I Am Song: SATB Choral Octavo

The lyrics transform an abstract subject (song itself) into something tangible and moving. Burrows's use of 6/8 meter paired with sweeping melodic lines creates genuine lift without relying on bombast, making this an unusually thoughtful choice for openers and closers that actually say something.

Opening in 6/8 meter feels immediate and propulsive without strain. The piece carries a luminous quality, as if the music itself is the spark the lyrics describe, with lines that arc and resolve in ways that feel both inevitable and surprising.

This octavo suits choirs looking for concert repertoire with substance beyond entertainment. The Celtic-inspired sound and uplifting text appeal to mixed ensembles at the high school and adult levels.

• Let the lilt of 6/8 breathe naturally; avoid rushing the meter or flattening its characteristic bounce, especially in the opening phrase.
• Shape each metaphorical statement ("spark," "voice," "hope," "truth") as its own arc rather than treating the lyrical sequence as a single climax.
• Balance the sweeping choral lines so each voice part carries equal weight; the epic effect comes from transparency, not volume.

Position this as a powerful concert opener that sets a reflective, ambitious tone, or use it as a closer that sends audiences out with an affirming message. Its recorded accompaniment option makes it accessible for choirs without full accompaniment rehearsal time.

• Singing in 6/8 meter with natural rhythmic flow
• Balancing four distinct voice parts in sustained harmonic textures
• Interpreting lyrical meaning through phrasing and dynamic shaping
• Sustaining legit vocal technique over sweeping melodic lines