Take Me to Higher Ground: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Words and music by Carl Strommen
Item: 00-PO-0002760
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
We're excited about this original gospel-style spiritual from the pen of Carl Strommen. The down-home gospel piano part lays the foundation and the uplifting text brings the message to make this a terrific choice for choirs of any age and any level. Don't miss this extra special Carl Strommen work!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Studio PR Catalog
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002760
More about this title
About the Composer: Carl Strommen
Carl Strommen's output spans band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, and vocal literature, making him a fixture on concert programs across North America and beyond. His work appears regularly in performance halls, broadcasts, and film scores. He has been recognized annually with the ASCAP Standard Writers Award throughout his career, reflecting the consistent quality and reach of his compositions and arrangements.
A City College of New York graduate, Strommen maintains his connection to music education as an adjunct professor of orchestration and composition at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus. He divides his time between Long Island and the Colorado Front Range, where he spends time with family.
Why we love this
Strommen's gospel writing honors the genre's warmth and directness without requiring advanced vocal technique, making this piece accessible to developing choirs while still offering genuine musical substance. The combination of a grounded piano foundation and an affirming text creates an immediate sense of purpose that singers and audiences both respond to.
What to expect
Warm, encouraging, and rooted. The gospel piano part creates an intimate foundation that supports the voices, while the spiritual text carries genuine emotional weight without becoming heavy. You feel invited to sing something that matters.
Who it's for
This piece works for church choirs, school choirs, and community ensembles at all skill levels. The accessible ranges and straightforward voicing make it ideal for singers who are still building confidence, while the gospel idiom and strong melodic content keep more experienced singers engaged.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the three parts so the melody line remains clear while the harmony parts provide genuine harmonic support. Avoid letting the upper voices overwhelm the middle voice.
- Work with your accompanist to lock in the gospel piano groove early in rehearsals. The rhythmic pocket of the piano part is central to the piece's character.
- Encourage singers to connect emotionally with the text throughout rehearsals, not just at the end. This grounding makes the uplifting message land naturally in performance.
How to use it
Program this during spring concerts, community events, or any service where you want to feature a piece that connects with diverse audiences. It pairs naturally with other spirituals or uplifting sacred works, and it works equally well as a closing number that sends people out feeling heard.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in three-part mixed voicing (SAB)
- Responding to gospel-style piano accompaniment
- Blending harmony parts while maintaining melodic clarity
- Connecting text and emotion in sacred music performance