Composer

:

Thomas Kerr

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:37

"Git on board" is a traditional African-American spiritual song that has been arranged and adapted by many composers over the years. One of the most popular arrangements was composed by Thomas Kerr, an American composer and arranger who lived from 1915 to 1988. Kerr's arrangement of "Git on board" was first published in 1950 and quickly became a favorite of choirs and vocal ensembles around the world. The piece is typically performed a cappella, with the singers providing all of the instrumentation through their voices and body percussion. The arrangement is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and style. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the singers intoning the words "Git on board, little children" in a mournful, almost pleading tone. The second movement is more upbeat and rhythmic, with the singers clapping and stomping their feet to create a driving, percussive accompaniment. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative style of the first, with the singers repeating the refrain "Git on board" in a haunting, almost hypnotic manner. One of the most striking characteristics of Kerr's arrangement is its use of call-and-response, a traditional African-American musical form in which a leader sings a phrase and the rest of the group responds with a different phrase. This creates a sense of community and shared experience among the singers, as well as a powerful emotional resonance that can be felt by audiences of all backgrounds. Overall, "Git on board" is a powerful and moving piece of music that speaks to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Its timeless message of hope and perseverance continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a beloved classic of the choral repertoire.

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