The Awakening

[@autumnmalone5744]

The actual “awakening” part in the song is not appreciated enough. It truly embodies the essence of acceptance and moving forward.

[@musicman2331]

I got to participate in this 300 person choir. One of the most memorable musical experiences I have ever had. So powerful.

[@scmontgomery]

I agree. It changes you.

[@kelliemeiwes2598]

I agree James. We sang this in high school 20+ years ago and it still gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.

[@halleystar33]

When it comes to me I have to block out the rest of my evening 😢

[@Zeak1199]

We're singing this song at my high school and our director is inviting 12 years worth of alumni to make a point to not cut the choir at our school. Thankfully I'm a senior but I couldn't imagine my life without choir. Being to all the festivals, and the fact that I've been in chorus for 8 years of my life makes this song even more impactful.

[@Cosmicgirl1111]

Zeak1199 Best of luck to you all, let Music live!.

[@KP-ej7gc]

Zeak1199 Let us know how it goes!

[@corpcjgomez]

Every choir should perform this once. Joseph Martin wrote something that changes lives and moves everyone. Awake! Awake! Let Music Live!

[@jerwheel]

How did it go?

[@MNBluestater]

I hope he was successful!!!

[@sib6sis3]

The story behind Joe Martin writting this will bring tears to your eyes too. He wrote it in honor of his music teacher who was murdered the day before a school concert. Joe was the HS accompanist. He went home after rehersal, the next morning, his father came into his room in tears and told him what had happened. Thus the line, "No Hallelujah, Not one hosanna, no song of love, no lullaby".. The Awake part is to remember to let music LIVE no matter what!! There wasn't a dry eye after that.

[@sambridges6081]

That's so sad..

[@abbeyjeaan]

This is my favorite choral piece I have ever sang. After performing it I was emotionally drained and it took me on a roller coaster while singing it. It brought so much expression out of me and I felt as if I was really telling the story the composer was trying to convey. The meaning behind this song is so heartfelt and powerful, I wish more people knew about it.

[@2387Praise]

That happened to me too. I sang this song in high school. This song put us in 1st place. We competed in Canada. That day was so rememberable. I can’t get through this song without crying or tearing up. It’s absolutely beautiful. 💖😭🥰

[@abbeyjeaan]

@@2387Praise your reply to a comment a made 5 years ago brought back allll those feelings 😌

[@rxcmxrt]

The meaning behind this song, as Joseph Martin himself told us, is the experience he had with his junior high school music teacher dying after resurrecting music at that school. Such a beautiful song, loved every moment of performing it with Joseph Martin himself.

[@NeliusSan]

That's awesome, man.

[@soundwavelistener]

Ricardo Martinez Its more gruesome than that, A man on drugs came into the school and amputated all her limbs and then killed her

[@mxboxlocks]

@@soundwavelistener really? i thought they were just shot.

[@annabellelovely4967]

Oh my God , what a nightmare!

[@vickyy420]

I dreamed a dream, a silent dream of a land not far away where no bird sang, no steeples rang, and teardrops fell like rain. I dreamed a dream; a silent dream. I dreamed a dream of a land so filled with pride that every song, both weak and strong, withered and died. I dreamed a dream No hallelujah; not one hosanna! No song of love, no lullaby. And no choir sang to change the world. No pipers played, no dancers twirled. I dreamed a dream; a silent dream. Awake, awake! Soli deo gloria! Awake, Awake! Awake my soul and sing, the time for praise has come. The silence of the night has passed, a new day has begun! Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing! Wherever emptiness is found let there be joy and glorious sound. Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing! Let all our voices join as one to praise the giver of the sun! Awake, awake! Let music live!

[@DeathcrudeCommentary]

I miss choir

[@NeliusSan]

***** So do I. It was more than just a school thing. I imagine the way I felt about it was the same way the sports players felt about their teams. There was so much love for what we did as well as each other.

[@DeathcrudeCommentary]

Shawn Lovett I even went to college for vocal education. But nowadays i dont even sing or play anymore. Its truly sad :(

[@geneostenkamp1967]

Excellent.

[@isaacsgap4407]

I am about to sing this for the first time in 3 weeks I honestly love this piece and i’m studying this so i can be mentally prepared for the beauty of this song.

[@darriellherron7481]

This song will always be my most favorite one I've sang in high school 😭

[@jacksonnoe3424]

I have sang in every choir from church to national level, and this is by far the best piece to ever leave my lips. A must sing for all those with a passion for the vocal arts. Video cannot begin to do it justice, but this comes close.

