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The Glory Train: 2-Part Choral Octavo

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The Glory Train Cover Image
The Glory Train: 2-Part Choral Octavo

The Glory Train: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Music by Jerry Estes

Item: 00-18705
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The Glory Train: 2-Part Choral Octavo

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Description
This unique 2-part choral work is accompanied by percussion and Orff-style instrumensts (or piano). Listen as bells, woodblock, shaker, drum and cowbell build along with two strong counter-melodies. "Standing at the station, looking down the track..."

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Glory Train: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081173450
SKU: 00-18705

More about this title

About the Composer: Jerry Estes

Jerry Estes

Jerry Estes brings classroom experience directly to his compositions. As a vocal music teacher at Wydown Middle School, where he works with grades 6-8, he understands what actually works with young singers and what keeps them engaged.

Estes holds a B.M.E. in vocal studies from Southwest Baptist University and an M.M. from Southern Illinois University. He maintains active involvement with MENC and ASCAP, grounding his work in both educational and professional music communities.

Why we love this

Estes builds genuine excitement through the layering of percussion and Orff instruments alongside the vocal lines, creating a piece that sounds larger and more dynamic than a standard 2-part arrangement. The strong counter-melodies give both voice parts real melodic interest, so no one ends up stuck on a supporting line for twelve pages. Movement and staging options transform this from a concert piece into a memorable performance moment.

What to expect

The spiritual train metaphor carries real momentum here. Opening with that vivid station image, the piece builds kinetic energy as the percussion palette expands, creating a sense of gathering motion and purpose that feels both contemplative and propulsive.

Who it's for

This works best with middle school choirs ready to handle two independent parts with rhythmic confidence. It's equally strong for high school groups looking for a sacred piece with contemporary energy and accessible range.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the percussion entrance carefully in rehearsal. Start with vocals alone, then add one percussion layer at a time so students hear how each color supports (rather than buries) the singing.
  • Work the counter-melodies independently before combining them. Each part carries its own shape and phrasing, so sectional rehearsals pay immediate dividends.
  • If you're using the recorded accompaniment, have students sing through without it first to build ownership of the melodic lines and rhythmic precision.

How to use it

Consider opening a concert with this piece to set an uplifting tone, or place it midway through a mixed-repertoire program where its rhythmic drive and staging can refresh audience engagement. It pairs well in a program that blends traditional sacred music with contemporary approaches.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing independent counter-melodies while maintaining ensemble blend
  • Coordinating vocal lines with percussion rhythm without losing pitch center
  • Understanding rhythmic independence across multiple instrumental timbres
  • Executing movement and staging cues while maintaining vocal focus

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