Rise Up and Follow That Star: SATB Choral Octavo
Traditional Spiritual / arr. Ruth Morris Gray
Item: 00-PO-0001214
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Description
A quote from the traditional carol anchors this Christmas spiritual. Singers will love the gospel-style chords and occasional blue notes. An exciting seasonal standout!
A NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER
In December 2011, I directed my intermediate-level mixed choir in a performance of two of my new Alfred publications. We opened with the traditional "Carol of the Bells," then performed "Winter Has Come" and "Rise Up and Follow that Star." The set worked really well. "Winter Has Come" was a lovely lyrical contrast to the quick opening piece, and allowed me to feature an outstanding student flutist. "Rise Up and Follow that Star" made a terrific closer! I had the choir open singing forte (instead of mezzo-forte as marked) and all 60 singers lifted up their hands on each "rise up!" We grabbed the audience's attention with the first line--I saw several people almost jump out of their seats. They loved it!
A NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER
In December 2011, I directed my intermediate-level mixed choir in a performance of two of my new Alfred publications. We opened with the traditional "Carol of the Bells," then performed "Winter Has Come" and "Rise Up and Follow that Star." The set worked really well. "Winter Has Come" was a lovely lyrical contrast to the quick opening piece, and allowed me to feature an outstanding student flutist. "Rise Up and Follow that Star" made a terrific closer! I had the choir open singing forte (instead of mezzo-forte as marked) and all 60 singers lifted up their hands on each "rise up!" We grabbed the audience's attention with the first line--I saw several people almost jump out of their seats. They loved it!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001214
More about this title
About the Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray
Ruth Morris Gray serves as Director of Choirs at Rosemead High School in California, where she has taught piano and choir since 2004. She holds degrees in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University and a Master of Arts in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara, along with a California Single Subject Music Credential from Cal State Northridge. With over 100 published choral compositions to her name, Gray brings both classroom experience and compositional depth to her work.
Beyond the rehearsal room, Gray is an active performer and composer who balances her musical life with travel, swimming, reading, and cycling with her husband, Douglas.
Why we love this
Gray's arrangement harnesses the energy of gospel harmony and blue notes to create a piece that genuinely excites singers and audiences alike. The composer's own account of her choir's hands-up response on each "rise up!" demonstrates how effectively this arrangement commands attention and engagement from the first moment. It's the kind of seasonal closer that leaves audiences wanting more.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and spiritual conviction through its grounding in the traditional carol text and Gospel sensibility. Blue notes and syncopated harmony create a contemporary feel that contrasts with typical Christmas fare, giving singers permission to inhabit a style that's soulful, rhythmically alive, and joyful rather than reverent or formal.
Who it's for
This octavo works best for intermediate mixed choirs with some experience navigating gospel idioms and contemporary harmony. Directors programming holiday concerts will find it a strong closer that energizes both singers and listeners. It suits ensembles between 30 and 60 voices and doesn't require soloists or specialized instrumentation.
How to get the most out of it
- Encourage singers to commit fully to the forte opening rather than the marked mezzo-forte; the dramatic gesture sets the tone for the entire piece and captures immediate attention.
- Shape the gospel-style chords with slight rubato and attention to color, letting the blue notes breathe naturally rather than forcing them into a strict tempo.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in harmonic precision, especially where chordal movement shifts quickly.
- Coordinate the ensemble on physical gestures (such as lifting hands on "rise up") during rehearsal so the moment feels unified and intentional, not forced.
How to use it
Program this as a holiday concert finale, ideally after a contrasting lyrical piece; Gray's own notes suggest pairing it with something quiet to maximize its impact. It also serves well in a set of spirituals or sacred music showcasing diverse traditions and contemporary arrangements.
Skills your students will build
- Gospel harmony and blue note intonation
- Rhythmic precision within syncopated contexts
- Dynamic control and ensemble balance across four parts
- Stylistic authenticity in spiritual and gospel idioms
- Physical coordination with musical gesture