Semsen Music Product Glossary

Previews

For your convenience, Semsen Music provides full-length previews for everything on our website! On each product page you will find an audio player as well as pdf links that let you preview music and scores.

Downloadable Products

Downloadable product links are stored in your account for the life of the product! Depending on the product purchased, links include pdf, mp3, wav, and zip files (containing multiple files). Files need to be downloaded to a PC or Mac. Do not download directly to your smartphone or Ipad. 

Printed and Physical Products

On many titles, we offer the option to buy printed anthems and choral books. Because these are printed on demand (once your order is placed), please allow 10-12 business days to receive your order. Some musicals include the option to purchase physical CD’s and Videos and will be shipped within the same window. 

Anthem (Piano/Vocal)

AKA Octavo

This is a single song arranged for choir with piano accompaniment. It is usually SATB. Anthems are offered in digital and printed* options (in most cases). *Indicates a print on demand product, so please allow 10-12 business days for delivery.

Downloadable Anthem (Vocals Only)

This is a single song, arranged for choir, usually SATB without piano accompaniment. *Currently only offered in a downloadable format.

Choral Book

AKA: Cantata, Collection 

This is a collection or musical with multiple songs and/or speaking parts. Choral books are available in digital and printed* options (in most cases). *Indicates a print on demand product, please allow 10-12 business days for delivery.

Downloadable Listening Tracks 

AKA: Full Mix, Complete Mix, Demo/Demonstration Mix, Trax, Choir & Orchestra

Listening Tracks are an original stereo recording that features the complete instrumentation and vocals and include every song and every word of dialogue listed in the book.

*Available on select titles, the Listening Track (Band and Singers) version is the same arrangement with band instruments and vocals instead of full orchestration and choir in the mix.

Downloadable Split Track 

AKA: Accompaniment Tracks, Trax (Split), Choir & Orchestra

A Split Track accompaniment recording includes a way to adjust the levels coming from the left and right channels (through a sound board or other software).

On the left channel:
The recording has the complete accompaniment playing – full instrumentation
On the right channel:
The recording has the full choral vocals, not including solos

Many choirs may use a certain amount of the track vocals in the choir monitors in performance, or only as a rehearsal help. 

*Select kids musicals have a physical CD option for Split Track

**Available on select titles, the Split Track (Band and Singers) version is the same arrangement with band instruments and vocals instead of full orchestration and choir in the mix.

Downloadable Stereo Tracks

AKA: Accompaniment Tracks, Trax (Stereo) 

A Stereo Track accompaniment recording contains the full instrumental only recording, playable on any audio system, large or small. 

Downloadable Choral Trax

Available on limited anthems originally published by Word Music, the Choral Trax includes the stereo track, split track, and listening track in one .zip file.

Downloadable Orchestration

Our accompaniment orchestrations are designed to allow choirs to sing with an orchestra.  Most Orchestrations include the Legal and Letter-sized Conductor’s Score and Orchestra parts (including the Chord Chart and Lead Sheet). This resource does not include vocal parts.

* Accompaniment orchestrations are available for most choral arrangements and are a different product than our Orchestra Features which are written as instrumental pieces only.

Downloadable Orchestra Packs

Newer titles (released after October 2023) have 4 Orchestra Pack options that give you the flexibility to purchase for specific orchestral instruments or sections. 

Perc/Harp Pack includes:

Harp / Percussion 1, 2 / Percussion 3, 4 / Rhythm

Woodwinds Pack includes:

Alto Sax, 1, 2 / Baritone Sax / Bass Clarinet / Bassoon / Clarinet 1, 2 / Clarinet 3 / Flute 1, 2 / Oboe / Soprano Sax / Tenor Sax-Baritone T.C.

(Soprano Sax doubles Oboe)

Brass Pack includes:

Horn 1, 2 / Horn 3 / Trombone 1, 2 / Trombone 3 / Trumpet 1, 2 / Trumpet 3 / Tuba (Alto Sax 1, 2 doubles Horn 1, 2 / Baritone Sax doubles Tuba / Tenor Sax-Baritone T.C. doubles Trombone 1, 2)

Strings Pack includes:

Cello / String Bass / String Reduction / Viola / Violin 1, 2 / Violin 1, 2 – Simplified 

(Bass Clarinet doubles String Bass / Bassoon doubles Cello / Clarinet 3 doubles Viola)

*Exact instrumentation may vary per song. 

**The parts in parenthesis are included substitute parts

***Additionally, ALL Packs contain letter and legal sized versions of the Conductor’s Score.

Downloadable Stem Mixes

Stem Mixes are the audio files for each section of a recorded orchestra. This can be helpful if a church orchestra only has certain instruments, to build an orchestra from scratch, or using only specific sections of the recording for performances. Click tracks are included in Stem Mix downloads. Stem mixes may include some individual instruments and choir solos, depending on the recording.

Stem Mixes are to be used in Digital Audio software such as Garage Band, Audacity, LogicPro, ProTools, etc.

