I'm Homeward Bound: PianoTrax Digital Audio Download

$9.99 USD

I'm Homeward Bound: PianoTrax Digital Audio Download

By Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid

Item: 00-A-00015789

$9.99

Digital Download

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

SKU: 00-A-00015789

More about this title

About the Composer: Mary Donnelly

Mary Donnelly comes from Reno, Nevada, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and French at the University of Nevada before discovering her passion for music education. After working with student choruses as an undergraduate, she returned to school to earn a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a focus on integrating arts across the curriculum. She spent three decades teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County School District, retiring as an active member of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP.

In 1985, Donnelly began collaborating with George L. O. Strid when they were asked to create a musical for Reading Week at their school. That partnership launched a prolific songwriting career spanning over two hundred compositions and twenty-five full-length musicals. Donnelly and Strid have become trusted voices in choral education, known for accessible yet engaging repertoire designed specifically for young singers.

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Why we love this

Donnelly and Strid understand what works in the choral rehearsal because they've spent decades in the classroom with student singers. This piece balances singability with musical substance, giving your choir a song that feels natural to learn while sounding confident in performance. The PianoTrax accompaniment removes the accompanist variable entirely, freeing you to focus on voice leading and interpretation without worrying about live piano coverage.

What to expect

A journey piece with emotional resonance, evoking the comfort of arrival and belonging. The writing feels intimate and grounded, connecting singers directly to the lyrical narrative without demanding technical virtuosity.

Who it's for

This works for middle school through high school choirs seeking repertoire with emotional authenticity and straightforward vocal ranges. The piece suits groups preparing for concerts, festivals, or contests where a secular, character-driven song adds warmth to the program.

How to get the most out of it

Build the vocal line with legit phrasing that mirrors speech patterns. Donnelly and Strid write in conversational style, so resist over-dramatizing and let the text drive the musical shape.
Use the PianoTrax accompaniment in rehearsal to establish the harmonic framework quickly, then spend rehearsal time refining blend and balance across voice parts.
Layer the piece gradually during early rehearsals. Start with the melody line across all singers to hear the contour clearly, then add parts systematically as comfort grows.
Adjust the tempo during warm-up runs to match your choir's comfort level before performance. The accompaniment file allows you to work at realistic speeds without waiting for an accompanist.

How to use it

Slot this piece into the middle section of a concert where it can provide emotional contrast to more complex or energetic selections. Its thematic content makes it fitting for homecoming events, family celebrations, or spring concerts where the message of connection matters.