The Choral Music of Ruth Elaine Schram

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Instrumental Accompaniments

A La Nanita Nana
MP3 audioClick here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
MP3 audioCustomized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
This hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the Traditional Spanish carol features the gentle feel of a lullaby and an interesting mixture of major and minor modes. Both Spanish and English lyrics are used, and a pronunciation guide is included.

Now available in multiple voicings; suitable for school or church use. Originally published in Ruthie's musical, "It's Christmas Everywhere."


Customized Instrumental Accompaniment is available for this choral work! Click here for more info.

Heritage (Lorenz)
15/3330H - SATB
15/2490H - Three-part Mixed
15/2489H - Two Part
15/3061H - SSA
15/3537H - TB
99/3587H - P/A CD

A Child, A King
View scoreView score page 1, page 2, page 3
MP3 audioClick here to listen
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.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3596M - SATB
30/2248M - Conductor's Score, String Orchestra
99/2156M - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Christmas Grace
View scoreView score page 2, page 3
MP3 audioClick here to listen
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.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3278M - SATB
10/4644L - SAB/Two-part Mixed
30/2018M - String Orchestra Score and Parts
99/1889M - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Come, Dine With Me
The winsome lyricism of this sacred song is the perfect companion to the warmth and assurance of a communion gathering. Crafted as a choral invitation to approach the table of grace with hope, it encourages the listener to be part of the body of Christ. This easily learned anthem by Paul Baertschi and Ruth Elaine Schram is nonetheless profound in its effect. Whether accompanied by the calming piano part and optional violin solo (included in score), or by the worshipful piano and string orchestra (orchestration available separately), this anthem will have a lasting effect on the listener.

Harold Flammer (Shawnee Press)
35028044 - SATB, opt. Violin
35028045 - Score and Parts

Cross of Sorrow, Cross of Love
View scoreView score page 1, page 2, page 6
MP3 audioClick here to listen
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.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3622M - SATB
30/2280M - String Orchestra and Parts
99/2201M - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Face the Cross
View scoreView SATB score page 1, page 2
MP3 audioClick here to listen (SATB)
MP3 audioCustomized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
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.


Customized Instrumental Accompaniment is available for this choral work! Click here for more info.

This Orchestration premiered by Faith Academy, Manila, the Philippines.

Alfred
21541 - SATB (Level Four)
21542 - SAB (Level Three)

Gifts of Bread and Wine
View scoreView SATB score page 4, page 5
MP3 audioClick here to listen (SATB)
Prayerful communion anthem with gentle, flowing accompaniment and delicately painted text ..."Sustenance for my spirit, basic elements, yet divine; cleansing for my soul in the gifts of bread and wine. A new covenant based on mercy, the Father's grace revealed. In communion with you, Lord, I am healed..." Gorgeous string parts (available separately) will create an unforgettable worship experience.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3388M - SATB
10/3389M - SAB
30/2095M - Opt. String Orchestra
99/1946M - Performance / Accompaniment CD

God Is In This Room
View scoreView score page 1, page 2
MP3 audioClick here to listen
Lovely anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram & John Parker is an affirmation of God's loving presence in our worship services, and our need for His love. "In this room, there is a crying heart; a shattered life, a soul that's torn apart. And in this room, there is a broken home; eyes filled with tears, afraid and all alone. But in this room, there is a loving Lord..." The warm sound of strings (available separately) adds just the right touch to this sensitive musical offering.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3036M - SATB
30/1866M - String Parts and Score
99/1756M - Accompaniment CD

Hallelu!  He Lives! (cover) Hallelu! He Lives!
Orchestration to Accompany the Children's Musical; Scored for flute, two clarinets, cello, handbells, piano and percussion.

This highly accessible 8 minute mini-musical for unison / two-part children's choir tells the story of the final week of Jesus' life from Palm Sunday through Easter. (Anthems may also be done separately during Holy Week.) Weaving traditional melodies with original melodic material, and providing charming narration in verse form, Ruth Elaine Schram has created a lovely work well suited to the abilities of children, yet rich in meaning for all who hear. Titles include "Joy on That Day," suitable for Palm Sunday, "Table of Love" for Communion / Maundy Thursday, and "Hallelu! He Lives!" for Easter Sunday.

more info...

