Get on Board!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

The Poormans have a gift for capturing the energy and joy of a spiritual without overshadowing its traditional roots. This version drives forward with genuine rhythmic momentum while remaining singable by typical church and school choirs, which means your singers will sound prepared and confident on performance day.

Vibrant and purposeful, this setting of a beloved spiritual pulses with forward momentum while honoring the tradition it draws from. The singers feel the momentum in their bodies; the audience hears joy and conviction in every phrase.

This arrangement suits community choirs, church choirs, and school choral programs looking for spiritually grounded repertoire with contemporary energy. Singers benefit from straightforward voice leading and an uplifting performance experience that doesn't demand advanced technique.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse crisp and forward-moving; the arrangement's drive depends on confident attacks and clean releases from all sections.
• Balance the melody against supporting harmonies so the spiritual's familiar phrases come through clearly, especially in the refrain.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to establish the style and tempo before transitioning to a cappella sections if your program includes them.
• Encourage singers to connect with the text's message; spirituals gain power when performers understand and convey their meaning.

Program this as an energizing moment in a concert program, perhaps following a quieter piece or as an opener when you want to establish an uplifting tone. It works equally well in a sacred music concert, a community celebration, or a program centered on American choral traditions.

• Singing syncopated rhythms with precision
• Maintaining ensemble blend while delivering rhythmic vitality
• Interpreting text from the African American spiritual tradition
• Building confidence with accessible four-part writing