Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow (arr. John Leavitt): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00473396
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Description
A popular Christmas spiritual is touched with cheerful grace in this well-considered adaptation. Tasteful choral textures and interesting inner lines adorn the classic call and response folk song. A colorful chamber orchestration completes the package on this holiday winner, appropriate for concert or sanctuary use. Jubilant! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-3, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00473396
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Leavitt
John Leavitt is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans choral, orchestral, and chamber music. His arrangements of spirituals and folk songs are distinguished by their respect for source material combined with fresh harmonic color and accessible writing for student ensembles.
Why we love this
Leavitt's treatment preserves the spiritual's call and response DNA while layering in countermelodic interest that keeps inner voices engaged. The orchestration avoids overshadowing the singers; instead, it mirrors and supports their contours, making this feel like a genuine collaboration between choir and instruments rather than a showcase for either.
What to expect
Joyful and grounded at once. The arrangement exudes celebration, yet it honors the spiritual's roots with genuine reverence. There's a sense of gathering and uplift that feels both intimate and grand.
Who it's for
Holiday concerts seeking warmth and spiritual depth without sacrificing festive energy. This works equally well in the concert hall or the sanctuary, making it versatile for programs serving diverse audiences and performance contexts.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the call and response so that each section comes through clearly. The choral texture carries the narrative, so ensure instrumental parts support rather than compete.
- Work the percussion parts (parts 1-3) as a unit during sectional rehearsals. Their rhythmic independence needs precision to anchor the ensemble without becoming intrusive.
- Shape the opening with restraint. Let the jubilance build gradually through the verse, saving the fullest dynamic for the final statements where all voices and instruments align.
How to use it
Program this as an opener to set an inclusive, celebratory tone for a winter concert, or place it midway through the program as a palette cleanser that shifts emotional register. Its approachability makes it an excellent choice for programs pairing community singers with youth choirs.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in call and response forms with clear antiphonal exchanges
- Blending choral tone with instrumental accompaniment
- Maintaining rhythmic integrity across layered instrumental textures
- Phrasing spirituals with historical and cultural awareness
- Reading full scores and understanding orchestral doubling and support