Together We Stand: SSA Choral Octavo

Strommen's text painting and harmonic choices lift this beyond a typical graduation piece. The arrangement's flexibility between unison, three, and four part sections gives you real options for mixed ability groups, while the optional rhythm section lets you shape the accompaniment to match your ensemble's strengths. It's the kind of accessible ballad that still satisfies musically for both singers and listeners.

A warm, affirming ballad with genuine emotional sincerity. The text centers on belonging and unity, and Strommen's arrangement supports this through moments of collective voice and moments of harmonic texture, creating a piece that feels both intimate and celebratory. It invites the audience into the singers' sentiment rather than demanding attention.

SSA choirs at the middle school through high school level, particularly those performing graduation or assembly programs. Groups with mixed vocal maturity will appreciate the alternating unison and part writing, which builds confidence while introducing harmonic thinking. Directors looking for repertoire with meaningful text and flexible accompaniment options will find this accessible yet musical.

• Balance the unison sections carefully; they should feel unified and confident rather than tentative. The moment works best when every singer commits fully to the melodic line.
• Use the text as your guide for phrasing. The family and unity themes give you clear emotional beats to shape dynamics and breath placement.
• If you use the optional rhythm section, keep it supportive rather than prominent. The voices should remain the focus throughout.
• The three and four part sections benefit from rehearsing separately by voice part first, then bringing them together gradually. This prevents the fuller texture from muddying clarity.

This works beautifully as a closing piece for graduation or end-of-year concerts, where its message of unity and family resonates most powerfully. It also fits well in assemblies or community concerts where you want to feature your SSA ensemble with repertoire that connects with non-musician audiences. The moderate length and flexible accompaniment make it practical for both formal concert settings and less formal performance contexts.

• Blending voices in unison sections while maintaining individual tone
• Transitioning between unison, three-part, and four-part textures
• Text interpretation and emotional expression through phrasing
• Harmonic awareness through three and four part voicing
• Working with optional instrumental accompaniment