Follow Your Dream: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Donnelly and Strid understand what moves young singers at a pivotal moment in their lives. This piece captures genuine emotion around dreams and perseverance without veering into sentimentality, and the optional solo and closing soprano descant give you flexibility in casting while keeping the arrangement accessible for developing choirs. The inclusion of recorded accompaniment means even programs without piano accompanists can deliver a full, polished sound.

Expressive and hopeful without being overwrought. The text centers on resilience and personal ambition, giving singers something genuine to sing about. The 2-part writing lets voices blend easily while the optional solo and descant create moments of individual expression that lift the arrangement.

Directors programming graduation ceremonies, especially those working with middle school or early high school choirs where accessible, emotionally resonant repertoire makes an impact. This octavo fits programs where you have limited rehearsal time or need music that connects with students navigating transitions and new chapters.

• Balance the opening so the message lands clearly; resist the urge to rush through text that deserves breathing room.
• If you're using the optional solo, consider rehearsing it separately first so the soloist owns the moment before integrating it into the full ensemble sound.
• The closing soprano descant works best when those singers have secure intonation and can project without overshadowing the 2-part texture beneath them.
• Lean into the recorded accompaniment for rehearsals to build ensemble confidence, but plan at least a few run-throughs with live piano if possible before the performance.

This works especially well as a centerpiece for graduation ceremonies or end-of-year concerts where the theme of dreaming and perseverance resonates with your audience. Consider pairing it with instrumental processional music or using it as a closing number that sends students off with encouragement. The optional solo makes it flexible enough to feature a student leader if you have one ready.

• Singing sustained, expressive phrases with proper breath support
• Balancing individual voice parts in 2-part voicing
• Connecting text to musical phrasing and emotional intent
• Layering optional solo and descant parts with full ensemble textures