Composing a Song for Your University Choir: Inspired by American Poetries Dedicated to Education

Embarking on the journey of composing a song for your university choir is not only a thrilling endeavor but also a deeply enriching one. As you seek to create a piece that resonates with the essence of your educational community, American poetries dedicated to education and its students serve as an invaluable resource. Here, we explore some of the best and most inspiring poem selections that can be adapted into a musical piece, specifically tailored for your performance.

Why Use American Poetries for Your Choir Song?

The use of American poetries for your choir song not only infuses the performance with the rich cultural heritage of the United States but also connects the modern audience with timeless themes of learning, growth, and perseverance. These poems often celebrate the spirit of learners, educators, and the enduring legacy of knowledge. Here are some highly recommended poetries:

1. Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken"

Lines of the poem:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

Adaptation Notes: This poem can be adapted to highlight the decision-making process in choosing a path in life, which is deeply relevant to the journey of a university student or educator. Emphasize the value of taking a unique path and the importance of making one's own way in the world, even when the path is uncertain.

2. William Carlos Williams's "To a Solitary Butterfly"

Lines of the poem:

One is a scrawny individual figure,

one a general symbol of delight.

One is a chance event down a particular

pathway. The other is a theme

for generalization.

Adaptation Notes: This poem can be used to represent the individual and communal experiences in a learning environment, where personal growth and collective joy intersect. The central theme of individual growth and the beauty of the journey can be translated into a musical setting that celebrates the diversity and unity of the choir.

3. Wallace Stevens's "Allegro"

Lines of the poem:

My heart asks pleasure first, then virtue

And, being pressed, asks duty.

“Not whereas the high soup is served in

Or the soup is cold, but whereas it pleases”

Should be the motto of the good.

Adaptation Notes: This poem can be adapted to emphasize the importance of enjoying the process of learning alongside the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. It highlights the balance between pleasure and duty, which can be a powerful message for a choir, reflecting the joy and enthusiasm that come with being part of a community of learners.

4. Emma Lazarus's "The Marine's Record"

Lines of the poem:

He sits and looks at his feet, and all I can hear

From lips that are silent, are words that were said

When his face was fresh, and the love and the hate that were

Not yet dispatched, or put in their box,

Or rolled into the ball, and put in the glove

To pitch at a man who has said,

“We are not with you now,” and desserts that he’s eaten,

And the soft phase of woods in a glowing light

At twilight, in youth.

Adaptation Notes: Sentiments of dedication, sacrifice, and the remembrance of the past can be beautifully conveyed through this poem. It resonates with the idea of honoring those who come before us and the continuity of the learning journey. This can be a powerful theme for a choir song that speaks to the legacy of education and the values that have shaped a community.

Where to Find Additional Poetries

To further enrich your selection, consider the following resources:

Poetry Foundation - A wealth of resources and a variety of poems dedicated to various themes including education. University Literary Magazines: Check if your university or any nearby universities publish literary magazines or poetry journals. These often feature works from current and former students. Online Poetry Databases: Websites like PoemHunter or offer extensive collections of poems by famous and contemporary American poets, many of which can be inspired by educational themes.

Conclusion

Your search for the perfect poem to inspire your university choir performance need not be a daunting task. By exploring a range of American poetries dedicated to education and its students, you can create a unique and meaningful musical piece that honors the spirit of learning and the community of those who embrace it. The suggestions provided here are just the starting point – the poetic world is vast and filled with countless opportunities to find the perfect words for your choir song.