Ride Like The Wind: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Christopher Cross / Arranged by Mark Brymer
Item: 35-PK00130994
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Description
From his Grammy(R) Award winning debut album, this 1980 pop hit by Christopher Cross established him as an artist of impeccable sensitivity and redefined the singer/songwriter genre for the decade. Choirs of all ages will shine with the smooth vocal melodies! Duration: ca. 2:45.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00130994
More about this title
About the Composer: Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross broke through in 1979 with his self-titled debut album, an unusual achievement for a singer-songwriter in the arena rock era. His meticulous production sensibility and gift for crafting emotionally direct melodies earned him four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Cross's influence on 1980s pop lay in his refusal to choose between sophistication and accessibility; his arrangements were intricate yet his songs remained immediate and singable.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures what made the original so enduring: a melody that feels both intimate and anthemic, paired with lyrics about determination that resonate across age groups. Mark Brymer's setting strips away none of the song's emotional core while making it genuinely fun for choirs to perform. Audiences recognize it instantly, which means your singers get the satisfaction of delivering a song people actually care about hearing.
What to expect
Determined but never strained, energetic but controlled. The song moves with purposefulness, propelled by rhythm as much as melody. There's an underlying warmth in the harmonic language that gives the piece its distinctive, sophisticated pop quality.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for a pop standard that doesn't talk down to performers or audiences. This works for middle and high school groups, community choirs, and college ensembles seeking contemporary repertoire with real substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Pay attention to the rhythmic precision in the accompaniment; this song's propulsive feel depends on locked, consistent grooves rather than rubato or interpretive flexibility.
- The smooth vocal writing should never become slack. Maintain shape and intention in every phrase, especially the longer sustained sections where it's easy for tone to spread.
- Blend the recorded track level so it sits behind the voices without overwhelming them. The original production is dense; your choir needs to be the focal point.
How to use it
Pair it with other 1980s singer-songwriter material for a thematic concert exploring that era's influence on contemporary pop. It also stands effectively as a single showcase piece on a mixed program, offering a stylistic counterpoint to classical or theater work. The roughly 2:45 duration makes it a strong closer or pre-intermission selection.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained melodic lines with consistent tone over rhythmic accompaniment
- Responding to pop and rock production conventions in a choral setting
- Balancing blend when accompanied by a dense recorded track
- Maintaining rhythmic clarity within a driving, contemporary groove