Come, Shine The Way (arr. Stan Pethel): SATB Choral Octavo
As performed by Bert Stratton / Arranged by Stan Pethel
Item: 35-DS01953431
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$2.50
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
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Description
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Bert Stratton's relationship with music began in childhood, shaped by his parents' expansive record collection and an insatiable curiosity about what makes a song work. He started formal training on piano at seven, later adding guitar and developing a keen ear for the interplay between melody, lyrics, harmonic progression, and lyrical structure. His formal studies at Ithaca College Music School deepened his command of theory and musicianship, leading to the composition of hundreds of original songs.
Stratton's breakthrough came when Pat Boone recorded one of his compositions as a title track, establishing him as a songwriter whose work merited professional recording and distribution. His catalog has been published by major houses including Shawnee Press, Carl Fischer, Briley, Lorenz, and Alfred. He has written, recorded, and produced four original CDs that have circulated internationally. Now based in Nashville, Stratton continues pursuing his craft full time, driven by the same creative restlessness that defined his early years.
Why we love this
Pethel's arrangement captures the essence of Stratton's composition while making it accessible for mixed choirs of varying abilities. The text and melody work in natural partnership, allowing singers to feel the emotional weight of an Advent message without getting tangled in vocal gymnastics. This is the kind of arrangement that reminds your singers why they love the repertoire in the first place.
What to expect
This piece carries the reflective anticipation of Advent without sentimentality. Stratton's melody unfolds with lyrical warmth, supported by harmonies that feel both contemporary in sensibility and rooted in choral tradition. There is light in this music, but also a quiet invitation to contemplation.
Who it's for
Any SATB choir preparing music for Advent or Christmas services will find this arrangement both singable and spiritually grounded. It works equally well for church choirs developing their sacred repertoire and school choirs seeking meaningful seasonal material with substance.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the soprano line against the harmonic support beneath it; the melody should sing through without the other voices receding into accompaniment.
Shape the phrases with breath and dynamic arc rather than holding every note at the same volume; this allows the text to breathe and communicate.
Pay attention to the vowel consistency across the section transitions, especially where parts move through different ranges.
Let the harmonic color of this arrangement inform your tempo choice; rushing can flatten the richness Pethel has written into the voicing.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece in an Advent service or concert, where it can stand on its own without needing to compete with louder, more elaborate seasonal fare. It pairs naturally with instrumental prelude or postlude, or it can anchor a small sacred choral set among works of similar dimension and style.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining legit tone while managing longer phrase lines
Balancing part independence with harmonic cohesion
Shaping musical phrases through dynamic and textural control
Interpreting text with musical intention rather than mechanical declamation
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