[@notramonaflowers]

I would have done absolutely anything to have been there for this performance. This video, and this song, gives me chills and makes me cry every single time. This is beautiful.

[@Josreason]

Kansas City, March 2008 (in the snow)

[@jgirgis81]

I still get the shakes at no alleluias oh my gosh it is such great music

[@cheerbitch06]

I was apart of this choir!!! We rocked this concert and it was an opportunity of a lifetime! I wish I could be there with all these wonderful people again!!

[@LoYaLeNiGMa]

My choir sang this in high school. Even with just a piano accompanying us, it was still, by far, the best song we ever performed and my favorite song we ever sang. It still moves me to this day, and I always come back to this video when I want to hear the song again because it’s my favorite performance of the song. I wish we could have had a full orchestral backing!

[@LufflesMrMercury]

Wow, when I sang this song with my high school choir, I got shivers every time we practiced. And of course when we performed it, I had to fight back my tears ^.^ But now I can't even imagine singing it with an orchestra. I'd be a sobbing mess. Truly special, so original and imaginative.

[@melissafahlstrom2724]

I remember seeing this in competition in 2000, and that exact moment, "No Hallelujah" immediately brought tears to my eyes. Have never forgotten how that moment made me feel.

[@livhoward666]

Absolutely cannot wait to perform this with my choir. Too bad we don't have an orchestra to accompany us, just a piano! But this never fails to bring me to tears, thanks for uploading this!!

[@shilohauraable]

My son is now 38 years old & out on his own, but his involvement in a top rated school choir is what kept up his grades and school attendance! It also allowed him opportunities to travel the world in high school and college! He became very involved in community musical theater & won many awards as he has a beautiful baritone/tenor 2 solo voice. I was very involved as a choir mom, too! To this day I tear up when I hear this song & Musik's Empire! This is such a reminder of how beautiful music is & how it touches our souls! And, a bit of trivia, the study & performing of classical music is the only thing proven to actually raise individual IQ scores! Don't EVER let them take music education out of your schools! It creates esteem & teamwork just as much as any sport they'd opt to keep instead! 😊❤

[@kwizkillsu]

Inserting ads into the middle of the climax of a musical piece should be defined as a war crime

[@sheaski723]

This was one of my very good friend's favorite songs. She died in a car accident the summer before our senior year. We sang this in her honor. You did an exquisite job with this song. It reminds me of what a beautiful soul she had. Thank you for executing this song with feeling and doing it so well

[@shilohauraable]

One of the most beautiful & soul shaking pieces of sound ever written in my opinion. 💖

[@Firecat0]

My mom doesn't like me singing so I didn't get to join a choir in college (even though I had auditioned and got myself a music scholarship), so when our 3 highschool merged choir sang this with a really amazing guest conductor I had to fight off tears. It was my swan sang for choral singing, reflecting my sentiments towards music. She can never take it away from me even if I have to submit stuff to KZbin in secret. Let music never die in me.

[@AncientAndMysterious]

The quality on this isn't great, but I've yet to find a recording that has more power at 2:55 than this one does.

[@MikkiConnie]

The quality's not that bad, but I agree with you on 2:55. I'd never heard this with orchestra before... Powerful!

[@MikkiConnie]

Also great at 4:25

[@wookiee1807]

I WAS IN THIS VIDEO!

[@abbykittle5058]

Here I am tears streaming down my face on Thanksgiving. lol Wonderful job to you and the rest of the ensemble! I sang this in high school and it's my favorite song I've ever sung in choir both high school and college. Well done!

[@kronsoplayzz9852]

the awake awake round part best part of the song

[@clovishudnall1351]

I sang this with a 250 piece choir just yesterday! The T1 part (which I sing) makes me very emotional

[@KnockKnock313]

This is a song that every advanced choir should have the chance to perform. It's quite beautiful and moving to be a part of it.

[@brieks07]

I just listened to this for the first time in too many years. I'd forgotten just how much I love this song!!

[@tomster2012]

14 years later, this song still takes me on the same cathartic roller coaster as the day I first learned it, maybe even increasing potency over the years. I still cry at "no hallelujah..." and shed tears of joy at "let music live!" every time. Absolutely phenomenal music and performance.

