Ezekiel Saw the Wheel: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Traditional Spiritual / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0006004
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Greg's rhythmic reimagining is just plain fun! An original countermelody is introduced, then layered with some complementary counterpoint, creating a great deal of excitement before the much-anticipated arrival of the familiar traditional spiritual. It's a truly playful and innovative arrangement that two- and three-part groups will adore. “Hey, Zeke!”
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006004
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin has established himself as a prominent voice in American choral music through his work as both a composer and arranger, earning recognition from ASCDA for his contributions to the field. His conducting career has taken him to some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Festival Hall in London. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, he shapes the repertoire that directors and students encounter in rehearsal rooms across the country.
Beyond music, Gilpin has pursued an entirely separate professional path as a certified financial coach and organizing specialist, founding Maestro Organizing and appearing on television programs including network affiliates and the popular series "Hoarders." His creative reach extended to film scoring, earning "Best Score" recognition for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" in 2021. A Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and active member of ACDA and NAfME, Gilpin continues to balance his multifaceted career as a teacher, conductor, and composer.
Why we love this
Gilpin's treatment transforms a familiar spiritual into something genuinely fresh without losing its roots. The layering of an original countermelody followed by complementary counterpoint builds real momentum, making this feel less like a traditional arrangement and more like a celebration of the spiritual's enduring power. Your singers will be energized by the playfulness and rhythmic vitality that makes this work equally strong in concert and competitive settings.
What to expect
This arrangement crackles with rhythmic life and inventive reimagining. The opening countermeldoy establishes a modern groove that feels both respectful of the spiritual tradition and unmistakably contemporary, building excitement through layered vocal textures before the familiar melody arrives to confirm what listeners have been anticipating. The overall effect is joyful, energetic, and distinctly playful.
Who it's for
Three-part mixed ensembles, whether in concert choir, competitive festival settings, or community theater programs, will find this arrangement accessible and rewarding. Directors seeking material that engages singers with both rhythmic interest and creative arranging will appreciate how Gilpin balances challenge with approachability. High school and college choirs at all levels will respond to the energy and innovation here.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythmic energy early in rehearsal. The opening countermelody establishes the groove that carries through the entire piece, so establishing precision on this figure will make the subsequent layering of voices much easier.
- Balance the original countermelody against the traditional melody when they appear together. The new material should enhance rather than obscure the familiar tune, so pay attention to dynamic relationships between the parts.
- Prepare your singers for the dramatic arrival of the main spiritual melody. The build-up is intentional, so allow the anticipation to develop through clear phrase shaping in the sections that precede it.
- Consider the text emphasis at key moments. "Hey, Zeke" appears strategically; delivering it with personality and precision will heighten the playful character Gilpin has built into this arrangement.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece where you want to showcase your choir's rhythmic precision and blend, or use it in a set that pairs traditional spirituals with contemporary treatments. The 16-page score and accessible three-part voicing make it a strong choice for festival competition where you need material that sounds polished but doesn't demand a large ensemble. It also works well as a spiritual that bridges classical and contemporary programming, especially if you're building a thematic concert around American choral traditions.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision and independence within a driving groove
- Balancing multiple melodic lines (countermelody, counterpoint, and traditional melody)
- Stylistic authenticity in singing spirituals
- Dynamic control when transitioning between different textural layers
- Ensemble listening when layered vocal material creates harmonic complexity