Adeste Fideles
View SATB score page 10, page 11
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Powerful arrangement of the classic carol, in the original Latin (and some English) and incorporating the "gloria in excelsis Deo" of "Angels We Have Heard on High" in a dynamic ending. The accompaniment's trumpet-like fanfare signals the beginning of the processional or recessional.  Equally useful at the beginning of a concert, or as the ultimate finale.  Suitable for church or school use.

African Lullaby
View Two Part score page 8, page 9
The beautiful Ugandan lullaby "Mwana Wange" is accompanied by piano and optional percussion in this tender, timeless song of the nativity adapted and arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. It paints a touching and gentle picture of the intimacy of Mary and the Christ child.  Appropriate for medium to small choirs, this piece can be used throughout the Advent and Christmas season, but is especially poignant in a Christmas Eve setting.  Available in two voicings (gentle percussion included in the score), suitable for church or school use.

Amen!
View SATB score page 11
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The delightful, popular Spiritual is available with an all-Christmas text, in a truly choral arrangement.  After the chorus is sung, the first verse begins "See the tiny baby lyin' in the manger on Christmas morning!" and continues with the shepherds running to greet him in the lowly stable, the kings and wise men kneeling down before him, and the angels singing "Amen, Hallelujah, Amen!"  Powerful and fun, yet not difficult to prepare.  Suitable for school or church use.

As a Tiny Child
View score page 1, page 5
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"Some of us were expecting something on a grander scale, like palaces of gold and marble, not a barn built with wood and nail ... but you came to earth as a tiny child..." Beautiful anthem suitable anytime during the Christmas season. Optional flute part (included in the score) adds just the right touch.

Be Born In Us
View score page 1, page 2
Moving Advent anthem by David S. Gaines & Ruth Elaine Schram. "Be born in us, O Holy Child, and let the light of Your love shine within our lives. Be born in us, O Prince of Peace, let the hope You bring this world be born in me..." It is rare to find an Advent anthem with such a sincere personal message of hope, trust and renewal. A marvelous choice for any time during the Advent season.

Beneath the Star
View score page 1, page 2, page 5
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Christ's birth is celebrated anew with this sensitive, expressive original anthem from Ruthie Schram for mixed voices, keyboard, with optional String Orchestra accompaniment. "Beneath the star, a common rustic barn becomes a palace worthy of a king ... Beneath the star, the darkest night is ablaze with glorious light." For Christmas Eve, use a string quintet for an even more intimate moment.

Born to Be the Bread
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An optional cello obligato (included in the score) adds the crowning touch to this tender anthem that reflects the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. Specifically designed for the observance of Communion during the Christmas season.

By Candlelight
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 7
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This easy yet elegant original anthem tells the manger story in a fresh, new light, describing how beautiful that night must have been "by candlelight."  Optional Guitar, Bass, and Drum parts are included in the score.  This Warner Bros. number one seller is suitable for church or school use.   Due to the positive response to the other versions, an SSAA arrangement has been added with professional children's choirs or ladies voices in mind.

Can I Hold Baby Jesus?
View SATB score page 1
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This tender Christmas lullaby by Ruth Elaine Schram and John Parker is also a wonderful affirmation of our faith in the Christ Child. Incorporating portions of "Away In a Manger" and "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," this is easy to prepare yet gently moving. Flute part is included in the score and adds a perfect touch.

Carol Him Sweetly
View score page 1, page 2
Absolutely gorgeous original work that partners seamlessly with "Silent Night, Holy Night" and is accompanied by optional harp and flute. This Christmas lullaby will leave your singers and listeners breathless!

Carry His Light
View score page 1, page 5
This easy-to-learn piece is perfect for use as a processional and/or recessional for services during the Christmas season. Voiced as Two Part Mixed, the simple melody is done once in unison, then echoed creating the effect of harmony. The bright, lively work optionally incorporates the beloved Charles Wesley text to "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." The work may be performed a cappella or accompanied by Handbells, Piano, or both, making this a very flexible anthem for use during Advent and Christmas.

A Child, A King
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
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Ruth Elaine Schram and her daughter, Celsie Staggers, have collaborated on this gentle anthem with a powerful message exploring the mystery of Almighty God becoming a tiny Child, fragile and helpless and at the mercy of those in whose care He was placed. "...a manger holds redemption's plan: the Son of God, the Son of Man! Behold, the Holy Child of whom the angels sing: a Child, a King! The Holy Child, my King." For SATB voices and keyboard, with optional String Orchestra.

Christmas Grace
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Inspired by and dedicated to Ruthie's granddaughter, Natalie Grace (whose name means "Christmas Grace"), this tender offering beautifully reflects God's gift of grace to us through His Son. Seeing the helplessness of her tiny, brand new grandbaby was the inspiration for this timeless piece. "To take God's Son from heaven, to turn the Lord of all into a helpless infant, a baby weak and small; to give to our Creator a fully human face: This is Christmas Grace..." Hints of "Amazing Grace" occur in the piano accompaniment and String orchestration for added emphasis to the theme of God's grace coming to us in the form of a tiny Child. (String Orchestra score and parts available separately.)

