Jasmine Barnes
(for SATB chorus, unaccompanied)
Poem by James Weldon Johnson
Curriculum Guide by Joi Harper (included with purchase)
Castle of Our Skins | Boston Public Schools Collection
Proceeds from this sale supports Castle of our Skins education programs and Rising Tide Music & Arts composer pathway projects.
From the composer:
When Castle of our Skins approached me about writing a choral piece, I knew I wanted to set the text of an African American Poet, and I stumbled across the poetry of James Weldon Johnson. James Weldon Johnson, famous for writing the text of the Black National Anthem, is masterful in writing encouraging texts. “Sonnet” sets out to fulfill that claim as well. This piece explores fear, motivation, and courage. This poem carries a unified thread of optimism, making this message a positive exclamation. To me, as a composer, this calls for a lively sound to compliment such lively text. I incorporated elements of Jazz and West African music into the score, which I thought befitting to convey the text. The Soprano Solo towards the end is symbolic of a hopeful tomorrow, and written with style inspiration of the concert spiritual.
- Jasmine Arielle Barnes
Heart, Be Brave
Ensemble: Chorus
Parts: SATB div., unaccompanied
Duration: 5:28 (approx.)
Content Level: High School, Collegiate
Mastery Level: Adv. / Adv. Int.
Purchase of this download is a license to print:
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up to 20 copies of the score, and
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1 copy of the curriculum guide (if provided) plus 1 classroom set (up to 30 copies) of any reproducible contents
This license is for the purchaser only and is not transferrable. For additional copies, please purchase an additional license.
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