Mary, Did You Know? (arr. Jack Schrader) Sheet Music Preview

Mary, Did You Know? (arr. Jack Schrader): SAB Choral Octavo

By Buddy Greene / By Mark Lowry / Arranged by Jack Schrader

Item: 35-DS00433560

Digital Download
$2.99
Description

Mary, Did You Know? (arr. Jack Schrader): SAB Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS00433560

More about this title

About the Composer: Buddy Greene

Buddy Greene wrote "Mary, Did You Know?" in 1991, collaborating with lyricist Mark Lowry to create what would become one of the most performed contemporary Christian songs of the past three decades. Greene's gift for melody combines with Lowry's poetic storytelling to produce a song that resonates across denominational lines and performance settings, from intimate church services to large concert halls.

As a composer rooted in the contemporary Christian music tradition, Greene understands how to write songs that engage singers and audiences emotionally without requiring virtuosic technique. His work has become a staple in choral catalogs, proving that accessible arrangements can carry genuine artistic weight.

Why we love this

Jack Schrader's SAB voicing strips away unnecessary complexity while preserving the song's emotional core, making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs with limited rehearsal time. The arrangement respects Greene's original melody while giving each voice part something meaningful to do, and the ten-page length means you can teach it efficiently without sacrificing musical depth.

What to expect

The song inhabits a contemplative space between wonder and conviction. Phrases unfold with natural lyricism, inviting singers and listeners into reflective moments punctuated by passages of gentle affirmation. The overall character feels intimate and sincere, never saccharine.

Who it's for

Directors seeking a modern sacred piece that works for developing choirs and holiday programs will find this arrangement immediately practical. SAB voicing makes it accessible to singers of varying levels while maintaining artistic integrity, and the familiar melody engages audiences in a way that builds program momentum.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody between soprano and alto lines during the verses; both voices share the tune, so blend them carefully to avoid one overshadowing the other.
  • Work the harmonic movement in the chorus deliberately. The chord changes support the text's spiritual questions, so shape each harmony with awareness of its emotional purpose.
  • Let the bass line anchor the arrangement without dominating it. A focused, steady baritone presence will support the upper voices without crowding the texture.
  • Consider your accompaniment arrangement carefully. Whether using piano, strings, or a recorded track, the foundation should leave space for the voices to resonate.

How to use it

This works beautifully as an opening or closing number for a Christmas concert, especially if you want to shift the energy toward introspection after more joyful celebratory selections. It pairs well with other contemporary sacred arrangements and serves equally well in both formal concert settings and worship services.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing secondary melodic lines while maintaining awareness of the primary melody
  • Balancing blend in simple three-part voicing
  • Interpreting text through dynamic and harmonic shape
  • Responding to chord changes as a guide for ensemble intonation

You May Also Like