We Are One: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Gilpin wrote this piece with a clear pedagogical purpose and an ear for what young singers respond to emotionally. The straightforward message about unity combined with contemporary musical language makes it feel current and urgent rather than preachy. Bonus: the included staging suggestions transform it from a concert piece into a full theatrical moment.

The piece radiates warmth and determination. Despite differences, the music itself becomes the proof of unity, with two-part writing that allows both parts to shine independently yet harmonize seamlessly. There's a contemporary edge to the harmonic palette that keeps the familiar message feeling fresh and urgent.

This works beautifully for middle school and high school choirs seeking accessible yet contemporary material with real emotional substance. It's also ideal for any mixed-age ensemble or community choir looking for a piece that speaks to inclusivity and shared purpose without requiring advanced vocal technique.

• Keep the vowel space open and consistent across the ensemble, especially on the repeated "we are one" motif, so the unity theme resonates both textually and sonically.
• Lean into the contemporary harmonic language with confidence. These chord colors are intentional; don't smooth them out or apologize for them.
• Reference the "Shine!" movement DVD to stage the piece effectively. Staging elevates both audience engagement and singers' ownership of the message.
• Balance clarity of text with musicality. The lyrics carry weight, so articulation matters, but don't sacrifice the flowing melodic line.

Program this as a concert centerpiece when you want to make a statement about community, diversity, or belonging. It's also effective as a finale that sends the audience out with an affirming message. The movement and staging make it memorable enough to anchor a program around a unity or celebration theme.

• Singing in two-part harmony with independence and blend
• Executing staged movement while maintaining vocal accuracy
• Interpreting contemporary harmonic language
• Connecting emotional text to musical expression
• Building confidence in ensemble unison and harmony sections