SATB + Unison, piano
For high school or adult choir with children’s choir, this uplifting piece promotes the qualities of acceptance, cooperation and love.
Listen
Program note
New Skies was commissioned by All Saints Episcopal Pasadena, to address the issue of teenage bullying – in particular the bullying of gay teens.
Notes on preparation and performance
This versatile piece can be performed by high school singers with children’s chorus, or adult singers with children’s chorus. Portions of the work are also appropriate for middle school choirs, making it an excellent choice for concerts with combined choirs of different ages. If desired, one of the singers can read the “It gets better” pledge prior to the performance.
Text
Look up! Let us search for clear sky. Rain flows in rivers where we stand. Wind pushes, we sway, but stand still, but stay strong. There are new skies to come.
Do not say we are less than, we are as ever, hearts flying wild, hope beating heavy and sense turning mad, excitement growing, hands in hands. And as ever, as always, you want only, simply, to love, to be loved, and come home. Shall we look for new skies together? And we will love you towards home. – Anon.
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. – Emily Dickinson
The “It gets better” pledge (not included in the music, but may be read prior to performance, if desired):
Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I’ll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I’ll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other bullied teens by letting them know that it gets better.