Rise Up!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Donnelly and Strid understand what makes singers eager to rehearse. This piece pairs an infectious folk-style melody with hand-clapping participation, eliminating the barrier between performers and audience. The driving rhythm and straightforward message create genuine energy without requiring advanced vocal technique, making it an instant morale booster for any ensemble.

The piece captures the spirit of folk revival with a contemporary freshness. Steady, propulsive energy carries the message of empowerment and togetherness, while the hand-clapping invitation pulls listeners into the singers' joy rather than asking them to observe from a distance.

This octavo works for any choir looking to program a morale-building selection that doesn't demand extensive rehearsal time. It suits elementary through high school ensembles and fits equally well in concert settings or community performances where audience participation amplifies the impact.

• Lock the hand-clapping pattern across all sections during early rehearsals; precision here drives the groove more than perfect intonation alone.
• Let the recorded accompaniment establish the tempo and groove before attempting a cappella sections, if any exist in your arrangement.
• Encourage confident, supported singing from all voice parts; the folk idiom rewards clarity and commitment over refinement.

Program this as a finale to a formal concert when you want the audience leaving with energy and optimism. It also works beautifully in lighter contexts like holiday shows, spring assemblies, or community celebrations where accessibility and inclusivity matter as much as musicality.

• Rhythmic precision in ensemble contexts, especially managing hand-clapping against singing lines
• Folk music interpretation and phrasing
• Confident, full-voice singing in accessible ranges
• Engaging an audience through participatory performance techniques