A Joyful Song to the Lord (arr. Patti Drennan): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Patti Drennan
Item: 35-PK00439003
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Description
Sparkling with classical joy, this cheerful number gives choirs an approachable yet impressive anthem for general occasions. Using accessible contrapuntal devices, the piece has an "old soul" yet remains refreshing and modern. The general praiseworthy text makes a great opener for worship. Five stars! Score and Parts (vn, vc) available as a digital download.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00439003
More about this title
About the Arranger: Patti Drennan
Patti Drennan holds degrees in music education from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, and spent 28 years directing choral programs in Norman Public Schools. Her tenure at West Mid-High School earned her Teacher of the Year recognition, while her eight years at Norman High School produced four consistently superior-rated ensembles. The Oklahoma Choral Directors Association honored her with the Director of Distinction Award in 2004.
With over 425 published choral octavos and two million copies in circulation, Drennan has become a prolific voice in choral arranging and composition. She has clinicked in 19 states and Canada, adjudicated choral contests across the region, and served as music and worship arts director at First Baptist Church, Norman. Her compositions have reached Carnegie Hall, and she continues composing, presenting workshops, and performing with her daughter Emily through RoxSteady Music and various symphonic ensembles.
Why we love this
Drennan captures something genuinely difficult to execute well: a piece that sounds classically refined without requiring a choir to navigate dense harmonic language or uncomfortable ranges. The accessible counterpoint gives singers real musical work to do while keeping the learning curve reasonable, and the universally affirming text works equally well opening a Sunday service or a community concert. What makes this arrangement shine is its ability to feel substantial without being showy.
What to expect
Crystalline and buoyant. The piece has the architectural clarity of a Renaissance motet combined with a modern sensibility that keeps it from feeling archival. Singers feel the joy of singing together in parts that interweave without tangling, while listeners experience something timeless that still feels fresh.
Who it's for
Choirs of mixed experience levels seeking a general anthem that doesn't require advanced musicianship but respects the singers' intelligence. This works for church programs, school choral ensembles, and community choruses looking for repertoire that lands well with congregations and audiences without excessive rehearsal demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring clarity to the inner parts by balancing them equally with the melody; this counterpoint only lands when all voices are heard distinctly
- Shape the phrases with gentle dynamic movement rather than holding steady throughout; the classical architecture appreciates subtle breathing room between ideas
- Use the violin and cello parts to highlight structural moments, particularly at phrase peaks where the text calls for emphasis
How to use it
Open a worship service or concert with this piece to establish an uplifting tone and draw listeners in immediately. It pairs naturally with other sacred choral work, whether you're programming a full liturgical service or building a mixed choral concert around affirming themes. Its moderate length and accessible demands also make it a solid choice for groups early in their season when ensemble cohesion is still developing.
Skills your students will build
- Singing independent melodic lines within contrapuntal texture
- Reading and executing part independence without relying on the melody
- Balancing harmonic blend while maintaining line clarity
- Interpreting classical structural forms in a contemporary arrangement
- Coordinating with instrumental accompaniment