Hope

Hope is an abstract subject, and yet we all know it well. It seems to be instinctual. It's a feeling and it's a desire. An expectation and a want. And it can apply to any size situation. We hope it's going to be sunny today. We hope our friend gets well. We hope our performance is a good one. We hope a conflict will end. The thing is, the moment we think a hopeful thought, it helps. It comforts us. Maybe it will all be okay. We hope so.

Hope is also optimistic. And in a world filled with challenges, who couldn't use some optimism? In the context of our revue, sometimes we need hope to move forward. Problems, difficulties, and the aforementioned hurdles, can cause us distress. However things turn out, while we are going through them, it is amazingly helpful if we can have hope.

The song, "Hope" is an easygoing, country pop style piece that lends itself well to the expression of the idea. It starts lightly, inviting some introspection. We have suggested the use of a soloist (optional) for the first verse, either up to measure 13 or all the way to the chorus at measure 22 where everyone can join in. It's unison going forward, which makes it pretty accessible. The chorus is catchy enough that by the last time you sing it, your audience might just be ready to join in. (Project the lyrics or put them in the program to encourage this.) Add a little swaying during the chorus to help bring it to life during a performance. Or you could even use the classic arms-over-the-head-using-lights sway you might see in a concert. Another idea would be to add sign language, either just at the chorus or for the whole song, depending on what works for you. Our sign language expert, Judi Thomas, has created videos that you can use to teach the signs to your students. You can find these on our web site.

We are very pleased with the recorded audio accompaniment for this song. Besides our usual group of stellar musicians, it features some lovely work by our pianist, Steve Potts, as well as violin and cello solos by Zach DePue and Dennis McCafferty, respectively. However, if you happen to have a good pianist of your own available, this tune is one that would work pretty well with just piano, played live in performance.

This is another piece, by the way, that would work outside of this revue. You could add it to another performance or just sing it in class.