The Other Side
The Other Side
Kyle Pederson (2021)
Voicing: SATB
Accompaniment: Piano (accompaniment track available, as well)
Text: Lyrics by Vocalessence Singers of This Age and Kyle Pederson
Commissioned by Phillip Shoultz and Vocalessence Singers of This Age
On the other side
will we be same?
Or on the other side
will you and I grow up through the pain...
What have we heard,
what have we seen?
What have we learned,
what does it mean?
I will find you, stand beside you,
I will meet you, see you, be there,
on the other side.
Intro narration, spoken word, bridge crafted by your choir...
Notes:
This piece is intended to be co-created with your choir. An overall structure is provided (which includes SATB choral parts and piano accompaniment), but then the composer "gets out of the way" as your choir crafts opening narration, spoken word, and the bridge. I highly recommend visiting KylePederson.com where you can see a music video by VESOTA Choir that provides a wonderful example of how things can come together.
Accompaniment:
This piece is designed with maximum flexbility in mind. You can peform live with only a piano if desired. Or you can add bass, keyboard, percussion, etc. You also have the option of performing with the accompaniment track. For rehearsal purposes, you can sing along with a demo recording that layers in the choral parts throughout but leaves the opening narration,spoken word, and bridge sections blank for your students to perform.
Places where the choir co-creates:
Percussion throughout: choir may create its own rhythms and hits on actual instruments, body percussion, vocal percussion, found objects, etc.
Opening narration: this could be as simple as narration that explains the process and experience to the listening audience. It could also include poetry, spoken word, excerpts from iconic speeches, etc.
Spoken Word: these sections could be created by individuals, small groups, or the entire ensemble. Spoken word may be rhythmic (see the video for this effect), or could take on the character of a speech, vocal protest, sermon, etc.
Bridge: this could include the gradual layering of vocal parts (for ex, sopranos sing an 8 measure phrase, then repeat it as basses come in with their own 8 measure phrase. As those two parts repeat their phrases, altos and tenors come in with their own 8 measure phrase). Or perhaps this bridge includes a solo wailing over the top of more spoken word. Or perhaps it starts off as a
spoken word solo but ends with the entire choir speaking/shouting something in unison. The sky is the limit.