Gonna Sing About a Baby: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo
Words and music by Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0006356
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
In the tradition of his highly regarded original spirituals, Greg Gilpin offers this all-new a cappella Christmas selection. Intuitive harmonies and just the right amount of repetition in the memorable chorus make the piece both readily learnable and easy to memorize. Call-and-response verses toss joyful syncopations between sections of the choir, and quickly changing dynamics enhance the style.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0006356
More about this title
About the Composer: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin's reputation as a choral composer and conductor extends across major concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. His work as Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press has shaped choral literature at every level, and his ASCAP awards recognize decades of contributions to the field.
Beyond composing and conducting, Gilpin has expanded into film scoring, producing arrangements for renowned artists, and founding his own professional organizing business. His versatility across multiple creative disciplines reflects an artist who remains actively engaged in both traditional music-making and innovative ventures.
Why we love this
Gilpin understands what makes a spiritual work in the a cappella setting: accessible harmony that doesn't sacrifice depth, rhythmic vitality that energizes singers without overwhelming them, and text-driven phrasing that lets the message land. The call-and-response structure built into the verses keeps all three parts engaged and differentiated, making this work equally rewarding for developing choirs and experienced ensembles.
What to expect
Celebratory and intimate at once. The a cappella texture places voices in direct conversation, while the syncopations and dynamic shifts create movement and warmth. There's a conversational ease to the piece that invites singers to enjoy the music-making while honoring the spiritual tradition it draws from.
Who it's for
Choirs at the developing to intermediate level who want authentic spiritual style without heavy technical demands. This works equally well in school choirs, church settings, and community ensembles seeking fresh holiday repertoire that celebrates African American musical traditions.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the rhythmic energy of the syncopated sections early in rehearsal by having sections speak the rhythmic patterns before adding pitch. This anchors the style and prevents the piece from feeling static.
- Shape the dynamic shifts as active musical choices, not sudden jumps. Use incremental changes in vowel shape and air flow to create seamless transitions between soft and energetic passages.
- In the call-and-response verses, clarify which section is 'calling' and which is 'responding' through slight tempo elasticity and tonal color. This dialogue quality is essential to the piece's character.
- Memorize early and deliberately. The repetition in the chorus works only when singers are free from the page and can focus on ensemble blend and communicating the text's joy.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece in a Christmas concert that includes multiple cultural perspectives on the holiday, or pair it with other Gilpin spirituals to showcase his distinctive voice. The eight-page length and readily learnable structure make it ideal for ensembles working with tighter rehearsal schedules closer to performance dates.
Skills your students will build
- call-and-response phrasing and listening between voice parts
- syncopated rhythm reading and execution
- a cappella blend and intonation without instrumental support
- dynamic control and quick tempo changes
- text expression and emotional communication in spiritual style