Together (from <I>Hollering Sun</I>) Sheet Music Preview

Together (from Hollering Sun): SATB Choral Octavo

By Alice Parker

Item: 00-PO-0005089

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$3.50

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

Description

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alice Parker Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 20
SKU: 00-PO-0005089

More about this title

About the Composer: Alice Parker

Alice Parker

Alice Parker's career emerged from her studies at Smith College and Juilliard, where she began a transformative partnership with conductor Robert Shaw. Together they created dozens of arrangements of American folksongs, hymns, and spirituals that remain staples in choral libraries across the country. Parker's compositional output exceeds five hundred works, encompassing everything from full-length operas to intimate choral suites and individual anthems.

In 1985, Parker established MELODIOUS ACCORD, INC., an organization centered on the belief that melody drives vocal music. She authored influential books on melodic styles, choral improvisation, and the art of congregational singing. Her honors include the Robert Shaw Award from the American Choral Directors Association, the Harvard Glee Club Foundation Medal, and six honorary doctorates. She served on the Board of Directors of Chorus America and was named their first Director Laureate.

Why we love this

Alice Parker's command of SATB writing flows naturally across all four voices without sacrificing singability or clarity. The text setting in "Together" reflects her deep understanding of how melody can carry meaning, making this a piece that rewards careful attention to line and lyric alike. This is the kind of choral work that feels fresh on its surface yet reveals layers worth exploring over multiple rehearsals.

What to expect

"Together" carries warmth and accessibility without sacrificing musical substance. The piece balances approachability with moments of genuine harmonic and textural interest, creating a sense of unity that feels earned rather than imposed.

Who it's for

This octavo suits intermediate to advanced SATB choruses with comfortable reading skills and an interest in American choral literature. It works equally well in community choirs, church choirs, and college or university ensembles looking for contemporary secular repertoire with roots in American musical tradition.

How to get the most out of it

  • Highlight the melodic contour in each voice part. Parker's writing often gives every section a moment to shine; avoid letting inner voices disappear into the harmony.
  • Pay attention to how the text shapes the musical phrases. Parker's commitment to melody means that phrasing often follows the meaning of the words rather than strict harmonic cadences.
  • Balance the sopranos and altos carefully in passages where they share thematic material. The soprano line shouldn't dominate by default.
  • Consider how tempo flexibility can emphasize key moments without losing forward momentum. This piece rewards musical breathing.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a centerpiece for a concert exploring American choral music or as a compelling contrast piece alongside either classical or folk-inspired repertoire. The 20-page octavo and manageable vocal ranges make it appropriate for spring or fall concert programming without excessive rehearsal time.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing flowing melodic lines across all four voice parts
  • Balancing transparency with harmonic richness in SATB texture
  • Following text-based phrasing and breathing
  • Integrating American musical vocabulary and inflection
  • Blending voices while maintaining individual line clarity

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