When I Sing (arr. Roger Thornhill): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Quiet confidence. There's a stillness to this piece that comes from knowing exactly what you believe. The melody sits naturally in the voice, and the harmonies support rather than complicate.

Elementary and middle school choirs seeking repertoire that respects young singers' developing voices and emotional maturity. Teachers looking for sacred material that avoids condescension while remaining singable across mixed ability levels.

• Find the natural speech rhythm of the text first. Sing through the words without worrying about pitch to establish where the breath and emotional weight belong.
• Balance Part 1 and Part 2 equally in unison sections. Resist the urge to let one voice dominate just because it might be sitting on a more comfortable range.
• Let the sacred context inform your interpretation. This isn't a celebration that needs to bounce; it's a reflection on something personal and profound.

Position this as the emotional heart of a sacred concert or spring program. Its six pages make it substantial enough to anchor a set without dominating rehearsal time. The arrangement also works as a closer for a longer choral show, leaving the audience in a reflective space.

• Two-part harmonic independence
• Text-based musicality and phrasing
• Breath control in slower tempos
• Balance and blend in small ensemble settings