BRIAN TATE
Brian Tate is a Victoria, B.C. choral director, clinician, educator, and vocalist. As an award-winning composer and arranger, dozens of his choral works are published and his music is performed worldwide. Brian directed Vancouver’s Universal Gospel Choir, the City Soul Choir, and Victoria’s Capital Soul Choir. He has taught singing and choir for over 20 years at Langara College’s Studio 58 theatre school and on the voice faculty of the Canadian College of the Performing Arts. Brian has also performed with Dawn Pemberton and Karla Mundy in the world music a cappella vocal trio, TriVo. He has had a lifelong interest in music of the African diaspora, and has travelled and studied in Cuba and West Africa. Brian is frequently invited to lead workshops for choirs and is known for his teaching skills, humour, and ability to inspire people from all levels and backgrounds to sing together.
Come Unto Me
Come Unto Me and I will give you rest. These reassuring words from the book of Matthew are set to music so beautifully by Brian. Long linear lines over a pseudo-jazzy chord progression really convey the timeless message.
Emily Carr Suite
by Brian Tate, text by Emily Carr
SATB with piano – CP 1512 – the full trilogy of three movements – duration 8:30 
Who knew that Canada’s famous visual artist was also good with words? Brian Tate’s setting is full of rhythmic energy. Purchase the music as the complete trilogy or choose individual movements.
1) Rise
SATB with piano – CP 1510 – 2:35 – click here to study the score while you listen
“Rise, quivering, to the treetops and to the sky – joyously.”
2) So Still
SATB with piano – CP 1509 – 3:15 – click here to study the score while you listen
“So still were the big woods – sound might not yet have been born.”
3) Go Into the Glory of the Woods
SATB with piano – CP 1356 – 2:40 – click here to study the score while you listen
“Life is sweeping through he spaces – out into the depth and wideness.”
Gabriel's Message
arr. Brian Tate
SATB with piano – CP 2217 – duration 3:45
The angel Gabriel from heaven cameHis wings as drifted snowHis eyes as flame“All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden MaryMost highly favored lady, ” Gloria, Gloria
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
arr. Brian Tate
SATB with piano – CP 1987 – duration 5:30
All our nations make a chain
Every link is freedom’s name
Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on
Klee Wyck
SAA with piano, drum, triangle – CP 1306
SAB with piano, drum, triangle – CP 1970
SATB with piano, drum, triangle – CP 1984
Klee Wyck is an homage to the great West Coast Canadian painter Emily Carr. The composition strives to evoke the wonder and mystery of the natural world: the rainforest, the ocean, and the sky. Great for a young choir! The percussion instruments are part of the octavo score.
Klee Wyck
mother of the earth
daughter of the river
sister of the sky
Klee Wyck
mother of the wind
daughter of the forest
sister of the sun
Lift Your Voices Higher
SATB with piano – CP 1991 – duration 4:25
Hey, hey, hey, now
Come on everybody
Hey, hey, lift your voices higher
Hey, hey, hey, now
Come on everybody
lift your voices to the sky
May I Be Still
by Brian Tate
SATB with piano – CP 1155 – duration 3:35
SSA with piano – CP 1210
Brian developed his talent for writing great gospel charts while directing the Universal Gospel Choir for many years. This song is profoundly spiritual without getting preachy. It is perfect for any mixed choir, from High School to Community and Church Choirs. Listen to the recording!
Nakeestla
by Brian Tate
SATB with percussion – CP 1511 – duration 6:15
Nakeestla – (coming together to make things right). This composition strikes straight to the heart. The message and milieu are from a First Nation perspective. Brian handles it with sincere sensitivity.
O Source of All
by Brian Tate
SATB with piano – CP 1203 – duration 3:05
People love the way Brian’s music can be thoughtful and deeply spiritual without being preachy. This gorgeous anthem is easily taught – easily assimilated – and would make an effective opener or closer to almost any concert.
Sonnet: The Marriage of True Minds
by Brian Tate
SSATBB a cappella – CP 1609 – duration 3:26
William Shakespeare meets Brian Tate in a marriage of wonderful poetry and stunning music. Listen to this marvelous rendition by the Vancouver Cantata Singers – directed by Paul Kramer.
Composers
Catalogue
Special Collections
Gordon Lightfoot
Songs for the Sanctuary
Vancouver Youth Choir Series
Canadian Chamber Choir Series
Elektra Women"s Choir Series
La Série Enchantée (French))
The Zimfira Collection (Children)
Profondo - (Lower Voices)
Universal Gospel Choir
Jean-Sébastien Vallée Series
Diane Loomer Choral Series (Folk Song)