What Do the Stars Do?: SSA Choral Octavo
Words by Christina Rossetti, music by Sherri Porterfield
Item: 00-PO-0002062
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A touching setting of a classic Christina Rosetti poem created exclusively for today's treble voice choirs by Sherri Porterfield. Classic SSA choral writing exemplified by lovely harmonies and flowing melodies . . . a "must" for school-age treble choirs. Could also be used in secular seasonal/Christmas concerts.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002062
More about this title
About the Composer: Sherri Porterfield
Sherri Porterfield serves as Director of Choirs at Cedar Park Middle School in Cedar Park, Texas, and has established a track record of award-winning choral programs across Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. Her students have earned numerous first place and sweepstakes honors at competitions and performed at state music educators conventions. She has also served as an adjunct assistant professor of music education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
With over 175 published choral compositions to her name, Porterfield has maintained an active presence in the field since earning her B.S.E. in music education from the University of Memphis and her Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers has recognized her contributions yearly with ASCAP awards since 1997. She has worked extensively as a clinician and guest conductor with honor choirs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels across the United States and holds memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Choral Directors Association, and ASCAP.
Why we love this
Porterfield brings her experience as a middle school choral director directly into this composition, creating writing that sits comfortably in the range and ability of treble choirs without sacrificing musical substance. The pairing of a beloved Christina Rossetti text with genuinely singable harmonies and flowing lines gives students something meaningful to express rather than merely execute. Directors will appreciate how readily this piece works in both sacred and secular contexts.
What to expect
Gentle and introspective, this setting invites singers and listeners into quiet wonder. The flowing melodies and lovely harmonies create an atmosphere of contemplation, perfectly suited to the poem's questions about the natural world and our place in it.
Who it's for
This octavo is ideal for middle and high school treble choirs seeking quality literature that respects their developing musicianship without requiring advanced vocal technique. The straightforward SSA voicing makes it accessible while the poetic text and harmonic sophistication keep it rewarding for singers and audiences alike.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody across your soprano and alto sections so no single voice dominates; the flowing character depends on unified phrasing rather than soloistic singing.
- Attend to the text's reflective quality by shaping phrases with subtle dynamic contours that follow the poem's emotional arc rather than maintaining static volume.
- Rehearse the harmonic transitions slowly at the piano to help singers hear how each chord connects; this builds confidence when voicing becomes fuller.
- Consider the overall arch of the piece in relation to your other selections; this work's contemplative nature pairs well before or after more energetic repertoire.
How to use it
This piece works beautifully in winter or holiday concerts when programmed with other introspective works, or as a secular choice for seasonal performances. Its eight pages make it substantial enough to anchor a concert set while remaining accessible for choirs with limited rehearsal time.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and harmony in three-part writing
- Shaping phrases according to poetic text and meaning
- Sustaining lyrical legato singing across longer phrases
- Understanding harmonic function and voice leading in SSA voicing
- Communicating emotional content through dynamic and tonal control