Come Follow Me: SATB Choral Octavo
Music by Don Besig and Nancy Price
Item: 00-PO-0004539
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Come, follow the Lord who died to make us whole. Perfect for Stewardship, Lent, or more general occasions, this lovely anthem effectively employs call and response to God's people invite one another to give their lives to God. Easy to prepare.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004539
More about this title
About the Composer: Don Besig
Don Besig spent 31 years directing music in public schools across western New York, where his concert choirs and show choirs became known for strong performances at clinics, contests, and community venues. His experience spans all grade levels and settings. He now serves as director of music at Perinton Presbyterian Church in Fairport, NY.
Recognizing that student singers and volunteer church choirs needed accessible repertoire, Besig began composing for his own ensembles. His output now exceeds 350 published works through major school and church music publishers, with over 15 million copies in circulation. He has received multiple ASCAP Special Awards and regularly guest conducts festivals and workshops across 40 states and Canada. Besig holds a degree from Ithaca College and maintains memberships in Phi Mu Alpha, ACDA, MENC, NYSSMA, and ASCAP.
Why we love this
Besig's use of call and response creates genuine dialogue between sections rather than simply dividing the text, making the text's invitation to stewardship feel like real musical conversation. The writing sits comfortably for singers at developing levels without sacrificing harmonic substance, and at 12 pages, it's substantial enough for a meaningful anthem without becoming a rehearsal burden. The spiritual directness of the message combined with accessible voicing makes this a natural choice when you need something that resonates both musically and theologically.
What to expect
The music unfolds with gentle warmth and clear purpose. The call and response structure creates a sense of mutual invitation, as if the choir is drawing listeners into a moment of commitment and reflection. The harmonic language feels grounded and sincere, never sentimental.
Who it's for
This octavo works well for volunteer church choirs, high school choral programs, and community ensembles seeking literate sacred music that doesn't demand extensive rehearsal time. Singers at all levels of experience will find the ranges and part writing accommodating, while directors get a piece with real musical substance and spiritual purpose.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the call and response sections with clear dynamic contrast. Let the 'calls' reach out with conviction while the 'responses' feel warmly inviting rather than merely echoing back.
- Balance the parts carefully during unison or divisi passages so that the text remains the primary focus and individual vocal lines support rather than compete with the message.
- Take time to unify vowel sounds across the choir during sustained chords, especially in moments of harmonic resolution, to maximize the sense of unity the piece is building toward.
How to use it
This works naturally during Lent or as part of a stewardship emphasis, but its broader spiritual message makes it suitable for spring services focused on renewal or recommitment. Consider pairing it with a more jubilant piece to create programming that acknowledges both the weightiness of discipleship and the hope it carries.
Skills your students will build
- Singing call and response textures with rhythmic independence
- Sustaining tone through longer phrase shapes
- Blending voice parts in both unison and divisi writing
- Connecting text meaning to musical shaping and phrasing