Homeward Bound: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Homeward Bound: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Homeward Bound Sheet Music Preview

Homeward Bound: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Words and music by Marta Keen / arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-PO-0000934
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Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

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Description
One of the most popular and widely performed choral selections of our time. This heartfelt piece is elegant in its simplicity and has become the anthem for many soldiers returning home. May optionally be performed with the new concert band scoring by Brant Karrick.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
SKU: 00-PO-0000934

More about this title

About the Composer: Marta Keen

Marta Keen is a composer whose work has earned recognition for its emotional depth and accessibility across diverse choral settings. Her compositions have become staples in festival and concert programs, known for their ability to connect singers and audiences through straightforward melodic writing and meaningful harmonic content.

Why we love this

Keen's gift for writing a melody that feels both contemporary and timeless gives this piece staying power in your festival rotations and concert seasons. The 2-part voicing doesn't compromise the emotional impact; instead, it focuses the emotional weight entirely on the lyrical line and text, making it accessible for middle school through adult ensembles without sacrificing sophistication.

What to expect

The piece carries a quiet dignity and warmth, moving with the ease of a folk melody yet shaped by modern harmonic sensibility. There's an underlying current of longing and comfort woven together, creating a soundworld that feels both intimate and universal.

Who it's for

This works beautifully for middle school, high school, and community choirs seeking repertoire with genuine emotional resonance and straightforward technical demands. The 2-part voicing makes it ideal for developing singers who benefit from clearer harmonic foundation while still engaging more experienced ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melody through dynamic contrast rather than tempo shifts; let the text guide your phrase arcs so the emotional arc feels organic rather than imposed.
  • Balance the two parts so neither drowns the other, especially in moments where the harmony thickens. Independent part singing here strengthens blend.
  • Consider the optional concert band accompaniment by Brant Karrick if your program includes a band; the instrumentation can add ceremonial weight without overwhelming the choral voices.

How to use it

Program this as a closing number for a concert centered on themes of home, journey, or reflection; its emotional arc and accessibility make it an excellent anchor piece that leaves audiences moved. It also serves well in festivals and competitions where the combination of musical substance and approachable voicing appeals to adjudicators across different educational levels.

Skills your students will build

  • Legato singing and phrase shaping in 2-part texture
  • Maintaining independent vocal lines while blending harmonically
  • Text expression and emotional communication through song
  • Reading and performing in straightforward harmonic progressions

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