Who Is There Like Me: SSAB Choral Octavo

Crocker knows exactly how to write for the SSA/SSAB voicing: she balances harmonic interest for all parts without burying the sopranos, and the text setting feels natural rather than forced. Directors praise her for creating pieces that sound mature and polished in performance while remaining genuinely accessible during rehearsal.

The piece carries a reflective, introspective quality that invites singers to commit emotionally to the text. The harmonic language is contemporary but never harsh, creating a sound that feels both current and enduring.

Mid-level to advanced high school choirs and community ensembles seeking a concert piece with textual weight and solid musical craftsmanship. This works equally well for groups new to SSA voicing and those looking to expand their secular repertoire.

• Shape the phrase contours by thinking in terms of text meaning rather than note patterns; this keeps the singing from sounding mechanical and helps singers breathe in musical places.
• Balance the accompaniment so it supports without overwhelming the voices. The piano part has personality; let it contribute to the overall texture.
• Encourage the singers to listen across parts, especially where harmonies shift. SSA writing often relies on vertical awareness to lock the sound together.

Use this as a signature piece on a concert exploring identity and self-reflection, or pair it with contemporary art songs and spirituals for a program on human connection. Its 19 pages suggest a centerpiece rather than an opener, giving you a moment to land meaningfully in the middle of your concert.

• Reading SSA voicing and understanding the harmonic function of each line
• Sustained phrasing and text-driven interpretation in contemporary concert music
• Listening across parts to maintain harmonic integrity in shifting chord structures
• Vertical awareness and blend in three-part writing