Rise Up (arr. Audrey Snyder): SSA Choral Octavo

Audrey Snyder's arrangement captures the anthem quality that makes this song so compelling while crafting it specifically for SSA voices. The arrangement maintains the emotional core of the original without sacrificing accessibility, making it ideal for groups seeking contemporary repertoire with genuine substance.

Warm and affirming, with an undercurrent of quiet determination that builds throughout. The piece balances hopeful optimism with honest emotion, creating moments of both intimacy and collective strength.

This arrangement works for intermediate to advanced SSA choirs seeking contemporary inspirational music that resonates with students and audiences alike. It suits groups performing in concert settings, festivals, and community events where uplifting, accessible repertoire lands with impact.

• Balance the harmonic layers carefully in the choir sections; the arrangement builds power through layered voices, so each part needs clarity rather than volume.
• Approach the lyrical passages with conversational phrasing instead of overly formal diction; the song's strength lies in its directness and sincerity.
• Use dynamics to shape the arc across the piece rather than holding at one energy level throughout; let the arrangement breathe and build naturally.
• Pay attention to the text setting in moments where syllables extend; rhythmic precision here prevents the piece from feeling loose or under-rehearsed.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements or inspirational works to show the range of your choir's repertoire. It works particularly well as a second-half opener after a contrasting section, or as a statement piece in a concert focused on resilience and social awareness themes.

• Balancing layered harmonies in contemporary pop idioms
• Phrasing pop and soul music with appropriate rhythmic flexibility
• Building and sustaining emotional intensity across longer formal structures
• Connecting text to musical expression in inspirational repertoire