I'm Goin' to Sing Cover Image

I'm Goin' to Sing: SATB Choral Octavo

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I'm Goin' to Sing Cover Image

I'm Goin' to Sing: SATB Choral Octavo

Arr. Robert Shaw and Alice Parker

Item: 00-LG51101

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Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, I'm Goin' to Sing: SATB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Lawson-Gould Music Publishers
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 783556003311
SKU: 00-LG51101

More about this title

About the Arranger: Robert Shaw

Robert Shaw was one of the most influential choral conductors and educators of the twentieth century, known for his meticulous approach to blend, intonation, and interpretive depth. His arrangements, particularly of spirituals and folk materials, combine scholarly respect for source material with practical vocal writing that serves both professional and educational ensembles. Shaw's legacy rests not only on his own performances and recordings but on the choral techniques and aesthetic standards he embedded in every score he touched.

As both arranger and conductor, Shaw believed that choral singing could reach the highest artistic standards while remaining accessible to singers at various levels of experience. His work with spirituals reflects this philosophy: he honored the spiritual and cultural significance of the music while crafting parts that allow singers to engage with genuine artistry rather than mere technical display.

Why we love this

This arrangement brings the spiritual's inherent power directly into focus without instrumental crutches. The a cappella setting forces real ensemble listening and intonation work, which means your singers leave the rehearsal with stronger ears and tighter musical awareness than they arrived with.

What to expect

The piece unfolds with quiet conviction, its harmonies grounded and luminous at once. There is dignity in every measure and a profound sense of spiritual authenticity that comes from Shaw's careful arrangement of a tradition-rooted text.

Who it's for

This octavo works well for intermediate to advanced SATB choirs looking to deepen their engagement with American spiritual traditions. It suits both community choruses and school ensembles with enough vocal maturity to handle the harmonic language and the interpretive demands of singing without accompaniment.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the harmonic movement by thinking through the underlying voice leading in each phrase; Shaw's voicing rewards conductors who attend to the internal counterpoint, not just the soprano melody.
  • Balance the parts so that inner voices can be heard clearly without sacrificing the natural prominence of the text-bearing line.
  • Allow space and silence between phrases; the strength of this piece lies partly in its restraint, and rushing through transitions diminishes the spiritual weight.
  • Develop a unified vowel sound across the choir, especially on sustained notes, since there is no instrumental blend to hide behind.

How to use it

Program this as part of a concert devoted to American choral literature or as a meaningful centerpiece in a program exploring spirituals and folk traditions. The a cappella format also makes it a strong choice for festivals and competitions where it can stand on its own artistic merit.

Skills your students will build

  • A cappella ensemble singing and collective intonation control
  • Listening to inner voice lines and harmonic movement
  • Interpretation of sacred and spiritual music with cultural sensitivity
  • Sustained vocal tone and phrase shaping without instrumental support

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