Lift Up Your Heads

Lift Up Your Heads was inspired by the tradition of male choruses and the gospel performance practices that shaped the composer’s early musical experiences. The work should be performed in a Black gospel style, with rhythmic vitality, expressive phrasing, and stylistic authenticity.

Optional bass guitar and drum set may be added to reinforce the accompaniment and support the gospel idiom. Improvised ad lib material may begin at measure 38 and continue through the conclusion of the piece, allowing for expressive freedom within the established musical framework.