Patti Drennan holds degrees in music education from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. She spent 28 years directing choral programs in Norman Public Schools, earning Teacher of the Year recognition at West Mid-High School and building four consistently superior-rated ensembles at Norman High School.
With over 425 published octavos and two million copies in circulation, Drennan has established herself as a prolific composer and arranger. She has clinicked in 19 states plus Canada, adjudicated regional contests, and served as music and worship arts director at First Baptist Church, Norman for nearly a decade. She received the Director of Distinction Award from the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association in 2004 and continues to lead composer workshops and music reading sessions across the country.
Why we love this
Drennan's arrangement opens this Renaissance text to younger or smaller choirs without sacrificing its luminous spiritual quality. The 2-part voicing lets singers focus on the serene melodic line and text expression rather than navigating complex part writing, making it accessible for middle school through early high school ensembles.
What to expect
The luminous Latin text floats over sustained harmonic progression, creating a meditative prayer that feels both intimate and timeless. Singers experience the quiet confidence of singing something genuinely sacred without the technical barriers that often limit younger ensembles.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves middle school through early high school choirs, including treble or mixed ensembles seeking accessible sacred repertoire. It works equally well for church choirs wanting to expand their a cappella sacred music library with pieces that don't require advanced part singers.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrase around the text's natural breath points rather than measure lines; let the Latin prosody guide your phrasing across the six pages
Encourage legit, sustained tone throughout; lighter registration with full breath support creates the ethereal quality this piece demands
Balance transparency with fullness by having singers think "sing through" rather than "sing at" the dynamic markings
How to use it
Place this in a concert's sacred or contemplative section, perhaps following a more energetic piece to reset the audience's attention. It pairs beautifully with other Renaissance motets or spans into contemporary sacred works as a bridge between musical styles.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining legit tone across phrase lengths
Reading Latin text and applying proper pronunciation
Voice independence in two-part writing
Phrase shaping in a cappella sacred music
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