Come Follow Me: SSA Choral Octavo
Music by Don Besig and Nancy Price
Item: 00-PO-0004564
$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-0004564
More about this title
About the Composer: Don Besig
Don Besig spent 31 years directing public school choral ensembles in western New York, building programs known for their success at festivals, competitions, and community performances. His experience spans all age levels and educational settings, from middle school through adult volunteer choirs. He currently serves as director of music at Perinton Presbyterian Church in Fairport, New York.
Besig began composing out of practical necessity: he wanted music that fit the real capabilities and needs of his students and church singers. This pragmatic approach has resulted in over 350 published works and arrangements with major school and church music publishers. More than 15 million copies of his music have been sold worldwide. He holds degrees from Ithaca College, maintains ASCAP membership, and has received multiple ASCAP Special Awards. His work as a guest conductor and clinician has taken him across 40 states and Canada.
Why we love this
Besig's instinct for what works in rehearsal shows immediately here. The call and response structure is dramatically effective without demanding technical complexity, and the stewardship message lands authentically through the music rather than feeling imposed. You'll spend minimal time on preparation and maximum time on making the anthem sing.
What to expect
There's an invitational warmth to this anthem, like a conversation among friends rather than a pronouncement from on high. The call and response creates a sense of community and mutual encouragement, drawing singers and listeners into a shared commitment.
Who it's for
This octavo fits SSA choirs at the middle school level and beyond, as well as community and church choirs working with volunteer singers. The accessibility of the part-writing means even developing choirs can execute it meaningfully without getting bogged down in technical challenges.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the call and response passages to create genuine dialogue between sections rather than simply alternating lines; use dynamic contrast and slight tempo flexibility to distinguish the 'call' from the 'response'
- Balance the upper two parts carefully during unison or near-unison moments so individual lines don't get swallowed when voices double up
- Let the piece breathe at phrase endings; resist rushing into the next section and allow silence to underscore the message about giving one's life to God
How to use it
Program this for Lenten services or stewardship campaigns where you want music that speaks directly to discipleship and commitment. It also works well in spring concert contexts when you're balancing sacred repertoire with other styles; the piece is substantial enough to anchor a liturgical set but accessible enough to pair with secular spring music.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in call and response structures with clear textural definition
- Balancing three-part harmony with attention to inner-part independence
- Phrasing and breathing with dramatic intention in shorter, focused musical statements
- Connecting text to musical gesture and understanding how call and response reinforces theological meaning