr. Harris has been hailed as "one of the finest choral trainers and conductors" and a master at "helping singers make grand works of music sound sublime." Dr. Harris is committed to advancing the art of singing and is a specialist in motivating singers. Dr. Harris can tailor a clinic to achieve excellence in blend, pitch, rhythm, or whatever aspect you choose. For additional references, please visit the "Testimonials" page.
Dr. Harris also invites you to peruse his many compositions and settings, some of which have recordings on site. Thanks for your interest and consideration.
About Robert A. Harris
Robert A. Harris, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL), served as Director of Choral Organizations and Professor of Conducting at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music from 1977 to 2012. Prior to Northwestern, Dr. Harris taught at Michigan State University, where he served as Director of Choral Activities from 1970 to 1977, and at Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) from 1964-1970. He also has held visiting professorships at Wayne State University, the University of Texas (Austin) and the University of South Africa in Pretoria.
Dr. Harris is active as a conductor, choir clinician, and adjudicator, having appeared in these capacities throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Harris served as Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for the 2016-17 season.* In June 2016, he served as guest conductor of the Carolina Coast Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s Spring Festival. Performances of the Faure “Requiem” and Sacred Music of 20th and 21st century American composers were held in New Bern and Jacksonville, North Carolina. In November 2016, Dr. Harris served as guest conductor with the Wayne State University Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra (Detroit, Michigan) in a performance of the Brahams “Ein deutches Requiem.”
Internationally, Dr. Harris served as one of two guest conductors and clinicians for the Taipei Philharmonic Choral and Conducting Workshop in the Republic of China. He also served as guest conductor for Korea's premier professional choir, the Inchon City Chorale, guest conductor of a Choral Festival Youth Chorale in Hong Kong, and presented lectures and conducting master classes throughout South Africa on two separate occasions. In Argentina, Dr. Harris presented lectures and master classes on African American spirituals. In March 2013, he presented master classes on spirituals for the American Cantat VII Music Festival.
As a composer, Dr. Harris has been the recipient of over forty commissions from schools, churches and musical organizations. His compositions, especially those of the choral genre, have been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, and in South Africa. His published works currently appear in the catalogs of Oxford University Press, Morning Star, Boosey and Hawkes, Walton Music, Alliance Music, Mark Foster and J.S. Paluch.
Awards and honors for Harris include selection as a Classical Roots honoree for musical composition by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (2019), an Alumni Arts Achievement Award in Music from Wayne State University, a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Negro Musicians (2019), and the 2000-2001 Northwestern University School of Music's Faculty Exemplar Teaching Award. Harris was one of three University professors to receive a Northwestern University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2001-2002 academic year. Harris served for three years as a member of the Choral Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts and twice functioned as the Panel's co-chair. Biographical entries include Who's Who Among Black Americans, Men of Achievement (London), and Who's Who in America. A video Oral History interview of Harris has been made a permanent part of the History Makers Collections at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Dr. Harris received his education from Wayne State University in Detroit, the Eastman School of Music, and earned his doctorate from Michigan State University in composition and theory. He has been active as a church music director throughout his career, most recently serving Winnetka (IL) Congregational Church as Director of Music and Choirmaster. He is a life member of the American Choral Directors Association and an active member of Chorus America.
