Emily Crocker spent 15 years teaching music in Texas public schools before transitioning to a leadership role at Hal Leonard in 1989. Over nearly three decades with the publisher, she shaped the choral landscape as VP of Choral Publications, developing instructional materials that reached classrooms nationwide.
Beyond her publishing work, Crocker founded and directed the Milwaukee Children's Choir for 15 years and established the Vocal Arts Academy of Milwaukee, demonstrating her commitment to building strong choral programs from the ground up. Her own compositions have earned international performances. Now based in Fort Worth, she continues composing and championing arts education.
Why we love this
Crocker's arrangement honors the spiritual sincerity of this text while keeping the vocal writing accessible and singable for mixed choirs at the intermediate level. Her years developing choral materials shine through in the balance between musical substance and practical classroom viability.
What to expect
The arrangement brings warmth and conviction to a declaration of faith, with harmonies that feel both contemporary and timeless. Singers experience moments of individual melodic expression alongside passages of unified ensemble sound.
Who it's for
Sacred concert programs, worship settings, and intermediate SATB choirs seeking repertoire with spiritual depth and straightforward vocal demands. Works equally well for established programs and those building their sacred repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the harmonic movement by paying attention to how each voice part supports or gently moves against the others; this arrangement rewards singers who listen beyond their own line.
Let the text articulation drive your phrasing choices rather than forcing a uniform approach across all four parts.
Consider the acoustic properties of your rehearsal and performance space when setting dynamics; this piece's lyrical nature means clarity matters as much as volume.
How to use it
Position this as the centerpiece of a sacred or interfaith concert program, or pair it with spirituals and hymn arrangements for a thematic set. Its 13 pages and moderate difficulty make it a realistic choice for festival seasons or spring concert rotations without overwhelming rehearsal schedules.
Skills your students will build
Balancing individual vocal line independence with ensemble blend in four-part writing
Interpreting text-driven phrasing in sacred music
Singing harmonic movement that supports rather than mirrors other voice parts
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