This Is America: 2-Part Choral Octavo

The Gallinas have arranged this American standard in a way that honors its hymnic roots while opening it up for younger or smaller ensembles. At two parts, it remains substantive without requiring extensive voice division, making it accessible for developing choirs who are ready for something with real harmonic integrity.

Grounded and centered. Ward's melody sits comfortably in the middle register and moves with gentle purpose, creating an atmosphere of quiet affirmation. The piece feels sincere without sentimentality, making space for reverent singing.

Two-part choirs at the developing level who want repertoire that connects to American musical heritage without sacrificing musical quality. This works equally well in secular community choirs, school ensembles building their hymn literacy, or congregations with mixed voice ranges.

• Shape the phrases according to the text's natural breathing points rather than rushing through four-bar phrases mechanically. Ward's melody rewards singers who sing through the arc of each phrase.
• Balance the lower part carefully in the two-part texture. These arrangements often ask accompanists to compensate, but your singers should be able to lock that second part with confidence.
• Consider the congregational origin of this tune when rehearsing. The piece works best when the tempo feels conversational and warm, not stiff or overly measured.

Pair this with other American hymn tune arrangements to build a concert section celebrating the depth of American sacred song. It also serves as a bridge between traditional and contemporary programming, giving audiences familiar musical territory from which to enter a concert.

• Singing legato melodic lines with consistent phrasing
• Balancing two-part voicing in a traditional hymn texture
• Connecting text to musical shape in American hymn tradition
• Sustaining blend and intonation across phrase lengths