Greg Gilpin holds an ASCAP award and stands among America's most performed choral composers and arrangers. His conducting career has taken him to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and international stages such as Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall in London, and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, he shapes the landscape of accessible, meaningful choral music for students and ensembles.
Beyond the concert hall, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach into film scoring (earning Best Score for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" in 2021) and professional organizing through his company Maestro Organizing. He has appeared on network television programs including NBC and Fox affiliates, and collaborated with celebrated opera singer Angela Brown on a world premiere arrangement that debuted with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. A Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and active member of ACDA and NAfME, Gilpin continues to teach, compose, and conduct as the music world thrives again.
Why we love this
Gilpin writes with the graduation ceremony and assembly hall in mind. His text choices land with genuine emotional weight without veering into sentimentality, and the two-part writing sits comfortably for mixed ability choirs while offering enough musical substance to keep strong singers engaged. The inspirational message paired with multicultural sensibility makes this feel current and inclusive, not recycled.
What to expect
Uplifting without false brightness. The piece carries genuine conviction about overcoming obstacles and moving forward, grounded in music that feels earned rather than imposed. There's warmth in the harmonies and resilience in the shape of the melodies.
Who it's for
Choirs preparing for graduation, spring concerts, or assembly programs will find this accessible and moving. The two-part voicing works for middle school through early high school choirs, as well as community and adult ensembles seeking repertoire with substance and purpose.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the harmonic movement by bringing out inner parts in measures where they carry the melodic intent; don't let the top line monopolize the texture.
Shape phrases by thinking horizontally rather than vertically. Each voice should have a sense of line and direction, even in supporting material.
Let the text breathe. Resist the urge to rush through emotional peaks. Gravity and space serve the message better than momentum.
How to use it
Pair this with other pieces that celebrate resilience and growth, or let it stand alone as a centerpiece for a graduation or awards assembly. Its length and difficulty level make it ideal as a finale that leaves the audience with something substantive to take away.
Skills your students will build
Two-part harmonic independence and blend
Textual expression and phrase shaping in inspirational repertoire
Reading and performing accessible contemporary choral writing
Ensemble balance with mixed vocal ranges
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