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Broken Wings: SATB Choral Octavo

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Broken Wings Cover Image

Broken Wings: SATB Choral Octavo

Words and music by Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang / arr. Eric Van Cleave

Item: 00-45531

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Description
Touring as an opening act for Don Henley and Tina Turner helped propel Mr. Mister to the top of the 1985 Billboard Hot 100 with this song inspired by the writings of Kahlil Gibran. The sensible voice-leading makes this one easy to sing.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Broken Wings: SATB 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 Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081512709
SKU: 00-45531

More about this title

About the Composer: Richard Page

Richard Page co-founded Mr. Mister in the early 1980s and served as the band's lead vocalist and keyboardist. His work as composer and bandleader helped define the polished pop-rock sound of the mid-1980s, blending sophisticated harmonies with accessible melodies that connected with millions of listeners.

Why we love this

Eric Van Cleave's arrangement respects the harmonic sophistication of the original while making the part-writing genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The song's emotional arc and cultural resonance give your singers something meaningful to communicate, and the straightforward voice-leading means rehearsal time focuses on interpretation rather than decoding notation.

What to expect

Reflective and soaring, with a quiet vulnerability that opens into expansive, hopeful moments. The arrangement honors the song's contemplative lyrics while maintaining the warmth and polish that made the original a radio staple.

Who it's for

Mixed choirs at the middle to high school level and community choir programs looking for contemporary repertoire that balances accessibility with musical substance. The sensible voice-leading makes it ideal for ensembles still developing blend and intonation while tackling a song your singers likely already know.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody between soprano and alto lines in the verse sections; both voices deserve clarity without drowning the inner harmony.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to lock tempos during early rehearsals, then gradually reduce reliance on it so singers develop independent ensemble listening.
  • Shape the emotional journey from the contemplative opening through the building chorus; avoid letting familiarity breed a flat, mechanical delivery.
  • Pay attention to the sustained notes in the lower voices; even on held pitches, encourage slight dynamic shaping to support the soprano's phrasing above.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a concert opener, immediately engaging audiences with a recognized melody while showcasing your choir's ability to handle contemporary music with care. It also pairs naturally with other pop arrangements or classic songs that explore themes of resilience and growth.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing multiple melodic lines in four-part harmony
  • Sustaining tone quality and diction on longer phrases
  • Responding to harmonic movement and voice-leading cues
  • Interpreting contemporary pop repertoire with musical maturity

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