Tell the News!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Beginning choirs need partner songs that feel genuinely fun rather than pedagogically obvious, and this one nails that balance by layering a fresh, bouncy melody over "Go Tell It on the Mountain" in a way that sounds natural to young ears. The progression from singing each melody independently before combining them gives singers real success at each stage, building confidence before the harmonic payoff arrives. Including both a playable piano part and optional SoundTrax CD means you can support rehearsals flexibly, whether you're doubling parts at the keyboard or using recorded accompaniment to free yourself for conducting.

Bright and celebratory, this arrangement captures the spirited energy of the spiritual while adding a contemporary bounce that keeps young singers engaged. The combination of the familiar melody with the new countermelody creates a moment of genuine musical achievement, where singers discover what their voices can accomplish together.

Young choirs encountering part-singing for the first time will find this arrangement approachable and rewarding. Directors working with middle school or early high school singers who need a Christmas selection that teaches harmonic thinking without overwhelming them will appreciate the scaffolded structure.

• Teach both melodies separately and secure them completely before attempting the combination; this removes the cognitive load of part-singing from the task of learning notes and rhythms.
• Use the piano part during rehearsal to reinforce each melodic line and clarify entrances when both parts are singing together.
• If employing the SoundTrax CD in performance, do a final dress rehearsal with it to ensure singers aren't thrown by the accompaniment's tempo or articulation.
• Balance the two melodies dynamically so the traditional spiritual remains the anchor while the new tune complements rather than overwhelms it.

Program this as a standout moment in a holiday concert alongside other spirituals or Christmas selections, where its partner-song structure offers a refreshing alternative to traditional arrangements. The success young singers experience with the combination makes it an excellent anchor piece for a concert section focused on introducing the choir to part-singing.

• Singing independent melodic lines while others sing different parts
• Blending two melodies with balanced tone and intonation
• Following a conductor while maintaining focus on their own part
• Understanding call-and-response structure as a foundation for harmony