Come and Worship
View score page 1, page 6, page 9
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Exciting, exuberant arrangement for mixed voices of "Angels From the Realms of Glory" with "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."  Parts for brass quartet (two trumpets, two trombones) are available separately, as is an accompaniment track.

Face the Cross
View SATB score page 1, page 2
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This dramatically compelling anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram and Scott Schram, while suitable any time of year or for Lent or Holy Week, is perfect for that difficult Sunday after Christmas. The moving text is set to powerful music and will provide an unforgettable moment in your worship service. "You came into the world as a tiny child, small and unassuming. From Your first conscious thought, You knew Calvary was before you, looming. You knew Who You were, what You would do, why You had been sent to this place: to face the cross..." Stunning and breathtaking; for SATB or SAB voices with the option of using soloists on the first verse.

Gifts At the Manger
View score page 5, page 6
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Charming offering blends the beloved carols Away In a Manger with The Friendly Beasts in a delightful work for Unison or Two Part choirs. Children and adults alike will enjoy singing this arrangement by Ruthie Schram. Particularly sweet for children on Christmas Eve. An optional narration quoting scripture is the perfect lead-in to set a worshipful mood.

Gymnopedie for Christmas
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Erik Satie's elegant "Gymnopedie No. 1" is the basis for this haunting Christmas work.  The text by Ruth Elaine Schram matches the thoughtful, lyrical music.  First, we invite the precious baby to "rest, now, rest as the angels sing 'lullay, lullay, dear baby'..."  But as the end of the second verse approaches, we foreshadow that "one day there will be no angels that sing; instead of a manger, a cross for the King... so rest, now rest..."  In two voicings; optional flute part included in the score.

He Is the Light that Shines
View SATB score page 6, page 7
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An Advent anthem with a feeling of quiet urgency, this piece would also be suitable for a Christmas service of lessons and carols. "Prepare your heart, prepare your mind, so that when He comes, you will find more than King, more than child, more than Savior divine, He is the Light that Shines..."

Hodie / Kyrie
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2, page 3
This versatile piece has dual text; Hodie for seasonal use, and Kyrie for general. The melody was written by Brian Busch and Ruth Elaine Schram, and is arranged in three part mixed or two part voicings. Suitable for church or school use, with moderate ranges and difficulty levels for each voicing.

Hush, Little Baby (Mockingbird)
View SATB score page 6, page 7
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This inventive arrangement of the traditional folk song has an alternate text for Christmas.  "Hush, little baby, don't you cry, Mama's gonna sing you a lullaby.  In that lullaby she sings, you'll hear the brush of angels' wings ..."  With a gently rocking interlude to separate the verses and a few harmonic surprises, this is sweet and lovely all the way.

In the Bleak Midwinter
View score page 4, page 5
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Beloved text by Christina Rossetti and music by Gustav Holst has been given a fresh setting by Ruth Elaine Schram for ladies voices. Hints of favorite Christmas carols can be heard throughout the piece, both in the alto part and in the piano accompaniment, underscoring germane portions of the text and in the segues between verses.

In the Silence, Wondrous Love
View SATB score page 7, page 8
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Gorgeous blending of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and "What Wondrous Love Is This," creating an anthem suitable anytime during Advent, and perfect for Christmas Eve Communion services. Lovely flute part is included in the score. Available for SA(T)B voices or Two Part Mixed.

Jeannette Isabella
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Tender and expressive setting of the familiar French carol may be sung in French, English, or a combination. Its soaring melody is paired with a running accompaniment as Jeannette Isabella hurries to the manger. Arranged for ladies voices, suitable for church or school use.

Joseph's Prayer
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Lynne Wolfe-Richards has done it again! Gorgeous, powerful text is set to beautiful music by Ruth Elaine Schram. "I heard a prayer last night; the prayer of a man whose wife was about to give birth. I heard him softly say, 'though this Child is not my own, help me to be His father here on earth. Now all I can give to Your Son is my love, and all that I have I will give'..." Unique and timely, this heartfelt prayer of commitment to Christ and the references to Biblical family values will be especially meaningful to the many blended families within our churches. Suitable for Advent or any time during the Christmas season, especially meaningful for Christmas Eve services.

Joy to the Whole World
View SATB score page 1, page 2
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Winning mixture of "Joy to the World" and "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands," suitable for church or school use. The song starts off in 4/4 with a bit of a swing, but for the third verse (He's got the tiny baby...) it slows to 3/4 and goes to even eighths, while the accompaniment plays portions of "Brahm's Lullaby" and "Rock-a-bye Baby." The tempo picks back up for the fourth verse and a strong ending. The accompaniment CD is orchestrated by Steve Herold.

