Heart Be Brave for Choir | Score & Curriculum Guide
Composed by Jasmine Arielle Barnes
Poem by James Weldon Johnson
Curriculum Guide by Joi Harper
Part of the Castle of our Skins | Boston Public Schools Collection
 
Inspired by James Weldon Johnson's poem Sonnet, Heart Be Brave is a powerful work for unaccompanied SATB divisi chorus that explores themes of courage, perseverance, and hope. Composer Jasmine Barnes draws on influences from jazz, West African musical traditions, and the concert spiritual to create a vibrant and uplifting musical experience. A soaring solo near the work's conclusion serves as a symbol of hope and possibility for the future.
 
The accompanying curriculum guide by Joi Harper provides ready-to-use lessons and activities that support musical analysis, vocal development, and exploration of the poem's enduring message of resilience and optimism.
 
Ensemble: Chorus
Instrumentation: SATB Divisi Chorus (Unaccompanied)
Duration: Approximately 5:28
Content Level: High School / Collegiate
Mastery Level: 4–4.5
Includes:
Full performance score
Curriculum guide by Joi Harper
Adaptable lesson plans and activities
 
Part of the Boston Public Schools Collection, a series of commissioned works and culturally responsive curriculum guides created to expand access to music by African diasporic composers for young musicians.