It's always a joy to return to the beautiful Lake Junaluska, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western NC.

I've been attending Music and Worship Arts Week off and on since high school and I have so many memories of chilly morning walks to worship in Stuart Auditorium, evening concerts by the Junaluska Singers, simply suppers at the Allgood House, and stopping to admire the roses along the Rose Walk.

In case you haven't been, the week-long conference includes daily morning worship, several performance tracks for people of all ages and abilities (choir, handbells, dance, instrumental ensembles, and drama), a variety of helpful seminars and reading sessions, and evening concerts.

Like last year, I thought I'd share my reading session picks. Here are my favorite new adult choir anthems - hot off the press!

2016 Reading Session Picks: Adult Choir

Autumn Carol (arr. Schulz-Widmar)
SAB or SATB Choir + Six Handbells

A lovely Thanksgiving anthem incorporating the old hymn "Sing to the Lord of Harvest."

Be the Light of Christ (Cameron)
SATB Choir + Piano

This lyrical anthem would work well for a mission- or stewardship-themed service. "Be the light of Christ to the people of the world..."

The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (arr. McCartha)
SATB Choir + Piano with Opt. Cello

An accessible Advent anthem incorporating an early American hymn tune and an original "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to us" chorus.

This Is My Father’s World (arr. Hagenberg)
SATB Choir + Piano and Violin

A beautiful setting of this familiar creation hymn. Expressive piano writing, lyrical violin obbligato, and simple, sweeping soprano descant.

The Little Drummer Boy (arr. Raney)
SATB Choir + 4-Hand (Opt. 2-Hand) Piano

A Christmas classic, this new arrangement preserves the original tune and rhythms underscored by a playful 4-hand piano accompaniment. Don't have a 4-handed pianist? Download a free 2-hand piano part here. :-)

Sing a New Song! (arr. Larson)
SATB Choir + Organ or Piano with Opt. 2 Trumpets, Timpani, and Congregation

A majestic setting of Psalm 96 incorporating the traditional hymn,"Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above."

Emmanuel (arr. Sorenson)
SATB Choir + Piano and Opt. Strings and Percussion

A worshipful, contemporary lullaby with a moving chorus: "Emmanuel, the promise kept, it's the longing in my heart for God in flesh!" Beautiful text and rich harmonies.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving (arr. Nix)
SATB Choir + Piano

Set to the tune BEACH SPRING, this accessible Thanksgiving anthem has great text (written by Joseph Martin) and a marked early American sound brought out by the animated accompaniment.

Come Home (Courtney)
SATB Choir + Piano

A moving, lyrical anthem with text from the hymn "Softly and Tenderly." Beautifully written.

See Amid the Winter’s Snow (Forrest)
SATB Choir + Piano with Opt. String Quartet and Percussion

A quiet, elegant setting of the traditional English carol with an original "Alleluia" refrain. The instrumental accompaniment captures the essence of a snowy winter night.

Check back on Wednesday for my reading session picks for youth choir!