A tuneful tribute to the richness of a summer’s day and the mystery of a summer’s night.

Now available from the Beckenhorst Concert Series!

(Dan Forrest and Jamie Hillman, editors)

Winner of the 2025 Huntsville Chorale Composition Contest

Celeste Shurtz was one of two grand prize winners of a high school poetry contest organized in honor of Earth Day by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and the Huntsville Chorale. Her poem inspired me to participate in the Huntsville Master Chorale’s composition contest. It felt fresh and full of sincere appreciation for the richness of a summer’s day and the mystery of a summer’s night. In my musical setting, I tried to capture this brightness, warmth, and sense of wonder. I am honored that my piece was chosen as the winner, and I hope that it can help express my abiding reverence for Mother Nature and my gratitude for the great outdoors.

  • Voicing: SATB, piano
  • Duration: 3'35"
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: English
  • Availability: Purchase digital copies at Beckenhorst Press or physical copies at J.W. Pepper.
A Step Outside in the Summer – Daugirdas (SATB, piano)