Go Tell It!: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
(Go, Tell It on the Mountain)
Traditional Spiritual / arr. Victor C. Johnson
Item: 00-PO-0005999
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
This kickin' gospel arrangement of the traditional Christmas spiritual is a standout! Victor's spirited treatment boasts rousing rhythmic syncopation, perfect choral harmony, and a highly creative (and stylistically appropriate) gospel breakdown section with a couple of riff-like solo opportunities. Your audience (or congregation) will be convinced long before the uplifting key change and sensational final chorus.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0005999
More about this title
About the Arranger: Victor C. Johnson
Victor C. Johnson brings deep expertise in choral writing to every project he takes on. Based in Dallas, he serves as School Choral Editor for Sing!, the educational publishing arm of Choristers Guild, and has published over 500 choral works, vocal solos, and keyboard pieces. His experience directing choirs at the Ft. Worth Academy of Fine Arts from 2000 to 2018 gave him firsthand knowledge of what works in the rehearsal room and on stage.
Currently, Johnson conducts the Dallas Symphony Children's Chorus Mixed Ensemble, the resident youth choir for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His involvement with major music education organizations including the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and National Association for Music Education reflects his commitment to advancing choral practice at all levels.
Why we love this
Johnson's gospel voice shines in this arrangement, which takes a familiar spiritual and transforms it into something genuinely exciting without losing its heart. The syncopated rhythmic drive and the gospel breakdown section feel earned and stylistically authentic, not tacked on. The key change at the end lands with real impact because the voicing and momentum leading into it have been carefully constructed to make that moment sing.
What to expect
From the opening measures, this arrangement radiates joy and momentum. The syncopated rhythms create a modern, driving groove that feels alive, while the gospel breakdown shifts the mood into something intimate and soulful. The uplifting key change in the final chorus lifts the whole piece toward a triumphant finish that your audience will remember.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for any mixed choir that wants a contemporary gospel piece with serious musical substance. Whether you're programming a Christmas concert, a worship service, or a spring pops show, this piece brings energy and accessibility without compromising artistry.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the syncopation as a choir before adding dynamics. Have singers tap the rhythm in their parts while sustaining a neutral vowel, making sure the syncopated figures sit cleanly against the straighter parts.
- Treat the gospel breakdown section as a moment to shift the energy and encourage individual voices to come forward on the riff opportunities. This is where personality and stylistic ownership matter most.
- Shape the final chorus to build steadily toward the key change. The higher tessitura demands breath support and focused tone, especially important for singers on top notes in the new key.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock tempos during early rehearsals, but consider learning the piece without it so the choir owns the rhythmic drive independently.
How to use it
Program this as a highlight of a Christmas or winter concert, particularly alongside more traditional arrangements to show the range and versatility of your ensemble. It also works beautifully in worship contexts where contemporary gospel arrangements have a home, and its length and energy make it strong enough to close an act or set.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythms against straight accompaniment
- Maintaining rhythmic independence in a gospel style
- Navigating higher tessitura and shifted key centers
- Stylistically informed interpretation of sacred repertoire
- Solo line confidence within an ensemble setting