His Hands
View scoreView SATB score page 5, page 6, page 7
MP3 audioClick here to listen (SATB)
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.) Suitable for Lent, or observances of the Lord's Supper throughout the church year.

Exaltation (Lorenz)
10/3654L - SATB
10/3655L - SAB
30/2296L - Small Orchestra Score and Parts
99/2219L - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Holy Child
View scoreView SATB score page 3, page 4, page 10
MP3 audioClick here to listen (SATB)
This powerful Christmas anthem unexpectedly and powerfully incorporates the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy." Its poignant message speaks of the holiness of the Christ Child and the impact of His birth on us today. Available for SATB or SAB voices, this anthem has strong dynamic contrast and a heartfelt, memorable melody. Beautiful String Orchestra Score (available separately; includes a reduction) or Accompaniment CD are also available.

Lorenz
10/3698L - SATB
10/3699L - SAB
30/2349L - String Orchestration
99/2299L - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Holy Night, Silent Night
Perhaps the world's most beloved carols, "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" are masterfully combined in this powerful arrangement by Ruth Elaine Schram. The two classics shimmer with rich harmonies, and the addition of the optional string orchestra create a sense of wonder and awe at God's gift of love to us at Christmas. Fitting for worship services and pageants as well as seasonal concerts, this heartwarming choral captures the beauty and essence of the birth of Christ. For mixed or ladies' voices. String orchestration includes reduction for Synth.

Lorenz
10/3899L - SATB
10/3903L - SAB
10/3904L - SSA
30/2506L - String Score (including reduction)
99/2552L - P/A CD

How Great His Love
View scoreView SATB score page 1, page 2
How great is the Father's love for us! Full of awe and wonder, this song of reverent faith opens quietly, with unison voices. The vocals thicken gradually as the verses rise in successive keys, warmly supported by the artful accompaniment. Lyrical and reflective, it is a gift of love for our gracious, compassionate God. (From the cantata "The Living Last Supper.")

Suitable for Lent, Communion services, or general use. Beautifully orchestrated for flute, oboe, 2 clarinets, Percussion (wind chimes and suspended cymbal), Violin I and II, Viola, Cello, and Bass. All instrumental parts are optional and work with the piano to support and augment, but not overwhelm, the voices.

Lorenz
10/3789L - SATB
10/3790L - SAB
30/2422L - Small Orchestration
99/2441L - Accompaniment CD

I Thirst
View scoreView score page 5, page 6
MP3 audioClick here to listen
Three scenes from the life of Christ where He experienced physical thirst are presented in this moving anthem. From the manger to the 40 days in the wilderness to his last moments on the cross, this anthem reminds us that ironically Jesus is the "Living Water" for our spiritual thirst. An optional communion text is provided for additional use as an offering for your time at the table with the Lord. Suitable for Holy Week, observances of the Lord's Supper, or explorations of the Seven Last Words of Christ.

Included in the Lorenz work "The Living Last Words" (55/1134L - SATB; 55/1135L - SAB); Instrumental score and parts may be licensed from Lorenz. Contact me for details.

Shawnee Press
A8584 - SATB

In Communion
Providing a rich context for why Christians celebrate communion, this anthem will enrich your congregation's observance of Jesus' last supper. With or without the available orchestral parts, the lilting melody and lyrical accompaniment set a tender mood for a text that describes the Savior's final meal with His disciples. From the Lenten tenebrae musical, "Tapestry of Darkness." Beautifully orchestrated Accompaniment CD available, or Score and Parts for Winds, Strings, Percussion, and French Horn for live orchestra.

Jubilate (Alfred Music)
0 80689 10123 6 - SATB
0 80689 86732 3 - CD ChoralTrax
0 80689 99847 8 - Orchestration

It's All About the Cross
View scoreView score page 1, page 2, page 3
MP3 audioClick here to listen
A brief journey through scripture, outlining the unity of the Old and New Testament with respect to the plan of salvation, is beautifully enhanced with a distinctive melody that delicately paints the scene of Christ's love for us as demonstrated on Calvary. Weaving in themes from the beloved hymn, "When I Survey," the optional String Orchestra accompaniment adds a crowning touch to this moving work. For further flexibility for your music ministry, a string reduction is included with the string score.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/3537M - SATB
30/2198M - String Orchestration
99/2046M - Performance / Accompaniment CD

Le Printemps
"Le Printemps" is French for "the springtime." This piece brings images of springtime to the listener's mind. The rhythmic pattern that begins in the bass and works its way up to the violins illustrates the patter of raindrops or flowers bursting into bloom. The beautiful melodies in the piece will engage players and audiences alike.

