We Are The Voices of Freedom: 2-Part Choral Octavo
We Are The Voices of Freedom Sheet Music Preview

We Are The Voices of Freedom: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS00263714
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$2.99
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 7
SKU: 35-DS00263714

More about this title

About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw's influence on choral music education spans continents. Holding degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, Shaw has brought his distinctive blend of expertise and wit to classrooms and workshops across North America, Europe, and beyond. His teaching combines deep musical knowledge with infectious energy and humor that leaves lasting impressions on students and colleagues alike.

As a prolific composer and arranger with over 2500 published works, Shaw has created music sung in ensembles around the world, with sheet music sales approaching 20 million copies. His career includes founding and directing acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles at the College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Shaw's creative output has earned him multiple ASCAP awards and led to commissions from prestigious groups including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beyond composition, he has collaborated with jazz vocalists including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks, and serves as a member of the a cappella ensemble Just 4 Kicks.

Why we love this

Shaw brings his characteristic clarity and singability to this patriotic arrangement, creating music that lands with genuine emotional resonance rather than bombast. The 2-part voicing makes it accessible for younger ensembles and mixed-ability choirs while the text and melody forge a connection to themes of unity and voice that students genuinely understand and feel invested in performing.

What to expect

This is music built on the strength of ensemble unity. The 2-part texture creates warmth and solidarity while the patriotic subject matter invites singers to feel part of something larger than themselves, grounding the piece in genuine emotion rather than performative grandeur.

Who it's for

Middle school and high school choirs looking for patriotic repertoire with accessibility and substance will find this arrangement serves well. It also works beautifully for community and adult choirs seeking music that celebrates collective voice and shared purpose without requiring advanced vocal technique.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody between the two parts so neither overpowers the other; use careful voice placement to ensure both lines cut through clearly when singing together.
  • Let the text drive your phrasing choices. Words like "freedom" and "voices" deserve intentional breath and space that the arrangement supports naturally.
  • Record a rehearsal run-through and listen back as an ensemble; Shaw's writing often reveals itself through listening, and your singers will hear what needs adjustment before you need to tell them.

How to use it

Consider pairing this with other community-focused or freedom-themed pieces for a thematic concert program. Its 7-page length and moderate difficulty make it suitable for spring concerts, civic events, or community service performances where the message of collective voice carries extra weight.

Skills your students will build

  • Blending two independent melodic lines while maintaining textural clarity
  • Sustaining legit vowels and phrasing across longer phrases with text
  • Interpreting patriotic text with authenticity and emotional commitment

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