A New Song: SAB Choral Octavo

This setting captures the infectious energy of a spiritual while staying grounded enough for real rehearsals. The SAB voicing with alternate options means you're not locked into one configuration, so you can actually use it whether your section balance shifts mid-year or you're building toward a bigger mixed choir.

Vibrant and grounded, with the warmth of a spiritual and the contemporary sensibility of modern choral writing. The piece has an inherent joy that comes through in the melody and harmonic movement, inviting singers and audiences into something both familiar and fresh.

High school and youth choirs looking for repertoire that feels current and relevant without sacrificing musical craft. Directors seeking accessible sacred music that engages singers and congregations alike will find a piece that works equally well in worship settings and concert programs.

• Establish the groove early in rehearsals. The lively character lives in the rhythmic pocket, so lock in the pulse before worrying about blend.
• Balance the melody across your soprano section rather than concentrating it on one part. This distribution keeps the sound buoyant and prevents one voice from carrying the weight.
• Lean into the contemporary feel without rushing. Let the rhythmic life of the piece breathe naturally rather than pushing the tempo.
• Use the recorded accompaniment strategically during early rehearsals to anchor the harmonic movement, then gradually transition to piano or a cappella so singers own the tuning.

This works beautifully in spring concerts when choirs are ready to showcase lighter, more energetic material. It pairs well with other contemporary sacred pieces or can anchor a spirituals-focused set while offering something distinctly modern.

• Singing in SAB voicing with secure part independence
• Navigating contemporary harmonic language in a sacred context
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in a groove-based piece
• Blending spiritual tradition with contemporary compositional style