Psallite Hodie: SSA Choral Octavo
Music and additional words by David Waggoner
Item: 00-PO-0005724
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Upper voices introduce a jubilant refrain, then the entire choir sings it in harmony. A contrasting section offers a gorgeous new motive, followed by a rich harmonization of the new material. The return to the original chorus is heightened by a soaring descant, which builds momentum into an exciting finish.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0005724
More about this title
About the Composer: David Waggoner
David Waggoner brings classroom experience and liturgical sensibility to his choral compositions. A University of Michigan School of Music graduate with a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University, he has spent his career writing accessible yet musically substantial works for choirs, handbells, and various instruments.
Waggoner serves as Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church in Wyandotte, Michigan, where he leads the music program alongside his position as an elementary music teacher in Woodhaven. He lives in the Detroit area with his wife Heidi and their three children.
Why we love this
The structure of this piece unfolds with intelligent pacing: upper voices establish the jubilant refrain, full choir enters to expand it harmonically, and a contrasting motive provides genuine relief before the descant-enhanced return builds genuine excitement. Waggoner understands what makes SSA choirs sound their best, and he writes with clarity that lets young singers feel successful while maintaining musical sophistication.
What to expect
Psallite Hodie radiates warmth and celebration. The jubilant opening refrain feels immediate and inviting, while the contrasting section deepens the emotional palette with a gorgeous new melody before the soaring descant brings everything into sharp, bright focus for the climactic finish.
Who it's for
SSA and SSAA choirs at the high school, college, and adult levels seeking a piece that works equally well for concert and festival programming. The piece suits choirs comfortable with straightforward harmonic language and looking for a selection that builds audience energy without requiring virtuosic vocal technique.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the contrast between the jubilant refrain and the new motive section by adjusting the tempo slightly or allowing the second section more lyrical space; this will make the return to the original material feel like a true reprise.
- Lock the descant with the soprano section in rehearsal early, as it needs to soar independently without pulling focus from the harmonic foundation below.
- Shape the final section with gradual dynamic growth through the descant entrance and into the exciting finish; avoid jumping to full volume all at once.
How to use it
Program this as a concert closer or festival finale where its building energy and exciting finish will leave a strong last impression. It also pairs well with more introspective sacred works earlier in the program, providing a contrasting emotional journey across the set.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in thirds and fuller harmonic voicings within each voice part
- Tracking independent melodic material (descant) while maintaining harmonic awareness
- Shaping contrasting musical sections and recognizing form (statement, contrast, return with variation)
- Building dynamic intensity and momentum through the final section