You Belong: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Robert T. Gibson
Item: 00-PO-0007616
$2.50
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Robert T. Gibson delivers an uplifting, pop-infused anthem with his signature gospel flair. A reminder that no one is alone, this inspiring selection is designed to build community in your classroom and develop self-worth in each individual singer. Well-crafted vocal parts make it accessible to a variety of groups, and a couple of solo opportunities let individual voices shine. Add the free rhythm section parts (or the SoundTrax) for an inspiring performance that will have everyone clapping along.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
20
SKU:
00-PO-0007616
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert T. Gibson
Robert T. Gibson is a conductor, composer, and educator based in Houston who has shaped choral music across the South and Midwest. Holding degrees from the University of North Texas and Missouri State University, he has directed ensembles at middle school, high school, and collegiate levels, while also serving as a guest clinician in Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Tennessee, and New York. His tenure at Reed Academy and Missouri State saw his choirs perform at significant community events, including the 2022 Missouri Music Education Association Conference. Gibson founded the Missouri State Multicultural Ensemble, which brought together university students and community musicians to perform at the state conference in 2019.
His arrangements and original works appear through Walton Music and Alfred Publications, and his compositions have been performed by the Texas All-State Tenor Bass Choir and the Missouri Summer All-State Choir. Gibson received the 2020 Missouri Choral Directors Association's Opus Award for his arrangement of "We Shall Overcome," and in 2022 was honored with the NAACP Trailblazer Award for his service to the Springfield community. He is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Kappa Lambda Nation.
Why we love this
Gibson writes for singers, not above them. The gospel-inflected pop style lands naturally on young voices, and the two-part voicing creates real harmonic texture without requiring extensive experience. The solo moments feel earned rather than tacked on, giving your strongest singers something meaningful to do while keeping the ensemble focus intact.
What to expect
Uplifting and grounded, with the warmth of gospel tradition meeting the directness of contemporary pop. The piece radiates genuine encouragement; it never feels preachy or hollow. There is room for joy and movement here, and the melody invites audiences to listen closely and feel included.
Who it's for
This octavo serves mixed-ability choirs at the middle and high school level, especially those looking for material with immediate appeal and clear social-emotional value. It works equally well for concert performance and festival competition, and the built-in flexibility (vocal parts alone or with rhythm section) makes it adaptable to programs with varying resources.
How to get the most out of it
- Encourage rhythmic precision in the rhythm section parts; the pop groove only locks when the pulse is rock-solid. Use the free parts or SoundTrax to help your ensemble anchor the feel before adding the vocal layers.
- Shape the message alongside the melody. This piece builds community, so let the unison and two-part sections create moments of real togetherness; resist the urge to blend into uniformity and instead let individual voices contribute to a fuller sound.
- Highlight the solo passages by bringing them forward during rehearsal, then pulling them back slightly during performance so the ensemble remains the main focus. This prevents soloists from overwhelming the piece's communal intent.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece or festival selection that speaks to belonging and self-worth. It pairs well with other contemporary choral works and can anchor a thematic program about community and identity. The accessible vocal writing also makes it a strong choice for early-season rehearsal while you're building ensemble confidence and musicianship.
Skills your students will build
- Two-part harmonic singing and voice independence
- Gospel-influenced phrasing and rhythmic feel in a pop context
- Solo preparation and performance confidence
- Ensemble balance and blend in gospel-inflected writing
- Text expression and emotional delivery in contemporary secular music