Agnus Dei
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A cappella setting of the Latin "Lamb of God" text, open scored for SATB with lots of independent movement in the voices.  (Piano cues double the voices to facilitate the learning process.)  The ACDA Choral Journal wrote, "Its lush chords and well-constructed vocal lines will be a welcome addition to the repertoire of any well-trained choir."  Stunning during the Lenten season.

Because He Broke the Bread
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Lovely, thought-provoking anthem is suitable for observances of the Lord's Supper, Communion services, or Passion Week. The text by John Parker and Ruth Elaine Schram, full of passion imagery, is written from the viewpoint of the apostles as they tried to understand what Jesus was about to do. Correlation is then made between the apostles and the modern Christian with phrases such as "Jesus died on Calvary, broken there for you and me. On His brow, it was our crown He wore." The anthem ends with the statement of faith "We know Him as the chosen Lamb of God, because He broke the bread." The beautiful melody brings out the emotions that must have been and still are felt by those who believe.

Bitter Tears
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Stunning anthem that depicts Mary's bitter tears as she grieves over the loss of her son. Moderately difficult (each voice part must carry an independent line) but worth a little extra rehearsal time.

Brighter Than Snow
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This exquisite setting of Psalm 51 which captures a new adaptation of that familiar passage works equally well for children's choir, women's voices, or mixed voices.  "Wash me and I'll be brighter than snow..."

Come, Be Fed
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This winsome musical invitation to come to the table of the Lord and share the communion feast was written by Ruth Elaine Schram and her daughter, Celsie (Mrs. Robert) Staggers. Independent lines between the upper voices and lower voices enhance the beauty of the message. "No one need go hungry; no one need thirst again. Come be filled, come, be fed."

Cross of Sorrow, Cross of Love
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The tender text of this sensitive original anthem reflects Christ's great love for us on Calvary. A delicate melody with moderately easy choral parts shares a brief a cappella section incorporating the beloved "Man of Sorrows, What a Name" ("Hallelujah! What a Savior," by Philip P. Bliss) before the quiet, fitting conclusion. Suitable for Lent or Holy Week, with Optional String Orchestra as well as Piano accompaniment. (String Orchestra includes Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Reduction.) P/A CD also available.

Do I Remember?
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"...His heart was breaking, knowing his friends were denying, forsaking Him and still He follows the will of His Father on High. But do I, do I remember?..." Poignant text, paired with a powerful melody makes this a truly different selection for Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Lent, or Communion services.

Exalted and Triumphant
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The majestic "All Glory, Laud and Honor" text and new music is creatively woven with the Twila Paris favorite "He is Exalted" for a dynamic partner song.  Perfect for Palm Sunday, this bright and rhythmic anthem is festive and exciting.  Optional children's participation (or adult ensemble / praise team) will make it unforgettable.

Face the Cross
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This dramatically compelling anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram and Scott Schram is suitable any time of year, yet perfect for Lent or Holy Week, or 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.

Feast of Heaven
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The mood surrounding communion is one of contemplative grace, and this lovely selection mirrors and enhances that atmosphere. The optional flute part adds a peaceful timbre to the unobtrusive accompaniment and distinctive melody. This work gives each of us a powerful invitation to "share in the Feast of Heaven" as we partake of the elements.

He Wept In Gethsemane
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"In sorrow He asked if this cup could pass, yet obedient to lift it up; the dregs of my sin, the dross of my shame; willingly He drank them down, He drained the cup..."  Poignant and moving, this anthem artfully paints a picture of Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The piano accompaniment perfectly complements the mournful lyrics while the optional obligato (clarinet, flute, or oboe, included in the score) adds a beautiful finishing touch to the piece.  Beautiful for Maundy Thursday or anytime during Lent.

His Hands
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This brilliant text takes us on a journey of Christ's life through hands which took the impact of childhood falls, felt the textures of wood in a carpenter's home, blessed bread to feed multitudes, healed the sick, washed feet, and ultimately bore the scars of crucifixion on a cross. It is a moving anthem sure to inspire choirs and congregations alike. Available SATB or SAB, with beautiful orchestration that will not overwhelm even a smaller choir. (From the cantata for Holy Week or communion, "The Living Last Supper". Orchestration includes parts for flute, oboe, clarinet 1 & 2, percussion, Violin 1 & 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.)

Holy Spirit, Come
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Lively, upbeat invitation to our Comforter to reveal Jesus' love, fill us with power, console us, and light the flame that burns within us. Perfect for Pentecost or suitable for general use.

How Great His Love
Vocal Solos for Lent and Easter, including "His Hands" and "How Great His Love" by Ruth Elaine Schram and others by Joseph Martin, Pepper Choplin, and Lloyd Larson.

more info...

In That Day
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This rhythmic, upbeat anthem is a change of pace for Advent or Christ the King Sunday, quoting the passage from Isaiah 12 as the basis for the text.  With joy and assurance we sing of His promised salvation.  Much unison and two part singing, and the repetitious nature of this piece, make it memorable and easy to learn.  Changes in voicing and dynamics add interest and propel it forward to the victorious climax.

