Fly Away: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Besig and Price crafted this piece with the specifics of young choral singers in mind. The melody sits comfortably in the voice, the two-part texture eliminates complexity without sacrificing musicality, and the optional flute obbligato adds color and sophistication without demanding perfection from beginning instrumentalists. You'll spend rehearsal time on interpretation and blend rather than wrestling with awkward ranges or rhythmic confusion.

A song of gentle release and optimism, with melody that floats naturally across the staff and accompaniment that flows like wind currents. The flute obbligato adds an almost ethereal quality, as though the music itself is lifting.

This piece works for middle school, high school, and community choirs seeking accessible yet genuinely musical repertoire. The simple two-part voicing welcomes mixed-ability singers, while the optional flute part offers an engagement point for instrumentalists in your program.

• Balance the flute obbligato so it weaves through the texture without overwhelming the singers; it should feel like an enhancement, not a solo line that pulls focus.
• Shape the phrase endings with a gentle ritardando and space for breath; the flowing accompaniment can mask rushed conclusions if you don't mark them deliberately.
• Encourage the singers to listen to the piano accompaniment during rehearsals; understanding how their line interacts with it creates more connected, musical performances.

Program this as a concert opener or closer; its approachable charm and uplifting character make it an ideal encore. It also works beautifully in spring or end-of-year concerts where celebratory but not overly demanding material serves your singers and audience well.

• Singing sustained phrases with attention to vowel consistency
• Balancing two-part harmony without doubling
• Coordinate with instrumental accompaniment and optional obbligato
• Phrasing and breath management in lyrical contexts