This work, my second collaboration with a local poet, was written under commission from the Lexington Chamber Chorale, Dr. Gary Anderson, musical director. The work had its premiere on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the first concert of the Chorale’s 2025-26 season, it’s 35th.

George Ella’s poem, “Sing,” portrays the interaction between a vocal instructor and the feelings of one of her students. The words reflect George Ella’s actual experience studying under Lexington vocal/choral legend Phyllis Jenness (read the Legacy obit here), and uses phrases Phyllis actually used in her lessons. The poem juxtaposes those phrases with George Ella’s reactions.

Musically, the piece assigns the role of “instructor” to two soloists (one soprano, one tenor), and the role of “student” to the choir itself. These roles and sung lines are often layered. The structure leverages a repeating verse form implied by the poem, with lots of variation. There are three short music motifs, all introduced by the piano in its introduction to the piece.

Technical note: The playback above sounds much more mechanical than other compositions delivered here — there isn’t a way to render a realistic vocal performance with lyrics using electronic tools. For a live performance of this work, click here.

[Pen and ink drawing provided by Audrey Clay Marks.]