Downloadable Chord Chart/Lead Sheet

The Chord Chart includes lyrics with chords. The Lead Sheet includes the melody line and lyrics. 

Downloadable Rehearsal Tracks

Semsen Music provides rehearsal tracks for individual parts. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass and Kids Tracks (currently offered on multi-generational musicals and collections) are available for separate purchase. The specific vocal part is enhanced in each of the mixes to make it easy for your choir to learn their respective parts. Purchase the number of copies you will make for your choir members in each part. 

Downloadable Lyric Text File

Available with certain CCT products, this .txt file includes complete lyrics for a song. You can import the text into whatever presentation program you prefer.

Script/ Vocal

Available for kid’s musicals, the Script/Vocal book includes the full script and songs with words and vocal notes. This option is perfect for the students to learn the musical. Purchase one copy for each performer in your musical to cover the copyright of your performance. Digital and printed* options are available (in most cases). *Indicates a print on demand product, please allow 10-12 business days for delivery.

Script/ Vocal with Piano

The Script/Vocal with Piano book includes the full script and songs with words and full piano score. Purchase one copy for each performer in your musical (whether they read it or not) to cover the copyright of your performance. Digital and printed* options are available (in most cases). *Indicates a print on demand product, please allow 10-12 business days for delivery.

Bulk CDs (10 pack) 

Physical CD packs that are available for select kids musicals. These bulk packages have a discounted price.  These are Listening Tracks (complete recordings of the entire work). *Please allow 10-12 business days for shipping on any physical items.

For a downloadable option, please see Downloadable Listening Tracks. 

Downloadable Accompaniment Video

An Accompaniment Video contains video .mp4 files to be used during the performance of a kids musical. These videos are meant to enhance the audience’s experience and are not lyric videos for the performers to follow (although some choir lyrics will be displayed on the screen). Multiple track options are (i.) full demonstration, (ii.) split, and (iii.) stereo in the zip file for flexibility in performance options. 

Some musicals have the option to purchase a physical Accompaniment Video DVD. *Please allow 10-12 business days for shipping on any physical items.

Downloadable Choreography Instruction/ Demo Performance

AKA: Instructional Video, Movement Instruction/ Performance Demonstration 

This zip file contains (i.) instructional videos teaching the choreography and corresponding movement for the songs in the musical as well as (ii.) videos demonstrating the choreography with the music. A full live performance demonstration by a kids choir is also included in this download. 

Downloadable Lesson Plans and Activities

Contains helpful information for the production, Bible Studies for small and large groups based on the music, characterization/props and reproducible materials for kids and teachers as well as lesson plans for rehearsals and gathering times. *This resource does not include full lyrics and script. The full lyrics and script can be found in the Script/Vocal or Script/Vocal with Piano products.

Downloadable ‘Learn the Songs with Christy’ Video Resource for your Choir:

Available for a limited number of musicals, this resource contains encouragement and instruction from Christy to Ministry Leaders explaining how to kick off a kids choir and includes information about each song.

Downloadable ‘Drama Coaching with Christy’ Video Resource for Directors:

This zip file contains week-by-week video instruction from Christy on how to coach and prepare your actors to perform a specific musical. General tips and teaching from Christy are also included.

Downloadable Running Script

This contains only the script (drama scenes) and is intended for sound and lighting volunteers as well as directors.

Kids Choir Musical Packs

There are four Kids Choir Packs to choose from, each including an increasing number of product offerings. Full lyric files (.docx) are exclusively included in these packs.

Choose between DOWNLOADABLE script/vocal or PRINTED script/vocal choral books for each pack when ordering.

Kids Choir Basic Pack includes:

-25 Script/Vocal Choral Books

-25 Downloadable Listening Tracks

-Downloadable Split Track Accompaniment

-Running Script

-Lyrics

Kids Choir Essential Pack includes:

-50 Script/Vocal Choral Books

-50 Downloadable Listening Tracks

-Downloadable Split Track Accompaniment

-Running Script

-Lyrics

-Downloadable Lesson Plans & Activities

-Downloadable Choreography Instruction/Demo Performance

-Zoom with Christy

Kids Choir Power Pack includes:

-75 Script/Vocal Choral Books

-75 Downloadable Listening Tracks

-Downloadable Split Track Accompaniment

-Running Script

-Lyrics

-Downloadable Lesson Plans & Activities

-Downloadable Choreography Instruction/Demo Performance

-Zoom with Christy

-Downloadable Accompaniment Video

Kids Choir Epic Pack includes:

-135 Script/Vocal Choral Books

-135 Downloadable Listening Tracks

-Downloadable Split Track Accompaniment

-Running Script

-Lyrics

-Downloadable Lesson Plans & Activities

-Downloadable Choreography Instruction/Demo Performance

-Zoom with Christy

-Downloadable Accompaniment Video

-Downloadable Drama Coaching with Christy Video Resource

*Epic Packs for “The Bethlehem Beat” and “The Greatest Hymn on Earth” include 130 copies of Script/Vocal Choral Books and Listening tracks and include Stem Mixes.