Soon And Very Soon (arr. Barrie Carson Turner): SSA Choral Octavo

Barrie Carson Turner's SSA arrangement opens this gospel standard to singers who might otherwise struggle with a four-part voicing, without sacrificing the harmonic richness that makes Crouch's original so compelling. The low register sits comfortably for alto voices while maintaining melodic clarity in the soprano line, making it genuinely singable across ability levels.

The energy builds with infectious momentum, rooted in the groove and forward motion of gospel idiom. You'll find yourself caught between the celebratory joy of the text and the earnest conviction beneath it, creating a piece that uplifts while it moves.

This arrangement serves choirs seeking contemporary spiritual repertoire that connects with singers and audiences across denominational lines. It works equally well for community choirs, church ensembles, and school groups looking to expand beyond traditional hymnal selections.

• Balance the text delivery between rhythmic precision and natural speech phrasing; the syncopation should feel conversational rather than mechanical
• Let the harmonic movement shape your dynamic contour, especially during the key modulations that underscore the song's escalating urgency
• Emphasize the unison or near-unison passages to create focal points that make the fuller harmonic sections land with greater impact

Pair this with other contemporary sacred works to create a concert section that reflects modern spirituality, or program it as a finale that leaves audiences with genuine warmth rather than polite applause. The accessibility of Turner's voicing makes it useful for spring or winter concerts where you want impact without overwhelming a developing ensemble.

• Syncopated rhythmic patterns typical of gospel idiom
• Balancing harmonic blend across three independent lines
• Sustaining vocal energy through modulations and key changes
• Shaping phrases with stylistic inflection rather than classical legit technique