I Wish I Were a Cloud: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Waggoner's gift for melody shines here. The piece captures something genuinely imaginative in its text while remaining technically accessible for developing singers, which means your choir stays engaged with the music rather than struggling through it. The imagery invites real emotional connection, transforming what could be a simple warm-up piece into something your singers will actually want to sing.

Dreamy and open-hearted, with moments of wonder that invite singers into imaginative spaces. The piece has a lyrical ease to it, letting voices soar with the literal and metaphorical journey while maintaining an intimate, approachable quality throughout.

Young singers with basic to intermediate reading skills who are ready for part-singing without overwhelming complexity. This octavo suits developing treble choirs preparing for contests, festivals, or concert performances where you need material that sounds mature but doesn't demand advanced vocal technique.

• Shape the legato phrases to mirror the floating quality of clouds; encourage singers to sustain vowels fully and minimize consonant attacks at phrase beginnings.
• Highlight the contrast between the dreamy opening sections and the more energetic 'roar like thunder' moment by adjusting dynamic control and articulation.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish harmonic clarity while you focus rehearsal time on blend and intonation in the 2-part writing.

Program this in a spring concert featuring lighter seasonal repertoire, or use it as a festival selection where its accessible beauty and imaginative text earn strong adjudications. The piece also works well as a morale builder mid-rehearsal season when singers need something encouraging and freshly engaging.

• Legit phrasing and sustained vowel tone in 2-part writing
• Dynamic contrast and expressive interpretation
• Part independence and harmonic listening
• Imaginative text interpretation and emotional storytelling through song