Red Light, Green Light: SSA Choral Octavo

Nunez writes from the ground up for student voices, never talking down to them. The title itself invites energy and play into the rehearsal space, and the SSA voicing keeps the focus on clean blend and clear part writing without the density of SATB.

The piece captures the playful tension of the playground game itself, with musical ideas that start, stop, and shift direction. There's lightness here, but also the kind of focused energy that keeps an audience leaning forward.

This works for middle school through high school SSA choirs looking for secular concert repertoire with personality. It suits groups that want something contemporary and engaging without excessive technical demands.

• Establish the rhythmic vitality early in rehearsals. This piece thrives on precision and forward motion, so lock the tempo and subdivision before worrying about fine details.
• Balance the three parts so each line can be heard independently, especially during moments when parts move in different rhythmic patterns.
• Shape phrase endings deliberately rather than letting them drop off. Even lighter moments need clear articulation to land the musical idea.

Pair this with other Nunez works or contemporary pieces for a concert built around modern choral voices. It's strong as a mid-concert piece that resets the energy, or as part of a thematic program exploring movement, games, or childhood.

• Clear articulation and precise rhythmic entrances
• Part independence in three-part writing
• Dynamic control and shape within shorter phrases
• Text clarity and expressive diction in contemporary idiom