“This Train” for SATB Choir and Piano

Duration: 2’45″
MIDI Demo (using Sibelius Playback):

NOTES:

“This Train” is a fun, light, and upbeat arrangement of the classic spiritual for SATB Choir and Piano. It is one of my earlier works, which I wrote as a final project in a choral arranging class I was taking as a graduate student.

I liked the melody. But I wasn’t fond of the original lyrics, which are full of negations such as “this train don’t carry no gamblers”, “this train don’t carry no smokers”, etc.

I prefer to state things in the positive. So I rewrote some of the lyrics to stay true to the evangelical spirit of the tune, yet state things in a more positive light. The purist may get all good and riled up, but it’s a worthwhile sacrifice for better lyrics.

I never promoted this piece so it has yet to see a premier. If you’re interested in performing this piece for your choir, please contact me.