3 Thanksgiving Choir Songs We Use Every Year!

 

Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, our choir looks forward to participating in a very special event: the Thanksgiving Interfaith Ceremony. This meaningful gathering brings together people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to reflect on gratitude, unity, and community. It’s an opportunity for us to offer something unique: the gift of music that embodies the Thanksgiving spirit, one that resonates with everyone present and helps set a tone of warmth, reflection, and togetherness.

Over time, I’ve found a few songs that have become cherished staples of this event. These pieces are not only well-suited for the occasion but are also quick to learn and beautifully arranged, making them perfect for choirs with limited rehearsal time. They’ve become much more than just songs; they’re a tradition that our choir and the community anticipate each year, a musical thread woven into the fabric of our Thanksgiving celebration.

I’m excited to share these songs with you, and I highly recommend them, especially if you find yourself needing a quick yet impactful addition to your program. They truly are timeless choices that connect with audiences and bring people together, even in a last-minute pinch!

Try SIGHT READING FACTORY and save 10% using code: choralclarity (just $31.50 for your classroom with code)

Here are 3 songs we use every year for Thanksgiving:

1. Simple Gifts

This arrangement works because it’s a balance of simplicity, authenticity, and patriotism. I wrote this arrangement for Thanksgiving several years back and it has become a choir favorite!  There is a choral rehearsal track available as well as arrangements in SSA and SA!

 

Learn the Ins and Outs of Choir Classroom Management

classroom management

2. Dona Nobis Pacem

This is the standard round. Especially with the state of the world right now, this round will bring deep meaning to your community during a time of giving thanks! My link provides you a free download of this famous round. I recommend ending the round on a 3 part chord!

Try SIGHT READING FACTORY and save 10% using code: choralclarity (just $31.50 for your classroom with code)

 

3. Thanksgiving/Fall Gratitude Round

Not only is this a great piece to learn for a Thanksgiving performance, it is also a great teaching piece. It teaches consonant pairings and articulation.

 

Here are the lyrics. Notice the different “th” sounds along with the “tr” vs the “dr” pairings.

 

There are tons of things to be thankful for

Things that we’re grateful for, we should give thanks for all

Think of the things that we treasure and cherish,

Those are the things that we should thank every Fall!

 

Final Thoughts

Each of these song choices, while deeply aligned with the themes of Thanksgiving, is versatile enough to be performed year-round. They offer us a chance to pause from our regular repertoire and create a special musical experience that resonates not only in the moment but can also carry significance throughout the year. By incorporating these pieces into our Thanksgiving celebration, we deepen our choir’s connection to our community and enrich our musical journey, building memories and traditions that last well beyond the holiday season.