We Are One: SAB Choral Octavo

Gilpin crafts a celebration of unity that avoids preachiness, instead letting the contemporary musical setting and rhythmic drive carry the message. The SAB voicing keeps the piece accessible to mixed choirs while maintaining harmonic interest, and the inclusion of movement and staging (featured on the "Shine!" DVD) gives directors a complete performance package that students genuinely want to learn.

Bright and forward-moving, with a rhythmic contemporary feel that keeps the piece from sounding didactic. The message of unity emerges naturally from the musical setting rather than being imposed, creating something that students find genuinely hopeful.

This octavo works well for mixed choirs (middle school through adult) seeking a contemporary piece with a positive message that doesn't feel heavy-handed. Directors programming concert or festival events benefit from its singability, built-in staging concept, and the way it energizes an audience without requiring extended rehearsal time.

• Emphasize the rhythmic precision in the opening sections to establish the contemporary groove that distinguishes this piece from more traditional unity songs.
• Study the staging suggestions on the "Shine!" movement DVD early in rehearsals so students can connect physical movement to the musical phrasing rather than treating choreography as an afterthought.
• Balance the three parts carefully in the SAB voicing; the alto line often carries harmonic color that gets lost if the sopranos and basses dominate.

Use this as an opener or closer on a concert program when you want to set or reinforce a theme of inclusivity and connection. Its relatively concise length and engaging staging make it ideal for spring concerts, assembly performances, or as part of a larger thematic program addressing community and belonging.

• SAB voice part independence and blend
• Contemporary rhythmic precision and groove
• Integration of movement with vocal performance
• Musical storytelling through accessible harmonic language