Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow Sheet Music Preview

Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Arranged by Audrey Snyder

Item: 35-DS01318710
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 8
SKU: 35-DS01318710

More about this title

About the Arranger: Audrey Snyder

Audrey Snyder has built a reputation as a choral arranger who understands how young singers learn and grow. Her arrangements balance musical sophistication with accessibility, making her a trusted resource for directors seeking repertoire that challenges without overwhelming developing voices.

Snyder's work across sacred and secular genres demonstrates her versatility and deep knowledge of choral pedagogy. She writes with particular sensitivity to the needs of emerging ensembles, crafting parts that build confidence while maintaining artistic integrity.

Why we love this

Snyder's treatment of this spiritual captures the song's inherent joy while remaining genuinely singable for young choirs. The two-part voicing creates natural blend opportunities without sacrificing the piece's rhythmic drive and emotional warmth. This is the kind of arrangement that energizes a holiday program.

What to expect

Warm and inviting, with an undertone of spiritual dignity. The melody carries the weight of tradition while remaining conversational and direct, speaking to listeners as much as it speaks to the singers themselves. There's both comfort and gentle urgency in the call to rise and follow.

Who it's for

Choirs with developing musicianship and limited experience with spirituals will find this arrangement both approachable and meaningful. It works equally well in school choral programs, community choirs, and church settings during the Christmas season. Young singers typically connect quickly with the spiritual's storytelling and message.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the groove early in rehearsals. The rhythmic vitality of this spiritual demands precision from the ensemble; lock the rhythmic foundation before worrying about blend.
  • Let the text lead the phrasing. Avoid over-legato singing in passages where the spiritual's narrative momentum wants to push forward.
  • Balance the two parts by having singers listen across rather than only within their section. In 2-part writing, interdependence creates the fullest sound.
  • Consider whether a brief, energetic tempo will serve this piece better than a slow, processional one. The text 'Rise Up' suggests movement and urgency.

How to use it

Pair this with other spirituals or African American hymns to create a thematic concert segment that educates and moves audiences. It also serves as an excellent opener for a holiday program, setting a tone of joy and spiritual reflection. Consider programming it early in the season when your ensemble is still building stamina.

Skills your students will build

  • Part independence and blending in two-part harmony
  • Rhythmic precision and forward momentum in spiritual style
  • Expressive text delivery rooted in song narrative
  • Listening across sections to balance the ensemble sound
  • Understanding African American spiritual tradition and cultural context

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