If I Have My Ticket: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Moore captures the infectious energy of this American spiritual without overselling it. The 2-part writing sits perfectly in young male voices, and the rhythmic momentum he establishes keeps singers engaged from start to finish. The dynamic range gives your ensemble real interpretive choices and a sense of building excitement.

Propulsive and joyful, with a swagger that comes from Moore's lean orchestration and snappy rhythmic figures. The piece crackles with tension and release, building confidence in singers while maintaining the dignity of the spiritual tradition it draws from.

Young men's choirs and TTB ensembles looking for repertoire with genuine rhythmic swagger and spiritual authenticity. Directors seeking sacred music that energizes rather than dampens a program, and singers who respond to material with clear harmonic momentum and accessible ranges.

• Keep the rhythmic drive consistent throughout; this arrangement thrives on forward motion rather than draggy phrasing.
• Shape the dynamic contrasts deliberately so the quiet moments feel intentional rather than tentative.
• Lean into the syncopation in the accompaniment to help singers lock into the groove without overthinking it.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to establish the style and tempo before securing the parts vocally.

This works beautifully as a contrast piece in a sacred concert, especially when paired with more introspective spiritual arrangements. Its upbeat character makes it an effective closer or a high-energy moment in the middle of a program. Consider it for festivals or competitions where you want to showcase both technical polish and stylistic conviction.

• Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
• Dynamic contrast and shaping in two-part voicing
• Listening to recorded accompaniments and matching style and tempo
• Balancing harmonic blend while projecting rhythmic character
• Interpreting spiritual traditions with authenticity and energy