Stephen Schwartz stands among Broadway's most successful composers, with a career spanning five decades and Tony Awards for both music and lyrics. His gift for writing singable melodies that serve the dramatic arc of a story has made his work essential to music education; teachers reach for Schwartz because his songs engage singers of all levels while respecting musical integrity.
Why we love this
John Leavitt's SAB arrangement captures the infectious warmth of this Godspell anthem while making it genuinely accessible for three-part mixed choirs. The vocal writing sits comfortably across all parts, and the rhythmic energy keeps rehearsals moving; this is the kind of song that sounds impressive quickly but rewards deeper musicianship when you have time to develop it.
What to expect
Bright and buoyant, with a folk-hymn quality that feels both contemporary and timeless. The arrangement celebrates togetherness, building energy through layered voices and rhythmic precision while maintaining the spiritual generosity at the heart of the lyric.
Who it's for
Any director working with treble choirs, mixed three-part groups, or directors building a sacred concert that needs accessible but authentic material. The song works equally well for a focused rehearsal group or a larger school choir.
How to get the most out of it
Anchor the rhythmic drive in the rhythm section and bass line. This song thrives on forward momentum, so avoid dragging the eighth-note accompaniment figures even in slower sections.
Balance the homophonic passages carefully; Leavitt's three-part writing means every voice carries melody or harmonic weight. No one gets to coast.
Let the altos and basses feel the groove independently from the sopranos in the refrain sections. The interplay between parts creates the song's character.
Dig into the text with intention. 'All good gifts around us' lands harder when singers understand they're celebrating gratitude, not just singing notes.
How to use it
This works beautifully as an opener for a concert built around gratitude or thanksgiving themes, or as a bridge piece that lightens a program without sacrificing substance. It also pairs naturally with other Godspell selections if you're teaching the musical itself, or stands alone in a mixed sacred concert.
Skills your students will build
Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated accompaniment figures
Independent voice leading in three-part homophony
Balancing multiple rhythmic layers without sacrificing ensemble cohesion
Text-driven musical interpretation in congregational style arrangements
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