Today's Hope: SAB Choral Octavo
Words by Gabrielle Marshall, music by Jacob Narverud
Item: 00-PO-0007003
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
With uplifting student-written lyrics, this pop-style original encourages young people to embrace their ability to affect change. "The power of hope today will fuel the dreams of tomorrow." A strong contemporary groove and an irresistible hook will engage, inspire, and ignite enthusiasm. A few solo opportunities provide a platform for individual voices to shine.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0007003
More about this title
About the Composer: Jacob Narverud
Jacob Narverud was born in Kansas in 1986 and has established himself as one of the most prolific choral composers of his generation. He founded and directs the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, a professional ensemble drawing musicians from across the Great Plains, and serves as Editor of Santa Barbara Music Publishing. His commissions span over fifty choral organizations across the United States, Australia, and Japan, reflecting the breadth of his reputation.
Narverud's catalog has achieved international reach, with many titles becoming standard repertoire for choirs at all levels. His work balances accessibility with artistic substance, making him a signature artist on both Musicnotes and streaming platforms where his compositions continue to gain new audiences.
Why we love this
Narverud nails the specificity that makes contemporary pop writing land in young choirs: the groove feels earned rather than imposed, the melodic hook actually sticks, and the SAB voicing lets three-part ensembles sound full and relevant without requiring divisi complexity. The student-authored lyrics give singers genuine ownership of the message, which transforms a concert piece into something young people genuinely want to perform.
What to expect
The piece radiates earned optimism: a strong contemporary groove meets pop sensibility, creating a soundscape that feels current and vital without chasing trends. The balance of ensemble writing and featured solo moments gives singers both the satisfaction of collective sound and individual spotlight, while the message about hope and change speaks directly to young people's sense of possibility.
Who it's for
SAB choirs in grades 6-12 who need a contemporary piece that appeals to young voices without condescension. Directors programming graduation ceremonies, concerts, or festival competitions will find a piece that excites singers while maintaining enough musical substance to stand up in any venue.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (bass and percussion parts, if available) first so the ensemble builds the groove around a solid foundation rather than floating over it.
- Balance the hook across all three parts once voices are secure; the piece gains power when SAB texture reinforces the melodic line simultaneously rather than in canon or counterpoint.
- Bring out the solo moments with careful microphone placement or strategic seating so featured voices project without overwhelming the ensemble texture during ensemble passages.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to establish tempo and style early in rehearsal; let students hear the full pop-production sound so they understand the groove context.
How to use it
This works as a concert closer that sends audiences out energized, or as a graduation finale that captures the forward-looking energy of the occasion. It pairs well on a program with at least one traditional or classical anchor piece, allowing the concert to span musical styles while showing the choir's range.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in contemporary pop style with rhythmic precision and groove sensitivity
- Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a single piece
- Reading and performing SAB voicing with full harmonic awareness
- Interpreting text-driven performance with conviction and ownership