Description
An ode to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity: we are like trees, withstanding the torrential storms of life. Changes in tempo and dynamics create excitement and musical contrast. The piece is united by an expressive accompaniment that also reinforces the text. Choirs will sing “Standing Side by Side” with passion, joy, and hope.
I composed “Standing Side by Side” during the pandemic, at a time when I truly missed the joy of making music together. I kept searching for the right text for this commission from the UNC Greensboro School of Music,
to accurately describe the way I felt ~ and came up short. When this happens, I often reach out to my friend, the amazing poet Julia Klatt Singer. I told her that I wanted words that were poignant but joyful, and that I was inspired by trees, and how they are connected to each other with their roots inside the earth. And I wanted to express gratitude, as a way of healing and moving forward. She wrote the most amazing words. It was an honor to set them.– Jocelyn Hagen
Performed by The University of South Carolina Concert Choir Dr. Alicia W. Walker, director
Text
We are trees, deep-rooted,
Standing side by side,
We let both light and darkness
Fall at our feet. Feel our way
To each other. We are
grounded, replete.
Find in each other,
all the beauty of the earth;
Rising moon and speckled egg,
stone fruit and slanting light.
We give thanks
To moss and fern
To dragonfly and lichen.
We give thanks
To star and Luna moth
To cloud and coming thunder.
What storms have tried to take us
Down, with hammering rain
And striking lightning.
Watch us bend instead,
see how we sway–
Our strength, in what we weather.
– Julia Klatt Singer
About ‘Compose Like a Girl’
The Compose Like a Girl initiative amplifies female-identifying composers, helps conductors diversify their concerts, and works toward more equality in music programming and commissioning. Learn more and find other pieces in the series here.