Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Hayes writes arrangements that balance accessibility with musical depth. The unison passages make this piece approachable for developing choirs while the virtuosic piano part keeps your accompanist engaged and your overall sound rich and textured. The architectural sweep from fanfare through swing to powerful finish gives directors a complete emotional arc to shape.

This arrangement opens with grandeur and liturgical dignity, then shifts into a grooved, infectious swing feel that refreshes the spiritual's familiar melody. The journey builds steadily toward a climactic, triumphant finish that feels earned rather than imposed.

High school and college choirs with solid ensemble cohesion and reliable piano accompaniment. The logical voice writing and extensive unison passages work well for singers still building blend and intonation confidence, while the sophisticated arrangement style appeals to choirs looking for serious sacred repertoire with contemporary vitality.

• Shape the opening fanfare with clarity and forward motion; let the piano's flourishes establish the majestic tone before the choir enters.
• Lean into the swing section with natural rhythmic ease rather than metronomic precision; the relaxed feel will contrast beautifully against the unison passages.
• Support your accompanist through the demanding piano writing by singing with committed tone and clear vowels; the piano work deserves musical partnership, not just vocal overlay.
• Build the final section deliberately, allowing dynamics to rise organically from the swing into the powerful close without rushing the transition.

Program this as a centerpiece for a Christmas or winter concert, or feature it as a standalone sacred music showcase. The stylistic range and emotional scope make it work equally well as a concert opener that commands attention or a powerful closer that leaves audiences moved.

• Singing extended unison passages with unified tone quality
• Shifting between swing rhythmic feel and straight-time notation
• Dynamic control across a wide emotional range
• Listening to and responding to an accompanist's musical leadership