Simple Gifts: SSAB Choral Octavo

Hayes respects the integrity of this beloved spiritual while making it genuinely fresh through his new text that connects the song's gift-giving theme directly to the act of singing itself. The optional clarinet opening gives you flexibility for smaller ensembles while establishing an Americana character that feels earned, not forced. What lifts this above typical holiday fare is the three-part writing that actually sits well for singers of varying ability.

Warm and reflective with a genuine folk sensibility. The Americana character Hayes establishes through the optional clarinet introduction carries through the entire piece, creating an intimate rather than grand sound. There's an intentional simplicity here that invites singers to focus on text clarity and emotional directness.

Choirs of mixed voices looking for accessible repertoire that feels substantial without requiring virtuosic technique. Works equally well for church choirs, high school ensembles, and community groups preparing music for Thanksgiving or graduation services.

• Let the clarinet entrance breathe. If you're using it, resist the urge to enter immediately after; give the melody space to establish itself before the choir enters.
• Balance the soprano line against the alto and baritone parts carefully. Hayes writes in a way that keeps all three voices active, so clarity matters more than blend here.
• The new text works best when singers understand the shift from traditional lyrics to Hayes's verse. A brief conversation about why he rewrote it can deepen their investment in the arrangement.

Anchor a Thanksgiving program with this thoughtful arrangement that speaks to gratitude for music itself. The new verse makes it work equally well for graduation celebrations or spring concerts where reflection on the year feels appropriate. At 24 pages, it's substantial enough to stand alone as a featured piece.

• Singing three-part harmony in a mixed voicing
• Balancing independence and blend in open voicings
• Interpreting text in both traditional and newly composed lyrics
• Responding to optional instrumental accompaniment cues