Carl Fischer
YAS178 - Young String Orchestra (Grade 2)

The Living Last Supper (cover) The Living Last Supper
Written to accompany either the SATB or SAB Dramatic Musical "The Living Last Supper." The small orchestration is designed to be easily played by church musicians. The piano part is not a reduction of the orchestration, but a beautiful, pianistic accompaniment. Each instrumental part is optional and intended to supplement the piano accompaniment, but if you have all of the instruments, the orchestra will not overwhelm even a small choir.

Scored for Flute, Two Clarinets, Oboe, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass, Percussion (Wind Chimes, Sus. Cymbal, Opt. Snare Drums), and Piano.

more info...

The Living Last Words (cover) The Living Last Words
Designed to accompany either the SATB or SAB version of this Dramatic Musical Experience for Holy Week. Scored for Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, French Horn, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass, Percussion (Wind Chimes, Sus. Cymbal), Timpani, and Piano.

The piano part is not a reduction of the orchestration, but a beautiful accompaniment. Each instrumental part is optional and intended to supplement the piano accompaniment. The small orchestration is designed to be easily played by volunteer church musicians, utilizing instrumentation that will beautifully augment the piano but not overwhelm even a small choir.

more info...

The Living Light (cover) The Living Light
Written to accompany either the SATB or SAB version of this Dramatic Musical Experience for Christmas. Scored for Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass, Percussion (Wind Chimes, Sus. Cymbal) and Piano.

The demands of this orchestration are modest, making it possible for the use of live instruments even on a limited budget. As with "The Living Last Supper," this musical is meant to be accompanied by piano, and the instrumental parts are optional. The piano part is not a reduction of the orchestration but a beautiful, pianistic accompaniment. If you choose to use the entire orchestra parts available, the instruments will not overwhelm even a small choir.

more info...

My Heart, Your Bethlehem
View scoreView score page 6, page 7
MP3 audioClick here to listen
A delicate, yet powerful musical message is tastefully joined with the familiar carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in this heartfelt expression for the Christmas season by David Gaines and Ruth Elaine Schram. A short, optional a cappella section quoting the hymn is artfully woven in to this arrangement. Optional string orchestra parts (by David Dixon) bring additional beauty to this reflective setting. String score and parts or an Accompaniment CD are available separately.

Monarch (Lorenz)
10/2805M - SATB
10/3997L - SAB
30/1762M - String Parts
99/1683M - Accompaniment CD

Night of Wonder, Night of Joy (cover) Night of Wonder, Night of Joy
"Night of Wonder, Night of Joy" is a worship service that celebrates the wondrous miracles surrounding the birth of our Savior, composed by Niel Lorenz and Ruth Elaine Schram with full orchestration by Stan Pethel.

Lasting approximately 35 minutes, the presentation may be as simple as two narrators, or may involve more speakers and/or characters in Biblical costume. Available for SATB or SAB voices.

This dramatic musical experience is certain to fill the hearts of all believers with a sense of wonder and joy in God's goodness to us through the gift of Jesus.

more info...

A Prelude to Advent
One of Chopin's most profoundly engaging melodies (well known to most piano players) forms the foundation of this fascinating Advent offering. Ruthie creates a meaningful dialogue between a treasured carol and this masterful theme. Chorally satisfying, your singers will connect with its tender beauty, and your congregation will feel anchored to the familiar tune. Help keep your Advent worship meaningful with this new anthem.

Beautifully orchestrated by John Purifoy (originally published in the "Noel Masterworks" collection); both the Chamber Orchestration and an Accompaniment CD are available separately.

Brookfield Press (Hal Leonard)
00124938 - SATB
00124951 - Orchestra Score and Parts CD-rom
00124939 - ChoirTrax CD

Silent Noel
Originally included in the collection Noel Masterworks, this lovely arrangement of "Silent Night" features strains of Debussy's Clair de Lune in the accompaniment. With a tender and exquisite orchestration by John Purifoy, this much-loved and familiar carol is offered to us in a heartfelt and stunning new light.

