About the Song:

Jack Schrader's arrangement of Andraé Crouch's gospel classic expands the original's joyful anticipation into a full choral celebration. Crouch wrote this song in 1976 as a meditation on heavenly hope, using repetitive phrases that build expectation with each iteration. Schrader maintains the gospel feel while adding vocal harmonies that work within classical choral tradition, bridging African American gospel style with mainstream church choir capabilities.

Schrader structures his arrangement to feature call-and-response patterns essential to gospel tradition, often dividing the choir into soloists and congregation or alternating between sections. His harmonic additions include seventh chords and blue notes that authenticate the gospel style without requiring singers to improvise. The arrangement builds dynamically through each verse, adding vocal layers and rhythmic complexity while keeping the melody prominent and accessible.

The piano part deserves special attention—Schrader writes idiomatic gospel piano that can be played as written or serve as a foundation for improvisation depending on the accompanist's comfort level. He includes specific rhythmic notation for gospel-style syncopation while leaving room for stylistic interpretation. The arrangement typically culminates in a powerful final chorus with optional descants and harmonic extensions, allowing choirs to end with the exuberant joy central to Crouch's original vision.

About the Arranger:

Jack Schrader Bio

About the Composer:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andra%C3%A9_Crouch

• The tempo will more closely match the demo recording.