Bert Stratton's musical foundation was built on listening. Growing up surrounded by his parents' diverse record collection, he spent countless hours exploring the worlds contained in each song, developing an ear for both melody and lyrical architecture. He began piano at seven and added guitar by thirteen, absorbing not just the notes but the craft behind them: rhyme schemes, word structures, modulations, and harmonic movement.
At Ithaca College, Stratton formalized his training in music theory and sight singing, completing his first composition while still a student. Since then, his catalog has grown to hundreds of works, with publications from major houses including Shawnee Press, Carl Fischer, and Alfred. Pat Boone's recording of one of his songs marked an early milestone in a career that has produced four original CDs with international distribution. A member of ASCAP, Stratton now focuses full time on composition from Nashville, driven by the belief that his possibilities are limitless.
Why we love this
Unison carols allow every voice to sing with confidence and clarity, and Stratton's setting captures the tenderness of the nativity without requiring complex voicing work. The six-page octavo is manageable for younger choirs while maintaining musical substance and genuine harmonic interest that engages singers rather than relegating them to a single melodic line.
What to expect
The piece radiates quiet reverence. Rather than relying on bombast or complexity, it draws its power from a direct melodic line paired with supportive harmony, creating an intimate tone that lets the theme of the nativity speak clearly.
Who it's for
Children's choirs and early intermediate treble ensembles will find this piece accessible and engaging. It works equally well for concert programming or seasonal worship services where a straightforward, dignified Christmas text is needed.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melody with subtle dynamic contours rather than singing it flat; let the text naturally guide your phrasing so that important words receive gentle emphasis
Highlight the relationship between text and music by articulating consonants crisply, which strengthens the emotional connection to the meaning
Balance accompaniment with voices so the choir remains the focus; the instrumental part supports rather than competes
How to use it
Place this as a contrast piece in a Christmas concert alongside more elaborate carols to create dynamic programming. Its brevity and unison voicing make it ideal as a second or third selection when you need to reset audience focus without demanding an interval.
Skills your students will build
Singing sustained melodic lines with consistent breath support
Text interpretation and emotional communication through song
Dynamic shaping within a simple melodic framework
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
