That Summer: Choral Instrumental Pak

The piece radiates quiet conviction. Built from actual testimonies, it carries the warmth and specificity of real lives rather than abstract sentimentality. There is strength in its simplicity and profound truth in its restraint.

Choirs ready to engage with contemporary themes and audiences who appreciate music rooted in real human experience. This works for high school and college ensembles, community choirs, and festival settings where repertoire carries weight beyond technique.

• Study the interview texts before rehearsing. Understanding the lived experiences behind each phrase deepens how singers shape the music and connect emotionally to the message.
• Balance the choral and instrumental forces carefully in your space. The accompaniment should support the storytelling without overwhelming the text.
• Allow time for the ensemble to discuss what family means to them personally. This reflection work translates into more honest, present performances.

Place this as a centerpiece or closing work on a concert exploring identity, community, and belonging. It pairs thoughtfully with other contemporary pieces that ask questions rather than provide answers, or stands alone as a complete artistic statement on a festival program.

• Singing text authentically drawn from spoken language rather than poetic convention
• Balancing vulnerability with ensemble unity
• Responding to contemporary compositional language
• Understanding how music can witness and honor personal narratives