Give Me Jesus: SATB Choral Octavo

Name: Give Me Jesus: SATB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-LG52039
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Arr. Wendell Whalum

Item: 00-LG52039

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Lawson-Gould Music Publishers

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 783556011613

SKU: 00-LG52039

More about this title

About the Arranger: Wendell Whalum

Wendell P. Whalum shaped American choral music through decades of teaching, arranging, and conducting at Morehouse College, where he directed the Glee Club beginning in 1953. A Morehouse graduate himself (BA, 1952), he went on to earn his Master of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1965 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Haiti in 1968. His work extended across organ performance, musicology, and composition, and he held memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, the American Guild of Organists, and the Music Educators National Conference.

Whalum's arrangements of spirituals and sacred music became central to the repertoire of African American choral ensembles and college glee clubs across the country. His scholarly approach to these traditions and his skill in crafting accessible yet artistically substantive voicings established him as a trusted voice in sacred choral music education. He passed away in 1987, leaving behind a body of work that continues to anchor choral programs nationwide.

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Why we love this

Whalum's treatment of this spiritual respects the emotional depth of the text while keeping the harmonic language clear and singable. The a cappella setting creates an intimate sound that lets the choir's voices carry the full weight of the prayer, and the eight-page length gives you room to develop genuine musicality without overwhelming a rehearsal schedule.

What to expect

Quiet conviction. The melody carries a familiar spiritual melody with a gentle, almost conversational quality, while Whalum's harmonies add warmth and spiritual reflection without sentimentality. Singing it feels like joining a communal prayer.

Who it's for

Any SATB choir looking for repertoire that works equally well in concert settings and festival competitions. This arrangement suits choirs with foundational vocal skills and basic ensemble blend; no soloists needed.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the soprano line carefully in the opening; it should float above the other voices rather than dominate. This creates space for the alto, tenor, and bass to anchor the harmonic foundation.
Let the rhythm breathe naturally. Avoid locking into a strict pulse; the spiritual's conversational quality comes from slight rubato in the phrasing.
Shape phrases toward moments of harmonic resolution. Each section builds toward a cadence, and your singers should feel that forward motion even in slower passages.
Blend vowels across the four parts, especially on sustained harmonies. The a cappella texture demands precision in tuning and consistent vowel color to avoid muddiness.

How to use it

Pair this with other spirituals or sacred works to create a set that showcases your choir's ability to navigate African American choral traditions. It also works beautifully as a closing piece on a mixed concert, offering a moment of introspection after more energetic selections.