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Historical Narrative
Composed and copyrighted in 1978, Rise Up, Shepherds was arranged by Betty Jackson King and dedicated to Ron McKinley, the featured soloist, and the Congregational Church of Park Manor Choir, where King served as Minister of Music. According to the program of the church’s Tenth Annual Choir Concert (1962), Ron McKinley was an active member of the Park Manor Choir, where his lyrical tenor voice was frequently featured in solo and ensemble performances. His musicality and expressive interpretation made him a favorite among audiences and a trusted collaborator within the choir. McKinley also belonged to the BJ King Artist Group, an ensemble of professional and semi-professional musicians in Chicago organized by Dr. King to present recitals, sacred concerts, and lecture-demonstrations highlighting African American composers. This group reflected King’s dedication to artistic excellence and her desire to provide performance opportunities for Black musicians whose work was often underrepresented in mainstream concert life.
King and McKinley’s paths extended beyond church and concert collaboration into the broader network of Chicago’s musical organizations, including the Chicago Music Association (Branch No. 1 of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.) and NANM, Inc. itself. Both were active participants in the musical and cultural life of Chicago during a period when the city served as a national center for African American classical and sacred music. King’s leadership as National President of NANM (1970–1984) and her involvement in the Chicago Music Association placed her in close professional circles with many of the city’s top vocalists, instrumentalists, and educators—including McKinley, whose artistry was closely aligned with NANM’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of Black music.
By dedicating Rise Up, Shepherds to Ron McKinley and her own Park Manor Choir, King honored not only their shared ministry of music but also their commitment to excellence in performance. The dedication captures the spirit of community and collaboration that defined King’s Chicago years—where her leadership, artistry, and mentorship inspired a generation of musicians devoted to expressing faith through music.
Musical Description
Rise Up, Shepherds is arranged for S.A.T.B. choir with solo and marked “Plaintive” (♩ = 80), establishing a mood that is both reflective and resolute. The piece begins in the key of E major, a bright but dignified key that balances warmth with clarity. The opening solo phrase, “Rise, shepherds,” carries a simple, chant-like quality, followed by the choir’s echo—a call-and-response pattern reminiscent of traditional spiritual performance. This musical dialogue immediately captures the essence of the spiritual: the divine call to action and the faithful human response. King uses the interplay between solo and choir to create a sense of dialogue between heaven and earth, as the shepherds respond to the angelic message.
The choral texture is largelyhomophonic, emphasizing the textual clarity essential to spirituals, while subtle harmonic colorations—such as the added seconds and suspensions—give the piece emotional depth. The rhythmic flow is unhurried, allowing the text to unfold naturally. At measure 5, the steady rhythmic pattern in the accompaniment underscores the shepherds’ journey, while the melodic line ascends on “Behold, there shone a holy light,” symbolizing spiritual revelation. King’s harmonization is both rich and transparent, reflecting her classical training and deep understanding of the spiritual’s expressive roots.
For choir directors, Rise Up, Shepherds offers an ideal blend of accessibility and artistry. The solo part demands sensitivity and control, while the ensemble must maintain balance and unity throughout the dynamic contrasts. The plaintive character calls for warmth of tone and gentle phrasing rather than dramatic intensity. Suitable for both concert and worship settings, this arrangement exemplifies Betty Jackson King’s signature style—transforming a beloved traditional spiritual into a refined, musically sophisticated, and spiritually stirring work that uplifts both performer and listener.