Still I Rise: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Hayes captures the raw emotional core of Angelou's words without overshadowing them; the shuffle groove and bluesy piano language feel earned rather than applied. This setting lands in that rare territory where contemporary idiom and literary substance reinforce each other, making it genuinely moving to perform rather than merely pleasing to hear.

Confidence wrapped in rhythm. The shuffle tempo and bluesy piano create an almost conversational ease, yet the harmonic language and choral writing carry real dignity. There's a quality of quiet insistence throughout, building toward moments of genuine affirmation without ever becoming sentimental.

Choirs seeking repertoire that speaks directly to contemporary concerns while maintaining sophisticated musical language. This works equally well in concert settings focused on social justice themes, educational contexts exploring African American poetry and music, or any ensemble ready to tackle material with both textual and musical substance.

• Establish the groove early in rehearsal. The shuffle feel is the piece's backbone; lock it with your rhythm section and let the vocal lines sit naturally on top rather than over it.
• Balance the text clarity with the bluesy inflection. Angelou's language is direct and powerful; don't let the stylistic setting soften the strength of the words.
• Work the recorded accompaniment in at sectional rehearsals before full ensemble run-throughs. Singers often need time to find their place within the groove before adding ensemble awareness.
• Shape the dynamics to build momentum toward the final assertions. This piece thrives on accumulation; each statement should feel slightly weightier than the last.

Position this as a concert centerpiece or strong closing number; the thematic weight and musical momentum make it valuable in programs exploring resilience, identity, or contemporary choral writing. It pairs naturally with other settings of African American literature or spiritually-inflected secular pieces that prioritize lyrical and rhythmic sophistication.

• Singing through shuffle and swing rhythms while maintaining vocal clarity
• Balancing groove-based accompaniment with lyrical ensemble writing
• Interpreting contemporary harmonic language rooted in jazz vocabulary
• Connecting literary text to musical gesture and phrasing
• Responding to recorded accompaniments with rhythmic precision and flexibility