Look Up, Way Down: SATB Choral Octavo
Words by Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Pepper Choplin, music by Pepper Choplin
Item: 00-PO-0000810
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The uplifting words of child poet Mattie J. T. Stepanek live on. "Peace is the goal, walkin' down the road . . . it begins when we take just one small step." A joyful, rhythmic, and inspiring setting, with gospel music flair. Accompaniment included on PianoTrax 1 CD (00-31028).
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000810
More about this title
About the Creator: Mattie J. T. Stepanek
Mattie J. T. Stepanek became a voice for peace and hope despite living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. His poetry, written from childhood into his teenage years, reached millions through published collections and appearances on major media platforms. Though his life was brief, his words continue to inspire educators and young people to think about kindness, resilience, and their role in building a better world.
For music educators, Stepanek's work offers something rare: accessible, meaningful lyrics that students genuinely connect with. His messages about taking small steps toward peace resonate across age groups and don't require explanation to land emotionally.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures something rare: genuine inspiration without sentimentality. The gospel-influenced rhythmic energy keeps the piece moving forward, while Mattie J. T. Stepanek's words about taking small steps toward peace land with quiet power in young voices. Directors need repertoire that means something, and this one does.
What to expect
Warmth and forward motion mixed together. The rhythmic swing and gospel influences create an energetic foundation, but the lyrical content gives the piece real weight, creating something that feels both celebratory and sincere. You'll hear determination underneath the joy.
Who it's for
SATB choirs at the secondary and adult levels who want inspiring repertoire with substance. This works especially well for groups seeking contemporary secular material that resonates with young singers without talking down to them.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the rhythmic precision in the syncopated passages to maintain the gospel feel; this clarity actually helps the message land more effectively than a loose approach.
- Let the accompaniment drive the tempo; the PianoTrax recording provides strong rhythmic grounding, so singers should lock into that pulse rather than fighting it.
- Balance the homophonic sections with the staggered entrances in the text painting; this contrast makes the poetry feel conversational rather than preachy.
- Bring out the dynamic shape within phrases so the piece builds momentum toward 'peace is the goal' moments without losing intimacy.
How to use it
Consider pairing this with other contemporary secular works for a concert focused on themes of social awareness and hope, or feature it as a standout moment in a mixed program where you want to shift the emotional temperature. Its accessibility and uplifting message also make it a strong closer for school assemblies or community performances.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythmic patterns in a gospel idiom
- Balancing homophonic texture with staggered text entrances
- Maintaining harmonic precision through jazz-influenced chord changes
- Expressive phrasing of contemporary text with poetic weight
- Ensemble blend when navigating rhythmic counterpoint across voice parts