Follow the Dream: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Words by John Parker, music by Vicki Tucker Courtney
Item: 00-PO-0000596
$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-0000596
More about this title
About the Composer: John Parker
John Parker studied vocal performance at Louisiana College before earning his master's degree in choral conducting from Northwestern State University. Based in Austin, Texas, Parker has composed over 600 choral works for church and school ensembles, establishing himself as a prolific voice in American choral writing. Beyond composition, he serves as Associate Pastor of Worship and Music at Austin Baptist Church and maintains an active schedule as a choral clinician and lecturer.
Parker's work extends into music education through his writing on arts administration and drama resources for faith communities. His dual expertise in conducting and composition informs his approach to writing music that is both singable and dramatically effective.
Why we love this
This piece channels urgency and optimism in equal measure. The rhythmic drive keeps singers engaged and audiences leaning forward, while the lyrical content resonates across graduation ceremonies, spring concerts, and competitive festival contexts without feeling saccharine or heavy-handed.
What to expect
The rhythmic intensity propels the piece forward with infectious energy, creating a sense of forward motion that mirrors the theme of pursuing dreams. The uplifting harmonic language and text work together to inspire rather than overwhelm, striking a balance between accessibility and musical substance.
Who it's for
Mixed ensembles at the high school level or advanced middle school choirs who can sustain rhythmic precision and blend across three parts. The piece suits choirs preparing for festival adjudication or looking for a confident, contemporary graduation piece that avoids sentimentality.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the rhythmic momentum early in rehearsals by isolating the driving rhythmic patterns and having singers tap or clap them before adding pitch. This foundation will carry the intensity through the piece.
- Balance the three parts carefully so that the text remains intelligible over the textural density. In ensemble passages, the soprano line should sit slightly forward while maintaining the harmonic blend.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse against it from your first read-through so singers develop comfort with the backing's harmonic language and pacing.
- Shape the dynamics to reflect the emotional arc of the text. The power in the finish comes from building gradually rather than jumping to full volume midway through.
How to use it
Program this as a showcase piece in spring concerts or use it as your graduation song. Its contemporary energy pairs well with both traditional choral standards and newer secular works, making it flexible for multi-generational audiences. The motivational text also works for achievement-focused events like awards ceremonies or scholarship banquets.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated and driving meters
- Blend and balance across three-part harmony
- Sustained dynamic control and phrasing across longer phrases
- Ensemble communication through rhythmic independence