Video
Historical Narrative
This arrangement for S.S.A.A. (with soprano/alto solo) by Betty Jackson King is dedicated to Danellen Joseph and the Delta Sigma Theta Choraliers of Los Angeles. The Choraliers, founded around 1959 under the leadership of Soror Joseph, served as a prominent women’s gospel/spiritual choir affiliated with the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Through decades of concert performance, community engagement, and sorority service, the Choraliers upheld both musical artistry and sister‐hood mission, contributing to the cultural tapestry of African American sacred music on the West Coast. King’s dedication to this ensemble underscores her far-reaching influence beyond her Chicago base, and her commitment to women’s choral voices in the spiritual tradition. Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’ thereby becomes part of a bridge between composer and ensemble, uniting King’s choral craftsmanship with the motivated performance culture of the Choraliers.
Musical Description
Written in F major (one flat) and arranged for S.S.A.A. voices with soprano or alto solo, Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’ captures the jubilant anticipation of resurrection day through rhythmic clarity and expressive call-and-response. Betty Jackson King opens the work with a solo voice gently intoning “Fare thee well”—a reflective farewell that blossoms into full choral harmony.
As the ensemble enters, the rhythmic motion intensifies with syncopated triplets and layered phrases on “In that great gettin’ up mornin’, fare thee well.” King uses these rhythmic groupings to create a sense of movement and spiritual momentum, embodying both the physical energy and emotional conviction of the traditional spiritual.