Patti Drennan studied music education at Oklahoma State University and later earned her master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. During 28 years teaching choral music in Norman Public Schools, she built a reputation for excellence, earning Teacher of the Year honors at West Mid-High School and directing four superior-rated choirs at Norman High School before retiring in 2004.
A prolific composer and arranger with over 425 published octavos and two million copies in circulation, Drennan has become a sought-after clinician and workshop leader across the United States and Canada. She has adjudicated choral competitions in three states, presented at major music education conferences, and received the Director of Distinction Award from the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association. Her work continues through composer weekends, music reading sessions for publishers, and collaborative performances with her daughter, a musical theater performer in New York City.
Why we love this
Drennan's sacred writing speaks to both the theological and musical dimensions of Christmas repertoire. The piece delivers a message of hope and light with musical integrity, giving your choir something substantive to rehearse and perform rather than retreading familiar territory. Singers respond to text that matters, and this work refuses sentimentality in favor of genuine proclamation.
What to expect
The piece carries the quiet conviction of something meant to illuminate rather than ornament. There's warmth in the voicing and accessibility in the writing, but no compromise on thoughtful composition. Singers find themselves singing something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Who it's for
This octavo suits choirs at the intermediate to advanced high school level and adult community choirs looking for Christmas or Advent repertoire with substance. It works equally well in school concerts and church services where you want music that honors both the liturgical season and your singers' developing artistry.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the parts carefully across all four voices; SATB writing is only as strong as its weakest section, and even sustained chords demand consistent tone quality from every voice.
Work the text alignment between voices to ensure the message comes through clearly, especially during homophonic passages where unanimity of diction makes the difference.
Let the phrase shape breathe naturally rather than pushing constant volume; dynamic restraint often serves sacred text better than dramatic swells.
How to use it
Slot this into your Christmas concert as an alternative to more familiar sacred selections, or use it as your Advent opener to set a contemplative tone before more celebratory pieces. The six pages fit naturally into a mixed choral concert and provide substance without demanding excessive rehearsal time from your ensemble.
Skills your students will build
Balancing four-part homophonic texture with consistent voice leading
Singing sustained pitches with tonal stability and musicality
Communicating sacred text with clarity and appropriate restraint
Reading SATB score notation with accuracy
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