[@colejensen5606]

My choir director who met the composer of this song sang this in a 350 person all men's choir and now he's having our 20 person choir sing it for our spring concert. When I heard the back story to this song, listening to it made the emotion feel much stronger and I hope we can pull it off. We have a good bass line but only two really loud tenors including me. Of course it will not have the same effect as a small highschool choir but I hope it will still make a statement. I'm really excited to try it though.

[@ccreacy818]

Every year at my High School we sing a mass choirs the night the seniors leave at the final concert. Last year my freshman year we sang this and it was so beautifull 250 + people singing it every single one being like family to me. And singing this song and watching the seniors go was so hard but an experience I will never forget. This was done beautifully bravo!!!!!

[@tjones107]

at 2:55 I got chills and I NEVER get chills. well done Lee's Summit. This was extraordinary. Thank you for your gift of powerful emotion (which is lacking today). Keep it up!!!

[@ctswag4204]

I recently had the opportunity to sing this song for the first time in over 10 years with my fraternity brothers in a men's choir at our national convention! After everything that has happened over the past few years and after personally not singing during that time, this song really hits hard. It's one of my all time favorites! Hail Sinfonia!

[@connor.landers]

I had the privilege of singing this with the 2016 All-State Men's Choir. Gorgeous. Chills every time

[@peskypagan]

I performed this song in choir back in high school, haven't heard it since, and the no hallelujah not one hosannah part still brings tears to the corners of my eyes and a shiver down my spine. twice as much with the orchestra. beautiful, simply beautiful.

[@Suphyx]

A world with out Music is my personal HELL. I simply could not live without music. Whether classical, jazz, blues, rock, or what have you. Without music in life, it's not living.

[@Itsjustri_xx]

Singing this in A Cappella and it's everyone's favorite. Gives me chills every time.

[@Jlamomomma]

I remember singing this in NJ All State Choir 2006 and when we finally got to rehearse it with the orchestra we all started crying. So moving and one of my favorite choral pieces

[@halleystar33]

Performed this in high school in Texas, and after 10 years I still know every word and note- one of the most amazing choral pieces ever and a phenomenal performance by the vocalists and instrumentalists! Great job guys!

[@spasticsummer]

I'm an eighth grader and every year, the eighth grade choir students from all the middle schools in the district and the high school choir students sing a song together at the whole district concert and we're singing this. It's the only song I've ever liked, and it's so beautiful. It gives me chills every single time I sing it.

[@danielc.6158]

I actually played this Sophomore year in highschool in my orchestra class. :D Memories!

[@lillyadrian9590]

same! i played it in my junior year of high school with a chorus too and it was really amazing :')

[@TerraSaiNtMartyr]

2:54 gives me chills every time! we sang this song at my school last year...hearing ourselves gave us chills up and down our spines.

[@HeWasTaken]

i'm a tenor in the High School Concert Choir at Aurora Christian, and we did this song for the ACSI festival. it was amaizing. its my favorite song that we did. and we get to do it again for our spring concert. Awesome job! you guys sang and played great!

[@MichaelaBelle]

when the applause is over a minute long

[@aspendeperalta7036]

I had to sing this my freshman year in high school. This is absolutely remarkable

[@jwowboyz]

Aspen Deperalta Got to ;)

[@chaoticfloof6242]

My school has one concert a year where the orchestras, band, and choirs all combine to play together. This is one of the songs we are playing and I can only hope we have half this much power in our sound. Truly amazing.

[@mulletsquirrel]

Sang this back in high school with the all state chorus and orchestra. What an experience. I'm nearly in tears listening to it again.

[@newtotay]

BRAVO BRAVO!!! ENCORE!! I sang this song 10 years ago and i think it's THE best song ever written!! It's especially beautiful with full orchestra. I've never heard it with orchestra before!! amazing!!! Awake, awake my soul and sing! The time for praise has come!

[@brandonkeuning4093]

I sang this in high school choir. This is my favorite choir song of all time. Just love it

[@itsoktonotbeokay]

We sang this for state festival in highschool, graduated 2018. My choir director passed away in October. At her memorial, old and new choir students of hers throughout the years were invited to sing this song in her memory, which was one of the heaviest but uniting feelings. She made such a difference in so many kids lives, she was so loved. Rest in peace, Cate 🙏🏻

[@nwmusic06]

this is the reason i get up every day and do what i do. AMAZING. lol( i was even there! sitting next to the camera guy!you can hear me say that this was the best concert of my life)

[@LilKroog]

Favorite part while listening and preforming this: No hallelujah! Not one hosanna. No song of love...no lullaby. Chills every time. I love the chord progression there.

