Bring Down That Chariot Cover Image

Bring Down That Chariot: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

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Bring Down That Chariot Cover Image

Bring Down That Chariot: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Words and music by Berta Poorman and Sonja Poorman (incorporating "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot")

Level: Moderate

Item: 00-SVM04022

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Description
The Poormans have combined their own creativity with "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" to bring us this upbeat spiritual. Add this rousing work to your next concert.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Bring Down That Chariot: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Studio PR Catalog
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 654979070726
SKU: 00-SVM04022

More about this title

About the Composer: Berta Poorman

Berta Poorman

Berta and Sonja Poorman form a mother-daughter composing partnership with two decades of experience writing choral music across sacred and secular idioms. Both have led choral programs with singers of all ages in church settings, giving them deep insight into what works in real rehearsals and services.

Their hallmark is accessibility without compromise. Thoughtful voice leading, text that lifts rather than burdens, and arrangements that sound bigger than their difficulty level make their work a reliable choice for building repertoire that musicians actually enjoy singing.

Why we love this

The Poormans' arranging philosophy shines here: they took a spiritual everyone knows and gave it fresh rhythmic energy and harmonic interest while keeping the part-writing singable for Grade 3 choirs. You'll find the piece energizing to teach and even more rewarding to perform, with enough musical substance to feel accomplished without drowning in technical demands.

What to expect

Energetic and celebratory. The Poormans' take on this spiritual feels contemporary while honoring the original, with rhythmic vitality that lifts the familiar melody into something fresh. There's joy in the writing, and singers will feel it immediately.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for Grade 3 choirs looking to expand beyond standard spiritual settings. It's equally valuable for mixed-voice ensembles building confidence with contemporary arranging approaches and for programs seeking upbeat repertoire that connects to cultural traditions without requiring a large ensemble.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the rhythm section tight and grounded. The forward momentum depends on consistent ensemble pulse, especially in the parts where syncopation enters.
  • Balance the three lines so the sopranos don't overshadow the alto and bass parts. This arrangement works best when all three voices carry equal weight in the texture.
  • Let the recorded accompaniment (when used) breathe. Don't rush the tempo to keep up with it; instead, use it as a steady reference while your singers find their own musicality.

How to use it

Program this as a concert closer or as part of a spirituals-focused set where you want to show range beyond reverent interpretations. It works equally well in a sacred concert context or as a standalone piece that bridges traditional and contemporary styles. Its upbeat character makes it an excellent choice for spring or celebratory services.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing three independent voice parts in moderate texture
  • Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated spiritual idiom
  • Blending with recorded accompaniment while maintaining artistic independence
  • Singing with stylistic understanding of the spiritual tradition

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