Wings: SSA Choral Octavo

Strommen writes with genuine warmth and accessibility that doesn't sacrifice musical substance. Wings carries the same heartfelt quality that made Like An Eagle a staple in countless choirs, but with fresh material that will resonate deeply with your singers. The text about freedom and possibility makes it an especially natural choice for graduation ceremonies, while the music itself is crafted to showcase treble voices without requiring advanced technical demands.

The music unfolds with quiet confidence, painting a landscape of open fields and clear skies. There's an inherent lightness and freedom in the writing that mirrors the text's imagery of soaring, while the harmonic language keeps everything grounded and singerly. Performers and audiences alike will feel the piece's sincerity and sense of possibility.

Wings works beautifully for SSA or SSAA choirs at the middle school through adult level. The piece suits singers who have basic musicianship skills and are ready for material with genuine artistic substance. It's especially fitting for graduation concerts, spring celebrations, or any program where an optimistic, uplifting message matters.

• Emphasize the lyrical shape of the melodic line; this piece rewards singers who think in long phrases rather than note-by-note. Mark the breathing points carefully in rehearsal so the line flows without interruption.
• Balance the harmony so that inner voices don't disappear. SSA writing can expose uneven blending, so spend rehearsal time on blend and vowel consistency across all three parts.
• Let the recorded accompaniment guide your tempo initially, but trust your own instincts about phrasing once singers internalize the music. The accompaniment should support, not control, your interpretation.
• Attend to the text painting, particularly where the music opens on 'skies of blue.' Your singers will connect emotionally with the piece if they understand how Strommen matches the text's imagery to the musical gestures.

Program Wings as a closing number at a graduation or spring concert, where its message of freedom and forward movement can resonate with the occasion. It pairs naturally with other uplifting SSA selections or can stand alone as a meaningful finale. Consider using it in April or May concerts where seasonal repertoire matters, or reserve it for any program celebrating transition and growth.

• Sustaining long melodic phrases with consistent tone and breath support
• Balancing three-part harmony with attention to inner voice independence
• Connecting text to musical gesture for expressive interpretation
• Reading and performing SSA voicing with confidence