Compositions
and
Settings
The Robert A. Harris Choral Collection
Titles in blue have recordings in next section
* Indicates title is available for purchase on Sheet Music Plus
¥ Indicates title is available for purchase on Prestomusic.com
TITLE DESCRIPTION PUBLISHER
A COLLECT FOR PEACE (1972) For mixed chorus and brass NCP [2 horns; 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba]
ALLELUIA! SING A NEW SONG (2000) For unison voices and piano or organ NCP
APRIL RAIN SONG¥ For SSATB unaccompanied OUP
ARISE, SHINE OUT (1987) For unison voices and organ OUP
Hymn Tune "Blackwell"
AS ONE (2000) For four-part treble chorus and piano NCP
BEAUTY THAT IS NEVER OLD For unaccompanied chorus of mixed voices. TRP
BEHOLD! I BUILD AN HOUSE (1992) For mixed chorus and organ NCP
BEHOLD, MY SERVANT, OF For mixed chorus, brass quartet OUP WHOM I UPHOLD (1992) and organ
BENEDICTION (1974) For SATB and optional keyboard B&H
BENEDICTUS (1968; revised 1981) For SSAA, unaccompanied NCP
BLACKS LIVES MATTER (2015)*
In "The Poetry of Grace" For Unison Voices, unaccompanied HPC
BREAD OF THE WORLD (1981) Communion anthem for SATB, MFS soprano solo, and organ
CANTICLE: THE HUNGRY ANGELS (1978) For mixed chorus and organ (or piano) MFS
CANTICLE: THE HUNGRY ANGELS (1978) For SSAA and organ (or piano) MFS
COMMUNION SERVICE: "MASS IN For unison voices and organ NCP
HONOR OF ABSALOM JONES" (1974)
ETERNAL LIGHT, SHINE IN For mixed chorus and organ or piano NCP
OUR HEARTS (2005)*¥
FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH (1963)* For mixed chorus and organ B&H
FOUR SHORT PRAYERS (2020) For SATB choir and optional accompaniment TRP
FOUR SPIRITUAL SETTINGS (1986-1993)* For two treble voices and piano B&H
1. There's A Little Wheel A Turnin'
In My Heart (1993)
2. Li'l Boy, How Old Are You? (1986)
3. This Little Light of Mine (1993)
4. Little David, Play on Your Harp (1993)
GIFT OF LOVE (2002) For two-part treble chorus, oboe and piano AMP
GLORIA (2006) For mixed chorus, soprano, and orchestra NCP
I. Gloria in excelsis Deo
II. Laudamus Te
III. Domine Deus
IV. Qui tollis
V. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
GLORY TO GOD (1963) Motet for mixed voices, unaccompanied MFS
GO DOWN, MOSES (1984)* ¥ Arrangement for mixed chorus and OUP
soprano solo, unaccompanied
GO, MAKE OF ALL DISCIPLES (1988) Festival anthem hymn for SATB, NCP
soprano solo, organ and brass quintet
GOD'S GOT YOUR BACK (2015) For Unison Voices, unaccompanied HPC
In: "The Poetry of Grace"
I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD (1983) For mixed chorus, soprano and TRP
tenor soli, unaccompanied
I'M THE SAME AS YOU (2000) For three-part treble choir and piano NCP
INTREAT ME NOT TO LEAVE THEE (1962) Motet for SATB NCP
JUBILATE DEO [Psalm 100] (2003) For treble choir and piano NCP
KYRIE AND GLORIA (1964) For mixed chorus, unaccompanied NCP
LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER (1967) Arranged for SSAA and soprano solo NCP
LIFE HAS LOVELINESS TO SELL (2001)¥ For treble choir and piano AMP
LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS (1980)* For SATB, soprano solo, unaccompanied WMC
MAGNIFICAT AND NUNC DIMITTIS (2002) For mixed chorus, mezzo-soprano and organ NCP
MAY THE GRACE OF CHRIST, Motet for SATB B&H
OUR SAVIOR (1960)
MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU (Revised 2007)*¥ Short anthem for SATB NCP
MILLENIUMS' CHILDREN (2001) For SSAA and chamber orchestra NCP
MISSA BREVIS (1963) For mixed chorus, unaccompanied NCP
MUSIC FOR SIGHTSINGING (1977) 15 two, three, and four part exercises MFS
