And So We Sing: SATB Choral Octavo

And So We Sing arrives with the polish and dramatic sophistication you expect from Hayes, yet its construction makes it genuinely rewarding to teach and perform. The piece functions equally well as a concert opener that commands immediate attention or a closer that sends audiences out on a high, and its flexible festival and graduation credentials mean it works across multiple programming scenarios without feeling generic. The virtuosic piano part elevates the entire texture, giving singers something substantial to lock into while keeping rehearsals engaging for pianists.

The piece pulses with celebratory energy and grandeur. Hayes builds layers of harmonic color that feel both contemporary and warmly accessible, creating moments of luminous beauty alongside driving rhythmic passages that keep performers and listeners engaged.

This octavo suits intermediate to advanced choral programs with singers comfortable navigating full four-part harmony and a pianist capable of handling contemporary accompaniment writing. Directors seeking a statement piece for festivals, graduation ceremonies, or concert programming will find this delivers both musical substance and audience impact.

• Balance the choir's full harmonies against the piano so neither overshadows the other; Hayes writes accompaniment to enhance, not compete. Map phrase shapes with singers before diving into dynamic details.
• The dramatic arc demands attention to section transitions. Mark where energy peaks and valleys occur, then rehearse those moments in isolation so singers understand the larger emotional trajectory.
• If recorded accompaniment is available for your performance, use it in rehearsal only after the choir locks its voicing and phrasing independently. This prevents over-reliance on the recording.
• Invest time in the piano part itself. A soloist or experienced accompanist will unlock details in the writing that elevate the entire performance.

Open your concert with this if you want to establish authority and musical ambition from measure one. Alternatively, close your program here to send audiences home on a powerful, uplifting note. It also works beautifully as a combined choir feature or festival showcase piece, where its dramatic shape and accessible accessibility make it a strong memory-maker.

• Reading and sustaining full SATB voicing through dramatic dynamic shifts
• Responding to and balancing against a sophisticated piano accompaniment
• Shaping extended harmonic phrases that build emotional momentum
• Executing fast-moving text and rhythmic precision in concert contexts