A Gospel Noel: SATB Choral Octavo
Music by Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0002193
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
What a treat: a gospel style original choral piece that fills the holidays with excitement. The infectious melody and full harmonies are highlighted by dynamic contrasts which add to the inherent power of the piece. Feature your best singers on two short solos backed up by choral "oo's." The strong choral writing and the easy, yet full sounding piano accompaniment make this a winner for your December concert. Great SoundTrax.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0002193
More about this title
About the Composer: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin is an ASCAP award-winning composer and arranger whose choral works are performed across the country and internationally. His conducting has taken him to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Ryman Auditorium, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall, and Harpa Concert Hall. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, Gilpin shapes the landscape of accessible choral literature for school and community ensembles.
Beyond the concert hall, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach into film scoring, receiving Best Score honors for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" in 2021. He has also collaborated with renowned opera singer Angela Brown on new arrangements performed by professional orchestras. Active in ACDA, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Gilpin continues to compose, conduct, and teach while remaining deeply invested in music education.
Why we love this
Gilpin's gospel style sparkles with genuine excitement rather than borrowed authenticity. The piece balances a straightforward, memorable melody with harmonic richness that feels achieved rather than imposed, and the solos create a natural focal point without demanding virtuosity from your best singers.
What to expect
Infectious energy and warmth. The gospel idiom breathes naturally through the harmony, and the piece carries genuine joy rather than artificial brightness. Your singers will feel the forward momentum the moment they start learning their parts.
Who it's for
Directors programming December concerts who want a genuine gospel feel without sacrificing choral sophistication. This works equally well for community ensembles, school choirs, and church choirs looking to expand beyond traditional carols.
How to get the most out of it
- Prepare the two solo sections well in advance. Work the soloists separately from the choir initially, then layer them with the "oo" background gradually to build confidence and blend.
- Shape the dynamic contrasts deliberately. Mark your score with specific dynamic targets at each shift so the choir understands these changes drive the piece forward rather than interrupt the line.
- Balance the piano accompaniment with care. The part is full but should never obscure the choir. A lighter touch in the verses allows voices to project clearly.
How to use it
Place this early in your December concert to set an energetic tone, or save it for the second half to lift the audience after a set of quieter pieces. It pairs well alongside traditional carols or contemporary sacred works, and works particularly effectively in concert programs mixing genres.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in gospel style idiom with authentic phrasing
- Layering soprano and alto solos over harmonic backgrounds
- Balancing choral texture with full, independent piano accompaniment
- Shaping phrase direction through dynamic contrast
- Ensemble blend in four-part harmony with rhythmic precision