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This heartfelt piece has touched thousands of musicians and their audiences with its warmth and sincerity. Additionally, it has become the anthem for many soldiers returning home. Our stunning new arrangement, as written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, offers a four-hand piano reduction of Dr. Wilberg's magnificent orchestration (orchestration available for rent. Go to presser.com/request-rental. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud .
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Marta Keen composed "Homeward Bound," a piece that has resonated deeply with musicians across generations and become particularly meaningful to military communities. Her gift for writing accessible yet emotionally compelling choral music has made her work a staple in concert programs and festivals.
Why we love this
Mack Wilberg's arrangement captures the emotional architecture of this beloved piece while remaining singable for community and school choirs. The four-hand piano reduction gives you flexibility in rehearsal and performance while honoring the orchestral richness that makes this work so moving.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with sincerity and warmth, never manipulative, rooted in a melody that feels both familiar and freshly arranged. Wilberg's orchestration (reflected in the piano score) expands the harmonic landscape without overwhelming the singers, creating space for the text to land.
Who it's for
This octavo suits choirs at the intermediate level and above who want to program a work with genuine emotional depth and cultural resonance. It works equally well in high school and community settings where the subject matter connects to singers' lived experience or values.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the divisi sections carefully in rehearsal; mark who sings which part during warm-ups so singers hear their specific line before ensemble singing begins.
The recorded accompaniment (when used) sets a reflective tempo; work toward independence from it so your choir owns the phrasing and breathing.
With four-hand piano, assign both parts to confident readers in advance and schedule separate rehearsals if possible so they lock the coordination before full ensemble rehearsals.
Pay attention to the text underlay in divisi passages; singers often rush or clip phrases when splitting into multiple parts, so isolate these sections for clarity.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece on a concert that explores themes of journey, belonging, or service. It also works as a standalone feature in a patriotic or seasonal concert, where its universal message about returning home transcends any single occasion. The piece carries enough musical substance to anchor a shorter program on its own.
Skills your students will build
Singing independent lines in divisi SATB passages
Sustaining ensemble blend across divisi sections
Interpreting text with emotional authenticity
Following a four-hand piano accompaniment and responding to its nuance
Building stamina for a longer choral work (20 pages)
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