On the Pulse of Morning Cover Image

On the Pulse of Morning: SSAA Choral Octavo

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On the Pulse of Morning Cover Image
On the Pulse of Morning: SSAA Choral Octavo

On the Pulse of Morning: SSAA Choral Octavo

From Like Dust I Rise (A Choral Song Cycle)

Text by Maya Angelou, music by Mark Hayes

Item: 00-46412
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Description
In 1993, Maya Angelou recited this poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and the first female poet to deliver an inaugural recitation. Subsequently, Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award® for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. This is the opening movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

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Sample Pages

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081527918
SKU: 00-46412

More about this title

About the Composer: Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes

Mark Hayes holds a summa cum laude degree in Piano Performance from Baylor University and has established himself as one of the most prolific composers of our time, with over 1,750 published works across sacred and secular genres. His career spans concert performance, orchestration, conducting, and record production, with regular engagements at Lincoln Center, the National Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall. In 2010, Baylor University recognized his contributions to Christian music with the Award for Exemplary Leadership.

Beyond choral music, Hayes is deeply committed to piano composition, having published more than 100 piano works ranging from gospel and jazz to classical and Broadway styles. His theatrical work includes the musical score for Civil War Voices, which earned 6 awards at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, and orchestrations for musicals including Madame Buttermilk. He conducted the world premiere of his Requiem at Lincoln Center in 2013 and later presented it at St. Ignatius Basilica in Rome as part of the Vatican-sponsored Festival Pro Musica E Arte Sacra.

Why we love this

Hayes captures the defiant grace of Angelou's words through a compositional arc that moves from power to luminosity. The opening fanfare commands attention, then yields to rhythmic writing that propels the text forward with genuine musical momentum rather than retreating into accompaniment. Programming this as an opener or centerpiece signals to your audience that you're choosing literature and music with intention.

What to expect

The piece opens with confident, almost defiant energy before settling into a propulsive groove that carries hope without sentimentality. Hayes's use of rhythmic vitality gives Angelou's words momentum; the music doesn't merely accompany the text but propels it forward with conviction.

Who it's for

SSAA choirs seeking repertoire that honors literary significance while delivering genuine musical reward. This works equally well in concert settings, peace and justice-focused programming, or ceremonies where spoken word meets song. Directors working with advanced middle school through college treble choirs will find the writing accessible but musically substantive.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the 'See Me Rise' fanfare section so it lands as a statement without drowning out the poetic text that follows. The contrast matters.
  • Attend to the rhythmic precision throughout; Hayes's exuberance depends on clean ensemble execution, particularly in syncopated passages.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the harmonic foundation, allowing singers to focus energy on diction and emotional delivery of Angelou's language.

How to use it

This octavo serves beautifully as a concert opener where you want to establish an immediate emotional and intellectual presence, or as the centerpiece of a program exploring themes of resilience and renewal. Its twelve pages and moderate length allow flexible programming alongside longer works or as part of a thematic suite. The literary weight pairs naturally with other contemporary choral works addressing social themes.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
  • Clear diction with sustained poetic text
  • Blended harmony in fanfare sections requiring dynamic control
  • Interpretation of contemporary choral idiom with clear textural contrasts

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