Going North was commissioned by the Young People’s Chorus of New York for ‘Transient Glory the Voices of Children’ Francisco J. Nunez artistic director. First performed at the Transient Glory Concert on 29th April 2006 at the Ethical Culture Society New York City. The composer writes of her composition 'It is challenging to find a way to compose that hopefully will be interesting and fun for young people and yet not too difficult. A major concern of course is to find the right text: something that will be appreciated by urban young people. I thought that this 'nonsense' poem of John Keats would be highly suitable. It is set for young voices soprano and alto andaccompanied by two clarinets.'

Shirley McRae is well-known for her excellent arrangements of folk songs for young voices and this new setting continues her forward trend. With a bouncing piano part enhanced by a percussive triangle along with a dancingclarinet line the story of the little fox is narrated in song. The rhymes are fun and the fable enchanting. Enjoy!