WVMEA All-State Choir
March 5-7, 2026
Program | Joey M. Martin, conductor
Program
Please ensure you get the correct editions of each piece.
- Kalējs Kala Debesīs ~ Selga Mence (Blacksmith Forges in the Sky)
SSAATTBB Octavo
https://www.jwpepper.com/blacksmith-forges-in-the-sky-10786268-467474/p
- There Was a Time ~ Elaine Hagenberg
Elaine Hagenberg Music EH1010
SATB Octavo divisi
https://www.jwpepper.com/there-was-a-time-11369216-11047/p
- Hodie! Christus natus est ~ Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck
Oxford University Press 9780193418073
SSATB Octavo
https://www.jwpepper.com/hodie-christus-natus-est-5754775-1188589/p
- Zigeunerleben ~ Robert Schumann
Lawson-Gould 51413
SATB Octavo
https://www.jwpepper.com/zigeunerleben-4040655-1263181/p
- Hard Times ~ Stephen Foster/arr. Craig Hella Johnson
Alliance Music AMP0598
SATB Octavo
https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=hard+times+alliance&fuzzy=0&operator=and&facets=fuzzy%2Coperator&sort=score_desc&page=0
- Great God Almighty ~ Stacey V. Gibbs
Gentry Publications 119083
SATB Octavo
https://www.jwpepper.com/great-god-almighty-10366142-301248/p
Download 2026 Conductor Rehearsal Notes
WVMEA All-State Choir | Program
March 5-7, 2026
Kalējs Kala Debesīs ~ Selga Mence
Musica Baltica MB 0727
Bright, forward vowels and crisp consonants are key. The k’s and d’s help to provide the driving quality of this piece.
There Was a Time ~ Elaine Hagenberg
Elaine Hagenberg Music EH1010
-What an amazing setting of this brilliant text! Focus on pure, warm vowel shapes with crisp/clear consonants. Listen for the quotes of “Somewhere, over the rainbow.” Enjoy!
Hodie! Christus natus est ~ Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck
Oxford University Press 9780193418073
-Pronounce the words as though they were in Italian. We shall articulate the “h” of “hodie.”
-The quarter note of the 6/4 (and 3/4)is equal to the eighth note of the 4/4 (and 2/4).
-The fermati are editorial. We’ll observe a cadential ritardando at the very of the measures with the fermatas, but we will not hold the note for much longer than notated.
-This motet is more in madrigal style, so explore the rhythmic gesture of each section based on the character of the text. The recording by the Voices of Ascension is really great to have in your ear.
Zigeunerleben ~ Robert Schumann
Lawson-Gould 51413
-It’s a lot of German, but what GREAT text. We’re really going to be able to showcase our storytelling with this piece. Listen to the diction recordings provided, and practice small sections slowly. One of the greatest pianists of all time, Franz Liszt, had a note on his piano – eight times slow, one time fast. The key to mastery is to be slow and steady with your learning.
-When numbering your measures, please start with the first complete measure – not the pick-up measure.
-ERRATA. During the alto solo, the text should include “im” not “in” for measure 51.
Hard Times ~ Stephen Foster/arr. Craig Hella Johnson
Alliance Music AMP0598
-It’s going to be epic when we craft the first four pages to sound like a memory wafting through the Appalachian mountains of our ‘cabin door’ as we build to the ‘light of full day’ in the middle before returning the echoing memory at the end that lives on forever in our ears. Stagger your breathing in the long phrases and be certain to have the key change solid.
Have a listen to Conspirare singing this!
Great God Almighty ~ Stacey V. Gibbs
Gentry Publications 119083
-As you learn this piece, take care to observe all the articulation and dynamics that Mr. Gibbs has provided. Careful not to be too short with the staccatos.
-measure 13, add a decrescendo from the second half of beat 3 to the downbeat of measure 14 (same for measures 38/39). We’ll do lots with style when we’re together.
Joey M. Martin is a musician regarded for his diverse musical interests, engaging artistry, and passionate enthusiasm for the choral art. He holds the rank of professor of music at Texas State University (TXST) and continues in his 27th year as Director of Choral Activities with additional duties as the Associate Dean for Faculty and Research in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Dr. Martin has been recognized as a Favorite Professor at Texas State and has received several Presidential Distinction Awards for both teaching and service. During his time at TXST he has directed four of the six university vocal ensembles. Under his direction, TXST Chorale tours internationally with performances throughout much of Europe, South Africa and China and for numerous conferences including the Texas Music Educators Association, the southwest division of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), national ACDA, and the International Kodály Festival.
In addition to his work at TXST, Dr. Martin has served as the artistic director for the Alamo City Men’s Chorale, chorus director for the Mid-Texas Symphony, and with Craig Hella Johnson as part of the creative team for the Victoria Bach Festival. His scholarly/creative activities span 31of the United States and 17 countries on 6 continents including much of Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Japan, and Brazil. For 17 years he reveled in sharing the ‘aloha spirit’ of Hawai’i with exceptional young musicians from the mainland through concerts and enrichment activities to foster awareness and understanding of Polynesian cultures.
Commitment to service is a priority for Dr. Martin. His service in music ministry spans 36 years in positions as choir/handbell director/organist for various churches including Elk City Presbyterian Church (OK), Weatherford United Methodist Church (OK), historic First Protestant Church in New Braunfels (TX), and currently with New Braunfels Presbyterian Church. He served for 7 years as the National ACDA Repertoire and Resources Chair for College and University Choirs and currently serves on the board of directors for the Grammy award-winning choral ensemble, Conspirare. In recognition of his service, Dr. Martin was awarded the Choral Advocacy Award during the 2022 conference of TCDA.
As a pianist, he enjoys collaboration with vocal and instrumental artists in recitals having served as coach/accompanist for diverse artists including vocalists Jennie Olson, Maria Jette, Timothy Jones, Ron Ulen, Daveda Karanas, Soon Cho, Juli Wood, Richard Novak, and Cheryl Parrish as well as trio work with violist Ames Asbell and cellist Karla Hamelin.
Dr. Martin received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Texas at Austin where he was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student while studying conducting with Craig Hella Johnson. He is a recent graduate of the Harvard School of Education Management Development Program, a member of the Fulbright specialist roster, and served as a mentor for the Texas Academic Leadership Academy. In his spare time, he dreams of culinary school.