All Gave Some, Some Gave All
by Mike Wilson
Sons and daughters, mothers, fathers, husbands and wives – there is no partiality when it comes to laying down everything in service of your country. This Memorial Day we remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families of those who made them. "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" is a 3-part arrangement (SSA) that you may offer your audience in honor of the fallen.
The form is straightforward: verse, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, chorus. The dynamics of the unison verses are mezzo forte, but the 3-part choruses swell to forte to create more drama. The last chorus, however, should be the most powerful until the solemn last line which is in unison. That last line, "you gave all" could also be a soloist if you think it more poignant. The subject matter and lyric content is serious. So good diction is of great importance.
The constant snares undergird the entire arrangement in 6/4, adding a military march feel, appropriate to the song's purpose. Brass instruments punctuate the piece with evocative military themes and fluid string lines create a sense of peace.
To help your singers learn this piece, we have created isolated rehearsal tracks for parts 2 and 3. There is also a unison version which may suit your needs better. All of these can be found on our web site.
Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.