Surrounded by Love: 2-Part (with Opt. Sign Language) Choral Octavo
Music by Jerry Estes
Item: 00-PO-0004153
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"Friends on our left, friends on our right...we are surrounded by love." What a beautiful sentiment for any concert, including your December concerts. The text acknowledges the support and love of parents, teachers and friends, so it's especially appropriate for end-of-year concerts. And Jerry Estes' melodies are as beautiful as his text. It's the perfect, expressive piece to include sign language, which is featured in the publication. An outstanding choice for middle school and elementary groups. Included on Sally's "In the Spotlight!" Video, #19803.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004153
More about this title
About the Composer: Jerry Estes
Jerry Estes brings classroom experience and compositional skill to every piece he writes. A vocal music educator at Wydown Middle School, where he teaches grades 6-8, Estes earned his B.M.E. with vocal emphasis from Southwest Baptist University and his M.M. from Southern Illinois University. His work is recognized by MENC and ASCAP.
Estes understands what middle school singers need: accessible melodies that feel rewarding to sing, texts that resonate with young voices, and arrangements that challenge without overwhelming. His compositions consistently reflect both his pedagogical values and his commitment to meaningful choral literature.
Why we love this
Estes captures something genuine in this piece that goes beyond typical seasonal programming. The text celebrating community and connection feels earned rather than sentimental, and his melodies sit beautifully for middle school voices while maintaining real musical substance. The optional sign language integration isn't an afterthought; it's woven into the publication intentionally, opening the piece to meaningful collaboration across different modes of expression.
What to expect
Warm and genuinely expressive. Estes' melody unfolds with the simplicity of something heartfelt, never overshooting the emotional mark. The piece feels like a hug from the entire community.
Who it's for
Middle school and elementary choral groups preparing winter and end-of-year concerts. The accessible 2-part voicing welcomes mixed-ability ensembles, making it ideal for groups building confidence in part singing.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two parts by rotating sectional rehearsals in different spaces. This helps each part find its independence before blending together, especially important when adding sign language layers.
- Shape the text expressively rather than uniformly. The sentiment "surrounded by love" should feel warm, not stiff. Let rubato breathe naturally in phrases that feel conversational.
- If incorporating sign language, rehearse singers and signers separately first, then run sections in slow tempo to synchronize without sacrificing musicality.
How to use it
Position this as a closing number or centerpiece in your December concert. Its inclusive message and accessible difficulty make it an excellent bridge between more challenging repertoire and audience connection, especially when combined with visible sign language.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in two-part harmony independently
- Expressive phrasing and text interpretation
- Coordination with sign language (if used)
- Building tone quality in longer phrases
- Ensemble cohesion and listening across parts