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

Waggoner writes for 2-part voices with genuine lyricism and imaginative imagery. The combination of his dreamy melody with lyrics that encourage singers to visualize freedom and movement makes this piece as engaging to perform as it is to hear. Directors will appreciate how accessible the writing remains while still offering genuine musical substance.

The music unfolds like a daydream set to sound. Waggoner's melody floats above simple harmonies, creating space for singers to inhabit the text's imagery of weightlessness and boundless possibility. The piece feels light without being trivial, inviting without being condescending.

This piece works beautifully for 2-part choirs of mixed ages and experience levels. Young singers preparing for their first concert will find the range and tessitura supportive, while the melodic sophistication appeals to singers ready to develop their musicality.

• Balance the melodic line between parts so the lyrical quality emerges naturally without forcing one voice over the other.
• Explore the emotional arc suggested by the lyrics; let the singers understand the imagery of touching heavens and roaming mountains before rehearsal begins in earnest.
• Shape phrases around the natural contours of the text rather than measure lines, allowing the dreamy character to breathe.

Open a spring or end-of-year concert with this uplifting selection, or pair it with other nature-inspired repertoire for a themed program. The accessible difficulty and concert finish make it equally suitable for festival competitions or special school events.

• Sustaining legato lines across phrase boundaries
• Two-part voice independence and blend
• Interpreting text through musical expression and phrasing
• Reading and performing in treble register with confidence