Between the Lines: "Friendship Canon," by Mark Burrows

How many ways can you say "friend"? Friendship Canon weaves a sweetly singable canon out of the word "friend" in 16 different languages, spanning cultures from six continents. A flexible coda at the end offers the opportunity for additional languages, allowing you to customize the piece to reflect the unique makeup of your choir and community.

The music for this song comes from Mark Burrows, a composer, conductor, and educator in Fort Worth, Texas. Mark’s works are featured on numerous state and festival lists, and he receives multiple commissions each year for groups ranging from children’s choirs to adult ensembles to intergenerational festival choirs. Mark serves as a guest clinician with honor and festival choirs throughout the country. He also leads workshops and reading sessions at several state and national conferences each year.

What inspired you to write Friendship Canon?

Every language has a word for friend. We can be different and be friends. We can speak different languages and be friends. We don’t have to be like each other to like each other.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Friendship Canon ?

Language is very important to this piece. Make sure to practice the diction using the pronunciation guide on Page 2. Go for a warm, open sound.

On Page 11 there is an opportunity to embrace even more languages and cultures. Ask for suggestions from your students.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

Reaching out is a daring act. When we reach out, we risk being rejected, and rejection hurts. When I first started composing, I would send pieces to different publishers. Every piece got rejected, often several times. But I kept telling myself, “It only takes one yes!”

Keep reaching out. It only takes one yes. And if you’ve got even one true friend in this world, you are lucky indeed. (And you’ve got me for a friend, too.)

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