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Equality: SSAA Choral Octavo

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Equality Cover Image
Equality: SSAA Choral Octavo

Equality: SSAA Choral Octavo

From Like Dust I Rise (A Choral Song Cycle)

Text by Maya Angelou, music by Mark Hayes

Item: 00-46420
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Description
This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues directly into the closing movement of Like Dust I Rise. When performing separately, Mark Hayes includes an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.

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Sample Pages

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 20
UPC: 038081527994
SKU: 00-46420

More about this title

About the Composer: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes has composed, arranged, and conducted more than 1,750 published works across sacred and secular genres. A summa cum laude graduate in piano performance from Baylor University, he has guest conducted at Lincoln Center, the National Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall, and his choral works including Te Deum, Magnificat, and Gloria have been performed internationally. His 2013 Requiem premiered at Lincoln Center and was later conducted by Hayes himself in Rome as part of the Vatican-sponsored Festival Pro Musica E Arte Sacra.

Beyond choral music, Hayes has written over 100 piano books spanning gospel, classical, jazz, and Broadway styles, orchestrated theatrical productions including the musical Madame Buttermilk, and composed the score for Civil War Voices, which earned six awards at the 2010 Midtown International Theatre Festival. In 2010, Baylor University's Center for Christian Music Studies recognized him with the Award for Exemplary Leadership in Christian Music. Hayes continues to compose from his home in Kansas City, Missouri, driven by his mission to create meaningful music across all genres.

Why we love this

Mark Hayes brings his signature blend of accessibility and sophistication to this urgent contemporary anthem. The confident solo line cutting through the SSAA texture creates natural dramatic momentum while keeping the ensemble writing singable and the message unmistakable. For choirs seeking repertoire with real substance and social purpose, this delivers both artistic satisfaction and genuine impact.

What to expect

Urgent and purposeful, this gospel-rooted anthem combines the warmth of ensemble harmony with the raw directness of a solo voice speaking truth. The energy builds toward an undeniable final statement, creating a moment of collective conviction that leaves audiences moved and challenged.

Who it's for

This octavo serves choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with a clear message and accessible vocal writing. Directors working with treble-voice ensembles (high school and collegiate levels especially) will find a piece that engages singers both musically and intellectually while remaining rehearsal-efficient.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the solo voice as a featured storyteller rather than an accompaniment. The solo carries Maya Angelou's powerful words, so it must project with clarity and intention over the harmonic backdrop.
  • Shape the phrase arch toward the spirited final refrain. Hayes's upward modulation is designed to lift the energy, so build momentum through the middle sections rather than peaking early.
  • Consider the recorded accompaniment as a rehearsal tool to lock in harmonic language and groove, but encourage the ensemble to sing with conviction independent of the track during concert preparation.
  • If performing Equality as part of the Like Dust I Rise cycle, use the alternate ending to create seamless flow into the closing movement. If performing standalone, commit fully to the modulation and final refrain as your structural anchor.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring social justice, brotherhood, or contemporary voices in choral music. It pairs naturally with other Hayes works or contemporary pieces addressing themes of equality and human dignity, and works equally well as a standalone statement of purpose in any choral season.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing solo and ensemble textures in contemporary harmony
  • Singing with conviction and message-driven phrasing
  • Navigating gospel-influenced harmonic language and rhythmic feel
  • Managing modulation in SSAA voicing and maintaining intonation through key change
  • Interpreting socially conscious text with authenticity

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