Battle of Jericho: PianoTrax Digital Download

Mark Hayes understands what makes a spiritual arrangement singable and dramatically alive. This SAB voicing sits comfortably across mixed voices while maintaining the harmonic color that makes the arrangement memorable, and the piano part provides singers with clear harmonic support without overwhelming them during rehearsal or performance.

A rhythmically confident spiritual with Hayes's signature harmonic sophistication. The arrangement respects the traditional melody while breathing new life into it through contemporary voice leading and piano accompaniment that dances rather than simply supports.

SAB choirs working toward festival or competition performance, community choirs, and church music programs seeking a contemporary yet authentic arrangement of a spiritual standard. This works equally well for intermediate high school choirs and adult community ensembles.

• Balance the harmonic voices in measure-by-measure rehearsals so inner parts maintain independence rather than doubling the melody line.
• Let the piano introduction establish the spiritual's character; resist rushing the tempo even if the rhythm feels energetic.
• Shape the dynamics with the text: spiritual delivery requires breath and space, not constant full voice.

Include this as a showpiece for a spirituals-themed concert, or position it as a lighter moment that demonstrates your choir's stylistic range if you're programming a mixed-genre concert. Its contest credentials make it a strong choice for festival competition.

• Singing three-part mixed voicing with rhythmic independence
• Interpreting spiritual style and cultural context
• Listening to piano accompaniment while maintaining blend and intonation
• Executing dynamic control and phrasing in rhythmically active passages