From The Inside Out

The song, From The Inside Out is a powerful statement of the theme of the revue. Set in an energetic symphonic rock style, it invites students to jump right in with enthusiasm from the very start. The tonality of the main theme of the song is minor, which underlines the seriousness of the subject, yet the excitement keeps a positive emotional edge going. At some moments it's quite uplifting.

The first statement of the song is sung in unison. The division into two parts occurs at the D.S., and as always, it is optional. The piece will work with unison throughout with no problem. If you would like to have the parts performed, but feel your students may be a bit challenged by it, consider asking older students to help. For example, seventh and eighth graders who would not usually sing with your groups might enjoy participating. Let them know that they are mentors, teachers, or singing buddies for the younger students. (We have witnessed many successful collaborations between junior high choruses and general music groups from younger classes.)

Stylistically, the song should be performed with a contemporary pop/rock emphasis. If you are using the Performance/Accompaniment Compact Disc or Cassette with this song, let your students hear the performance of our studio singers. They demonstrate the written scoops as well as the general energy well.

Also on the recording, you will hear a superb rock band consisting of drums, bass, guitars, piano, and electronic keyboards. A full complement of strings and brass give the symphonic flavor that makes it sound so rich. In particular, we love the interplay between the rock band and the pizzicato strings at measure 21. (Do your students know what pizzicato means? Can they identify the sound on the recording?) If you have a chance to let the students listen to the instrumental version, they will appreciate the talent of the individual performers.

At measure 36, there is a solo guitar soaring over the chanted melody, I build my character. I am the architect. The guitar has a bit of a heavy metal edge to it, but is played so sweetly by our guitarist Sandy Williams, we consider that it is singing to us. We have printed the guitar solo on the music in case you have young guitarists in your midst who wish to give it a try themselves. It's very cool.

The last several measures of the song have a written divisi in both parts. Again, the division is optional. You can just let your students sing the top note in part 1 for ease of reading and performing.