Let There Be Peace On Earth (arr. Kirby Shaw): SAB Choral Octavo
Let There Be Peace On Earth (arr. Kirby Shaw) Sheet Music Preview

Let There Be Peace On Earth (arr. Kirby Shaw): SAB Choral Octavo

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-DS01556063
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 15
SKU: 35-DS01556063

More about this title

About the Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw

Kirby Shaw's career spans five decades of choral innovation, taking him to 45 states and seven countries as both clinician and director. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University, plus a doctorate in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching style blends technical rigor with infectious humor, a combination that has shaped generations of singers and conductors.

With over 2,500 arrangements and compositions in print and nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, Shaw has established himself as one of the most prolific voices in choral music. His mentorship from vocal legends like Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau deepened his understanding of artistry across genres. Currently directing the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University, he continues to create music that speaks to singers and audiences alike, earning multiple ASCAP awards for his compositional work.

Why we love this

Shaw brings his signature clarity and singability to this beloved standard without oversimplifying it. The SAB voicing opens the piece to more singers while maintaining the emotional weight that makes this text resonate in concert settings. His arrangement respects the song's peaceful message while giving each voice part genuine melodic interest.

What to expect

Earnest and grounded, with a quiet dignity that builds gradually. Shaw's arrangement honors the song's folk hymn roots while giving it enough harmonic color to feel fresh in concert. Singing it together creates genuine communion among voices.

Who it's for

Choirs with developing vocal maturity who want a meaningful concert or festival selection that doesn't require advanced harmonic reading. This works for high school groups, community choirs, and college ensembles seeking an accessible patriotic or peace-themed piece that still carries musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the text drive your interpretation. The syllabic setting in many passages demands clear diction; emphasize the words 'peace' and 'love' to make the message land with your audience.
  • Balance the harmony so that inner voices (Alto II and Baritone when they carry the harmonic foundation) support without overwhelming the soprano line.
  • Explore dynamic contrast across the fifteen pages. Shaw likely varies the texture, so identify where the arrangement builds and where it pulls back to create emotional shape.
  • Consider the accompaniment's role in establishing the mood. Even if performing a cappella, singers should imagine how the harmonic foundation supports their tuning and phrasing.

How to use it

Perfect for closing sets on patriotic or community-focused programs, especially in spring or end-of-year concerts. Consider pairing it with other peace or unity-themed repertoire to create a concert section with emotional coherence, or use it as your festival selection when you want something meaningful that respects your singers' growing abilities.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining long phrase lines with controlled breath support
  • Balancing SAB voicing to support harmonic clarity
  • Singing with text-driven expression and conviction
  • Adjusting intonation across varied harmonic progressions

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