[@scionofgrace]

Dr. Eph Ehly! That man is insane! In a good way! I got to sing under him once back in college, and he was electrifying. Gorgeous performance of a gorgeous song. The orchestra's a great touch.

[@Lawrence89MUSICman]

this brought tears to my eyes. i'm sophomore music major. hearing something like this, makes me understand why i love music. And, nothing can change that. Thank you for uploading this.

[@ZurielProductions]

Wow... this is such a stunning rendition of The Awakening! I fell in love with this song when I sang it in high school, and this is by far my favorite version that I've found online thus far. Gave me so many chills; this blew me away!

[@ladyjet2]

There is something about this song, I can't say what excatly but...it rings true in my heart ever since i sang it in A'capella in high school. I just wish i had the copy from my school to listen to as well. with the full orchestra it blew my mind away. Let music NEVER die in my heart and soul, i don't know what i'd do without it.

[@amandaabernathy654]

Every year all the choirs at my school sing this and everyone ends up crying

[@DawnTyrrell_NE]

Wonderful! My daughters high school choir sang this for district contest and received all 1+'s from the judges. Brought tears to the the director when they sang and all the parents in attendance.

[@rpkebits]

this is possibly the most beautiful and most amazing song ever. for those of us with a burning passion for music and a love of great compositions. it is songs like this that make one love music soo much

[@Josreason]

I was in this group on the front row right behind the pianist. I enjoyed this experience so much. SWACDA 2008 in Kansas City and it was snowing!

[@LeahTapley]

We sang this song for the 2010-2011 All District choir..... I cried during the performance. The words are so thought-inspiring. I love the beauty of the piece ♥

[@uniquelike]

Everytime I hear this song, I tear up, because I sang this song in my chorale choir for two years and I love it. It reminds me so much of all the fun I had in my high school choir and how much I enjoyed it. Let Music NEVER Die in Me

[@americacordova980]

Just this past school year for our Senior concert, we had the honor of performing this song and also Lamentations of Jeremiah. Not only did we get to perform in the newly finishes perfoming arts center at our school, but we had all choir students 8th-12th grade perform on one stage, and being a senior, this piece being performed brought tears to my eyes, knowing that so many students are dedicated to music. It had to of been the most beautiful choir concert I've been a part of. I miss choir 😭😭😭

[@LoYaLeNiGMa]

I sang this in high school, and I loved what we did with it, but all we had was a piano to back us up. The orchestra definitely adds to the piece. The performance was wonderful! This song is just so beautiful.

[@CallMeMistressSally]

I don't get goosebumps when I hear this song - I cry. Profusely. Every time. One of my school's Choirs sang this at competition, and I've thought of this as the most beautiful song in the world since. It also symbolizes my turning point, when I realized how powerful music is and how much a part of me it is.

[@protege6505]

ABSOLUTELY ENCHANTING. I REMEMBER SINGING THIS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND IT IS JUST AS CAPTIVATING NOW AS IT WAS BACK THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bardicacolyte]

I remember doing this piece my senior year in high school and our only accompaniment was a piano. Makes quite a difference when its a full orchestra. Absolutely astounding. Let music live!

[@meshallekimble7637]

The last time I sang this was with the Covington Conyers Choral Guild back in the 90's. It's 2017 and it still brings tears whenever I listen or sing along.

[@pjee1163]

I too sang it with CCCG with Roger Waters and Joseph Martin some years after you did. Glorious piece, isn't it?

[@LilithBlack333]

This performance made me cry. Completely fantastic. We sang this my junior year in high school in an attempt to prevent our music program from being cut. Unfortunately this year, two years later they decided to cut yet another music teacher from our district. Save the arts in our schools!

[@doormatttttttt]

I remember the time i sang this with the New Jersey All-State. It was probably one of the most amazing musical moments of my life. I love this song, and this recording takes me back. Bravo!

[@lewelheds]

I was all city all state honors choir from 9th-12th

[@sjseifert85]

Let music never die in me! Forever let my spirit sing! Wherever emptiness is found, Let there be joy and glorious sound Some of THE most powerful lyrics in all of choral music. (For me.) Beautifully done. I live these lyrics, and will be doing this song with my alumni choir this fall. Can't WAIT! :)

[@sedvilleman07]

I was a part of this Honor Choir. It was my favorite song we performed!!! LOVED IT!!!