Listen to the Lambs
View score page 4, page 5
Unique Christmas song, capturing the naivete of gentle, simple lambs who recognize the voice of God in a baby's cry; who see not an infant, but their creator lying in the manger.  Portions of "Away in a Manger" are woven throughout to enhance the innocence of this child-like faith.  The lines sung by "the lambs" are designed to be performed by a children's choir, but would also be effective sung by a small ensemble, child or adult soloist, or a few sopranos.

The Living Light
A Dramatic Musical experience for the Christmas season tells the story of Christ's birth and examines various reactions to His arrival. Accessible and within the capabilities of any size church or music program, available SATB or SAB. Small Orchestra parts are available separately (strings, winds, and light percussion, all optional) which will not overwhelm even a small choir.

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Lord's a-Coming, We're Awaiting
View score page 1, page 5
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The expectation of the season is expertly set up by a rhythmic ostinato as the title of this piece is chanted throughout. Ruthie has skillfully captured the Southern Gospel sound in the simple, yet effective four-part writing and the idiomatic accompaniment of this well-wrought selection. Fun, upbeat Accompaniment CD is also available.

Magnificat
View score page 3, page 4
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Ruth Elaine Schram has written a setting of the Magnificat that brings to life this beautiful text for children and young singers that also works well with adults.  Written with a clear understanding of the developing voice, this memorable tune will be a favorite of any age group.  Lovely flute part is included in the score.

May We Enter the Stable?
View score page 1, page 2
Lovely song by Gene Grier, arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram for mixed voices. Incorporates the traditional "Polish Lullaby" (words translated by George Evans) and has optional flute part included in the score.

A Mother's Hands
View SATB score page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (SATB Christmas text)
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Dedicated to Ruthie's two daughters who each became a new mother this year, this tuneful anthem has a dual text for family celebrations (especially appropriate for Mother's Day) and Christmas. The imagery of a loving mother's hands wiping away a tear, preparing meals, and folding in prayer, lead to the climactic chorus based on Proverbs 31: "...And we will rise up and call her blessed! She is the hand of God in a cold, dark world, and we honor her..." The alternate Christmas text focuses on Mary and how she was an exemplary, godly mother. Available in two voicings.

Noel Masterworks
Classical Masterworks with Christmas Carols arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram, beautifully orchestrated by John Purifoy. This artful blending of classical masterworks with beloved carols creates a unique collection you will use time and again. The five arrangements contained in this collection are useful throughout the Advent and Christmas season.

You may use the selections individually or present them together with the optional narration included in the book for a rich 25-30 minute cantata. Because the pieces are based on well-known classical works, the introductions tend to be longer than usual, allowing time to add your own dramatic presentation if you desire.

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Of the Father's Love Begotten
View SSA score page 6
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The beautiful, legato, 13th century plainsong melody arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram may be performed accompanied or a cappella.  There is no meter signature for this chant-like work; this among many other elements are opportunities for developing expression and phrasing.

Once Upon a Starry Night
A delightful Christmas musical for children by John Jacobson and Ruth Elaine Schram. Tells the story of the Savior's birth from the stars' point of view!

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Pacem, Christus Natus Est
View SATB score page 1, page 2
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Lovely work incorporating the classic canon, "Dona Nobis Pacem."  Each voice part is given the opportunity to sing the canonic melody, interspersed with original words and music by Ruth Elaine Schram.  Available in two voicings, suitable for church or school use.

The Promised One
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Prayerful song depicting the birth of our promised redeemer.  Word pictures paint the scene, which crescendos into the chorus: "Who would have thought that this was the way the Father would send His Son?  But on this blessed day, we see Him, we hear Him, we touch the Promised One."

The Rose E'er Blooming
View SATB score page 6, page 7
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Stunning, transportive Advent anthem that lyrically weaves together "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "What Child Is This?" to create an unforgettable work. Suitable for Advent, Annunciation of Mary, or services of Lessons and Carols.

Shepherd's Carol
View score page 4, page 5
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With gentleness and a sense of awe, this expressive original anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram and her daughter and son-in-law, Celsie and Robert Staggers, tenderly cradles a picturesque text with exquisite tuneful beauty.  A contrasting middle section challenges all to hurry and behold the Savior, then the quietness of the manger returns with a quote from the familiar "O come, let us adore Him."  An optional flute obligato (included in the score) adds a lovely shimmer.