SA, SSA, TB, TBB, SATB unaccompanied
NOW THEREFORE PRAISE THE LORD (1986) Festival anthem for mixed chorus, organ, NCP
and optional brass quintet [2 trumpets,
horn, 2 trombones]
O COME, LET US SING UNTO THE LORD (1969) For mixed chorus and organ B&H
O GRACIOUS GOD (2000) For SATB and organ NCP
O LAMB OF GOD (1980) For SSAATTBB, unaccompanied NCP
O PERFECT LOVE (1960) Motet for SATB NCP
OH, HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? (1986)*¥ For SATB, unaccompanied OUP
OH, HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? (1988)* For TTBB, unaccompanied OUP
ONE SMALL CHILD (2008)* For SATB, unaccompanied
PASSAGES FROM THE MASS (1997)* For SSAA, unaccompanied WMC
PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS (1994) For mixed chorus and piano NCP
PSALM 25 (1987) For Cantor, choir and organ JSP
In: "Service Music for the Mass" (Vol. 1)
PSALM 47 (1961) For SSA and flute, clarinet, NCP
violin, viola, and cello
REJOICE YE PURE IN HEART (1963; revised 1987)*¥ For mixed chorus, unaccompanied OUP
REQUIEM: A CANTICLE For mixed chorus, chamber choir, NCP
OF IMMORTALITY (1971) soprano and baritone soli, and orchestra
RISE UP, MY LOVE, MY FAIR ONE (1988) For mixed chorus and piano TRP
SANCTUS (1981) English setting for SATB with piano TRP
or organ [Unison setting also available]
SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THY HEART (1988)* For mixed chorus and piano KJOS
SING A SONG OF CHRISTMAS (1980) For SATB, unaccompanied TRP
SONGS OF SOLOMON (1988) For chorus of mixed voices and piano NCP
1. Rise up, My Love, My Fair One
2. Set Me as a Seal Upon Thine Heart
SUNNY BANK ["ON CHRISTMAS DAY"] (1981) For mixed chorus, unaccompanied NCP
TE DEUM (1962) For TTBB and brass quintet NCP
[2 trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba]
TE DEUM (1989) For mixed chorus, organ, and brass quartet NCP
[2 trumpets, 2 trombones]
THE EYES OF ALL WAIT UPON THEE (2001)¥ For SATB, unaccompanied TRP
THE LAMB (1985)*¥ For SSAA, unaccompanied OUP
THE LORD'S PRAYER (1966) For SATB and organ NCP
THE SILVER SWAN (1969; revised 1981) Madrigal for SATB unaccompanied AMP
THREE CHILDREN'S PRAYERS For SSA, unaccompanied B&H
(1959; revised 1981)
THINK ON THESE THINGS (1994) For two-part treble chorus and piano B&H
TWO ELIZABETHAN LYRICS (1990)*¥ For mixed chorus and orchestra or piano OUP
1. The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
2. The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
TWO INTROITS FOR PALM SUNDAY For SATB, optional keyboard NCP
AND EASTERTIDE
TWO PSALM SETTINGS (1987) [Psalms 23 and 25) For Cantor, choir, and organ JSP
In: "Service Music for the Mass" (Vol. 2)
WHAT PASSION CANNOT MUSIC For three-part treble chorus and piano WMC
RAISE OR QUELL! (1995)*
WHAT SWEETER MUSIC? (1980) For mixed chorus, unaccompanied TRP
YOU WILL DRAW WATER JOYFULLY (1987) For Cantor, choir, and organ JSP
[Isaiah 12] In: "Service Music for the Mass" (Vol. 2)
MST: MorningStar Music Publishers
OUP: Oxford University Press
TRP: Trebor Publications (distributed by J.W. Pepper)
WMC: Walton Music Corporation
Music for Organ
Dr. Harris discusses his inspiration for Elegy
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON SHEETMUSICPLUS.COM, PRESTOMUSIC.COM, MUSICROOM.COM AND BLACKWELLS.CO.UK
Recordings
and
Videos
"Gloria" was composed between 2005 and 2006. The work was commissioned by the Westminster Choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio. The first performance occurred on May 21, 2006, John Neeley conducting.
