Singin' in the Spirit: SSA Choral Octavo
I'm Gonna Sing / Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit
Traditional Spirituals / arr. Sally K. Albrecht
Item: 00-PO-0000585
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Here's a winning combination of favorite traditional spirituals, featuring an opening solo for any voice, a driving piano accompaniment, and inventive, well-written vocal lines. A dramatic and energized addition to any concert.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000585
More about this title
About the Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht has shaped American choral music for over three decades, first as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music, then as a prolific composer and arranger with more than 600 published works in circulation. A frequent clinician and honor choir conductor at major venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center, she has earned the ASCAP Special Music Award annually since 1987, recognizing her consistent contributions to contemporary choral literature.
Educated at Rollins College (B.A. in Music and Theater) and the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, M.M. in Accompanying), Albrecht brings both theatrical sensibility and pianistic craft to her work. Her partnership with composer and arranger Jay Althouse has anchored her career in North Carolina, where she has also taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. In recognition of her leadership across music and higher education, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College in 2021.
Why we love this
Albrecht's treatment of these spirituals bypasses the generic reverence trap by pairing accessible SSA voicing with genuine rhythmic energy and a piano part that drives rather than merely supports. The opening solo passage gives any voice type an immediate moment to shine, establishing character before the fuller choral texture enters, which means even singers with limited solo experience feel confident taking that role.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and confidence, opening with a single voice before building into collective sound. The driving piano accompaniment creates forward motion throughout, giving spirituals a contemporary lift without sacrificing their emotional gravity.
Who it's for
SSA choirs seeking repertoire that honors tradition while maintaining modern energy and accessibility. Directors programming concert pieces that appeal to audiences unfamiliar with choral music will find these arrangements immediately engaging, and singers appreciate parts that lie comfortably while still offering musical substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the solo section with clarity and conviction before the choir enters; this opening moment sets the emotional tone for the entire piece, so give your soloist space to breathe and phrase expressively.
- Balance the piano accompaniment to complement rather than overwhelm the SSA voicing; the driving quality comes from rhythmic precision, not volume, so work with your accompanist on clarity of touch and articulation.
- Layer the vocal parts gradually during rehearsal, building from melody to harmony; spirituals thrive when each voice part understands its narrative role, not just its pitch.
How to use it
This works exceptionally well as a concert centerpiece or finale, especially in programs that mix sacred and secular works. The 12-page length and energized character make it ideal for festivals, spring concerts, or sacred music events where you want to showcase both your choir's musicality and technical engagement.
Skills your students will build
- Expressive solo singing and phrasing within a choral context
- Rhythmic precision in ensemble settings, particularly with syncopated or driving accompaniment
- Blending SSA parts to create cohesive harmonic texture
- Spiritual interpretation and cultural authenticity in traditional repertoire
- Responding to piano accompaniment for dynamic control and ensemble balance