Simply Waiting
View score page 4, page 5
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A musical and textual depiction of the frustration of "simply waiting," yet having the faith that the Advent promises will be fulfilled. Lots of dynamic contrast and some a cappella measures interspersed with rhythmic piano accompaniment make this anthem a unique and dynamic offering for the Advent season.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace
View SATB score page 1, page 4, page 5
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This gorgeous arrangement skillfully intertwines "Silent Night" and "What Child is This?" into an arrangement that is destined to be a classic.   This haunting setting moves back and forth between the two carols before ending softly with "sleep in heavenly peace."  A must for your winter concert!   Perfect for school or church use, with parts for optional guitar, flute and bells included in the score.  An accompaniment track is also available.

Sleep, Tiny Child
View score page 4, page 5
Christmas lullaby for ladies' voices based on an unexpected pairing of the beautiful Traditional Welsh carol, "All Through the Night," and the gorgeous Traditional English "Coventry Carol," combined with original material by Ruth Elaine Schram.

Stay With Me
View score page 4, page 5
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This tender anthem eloquently demonstrates God's desire for us to open our hearts to Him. With flowing accompaniment and simple harmonies, this touching setting is accessible for choirs of all skill levels and sizes. Suitable for general use, and due to its references to the promises of Advent, perfect for the Sunday after Christmas as a reminder to keep Jesus in our hearts all year long. "...Stay with me, let me be your counselor (Wonderful Counselor). Stay with me, let me be your God (Mighty God). I know it can seem hopeless, but this is why I came; stay with me, in your heart let me remain..."

Suo Gan
View Three Part Mixed score page 4, page 5
The gorgeous lullaby that has been heard in several commercials has been arranged for young voices, and will be a lovely addition to your holiday concert or festival repertoire.  Available in Three Part Mixed and Two Part voicings.  Suitable for school or church use.

There Is a Rose
View score page 1, page 2
"There is a rose, a perfect rose, the prize of heaven's garden; sent down to earth as a tiny Child, to secure our pardon..." This expressive, gentle lullaby is filled with the wonder of Christmas and briefly quotes "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming."  Lyric vocal and accompaniment lines create an atmosphere of love and worship to the Perfect Rose.  A fine choice for any December service; particularly effective on Christmas Eve.

Twas the Year Before Christmas
Turn back the clock and witness the exciting events leading up to the birth of Christ in this Christmas Musical for children.

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Unto Us
View SATB score page 4, page 5
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Beautiful, uplifting work for Christmas based on Isaiah 9:6. "Unto us, a Son is given; unto us, a Child is born. Unto us, a touch of heaven has appeared in human form ... Unto us, Jesus! Unto us, the Son of God!" Available in two mixed voicings suitable for any size choir with supportive piano accompaniment.

Waiting For Emmanuel
View score page 3, page 4, page 5
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The plaintive melody and text of this lovely Advent offering are surrounded by piano and optional cello part (included in score). Describing familiar Biblical characters, as well as all of us who wait for the arrival of a Savior "...each with a need that only He could fill..." An excellent choice for Advent and Christmas.

Walking to Bethlehem
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Thoughtful text by Lynne Wolfe-Richards and Ruth Elaine Schram is perfect for the Advent season or just before Christmas.  The walking tempo supports the theme of the song, which follows Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.  "...No one pays attention to this couple on the street; just another family with weary feet. No one knows the child that she is carrying will be our Messiah..."

We Seek the Tiny King
View score page 3, page 4
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This gem is an optimal anthem for Epiphany. Often observed on a Sunday when choir numbers are low or rehearsal options are limited, this partner song works splendidly for choirs small and large. After its introduction, the new and original song is partnered with the familiar "We Three Kings of Orient Are." Flexible, practical and inspirational.

The Wexford Carol
View score page 6, page 7
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Ruth Elaine Schram's arrangement of the gorgeous carol is exquisite for ladies' voices and suitable for church or school use. "...In Bethlehem, upon that morn, there was a babe so wondrous, born..."

Who Is This Child?
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
Versatile arrangement incorporating "What Child is This?" (words by William C. Dix; 16th century English melody) arranged for two part voices with optional third part, suitable for mixed choirs, children's voices, ladies voices, or senior adults. Original words and music by Ruth Elaine Schram work in partnership with the well-loved carol. Perfect for Christmas or Epiphany.

Will You Make Room?
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Reflecting on the many things that make Christmas so special, the writing team of David S. Gaines and Ruth Elaine Schram asks, "Will you make room for the Christ-child, a home for Him on earth? Will you make room for the Spirit as He brings new birth? Will you make room in your life for love's pure light to shine?..."  Poignant and filled with sentiment, this anthem moves quietly through a mood of introspection, and briefly quotes portions of "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne."  (The entire hymn is printed on the back of the anthem if you wish to incorporate it into the anthem or your worship service.)  Effective any time during Advent or Christmas.

You Are the Reason
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The tender three-part setting of this simple, eloquent text is the perfect musical way to warmly welcome the newborn Savior. Graciously supported by a flowing keyboard accompaniment, this gentle piece will be particularly useful for Advent services.