Score and parts are available as a digital download at halleonard.com/choral

Hal Leonard
00156621 - SATB
00156622 - ChoirTrax CD
Digital Download - Score and Parts

Silent the Night
Gently moving and extraordinarily beautiful, "Silent the Night" opens with a beautiful original melody by Ruth Elaine Schram, then flows seamlessly in and out of The "Coventry Carol" and "Silent Night, Holy Night." Perfect for Christmas worship and school holiday concerts, it is easily prepared and effectively performed with any of the accompaniment options. (From the cantata "Night of Wonder, Night of Joy" by Niel Lorenz and Ruth Elaine Schram, Orchestrated by Stan Pethel; SATB--65/1999L; SAB--65/2000L)

Lorenz
10/4279L - SATB
10/4280L - SAB
30/2868L - Orchestral Score and Parts
30/2869L - Orchestral CD-Rom
99/3028L - Performance / Accomp. CD

Songs of the Passion
Here is an inspiring four-movement suite for Lent or Holy Week. It can be presented in its entirety or as individual movements throughout the season. The work opens with a short, meditative introduction quoting the spiritual "Were You There" and then moves into a jubilant Palm Sunday piece titled "Hosanna! Christ Is King!" Next is the reflective and poignantly beautiful "How Great the Love of Jesus." The spiritual returns along with original musical content in the third movement, "They Crucified My Lord." The suite ends with a lovely arrangement of the traditional "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" with optional congregation involvement. Narration for two readers occurs between each of the four movements.

Beautifully orchestrated by Phillip Keveren with parts for Flute, Oboe, String Quintet, Handbells and Percussion. Performance time: approximately 16 minutes.

Watch the Digital Reading Session interview with Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss here.

Jubilate (Alfred Music)
080689211232 - SATB / Piano
080689064081 - Orchestration
080689775727 - Bulk CD (10-pak)
080689574368 - Preview Pak

Tapestry of Darkness (cover) Tapestry of Darkness
Written to accompany the musical "Tapestry of Darkness" for SATB voices. Scored for Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass, French Horn, Percussion (Sus. Cymbal, Wind Chimes), Timpani, and Piano. As with most of Ruthie's instrumentations, when writing the orchestral parts she kept the volunteer musician in mind, scoring it with modest ranges and moderate difficulty levels. The music is beautiful but deceptively simple to play, sounding like more than the sum of its parts. One of Ruthie's goals in her large works is to write music that will encourage instrumentalists in your congregation to become involved in your music ministry -- whether they are young people taking lessons now, participating in school or community bands or orchestras, or adults who may have played or taken lessons years ago and may not have used their abilities for a long time.

more info...

Until We Meet Again
MP3 audioClick here to listen
MP3 audioCustomized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
Simple, yet strikingly beautiful, "Until We Meet Again" is an inspired, yet practical worship offering by Ruth Elaine Schram that incorporates the beloved traditional hymn "God Be with You Till We Meet Again." It can be performed without the extended "amens," as a brief benediction with congregational participation. The closing "amens" can serve as a separate response or benediction, or combined with the opening section for a truly memorable benediction anthem.


Customized Instrumental Accompaniment is available for this choral work! Click here for more info.

This Orchestration premiered by Covenant Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Lorenz
10/4044L - SATB / Opt. Congregation

With What Shall I Come?
View scoreView score page 4, page 6
MP3 audioClick here to listen
MP3 audioCustomized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
Although this is an anthem suitable for general use, it would be particularly appropriate for stewardship emphasis or as an offertory. Based on Micah 6:6-8, Ruthie Schram's inspired treatment of this text is set in a minor mode, enhancing the essence of the scripture. A creative inclusion of a portion of the familiar Isaac Watts text "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all" is a fitting culmination and response to the opening question of the anthem.


Customized Instrumental Accompaniment is available for this choral work! Click here for more info.

This orchestration premiered by Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, Owensboro, Kentucky.

Exaltation (Lorenz)
10/2849L - SATB
10/5114L - SAB / Two-part Mixed

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