Between the Lines: "Cry Out and Shout," Arranged by Timothy Sarsany

Cry Out and Shout by Kurt Nystedt is a long-standing favorite of honor choirs and festival groups. Now Dr. Timothy Sarsany has arranged the mixed voice gem for SSAA and TTBB choirs. His scholarly adaptations are carefully crafted to reflect the original.

As an accomplished composer and arranger, Tim Sarsany receives commissions from high school, collegiate, and professional groups nationwide. Dr. Sarsany is a visiting assistant professor and Director of Choral Activities at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from The Ohio State University, as well a Master of Music degree in choral conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in music composition.

Read on to learn more about Cry Out and Shout .

What inspired you to write Cry Out and Shout ?

I sang this in college, we were a TTBB choir and sang this song from the SATB score, re-voicing or shifting staves when necessary. I thought to myself: "There needs to be a TTBB setting of this in print!" After approaching Alfred, they agreed and asked me to do an SSAA voicing as well.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Cry Out and Shout ?

Included in this edition are suggested ranges for tempi. Find a balanced tempo for your group that will allow buoyancy in tone. Too fast, and the song will sound frantic. Too slow, the piece will sound heavy and labored.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

Just enjoy! It’s a very fun, energetic piece.