Follow the Dream: SATB Choral Octavo
Words by John Parker, music by Vicki Tucker Courtney
Item: 00-PO-0000595
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
From the captivating opening through the powerful finish this song will inspire greatness in your singers. Rhythmic intensity drives the piece and an uplifting text speaks to the dreamer in each of us.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000595
More about this title
About the Composer: John Parker
John Parker brings two decades of experience in worship music and choral composition to his work. Trained in vocal performance at Louisiana College and choral conducting at Northwestern State University, Parker has built a catalog of over 600 choral compositions published across multiple American houses. His career spans dual roles as a working church musician and prolific composer; since 2014 he has served as Associate Pastor of Worship and Music at Austin Baptist Church in Texas, where he continues to develop music for liturgical and concert settings.
Beyond composition, Parker is known for his contributions to music education and church leadership. He has authored instructional texts on establishing fine arts programs in faith communities and curated drama collections for school and church use. His work as a choral clinician and lecturer keeps him connected to the pedagogical realities of the classroom and rehearsal room.
Why we love this
This piece uses rhythmic energy as its primary compositional tool, creating momentum that naturally holds your singers' attention while delivering an aspirational message without saccharine sentiment. The text speaks directly to adolescent experience, making it an authentic choice for graduation programming rather than a generic seasonal option. Parker and Courtney's writing balances technical accessibility with genuine musical substance, so your choir can focus on interpretation and expression rather than wrestling with complexity.
What to expect
The piece opens with immediacy and draws listeners in through rhythmic propulsion. An uplifting text about pursuing one's aspirations unfolds alongside music that feels contemporary without chasing trends, building toward a finish that feels earned rather than imposed.
Who it's for
High school and young adult choirs seeking a graduation selection with genuine musical content and timely messaging. Directors looking for a piece that energizes singers while remaining accessible for groups at intermediate-to-advancing levels.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady internal pulse early in rehearsal, as the rhythmic intensity depends on ensemble precision rather than tempo speed; consider conducting a few sectionals focusing on rhythm independence before full group work.
- Shape the text phrasing to match the arc of the song's emotional journey; avoid treating every rhythmic figure as equally important, allowing the lyrical moments to breathe.
- Use the recorded accompaniment strategically in early rehearsals to establish harmonic context, then rehearse a cappella sections to build vocal independence and confidence.
- Balance the powerful finish with clarity in voice leading; ensure inner voices stay buoyant rather than heavy, so the overall sound remains bright and forward-moving.
How to use it
Program this as the closing selection for a graduation concert, where its message of inspiration and forward momentum provides meaningful closure. It also works well in spring festival or concert settings where a secular, contemporary-sounding piece balances more traditional choral repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision and independence across voice parts
- Text communication and emotional expression in contemporary style
- Sustaining vocal line through text-driven rhythmic figures
- Balance and blend in SATB four-part harmony at intermediate complexity