Major Choral Performances
. ADAMS, JOHN Harmonium*
BACH, C.P.E. Magnificat in D Major
BACH, J. S. Cantata No. 4 Christ lag in todesbanden
(Christ lay in death's bonds)
Cantata No. 79 Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild
(God the Lord is sun and shield)
Cantata No. 140 Wachet auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme
(Awake, the watchman calls us)
Cantata No. 142 Uns ist ein Kind geboren ( (To us a child is born)
Magnificat in D Major
Mass in b minor
Motet 1 Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied
(Sing the Lord a new song)
Motet 2 Der Geist hilft unsrer Schwachheit auf
(The Spirit gives aid to our weakness)
Motet 3 Jesu, meine Freude (Jesus, my joy)
Motet 5 Komm Jesu, Komm (Come Jesus, Come)
Motet 6 Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden(. (Praise the Lord all nations)
Passion According to St. John
Sanctus in D, BWV 238
Works in bold performed with orchestra or other instrumental ensemble
*Prepared chorus only (Chorusmaster); not conducted in performance
BARBER, SAMUEL. Agnus Dei (Adagio)
Prayers of Kierkegaard
Reincarnations
BARNETT, CAROL The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
BEETHOVEN, L. van Mass in C, Op. 86
Missa Solemnis in D major
*Symphony No. 9 (last movement)
BERGER, JEAN Magnificat
BERKEY, JACKSON Arma Lucis
BERNSTEIN, LEONARD Chichester Psalms
BLACKFORD, RICHARD #Mirror of Perfection
#Not in Our Time
BLOCH, ERNEST Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service)
BRAHMS, JOHANNES Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem)
Gypsy Songs, Op. 103
Liebselieder Waltzer, Op. 52 (Love Song Waltzes)
Neue Liebeslieder Waltzer, Op. 65
(New Love Songs Waltzes)
Motet, Op. 29 No. 1 Es ist das Heil uns kommen her
(Salvation has come to us)
Motet, Op 29 No. 2 Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz
Create a pure heart within me, Oh God)
Motet, Op. 74, No. 2 O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf
(Oh Savior, rend the heavens on high)
Nanie, Op. 82
Rhapsody for Alto and Male Chorus
Schicksalslied, Op. 54 (Song of Destiny)
Three Festival Pieces for Double Chorus, Op. 109
Vier Gesange, Op. 17 (Four hymns)
BRITTEN, BENJAMIN A Ceremony of Carols
Missa Brevis
Hymn to St. Cecelia
DANIELPOUR, RICHARD An American Requiem
In the Beginning
* Prepared chorus (Chorusmaster) not conducted in performance
# Conducted American premier
CONTE, DAVID Four Motets
DELLO JOIO, NORMAN A Jubilant Song
To St. Cecelia
DISTLER, HUGO Fuhrwhar, er trug unsere Krankhei
(Indeed, he bore our illness)
Singet dem Herr nein neues Lied
(Sing the Lord a new song)
Wachet auf, Ruft uns die Stimme
(Awake, the voice is calling us)
DURUFLE, MAURICE Requiem
ANSHAWE, DAVID African Sanctus Dona Nobis Pacem
FAURE, GABRIEL Requiem
FELICIANO, RICHARD Three Madrigals from Shakespeare
FINZI, GERALD In Terra Pax
Magnificat
FOSS, LUKAS Behold, I build an House
Psalms
GIOVANNI, GABRIELI Jubilate Deo
GERSHWIN, GEORGE Selections from Porgy and Bess
GIANNINI, VITTORIO Canticle of the Martyrs
HANDEL, G.F. Dettingen Te Deo
Dixit Dominus
Israel in Egypt
The King Shall Rejoice
Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
Messiah
Utrecht Jubilate
HANSON, HOWARD Cherubic Hymn
A Song of Democracy
Missa in Angustiis
(Nelson Mass)
PAUL HINDEMITH Frau Musica
(In Praise of Music)
Six Chansons
MARTIN, FRANK
Mass for Unaccompanied Double Choir
MARTINI, G. Domine Ad Adjuvandum
Me Festina
MENDELSSOHN, F. Elijah
Hymn of Praise
(Lobgesang)
Kyrie in D minor
MENNIN, PETE The Christmas Story
MONTEVERDI C. Gloria Concertata
HARRIS, ROBERT A.
