Proud (arr. Greg Gilpin): SSAB Choral Octavo

Greg Gilpin's arrangement captures the soaring optimism of the original while making it genuinely accessible for mixed choirs. The straightforward voicing doesn't sacrifice the emotional lift that makes this song memorable, and the text carries real weight without requiring extended rehearsal time to land effectively.

The piece carries an uplifting, affirmative quality that builds naturally through its phrases. There's accessibility here, but not emptiness; the harmony supports the melody in ways that feel both modern and rooted in solid choral writing.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that works for mixed ensembles without requiring extensive vocal sophistication. This arrangement suits both school and community choirs looking to program something current and emotionally genuine.

• Balance the SSA texture so the melody lines remain clear; this arrangement rewards crisp attacks and clean releases across all three parts
• Let the lyrics drive your interpretation rather than pushing for a manufactured contemporary feel. The emotional core is direct and honest
• Shape phrases through dynamic contour rather than relying on added syllables or jazz inflections that aren't notated

Pair this with other contemporary choral works to create a modern-voices set, or position it as a closing number on a festival program where its optimistic message can leave audiences energized. It also works well in concerts built around themes of resilience or social awareness.

• Singing contemporary melodic material with clear enunciation and conviction
• Maintaining independent lines in three-part SSA writing
• Connecting lyrical content to musical expression without oversinging
• Blending across changing harmonic progressions in a modern idiom