I'm Gonna Ride That Train: Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00175697
$40.00
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Description
This gospel-rock original by Kirby kicks from start to finish. With familiar spiritual-like phrases sprinkled throughout, and an exciting track full of rhythm and horns, your young singers will sound like a million bucks and have a blast learning and performing! Duration: ca. 2:46.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00175697
More about this title
About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw's influence spans continents. His work in vocal jazz and choral composition has taken him to 45 states plus Canada, Australia, the Bahamas, Sweden, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Germany. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching combines rigorous musicianship with infectious humor and a gift for making complex ideas clear and fun.
Shaw's creative output is staggering: over 2500 published choral arrangements and compositions that have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. He founded and directed groundbreaking vocal jazz ensembles at the College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His collaborators have included Bobby McFerrin, Mark Murphy, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks, who praised his musicianship directly. Beyond writing for choirs, Shaw is a member of Just 4 Kicks, a four-man a cappella jazz group, and recently completed a musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol with his wife, Markita. His prolific career has earned him multiple ASCAP awards and a commission from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Why we love this
Shaw knows exactly how to write for young singers: the melody sits beautifully in the voice, the rhythm section locks into a groove that actually feels good to perform, and the whole arrangement radiates joy without ever feeling condescending. The gospel-rock energy keeps students engaged through rehearsals, and the spiritual inflections give the piece substance alongside its infectious swagger.
What to expect
Gospel energy meets rock groove. Horns punch through the texture, familiar spiritual melodies weave in and out, and the whole thing has a kinetic drive that makes you want to move. Your singers will feel like working musicians the moment this piece clicks.
Who it's for
Young singers who need confidence and joy, and directors programming concerts that balance serious repertoire with genuine entertainment value. This combo voicing keeps ensembles flexible while the rock-solid arrangement ensures clean execution without excessive rehearsal load.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the rhythm section establish the pocket first in sectionals. Once the pulse is solid and the horns are locked in, the singers will naturally find their place in the arrangement.
- Mark the spiritual-influenced phrases separately during early rehearsals. Point out where they connect to the gospel tradition so singers understand the cultural context and can deliver those moments with authenticity.
- Keep the tempo moving. At 2:46, this arrangement thrives on forward momentum; a sluggish tempo flattens the energy that makes the piece work.
How to use it
Perfect as a concert closer or as a bridge piece between a classical set and something more contemporary. The accessibility and spirit make it ideal for festival programming, community concerts, or any performance where you want the audience leaving energized and engaged.
Skills your students will build
- Singing over syncopated rhythm section patterns
- Recognizing and interpreting gospel-spiritual stylistic markers
- Balancing blend and intonation in a rhythmically driven context
- Responding dynamically to horn and accompaniment cues
- Building ensemble confidence through high-energy material