Gloria
Magnificat
Now Therefore Praise the Lord
Songs of Solomon:
I. Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One
II. Set Me as a Seal Upon Thine Heart
Te Deum
Two Elizabethan Lyrics
MOZART, W.A. Kyrie in d minor, K. 341
*Mass in c minor, K. 3
Missa Brevis in F, K. 192
Missa Brevis in C, K. 220
Regina Coeli
Requiem Mass in d minor
Te Deum. K. 141
Vesperae Solemnes de Confessore, K. 339
(Solemn Vespers for the Feast of a Confessor)
MUSSORGSKY, M.
Coronation scene fromBoris Goudounov
NELHYBEL, VACLAV Canticorum Salonomis (Praise the gods of Song of Solomon)
NELSON, RON The Christmas Story
NUNES-GARCIA, JOSERequiem Mass
PACHELBEL, JOHANN Magnificat
PEETERS, FLOR Te Deum
PENDERECKI, K.Stabat Mater
PERSICHETTI, V. Celebrations Op. 103
PETRASSI, GOFFREDO Nonsense
PINKHAM, DANIEL Christmas Cantata
POULENC, FRANCIS
Four Motets for the Season of Christmas
Gloria
Mass in G
POWELL, MEL Six Love Songs
*Performed with Orchestra
PURCELL, HENRY Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
RAMINSCH, IMANT Gloria
Magnificat
RESPEGHI, OTTORINO Laud to the Nativity
ROREM, NED Canticles, Set II
Gloria
Requiem
SHICKELE, PETER The Seasonings
SCHUETZ, HEINRICH Deutsches Magnificat
(German Magnificat)
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing the Lord a New Song)
STANTON, W. K. Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise
STARER, ROBERT The People, Yes
STRAVINSKY, IGOR Symphony of Psalms
Mass
THOMPSON, RANDALL The Peaceable Kingdom
TIPPETT, MICHAEL A Child of our Time
VERDI, GIUSEPPE Pater Noster (Our Father)
*Requiem
VIVALDI, ANTONIO Gloria
WALTON, WILLIAM Belshazzar's Feast
Where Does the Uttered Music Go?
WHITE, LOUIE L. Rejoice, Emmanuel Shall Come
WILLIAMS, DAVID H. Lamb of God
WILLIAMS, R. VAUGHN Benedicte
Serenade to Music
Hodie
Mass in g minor
Festival Te Deum
Dona Nobis Pacem
WORK, JOHN The Singers
* Performed with Orchestra
Other Works Conducted (non-choral)
Photo by Kelvin Ma
BARBER, SAMUEL Adagio for Strings
WILSON, OLLY Sextet
SCHOENBERG, ARNOLD Pierrot Lunaire
HINDEMTH, PAUL Martinslied
MUSICAL THEATER
CARR AND SHUMAN The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
SCHWARTZ, STEPHEN Godspell
AHRENS & FLAHERTY Once on this Island
Coming Events
Saturday, April 9, 2022
.
Photo Gallery
Dr. Harris and former student Charlotte Sass at a performance of the Harris "Gloria" (Dec 2013)
With Oscar Brown Jr. and Clark Terry at a performance of Duke Ellington's "Sacred Concert."
With Brazeal Dennard and Jessye Norman
With Wynton Marsalis
Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Negro Musicians (July 2019)
Contact Dr. Harris
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