We Are People Of Faith: SATB Choral Octavo

Price's setting captures the declarative power of its text without resorting to bombast. The four-part writing balances singability across all voices with moments of genuine harmonic interest, making this a piece that feels substantial to performers while remaining accessible to singers of intermediate ability.

Direct and affirming. The harmonic language is rooted in tradition but never feels dated, and there's an understated warmth that comes from the text's inclusive declaration of shared identity and purpose.

This octavo works for adult choirs, church choirs, and high school ensembles looking for sacred concert repertoire that speaks clearly without requiring virtuosity. The three-page length makes it ideal for programs where you need a complete musical thought without substantial rehearsal investment.

• Shape the text first. Let the natural cadences and punctuation of the lyrics guide your phrase lengths rather than imposing uniform four-bar phrases.
• Balance the SATB blend carefully in sections where all four parts move together; avoid letting tenors and basses overwhelm sopranos and altos.
• Consider the emotional arc. Build gradually through the middle section and allow the final statement of the title text to land with quiet conviction rather than volume.

Pair this with other contemporary sacred works or position it as a closing number in a secular concert program where you want to acknowledge spiritual themes without relying solely on traditional hymn settings. Its moderate length allows it to anchor a mixed-genre program.

• Maintaining independent vocal lines in four-part writing
• Shaping phrases around textual meaning rather than melodic convention
• Blending SATB voices with equal presence across parts