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Wong, Adrian_How to Say Goodbye_COver.jpg
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Wong, Adrian_How to Say Goodbye_COver.jpg

How to Say Goodbye

$2.99

for SATB Choir and piano accompaniment
ca. 6’00”

「行快啲啦喂！」("Hurry up!") is my grandma's catchphrase—a lively, rotund, force of a woman. As soon as I learned how to walk, she would playfully bark "Hurry up!" in a sing-song voice as she ushers us to the next bakery, playground, bus stop, or restaurant. My love of egg tarts, char siu over rice, and chicken feet I owe to our daily post-kindergarten escapades.

Yet, as I write this note, she's since moved to an old folks' home after a health scare—sedentary, grey, and frail. She can no longer walk. Alzheimer's has crept in. She is 88.

We live 8000 miles apart. I'm only home twice a year. When will I see her? Will I see her? What will I say to her?

How to Say Goodbye was commissioned by David Hahn, the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Conductor of the Schwob Singers at Columbus State University.

Scores will be made available after the world premiere on 10 March, 2026.

PDF - for SATB Choir and piano accompaniment | $2.99
*This order requires a minimum of 16 copies

for SATB Choir and piano accompaniment
ca. 6’00”

「行快啲啦喂！」("Hurry up!") is my grandma's catchphrase—a lively, rotund, force of a woman. As soon as I learned how to walk, she would playfully bark "Hurry up!" in a sing-song voice as she ushers us to the next bakery, playground, bus stop, or restaurant. My love of egg tarts, char siu over rice, and chicken feet I owe to our daily post-kindergarten escapades.

Yet, as I write this note, she's since moved to an old folks' home after a health scare—sedentary, grey, and frail. She can no longer walk. Alzheimer's has crept in. She is 88.

We live 8000 miles apart. I'm only home twice a year. When will I see her? Will I see her? What will I say to her?

How to Say Goodbye was commissioned by David Hahn, the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Conductor of the Schwob Singers at Columbus State University.

Scores will be made available after the world premiere on 10 March, 2026.

PDF - for SATB Choir and piano accompaniment | $2.99
*This order requires a minimum of 16 copies

 

Text:

"Hurry up!" you'd say,
pastries in tow.
I'd toddle and waddle
giggling as I'd go.

"Hurry up!" you'd say,
my bookbag in hand.
We'd miss the bus, you'd sweep me up,
laughing as we went.

I look up at your face,
laugh lines and crow's feet aplenty.
Your necklace jade and gold,
I'll get the same one someday or so I'm told!

"Hurry up!" I'd say,
your groceries in tow.
You'd shuffle and trundle
sighing as you'd go.

"Hurry up!" I'd say,
offering your cane.
It's brushed aside your eyes go wide
how dare I help, you're fine.


I turn to your face,
laugh lines and crow's feet aplenty.
Joyful times of old
replaced with frowns, defeated scowls I can't console.

Now when we meet I can't help but feel irritated
your patience's thin, my temper flares,
"What do you mean? I've just repeated what I said!"

Love turned to dreading every call
where you would talk
and nag and wail
I'd snap and yell
till one day, you...

"What's your name?" you say,
I'll then remind you again.
I sit by your side
while you try to turn back time.

"Do you remember my face?
Remember these stories?
Do you remember,
do you remember me?

I'm sorry,
please forgive me,
thank you, I forgive you,
do you remember me?

I love you,
I love you,
please remember, remember me."