Each of Us Has a Light: 2-Part Choral Octavo

This piece gives choirs a genuine smile-inducing moment without sacrificing musicality. The swing style and spiritual reference work together to create something that feels both fresh and rooted, while the optional recorded accompaniment lets you focus rehearsal time on blend and phrasing rather than piano-learning the parts.

Energetic and affirming, with the kind of optimism that comes from swing rhythm and spiritual roots. The piece moves with purpose, it feels like your singers are genuinely celebrating something together rather than simply executing parts on a page.

Any choir looking for a showstopper that works as an emotional palate cleanser in concert programming. The 2-part voicing and straightforward ranges make it accessible to developing choirs, yet the style and harmonic sophistication keep it musically interesting for experienced singers.

• Keep the swing rhythm bouncy but controlled; the rhythmic drive should feel conversational, not rushed.
• Balance the gospel-style harmonies so the independent lines stay clear, this style lives in the interplay between voices.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse it early so singers can feel how their parts sit within the fuller texture.
• The spiritual reference lands best when the text is sung with genuine warmth; encourage singers to think about what the metaphor means to them personally.

Place this mid-program to shift the mood and energy, especially if you have more introspective work surrounding it. It also works beautifully as a closer for any event with an inspirational theme, and the candle-lighting application makes it ideal for holiday concerts, memorial services, or recognition ceremonies throughout the school year.

• Swing rhythm and syncopation
• Gospel-influenced harmonic movement
• Independent part singing in 2-part texture
• Text-driven interpretation and expression
• Balancing line independence with ensemble blend