There Must Be A Rainbow

Here in Wisconsin, we usually get a lot of thunderstorms in the spring and summer. Being right on Lake Michigan, they are often quite dramatic the way they come in and go out on the wind. When the sky is still dark and the clouds are moving east over the lake, sometimes the sky turns blue and sunny to the west as it goes. These are prime rainbow conditions! If we can, we try to get outside to search for the rainbow, because we know that surely, there must be one. And most of the time, there is! (Hence the inspiration for this song.)

This is one of those marvelous songs that has many potential meanings and applications. At face value, it's a sweet song about rainbows. Upon further examination, it could be a song that embraces concepts such as hope, overcoming adversity, and optimism. Given the mystical and wondrous nature of rainbows, this is not an uncommon connection. As far as applications go, this would be a natural for a spring, summer, Easter, or St. Patrick's Day program if you want to focus on the nature/holiday/celebration side of things. If you want to talk about rainbows and the science thereof, it works for that, too. As mentioned, abstract themes like wishing or positive thinking could always use a little help from a rainbow song. And then there's the choir angle. This truly is a nice piece of music for a choir to perform no matter the season or reason. It's got a depth of musicality and emotion that allows your singers to shine.

You will see that we have indicated an optional solo for the first part of the tune. This could be sung by a younger or older singer, even an adult, as you prefer. For our recording, we used a young boy, Aidan Huffman. At measure 17 the first time, we have a 3-part mixed group entering, but again, this is optional. You can let it remain a unison song, or a solo piece, for that matter. We have isolated the two optional parts and put them online for rehearsal purposes. You'll also find a unison version of the song online as well which you can use for rehearsals or performances. (See details on page 65.)

On the recording, you will be treated to the gorgeous solo work of Phil Palermo on violin. The violin line is cued on the piano/vocal score in case you wish to use it with your own talented violinist (or other instrumentalist). The piano part is simple enough that it could be played live, so using your own instrumental soloist would work well if you choose to do it this way.