Rhythm of the Rain: 2-Part Choral Octavo

$2.50 USD

Rhythm of the Rain: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Rhythm of the Rain: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-17730
Price: 2.50 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Jerry Estes

Item: 00-17730

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Unique 2-part choral work is accompanied by percussion and Orff-style instruments or piano. Repetitive, like falling rain, and develops with countermelodies. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Rhythm of the Rain: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

UPC: 038081157702

SKU: 00-17730

Instrumentation: Opt. Percussion

More about this title

About the Composer: Jerry Estes

Jerry Estes brings classroom experience directly into his compositions. A vocal music teacher at Wydown Middle School working with grades 6-8, he holds a B.M.E. in vocal emphasis from Southwest Baptist University and an M.M. from Southern Illinois University, grounding his work in both pedagogical practice and advanced musical training.

Active in MENC and ASCAP, Estes writes music that speaks to the real needs of middle school choirs. His understanding of young singers' capabilities and interests shapes repertoire that is both engaging and educationally sound.

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Why we love this

The rhythmic language mirrors its subject in a way that feels natural, not gimmicky. Estes builds texture through countermelody rather than stacking parts, which keeps the writing clear for developing singers while maintaining genuine harmonic interest. The optional percussion and Orff instrumentation layer richness without requiring a full instrumental ensemble.

What to expect

Hypnotic and meditative, like watching rain accumulate and shift. The piece moves through gentle waves of texture rather than dramatic changes, creating an immersive soundscape that listeners can sink into. There's comfort in the repetition paired with subtle instrumental color.

Who it's for

Middle school choirs with developing singers who benefit from clear, manageable part-writing. The 2-part texture and optional instrumental support make this accessible for less experienced ensembles while remaining engaging enough for confident groups.

How to get the most out of it

Let the percussion and Orff parts breathe as conversation partners with the voices rather than mere accompaniment; they drive the overall sound.
Establish the foundational pulse clearly before the melodic lines enter; the repetition is hypnotic only if the rhythm feels secure.
Shape phrases through the countermelody's entrance and development; this prevents the piece from feeling static despite its cyclical structure.
Work the two vocal parts independently before combining them, so singers understand their individual contours and gain confidence in the texture.

How to use it

Position this in a concert where you want to shift the energy downward and create a reflective moment. It pairs well with more energetic selections and works equally in thematic programs built around nature or weather. The recorded accompaniment option makes it practical for festival or competition settings.

Skills your students will build

Sustaining steady rhythm in repetitive textures without losing engagement
Singing independent melodic lines while tracking countermelody entries
Balancing vocal tone with optional percussion and Orff instruments
Responding to textural layering and gradual development in minimalist-style writing