We Are Lights (The Chanukah Song) Sheet Music Preview

We Are Lights (The Chanukah Song): SATB Choral Octavo

Words by Steve Young, music by Stephen Schwartz / arr. Carole Stephens

Level: Moderate

Item: 00-PO-0002793

Digital Download
$2.25

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

Description
Here's a wonderful new selection for Hanukkah with fresh, new lyrics and a delightful melody from renowned songwriter Stephen Schwartz. It is a message that should stay with us throughout the year.

We Are Lights (The Chanukah Song): SATB 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
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Studio PR Catalog
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
SKU: 00-PO-0002793

More about this title

About the Composer: Stephen Schwartz

Stephen Schwartz has shaped American musical theater for five decades, composing for Broadway hits including Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, as well as Disney films like Pocahontas and Enchanted. His gift for crafting accessible melodies paired with meaningful lyrics has made his work a staple in both professional and educational settings, reaching audiences far beyond the theater.

As a composer, Schwartz understands how music serves community and spiritual purpose. His choral arrangements and new compositions for religious and secular holidays demonstrate his commitment to creating repertoire that speaks to shared values while remaining singable and joyful for performers of all levels.

Why we love this

Schwartz brings his theatrical ear to Hanukkah repertoire, delivering a melody that feels both fresh and immediately singable. The arrangement by Carole Stephens sits comfortably in a Grade 3 range while maintaining the emotional weight of its message about light and resilience, making it a genuine addition to holiday programs rather than another generic seasonal filler.

What to expect

Warm and affirming, with a melody that opens like candlelight. The piece radiates quiet confidence rather than bombast, inviting singers and listeners into reflection on resilience and hope.

Who it's for

High school and adult amateur choirs looking for Hanukkah music that avoids cliché and offers genuine musical substance. This octavo works equally well for community choirs, synagogue choirs, and school ensembles seeking winter programming beyond the December standard repertoire.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the four voice parts carefully during the opening phrases; the melody may migrate between sections, so mark your score to track where the primary line lives in each passage.
  • Let the text shape your phrasing and dynamics. This piece carries a message beyond decoration, so singers should understand what they're conveying and sing with intentionality rather than rushing through.</span>
  • Pay attention to any divisi sections; even at a moderate level, Schwartz often layers voices for color. Ensure singers understand whether they're on a primary melodic line or a supporting harmonic part.

How to use it

Pair this with other seasonal selections as part of a multifaith winter concert, or lead a Hanukkah-focused program with it as your centerpiece. Its Grade 3 accessibility also makes it a strong choice for a mixed-level choir that wants to include newer singers on a meaningful piece.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing melody and harmony across four parts
  • Singing text with emotional clarity and intention
  • Reading SATB voicing where the melodic line shifts between sections
  • Sustaining legato lines while maintaining text clarity

You May Also Like