Is It I, Lord?
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The beautiful, thoughtful text by David Davenport is given focus by an expressive melody and supportive accompaniment. Part for optional flute (or other C-instrument) is included. Suitable for Communion services, Lent, Holy Week, or Good Friday.

Kneel at the Cross
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Gentle, expressive anthem incorporating the Charles Moody text (adapted by Ruth Elaine Schram). Suitable for Lent, Holy Week, or general use, and for worship services that focus on the theme of salvation or Christ's atoning death on the cross. It could also be used as an invitation piece at the end of a worship service or during a revival.

Kyrie (for ladies' voices)
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The vocal harmonies in this lovely setting of the Greek "Kyrie" create a shimmering effect in this tasteful original for ladies' voices. The modulation heightens the tension, only to be released as the work closes. This sonorous, expressive work will be a welcome addition to your library.

Kyrie Eleison (published by BriLee)
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Chant-like in its melodic movement, yet wonderfully contemporary in its harmonic warmth, this Three Part Mixed setting of the Latin text strikes a balance between the old and new world.  Melodic planing and a gentle rubato bring a wonderful expressiveness to this work, creating an opportunity for an exquisite aesthetic experience for your developing ensemble.

The Lone, Wild Bird
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This traditional American folk hymn, while elegantly simple, has been given a fresh, stirring setting by Ruth Elaine Schram. An optional soaring flute obbligato is featured, while gorgeous vocal harmonies convey the image of the Great Spirit who comes in lofty flight to give rest to the weary. The richly flowing accompaniment underscores three modulating verses that gradually lift our souls to heaven. Suitable for Pentecost or General use.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer
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Suitable as a gentle call to worship any time of the year, especially during Lent, this simple song in fluid 3/4 meter may also be used to create a worshipful mood during the service prior to a scheduled invocation or before prayer time. "Lord, hear our prayer, hear our prayer; have mercy on us, have mercy on us..."

Miserere Nobis
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This appropriately mournful setting of the traditional Latin text is rich in harmonic nuances and lyrical melodic lines. With full Latin text, singable voice parts in open score, and a keyboard part that does more than support the voices, this is a work of high quality for mixed choirs. May also be done a cappella by more advanced choirs for an additional challenge.

Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
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A festive setting of the tune Lasst uns erfreuen. Not for children only, this would be a lovely addition to Easter or post-Easter worship sung by a girls or women's choir. Optional Flute part included in score.

Praise the God of Resurrection
Walking through the last days of Jesus' earthly life, this short Easter cantata (featuring the music of Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson, Joseph Martin, and Ruth Elaine Schram) is a moving reminder of the power of the Living God.

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Rain Down On Me
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A charming melody is coupled with an inspired text in this lovely anthem of devotion and consecration ..."Rain down on me your love and mercy, rain down on me your grace. Cleanse and renew my barren spirit in this quiet place..." Perfect for general use or for Pentecost.

Roll, Roll That Stone Away
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This joyous announcement that Jesus is alive would be an appropriate selection for Easter Sunday, or worship services during Eastertide.  This song is full of motion and very upbeat, with a slightly gospel feel.  Sung with assurance and enthusiasm, the optional string bass (pizzicato, included in the score) makes the song even more jubilant!

Spirit of Joy
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This energetic and upbeat anthem truly reflects its joyous text. Perfect for use at Pentecost, the music and lyrics are a positive message of the power of God's love in our lives. Scored for mixed voices, Piano, with optional Triangle and Bass parts included in the score.

Tree of Life
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"Tree of Life" is a thought-provoking anthem incorporating the beloved hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." It is suitable any time during Lent, particularly for Good Friday services. Sensitive expression and dynamics enhance the meaningfulness of this piece. Although we ask why our Savior had to suffer and die, we sing with assurance and confidence of our faith in His sacrifice.

We Come to You for Healing, Lord
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"We come to you for healing, Lord, of body, mind, and soul, and pray that by your Spirit's touch our lives may be made whole...." Every believer can identify with this gentle prayer for healing (text by Herman M. Stuempfle) as they pass through times of difficulty and struggle. A gem for mixed voices and piano with flute obbligato (included in score), artfully set by Ruth Elaine Schram, suitable for Pentecost or general use.

Where Are the Angels?
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Thought-provoking study of the angels' function during the crucifixion of Christ. We surmise that they ministered to the Father who could not look at His Son when He took our sin upon Himself. In the chorus, men's voices ask the question "Where are the angels?" while the women answer "They fold their golden wings to hide their crying eyes."  Stunning!  Suitable any time during the Lenten season, but especially meaningful on Maundy Thursday.

With Those Hands
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This work provides thoughtful insight into the humanity and divinity of Jesus. "With those hands, he healed the sick; with those hands, he raised the dead; with those hands, he cured the leper; with those very hands he broke the bread ... Those hands that have known only mercy will be stretched from limb to limb upon a tree. And those hands, which have shown only kindness will be bleeding and broken for me." A truly moving work for Lent or Holy Week, also suitable for observances of the Lord's Supper.

Your Love Will Never Let Me Go
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Lyrical, expressive song of assurance based on the familiar passage in Romans 8. Suitable any time during the church year but particularly meaningful during Lent when our thoughts turn to God's love and Christ's sacrifice for us.