(Something Inside) So Strong (Arr. Berty Rice) Sheet Music Preview

(Something Inside) So Strong (Arr. Berty Rice): Choral Octavo

By Labi Siffre

Item: 35-DS00338209

Digital Download
$2.99
Description

(Something Inside) So Strong (Arr. Berty Rice): Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 16
SKU: 35-DS00338209

More about this title

About the Composer: Labi Siffre

Labi Siffre is a British singer-songwriter and musician whose career spans decades of socially conscious pop and soul music. Born in 1945, Siffre emerged as a distinctive voice in the 1970s, crafting songs that combined memorable melodies with messages of resilience and human dignity. His work has been recorded by numerous artists across genres, proving the universal appeal of his songwriting.

(Something Inside) So Strong became one of Siffre's most enduring compositions, adopted by choirs and performers worldwide as an anthem of personal empowerment. The song's simplicity and emotional directness make it particularly valuable in music education, where it serves both as an accessible entry point for ensemble singers and as a vehicle for authentic expression.

Why we love this

Berty Rice's arrangement preserves the song's infectious optimism while creating genuine choral writing that engages multiple voice parts meaningfully. Directors appreciate how the piece balances accessibility with musicality, allowing singers of varying abilities to feel the song's power without requiring advanced technique. Programming this gives your choir a modern spiritual with roots in real popular music history.

What to expect

Straightforward and grounded, with an undercurrent of quiet determination. The music feels both conversational and uplifting, avoiding sentimentality while remaining genuinely moving. Singers experience the satisfaction of ensemble work that sounds current and relevant.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with substance. This arrangement works for intermediate to advanced high school choirs, college ensembles, and community groups. It's especially valuable for directors building programs that include popular music alongside traditional literature.

How to get the most out of it

  • Cultivate a confident, almost spoken quality in the opening phrases. The strength of this piece comes from directness rather than theatrical embellishment.
  • Balance the ensemble so the message lands clearly. Oversinging muddies the inspirational intent; let the text and melody carry the weight.
  • Explore the dynamic range suggested in the arrangement. The piece builds conviction through layering and intensity, not through consistent volume.
  • Anchor the rhythmic groove in your rehearsals. Pop influenced writing demands rhythmic precision that classical training alone may not provide.

How to use it

Feature this as a concert closer or centerpiece that speaks directly to your audience without apology. It pairs well with other inspirational or socially aware repertoire, creating thematic programming that resonates beyond the typical choral concert. Consider it for community engagement events where accessibility and authenticity matter more than technical complexity.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing pop-influenced rhythmic patterns
  • Ensemble blend and balance across multiple voice parts
  • Communicating text with clarity and conviction
  • Responding to contemporary songwriting structures
  • Sustaining emotional authenticity in performance

You May Also Like