Item Number: JMG1030 Format: Choral Book Voicing: SATB
By Stan Pethel Optional Drama by Nan Allen Orchestrations by Stan Pethel
Perfect for small choirs, senior adult choirs, or any choir looking for a musical that’s easily-prepared and presented, How Great Our Joy! is refreshing and truly joyful. Beloved carols are seamlessly blended with new songs and simple, creative narration by seasoned composer/arranger Stan Pethel. To create a slightly expanded presentation, optional drama and staging (or a multiple narrator version) by seasoned writer Nan Allen are offered as free downloads. Capture the joy of the “reason for the season” with How Great Our Joy! (20 minutes).
Full orchestration score and parts are available by calling 1-866-742-7212. Instrumentation: Flute 1, 2; Oboe; Clarinet 1,2; Bassoon; Horn 1, 2; Trumpet 1, 2; Trombone 1, 2; Tuba; Percussion & Timpani; Bells; Harp; Violin 1, 2; Viola; Cello; Bass; Piano (playing from choral score)
The FREE drama and staging guide can be downloaded here.
“How Great Our Joy, by Stan Pethel, is filled with truth and singable music. The combination of the familiar and newly-composed is in good balance, but all will be welcome to listen to, and to sing. Stan's work has times of high energy, and moments of thoughtful reflection, and, as always Stan Pethel is the hero for the choir that is looking for works at which they can be successful.”
Jack Schrader
Composer, Editor, Arranger (retired)
Wheaton, IL
“Once again, Stan Pethel has created an accessible Christmas musical that includes a good balance of familiar and new material. Some of the familiar tunes have new texts that develop the theme and deliver the story. For 25 minutes the Christmas-appropriate theme of joy seamlessly threads through both text and music. The narrator’s first-person perspective recalling the night Jesus was born is interesting, fresh, and plausible. In true Stan style, there is a fair amount of unison singing but the SATB sections are uncomplicated. His accompaniments are delightful, supportive, and always fun to play. This is a piece that will well-serve choirs/ensembles large and small in bringing ‘great joy’ to congregations.”
Mark Edwards
Minister of Music (retired)
First Baptist Church
Nashville, TN
A full demonstration recording ofHow Great Our Joy!is available for purchase here.
