Flanders Fields
(Winner of the ACDA Raymond W Brock Student Composition Competition, 1999)
SATB choir, a cappella
Also available for TTBB and SSAA voices
This gorgeous a cappella setting of John McCrae's text has been revoiced for six-part treble voices, and rereleased for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Sustained cluster chords and expressive choral writing contribute to the ethereal quality of this poignant work. Inspiring!
Please visit our page that provides the story behind the song. Simply click on "Flanders Fields" in the top right hand of the screen or click HERE to go there directly.
Au clair de la lune
(Winner of the Chronos Vocal Ensemble Composition Competition, 2018)
SATB a cappella
Winner of the Chronos Vocal Ensemble's 2018 composition competition, the evocatively-written composition by choral conductor and musician, Paul A. Aitken, paints a thrilling picture from the fun and engaging French text.
How Can I Keep From Singing?
(3rd place winner of the American Prize, 2021)
SATB, piano & opt. orchestra
In the course of six weeks in early 2020, Paul Aitken's family experienced the most challenging of journeys: his wife, MacKenzie, had a massive stroke during brain surgery (leaving her wheelchair-bound and having to relearn how to walk and talk and do many everyday things). Six weeks after her stroke, Aitken's stepson, Caden, took his own life after a multi-year battle with depression. During the writing of this commission for the Brazos Valley Chorale in Texas, this piece became MacKenzie and Caden's song. This new setting of "How Can I Keep From Singing" musically depicts the journey from normalcy; through grief, anguish and despair; to the realization that life can begin to knit back together and joy can again be found -- especially through singing with friends and strangers