Stan Pethel adds heralded Christmas musical to his long list of publications

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Stan Pethel makes a point during an Zoom interview with Jubilate Music Group President Mark Cabaniss.

ROME, Ga. – Stan Pethel realizes the challenges small churches can face when it comes to music.

That’s why the widely published composer from Berry College has arranged a new Christmas musical, How Great Our Joy!, that will work just as well for small churches as it does for large ones.

Nashville’s Jubilate Music Group is promoting the musical as “perfect for small choirs, senior adult choirs, or any choir looking or a musical that’s easily prepared and presented.”

Jubilate says the musical seamlessly blends beloved carols with newer songs and straightforward narration of the Christmas story.

Pethel is Professor of Music Emeritus and retired chairman of the Fine Arts department at Berry College near Rome, Georgia. He also serves as music director at Everett Springs Baptist Church, a small congregation near Rome.

A member of the music faculty at Berry College from 1973 to 2016, Pethel has more than 1300 works in publication with 29 different publishers.

Pethel’s latest work is drawing positive reviews.

“His accompaniments are delightful, supportive, and always fun to play,” said Mark Edwards, former minister of music at First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn. “This is a piece that will well-serve choirs/ensembles large and small in bringing ‘great joy’ to congregations.”

Jack Schrader, a composer and retired editor from Wheaton, Illiniois, said “Stan's work has times of high energy, and moments of thoughtful reflection, and, as always Stan Pethel is the hero for the choir that is looking for works at which they can be successful.”

Available directly from Jubilate at https://jubilatemusic.com or J.W. Pepper at https://www.jwpepper.com.

Berry College, How Great Our Joy, Jubilate, Jubilate Music Group, Stan Pethel