A Song In The Air: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Joel Raney / Arranged by Ed Hogan
Item: 35-PK00433980
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Description
A Song In The Air
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00433980
More about this title
About the Composer: Joel Raney
Joel Raney absorbed the language of gospel music growing up in rural Alabama, an experience that permeates every piece he writes. He earned his bachelor's degree in choral conducting from the University of North Alabama before pursuing advanced keyboard training at Juilliard, where he refined the technical foundation that now supports his prolific output.
Since 1999, Raney has become a dominant force in church music publishing with over 300 compositions and arrangements in circulation. His catalog spans choral anthems, musicals, cantatas, handbell works, and instrumental pieces, all marked by his distinctive ability to blend classical craftsmanship with accessible warmth. Beyond the church world, he has composed commercial music, conducted Broadway tours, and earned recognition for theatrical direction in major cities. Today he serves as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Oak Park, Illinois, and maintains an active schedule as a clinician and piano soloist.
Why we love this
Raney's gift for crafting singable, emotionally resonant melodies shows in this piece, which balances genuine musical substance with accessibility. The arrangement by Ed Hogan translates the song effectively for instrumental support, making it a natural choice for worship settings, community concerts, or choral festivals where you want material that feels both contemporary and enduring.
What to expect
The piece carries the warmth of a gospel influence without requiring specialized singing technique or elaborate arrangements. There is directness and sincerity in the musical gesture, with Raney's characteristic attention to creating moments that feel both crafted and inevitable.
Who it's for
This works well for church choirs seeking accessible sacred repertoire, community choruses programming inspirational material, and high school choirs looking for pieces with emotional maturity and straightforward vocal writing. The instrumental pak format makes it ideal when you have accompaniment resources available and want to expand beyond a cappella singing.
How to get the most out of it
- Honor the text by shaping vocal phrases with breathing patterns that match the lyrical content rather than purely structural divisions.
- Balance the instruments so they frame the choir without overwhelming it; this is the singers' piece, and the accompaniment exists to support their storytelling.
- Let the tempo breathe naturally; avoid locking into a metronomic feel that would undercut the piece's reflective quality.
How to use it
This belongs in a concert exploring sacred and inspirational themes, where it can anchor a set of varied choral literature. It also serves well as a closing number for a program focused on hope, faith, or reflection, since Raney's writing has a way of leaving audiences with a sense of uplift rather than heaviness.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with clear text projection in a sacred idiom
- Responding to instrumental cues and following an accompaniment
- Maintaining phrase shape and emotional consistency across longer lines
- Understanding the relationship between melodic contour and textual meaning