What I Can Change: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Direct and reflective, with the kind of sincerity that comes from addressing real change. The piece sits in an accessible tessitura while maintaining emotional weight, never feeling thin or disposable despite its straightforward approach.

Middle school and high school choirs seeking secular concert repertoire that speaks to issues relevant to young voices. Directors building a program that includes meaningful contemporary writing alongside traditional works will find this piece brings authenticity without oversimplifying.

• Shape each phrase with intention by identifying where the text peaks emotionally; this prevents the piece from settling into a monotone delivery even in simpler two-part writing.
• Balance the parts carefully in unison passages so the melody remains primary while the second part supports without disappearing.
• Work the rhythmic clarity early; clean articulation on the text will carry the song's message far more effectively than legato indulgence.

This works well as an anchor piece on a concert exploring agency and social awareness, or as a companion to other contemporary secular works that invite singers to engage with meaningful text. Its 11 pages and two-part voicing make it manageable for festivals and smaller concert settings where singers perform multiple pieces.

• Sustaining lyrical lines across longer phrases
• Balancing unison and two-part textures
• Interpreting text-driven contemporary composition
• Maintaining ensemble blend in close vocal harmony