And So We Sing: SATB Choral Octavo

Hayes constructs this piece to work as a genuine program anchor, whether you're opening a concert, closing one, or building a thematic set around celebration and musical joy. The dramatic arc and virtuosic piano writing elevate what could be a simple text into a memorable performance moment, and the full SATB harmonies sit comfortably in the voice ranges while maintaining real harmonic sophistication. Directors appreciate how this piece commands attention without requiring unusual vocal demands or lengthy rehearsal time.

A celebration that unfolds with genuine musicality and warmth. The piece carries an almost orchestral quality through its piano writing, and the text itself invites singers and listeners into a moment of collective affirmation. There's grandeur without bombast, and emotional authenticity that resonates long after the final chord.

High school, college, and community choirs seeking a stirring, concert-quality showpiece that requires solid musicianship but sits within typical SATB ranges. This work rewards singers with strong harmonic awareness and a director who can shape dramatic pacing.

• Balance the choir's blend against the piano part; Hayes writes the accompaniment to support and enhance, not overshadow. Let the singers' tone lead, and adjust piano dynamics in rehearsal to complement the choir's natural resonance.
• Shape the dramatic form by identifying the structural turning points in the piece. Mark where intensity builds and where it releases, then rehearse those transitions with intentional tempo and dynamic choices so the journey feels inevitable rather than static.
• Attend closely to the text underlay and word stress. Hayes's rhythmic writing aligns with natural speech patterns, so drilling clear diction will allow his harmonic progressions to land with full impact.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during individual section rehearsals to build confidence in entrances and complex harmonies. This allows singers to lock into their parts before full-choir balance rehearsals.

This functions beautifully as a concert opener or closer, setting a confident, uplifting tone for the program. It also works as a thematic anchor in festivals or combined choir events, where its dramatic breadth creates a memorable moment that other repertoire can reference or build upon. Consider it for graduation celebrations or end-of-year performances where the text's underlying message of music and unity carries special weight.

• Reading four-part SATB harmony with chromatic voice leading
• Tracking a complex piano accompaniment while maintaining choral independence
• Shaping dramatic form through dynamic and tempo control
• Blending full-voice singing across multiple phrase shapes and harmonic progressions