Kenon D. Renfrow serves as coordinator of group piano and member of the piano faculty at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. His doctoral work in music education from the University of Oklahoma centered on keyboard pedagogy, and he previously held faculty positions at the University of Miami where he designed and directed a preparatory piano program for younger students.
Renfrow's research focuses on the practical applications of MIDI, digital keyboard technology, and computer tools in music education. He has recorded professionally on Yamaha Disklavier instruments, integrated digital pianos into group instruction, and co-authored Alfred's Group Piano Course while creating the accompanying MIDI materials that support it.
Why we love this
This octavo strikes an effective balance between spiritual substance and accessibility. The two-page format makes it feasible for groups with limited rehearsal time, while the SATB writing allows you to engage singers across all sections without relying on extensive divisi or technical demands that distract from the text.
What to expect
A direct and sincere expression of faith. The writing supports clear communication of the text without demanding virtuosity, allowing singers to focus on the emotional and spiritual content of the material.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a straightforward sacred work suitable for concert or worship settings. The brief page count and SATB voicing make it workable for church choirs, school ensembles, and community groups with varying rehearsal schedules.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the parts by checking that sopranos don't dominate; the message of this text works best when all four voices carry equal weight in the harmonic fabric.
Consider the text setting carefully. Mark phrase endings and breathing points during early rehearsals so singers understand where the musical and textual ideas naturally resolve.
Attend to vowel consistency across the parts, especially on sustained notes. Sacred texts deserve clarity and unity of sound.
How to use it
Fit this into a concert celebrating faith-based repertoire, or use it as a cornerstone piece in a sacred program that mixes different harmonic and textural approaches. Its modest length makes it an ideal companion to a longer choral work or a multi-movement suite.
Skills your students will build
Four-part voice leading and harmonic independence
Executing clean phrase endings in sacred music
Blending SATB parts with balanced tone
Text-centered interpretation of spiritual material
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
