The Friend Who's Always There: 2-Part Choral Octavo
The Friend Who's Always There Sheet Music Preview

The Friend Who's Always There: 2-Part Choral Octavo

By Sherry Blevins

Item: 35-DS01250034
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 11
SKU: 35-DS01250034

More about this title

About the Composer: Sherry Blevins

Sherry Blevins

Sherry Blevins has established herself as a composer whose work reaches choirs across the United States and internationally. Her catalog of over 27 published pieces with major publishers including Alfred Music, Hinshaw, and Fred Bock reflects her influence in the choral world. She has served as Artistic Director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir and past President of ACDA's Southern Region, while maintaining an active schedule as clinician, adjudicator, and conductor at festivals, all-state events, and honor choirs from coast to coast.

Blevins brings a distinctive philosophy to composition: her music prioritizes the singer's experience without sacrificing musical substance. Her melodies sit naturally in the voice, her harmonies remain transparent and supportive, and her accompaniments enhance rather than overshadow the choir. In recent years, she has deepened her commitment to collaborative creation, partnering with student singers on commissioned works that reflect their voices and perspectives. These projects have resulted in pieces representative of diverse school communities, demonstrating her belief that composition belongs as much in the rehearsal room as in the published catalog.

Why we love this

Blevins writes 2-part music that respects young singers' developing ranges while delivering genuine musical substance. The tuneful, accessible character of her work means singers feel successful quickly, building confidence without sacrificing artistry. This piece exemplifies her gift for pairing beautiful melody with text that matters, creating a repertoire choice that stays with singers long after rehearsal ends.

What to expect

Warm and genuine, like a conversation about loyalty and presence between friends. The writing has an unhurried quality that allows the text to land without manipulation, creating space for singers to connect with both the music and its message.

Who it's for

Middle school, high school, and adult choirs seeking a 2-part piece with emotional resonance and musical integrity. Directors programming concerts that include secular repertoire with meaningful text will find this accessible to singers while satisfying both ensemble and audience.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the two parts so each line remains audible; avoid the temptation to let one voice dominate the texture. Blevins' writing depends on both parts being heard clearly.
  • Attend to the accompaniment as a partner to the singers rather than a backdrop. The piano part carries important harmonic information that supports intonation and phrasing.
  • Allow natural breathing points to shape the line rather than rushing through phrases. The text invites genuine expression, which requires singers to breathe where the meaning breathes.

How to use it

Include this as a centerpiece for a concert segment exploring themes of friendship, community, or belonging. Its accessibility makes it suitable for mixed programming alongside more complex works, or it can anchor a thematic concert exploring human connection. The 11-page format suggests it's substantial enough to justify a dedicated spot on the program without overwhelming younger singers.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in 2-part harmony with independence and balance
  • Connecting emotional content of text to musical expression
  • Listening across part lines to maintain ensemble cohesion
  • Phrasing and breathing for musical storytelling rather than technical phrases

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