Freedom!: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Music by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz
Item: 00-PO-0004442
$2.25
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Description
From east to west, the walls are tumblin' down. All the world can see, freedom is comin' around.' It's timely, it's an exciting show-stopper . . . for any choir, large or small. Every voice gets a chance at the melody. Good part writing. (P.S. Try it as a concert closer!)
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004442
More about this title
About the Composer: Lois Brownsey
Lois Brownsey (Heckman) grew up in Philadelphia and trained at Temple University before immersing herself in musical theatre and guitar study. Throughout her performing career from 1973 to 1997, she played bass and sang across pop, rock, and blues ensembles throughout the United States and internationally. She has also contributed her voice and pen to commercial work, writing jingles for major clients including AT&T and GMC Truck Dealers.
Brownsey's songwriting partnership with Marti Lunn Lantz spans decades and has produced numerous choral works and song collections published by Alfred, many exploring multicultural themes and seasonal material. Working alongside collaborators like Sally K. Albrecht, the pair has built a catalog that balances accessibility with musical substance. Brownsey now resides in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, where she serves as a Celebrant and remains engaged in her community's political and arts life. She and her husband Kent, a recording engineer, operate Red Rock Recording Studios, which has served as the recording home for many Alfred publications.
Why we love this
The part writing here is genuinely solid, never relegating one voice to a purely accompanying role. Both choirs get their moment with the melody, which keeps singers engaged throughout and makes this work equally well for groups of any size. The energy is infectious without being saccharine, and the contemporary lyrical content about freedom gives it real substance beyond the surface appeal.
What to expect
Bright and forward-moving, with an infectious sense of optimism. The text and melody combine to create an uplifting, almost celebratory mood, while the solid harmonic foundation keeps it grounded and genuine rather than purely cheerful.
Who it's for
Any choir with singers who read treble or second part lines confidently will find this accessible and rewarding. The writing is lean and clear enough for high school and community choirs to prepare without extensive rehearsal time, yet the piece carries enough musical substance to satisfy more experienced ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the parts carefully during the unison sections so that when the melody returns to one voice, the shift feels intentional rather than accidental. Rehearse those moments separately to establish clear ownership.
- Bring out the text with rhythmic precision and clarity. The excitement comes from crisp articulation and forward momentum, not from pushing the volume.
- Experiment with the dynamic arc across the full octavo. Starting and ending with full force is one approach, but building gradually from verse to finish can heighten the emotional payoff.
- If performing as a concert closer, allow a beat of silence before the final phrase to reset the audience and maximize the impact of the final statement.
How to use it
This is an excellent final selection for a concert, particularly one featuring contemporary or secular work. It also works well in festival or contest settings where energy and clean part writing make a strong impression. Consider programming it after a slower, more introspective piece to provide dynamic contrast and send the audience out on a high note.
Skills your students will build
- Trading melody between voice parts (tracking the same line across different registers)
- Maintaining harmonic independence while listening to another melodic line
- Clear articulation and forward-moving rhythm in contemporary pop-influenced style
- Phrasing and dynamic shaping within a shorter, compact form