Anthems, Sacred, Secular, Jazz / Blues / Rock.
A bold meditation on conflict, communication and compromise, served up with a touch of hip-hop cadence, a compelling dialogue of voices, and a "call to action" refrain. The interplay between different sections of the choir reflects the dynamic relationship necessary for all difficult and important conversations.
Technical notes: Dialogue is a key element of this song. In the original version for youth and adult choirs, it works well for the two choirs learn their parts separately, combining them at 1 or 2 final rehearsals. In all the other versions, there are prominent soloists/small groups in all parts.
Composer's note: This commission from Mayflower United Church of Christ came with an exciting and irresitable mission: To compose a piece which had social justice at its core, and to score it for combined youth and adult choirs. The music directors knew me and my work already, so they had to suspect that this prospect would have me chomping at the bit. And because I already knew something about Mayflower's passion and commitment to unflinching dialogue and bold actions, I knew the church would welcome the hard edges and difficult questions that I poured into this song.
Commissioned by University of Missouri Women's Chorale and Columbia Independent School / Elizabeth MacFarland (Columbia, MO)
Themes: Brokenness, Community, Diversity, Dreams, Forgiveness, Social Justice.
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