Were You There?

Ordinary Choir Edition

Arranged for SAB Choir and Piano with Optional Children's Voice

A heartfelt and accessible setting of the traditional African American spiritual, designed for ordinary church, school and community choirs.

Were You There? is one of the most enduring spirituals associated with the Passion of Christ. This arrangement retains the simplicity and emotional directness of the traditional melody while providing an accessible SAB setting for choirs with limited rehearsal time or smaller lower-voice sections.

An optional children's voice may be sung by a soloist or children's unison group, adding a contrasting colour to the choral texture. The arrangement can also be performed entirely by the SAB choir.

The supportive piano accompaniment provides a secure foundation without overwhelming the voices, making the setting suitable for community and volunteer ensembles as well as church choirs.

Arrangement Features

• Accessible SAB Voicing: Practical vocal writing designed for ordinary three-part choirs.
• Optional Children's Voice: May be performed by a child soloist or children's unison group.
• Supportive Piano Accompaniment: Provides musical support while allowing the traditional melody and text to remain central.
• Practical Length: At approximately 2:15, the arrangement fits easily into worship services and concert programmes.
• Seasonal Use: Particularly suitable for Lent, Holy Week, Good Friday and other reflective sacred programmes.

Performance Details

• Voicing: SAB Choir with Optional Children's Voice
• Accompaniment: Piano
• Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
• Duration: Approximately 2:15
• Best Suited For: Lent, Holy Week, Good Friday, Worship Services and Sacred Concerts

Pay What You Want

I believe ordinary choirs should have access to high-quality music regardless of their budget.

This edition is therefore offered on a Pay What You Want basis. You are welcome to download it free of charge or contribute any amount you choose to support the creation of further accessible editions for community, church and school ensembles.

Ensemble Licence Included

One purchase or download permits the purchasing organisation to print as many copies as required for use by one choir or ensemble.

The music may not be shared with another ensemble or organisation, resold, uploaded publicly, or otherwise redistributed. A separate licence or download is required for each ensemble using the music.

One download covers your entire choir.

“There is no reason why ordinary choirs should not sing extraordinary music.”