With One Voice: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK01524332
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Description
A powerful plea for unity and understanding in a deeply divided world, "With One Voice" is a choral showpiece with a message both timely and immortal. Moving lyrics by Kirby and Markita Shaw are underpinned by a stirring melody, rich choral harmonies, exciting counterpoint, and driving rhythms. A dramatic and uplifting concert-closer.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01524332
More about this title
About the Composer: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw's influence extends across North America and Europe, where his work in choral music education has shaped generations of singers and directors. Holding degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, Shaw combines rigorous training with an infectious teaching style marked by humor and deep musical knowledge. His career spans public school teaching, university ensemble direction at Colorado State and UMKC, and current leadership of the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University.
As a composer and arranger, Shaw has created over 2500 works that have circulated globally and sold nearly 20 million copies, earning multiple ASCAP awards. His credentials include vocal study with luminaries like Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks, collaboration on hundreds of educational recordings, and a recent commission from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Beyond choral writing, Shaw co-authored the musical Scroogical with his wife Markita, adapting Dickens' A Christmas Carol for theatrical production.
Why we love this
Shaw writes with the instincts of someone who has spent decades inside rehearsal rooms, and it shows in every measure. The counterpoint feels natural rather than academic, the rhythmic drive keeps energy high without exhausting singers, and the harmonic language sits perfectly for mixed voices. A closing number that actually closes something meaningful instead of merely showing off.
What to expect
The piece radiates conviction without sentimentality, pairing soaring melodic lines with propulsive rhythmic momentum. Rich harmonies create warmth while counterpoint prevents the texture from ever feeling static, resulting in something that feels both grand and genuinely moving.
Who it's for
This piece works for concert choirs seeking substantial repertoire with real substance and contemporary relevance. Directors wanting a finale that communicates urgency and hope will find both in the music and lyrics.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the text clarity in the opening statement of the melody; this lyrical anchor will help audiences connect with the message before the texture thickens.
- Balance the counterpoint lines by rehearsing sections in pairs before combining them, ensuring each voice retains independence while serving the harmonic whole.
- Let the driving rhythms breathe slightly during climactic moments rather than pushing harder; the intensity comes from precision and unified articulation.
- Shape the dynamics across the full arc to distinguish the buildup, peak, and resolution, resisting the urge to live at fortissimo for the final chorus.
How to use it
Save this for a concert finale where it can land with full dramatic weight and allow singers to feel the cumulative power of the evening's work. The uplifting message and musical sophistication make it equally suited to spring concerts, civic events, or programs centered on social responsibility themes.
Skills your students will build
- Managing counterpoint lines independently while maintaining blend
- Executing rhythmic precision in driving accompaniment patterns
- Building dynamic shape across extended harmonic progressions
- Text communication in phrases with contrasting melodic profiles
- Sustaining vocal energy during extended passages at forte and above