Rise: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while keeping the vocal writing accessible for high school and community choirs. The contrast between intimate verses and the soaring, layered chorus (complete with descant) gives singers real musical drama to sink their teeth into without overwhelming them.

The piece opens with a vulnerable, stripped-down quality that immediately draws listeners in. Then it builds into an uplifting, infectious celebration of strength and resilience, with multiple vocal layers creating richness and movement that feels both modern and genuinely moving.

High school and community choirs looking for contemporary pop repertoire with genuine mass appeal and solid musical substance. Directors seeking a piece that energizes singers and audiences alike will find an accessible, expertly arranged setting of a globally recognized song.

• Balance the descant carefully in the chorus so it floats above the main vocal line rather than competing with it; this requires disciplined dynamic control from your soprano section.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the groove and feel of the original recording, then gradually remove it to develop the ensemble's confidence and rhythmic independence.
• Shape the opening verses with restraint and intimacy to maximize the impact of the explosive chorus entrance; treat it as a dynamic arc across the whole piece.
• Emphasize the text of empowerment throughout, particularly in the chorus; let the singers feel the emotional lift that inspired the song in the first place.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to anchor a spring or end-of-year concert that showcases current music. Its Olympic pedigree and inspirational message make it particularly effective as a program closer that leaves audiences energized and satisfied.

• Singing layered pop harmonies and descant lines
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in contemporary grooves
• Balancing multiple vocal lines at different dynamic levels
• Interpretation of contemporary pop text and emotional arc