[@flemsterman]

I love this song me and my choir are singing it in a week!!!

[@elibethobbit]

Beautiful. I love this song, and hearing it with an orchestra is a real treat. Brings back high school memories.

[@jecissalynn]

Thanks for putting this up on KZbin. It was nice to get a sneak peek before I get my DVD in the mail. I didn't know we sounded that good!

[@abierema2010]

My choir sang this song in one of the biggest churches in New York City, Riverside church. The judge was moved to tears on how good a group of high school students performed it.

[@ghostlat]

I heard this song performed my a SATB choir with piano accompaniment... and I was absolutely blown away to hear this orchestra and choir version... Amazing work.

[@cheymonstaxP]

I have to sing this song in 3 days for my choir concert. This is an amazing song and Im glad to sing it.

[@mirandalikespie]

Dr. Ehly is so amazing. I'm watching this again 6 months after performing this in Carnegie Hall. Still that good.

[@StevieWallaceVA]

I can't believe it's been three years since my choir director introduced this video and this song to all of us going on the Colorado trip. We worked so hard on this song and blew each of our audiences away. And now my senior class is singing this one last time next month at graduation. This song has been with me since freshman year and it will always be with me.

[@kobrazak]

I remember when my high school performanced this song. It was Chamber and Madrigal Choirs. It was stunning...they sounded so wonderful!! T.T From PCEP Choirs in Michigan.

[@kducett11]

My high school sang this last year for competition and it was AMAZING!!! I love in this version that they also have the band playing... It makes it that much cooler!!!

[@TheNameIsMo1]

Sung this my Senior year at Ware Co. High. 2010. Love this song. Gave me chills just listening to it.

[@waltzin05]

Before the piece even started, I was impressed. Just the sheer number of performers was amazing. Then the choir opened their mouths, and I was blown away.

[@KarenFincher-SongInMyHead]

This is one of the best performances of this piece that I've heard/seen. Very powerful with the full orchestra. Breathtaking!

[@PsychoPyro813]

I got chills watching/listening to this. That never happens with youtube vids. Heck, that rarely happened when we performed this. I mean, I got chills the WHOLE time listening to this. I love it.

[@mxboxlocks]

we're singing this for a concert in high school, hard not to cry lmao

[@DrCarl_inhouse]

I sang this in choir years and years ago and this brought back beautiful memories for me.

[@jdirk2]

One of the best songs I have ever heard in my life! I sang it at a music camp, and then again my senior year of high school. The orchestra adds a more "shivery" feeling when hits the high points of the song.

[@PianoChick36]

This is by far the BEST version of this song I've heard on KZbin. For a live recording, the sound quality was incredible and only enhanced the beauty of these singers' voices and the song itself. Bravo!

[@harrisontashjian7010]

Absolutely amazing!!! My favorite piece I have ever preformed. I would have loved to been in the crowd!

[@Elise905]

I was in a SWCDA choir last year. So much fun. We're doing this song at my high school for our closing song at our next concert.

[@AWilliams7878]

How can you not get chills when you sing this song???? I do every time I hear it and sing it!!! You're probably one of those sopranos who thinks its difficult singing melody.

[@erinmariecece]

Revisiting this song years later, because my high school chorus teacher just unexpectedly passed away last month. My school did this song 2 years ago and brought me to tears every time. Music will always live in me because of my amazing teacher. RIP Mr.Boyer.

[@SansSelf]

Wow, memories. I sang with my my high school choir in Virginia Beach a few times back in 1999. Easily one of the most beautiful and epic songs we ever did, and it sticks with me to this day. I was already a musician then but "The Awakening" and the the story behind it really nailed the point home that we need music. Gods, it's awesome. "Let music live."

[@demonfox145]

i remember doing this song in 8th grade. was the last song with my choir director. will always be my favorite song of all time. its just beautiful and amazing.

[@Ellalovesfashion]

This is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!! My high school choir has sung this song every year for 14 years, but I don't think it's ever compared to this performance it's pure perfection!

[@ogipie28]

singing this with my choir was one of the greatest pleasures in my life. i was crying while i was singing it because of the amazing meaning behind the words

[@SandraD6911]

This was the song that we sang at this past graduation. We all love it so much, that we brought it back this year and whenever we go anywhere this is the one song that we want to sing. We are completely in love with this song, and it's just amazing. And thankfully, we have the voices to pull it off.

[@just3njoytheshow]

We sing this in choir every year and it is my absolute favourite song of any set we've ever done