Worthy to Be Praised!: SATB Choral Octavo
Worthy to Be Praised!: SATB Choral Octavo
Worthy to Be Praised!: SATB Choral Octavo
Worthy to Be Praised! Sheet Music Preview

Worthy to Be Praised!: SATB Choral Octavo

By Byron J. Smith

Item: 00-PO-0002678
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Additional Details
Series: Lawson-Gould
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
SKU: 00-PO-0002678

More about this title

About the Composer: Byron Smith

Byron Smith

Byron Smith grew up in Los Angeles and earned degrees in music from California State University, Long Beach (B.M.) and California State University, Los Angeles (M.M.). He serves as an associate professor of music at Los Angeles Harbor College, where he teaches commercial music, music industry courses, and directs choral and keyboard programs. Smith's work as a freelance music director, arranger, and producer has connected him with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, and Barry Manilow, as well as gospel artists such as Bebe Winans and Daryl Coley.

Through his publishing company, Onyx Music Publishing, Smith's choral compositions have reached thousands of singers across the country and internationally. He founded and directs The Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles, an ensemble dedicated to preserving the Negro spiritual and related genres for more than two decades. Smith also serves as music director and organist at Grant A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and holds the position of National President of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.

Why we love this

Smith's spiritual arranging background infuses this piece with authentic stylistic elements and accessible yet sophisticated harmonies that work well in both concert and festival settings. The writing sits comfortably for mixed choirs of varying experience levels, allowing directors to build ensemble unity and vocal blend without sacrificing musical substance. A piece that sings beautifully and keeps singers engaged from rehearsal through performance.

What to expect

This piece radiates affirmation and joy, with the text 'Worthy to Be Praised' serving as both spiritual declaration and musical invitation. Smith's harmonic language honors the spiritual tradition while creating moments of brightness and uplift that singers feel in their bodies as well as their voices.

Who it's for

SATB choirs at the high school, college, or community level who want repertoire that connects to spiritual and sacred traditions. Directors preparing for concert performances or festivals will find this octavo stylistically grounded and vocally rewarding for singers of intermediate to advanced ability.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the four voices carefully so that no single part dominates; spirituals thrive on the blend of all voices working in unified support of the melodic and harmonic line.
  • Approach the text with genuine conviction and spiritual depth. Allow the meaning of 'worthy to be praised' to shape your interpretation rather than rushing toward purely technical accuracy.
  • Pay attention to rhythm and pulse. Many spirituals contain subtle syncopation and off-beat phrasing that give the genre its character; mark these moments in rehearsal to ensure the ensemble locks together.
  • Use the 16-page score to study Smith's harmonic choices and voice leading, which will help you teach singers where their parts fit within the larger structure.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece in a concert celebrating sacred music or spirituals, or as a strong contest selection for festival participation where its stylistic authenticity and musical substance will stand out. It also works beautifully as part of a worship or community concert that highlights African American musical traditions.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing SATB voicing with attention to blend and balance
  • Interpreting spiritual music idioms and stylistic conventions
  • Ensemble rhythm and pulse, particularly syncopation common to the spiritual tradition
  • Text-driven expression and meaningful communication of spiritual themes

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