Tribal Song: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Poorman and Poorman excel at writing secular choral music that feels genuinely fun to sing without relying on tricks or gimmicks. The voice leading is transparent enough for younger or less experienced singers to grasp, yet the piece respects the ensemble's musicality.

Tribal Song taps into rhythmic vitality and a sense of collective voice. The piece conveys community and shared purpose, with an infectious groove that keeps singers engaged and audiences attentive.

High school and college choirs looking for secular repertoire with personality and contemporary appeal. The piece works equally well for community ensembles seeking something energetic yet grounded in strong musicianship.

• Lean into the rhythmic energy that gives this piece its name. Tribal music lives in the body, so encourage singers to feel the pulse physically even while maintaining musical line.
• Balance the recorded accompaniment carefully during rehearsal. Use it to establish tempo and harmonic context, then pull back during performances to let the choir's energy lead.
• Find the text's emotional core first, then build the vocal arrangement around it. When singers understand the message, the tribal character naturally emerges.

Place this in a concert's middle section to shift energy and mood, especially alongside more traditional sacred or classical pieces. It's also effective as an opener if you want to establish an upbeat, contemporary tone from the start.

• Rhythmic precision in driving, syncopated patterns
• Maintaining individual line integrity within ensemble texture
• Connecting text meaning to vocal expression and phrasing
• Balancing with recorded accompaniment while staying independent