America  New!
Ruthie has arranged the "prequel" to her very popular "America the Beautiful" (BL276), skillfully setting "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee; Thesaurus Musicus, words by Samuel F. Smith) for three-part mixed chorus and optional baritone. Beginning with an optional intro, the song starts a cappella and builds verse by verse to a powerful conclusion. While it is magnificent on its own, an alternate ending that enables a segue into her arrangement of "America the Beautiful" creates a stirring patriotic medley. Suitable for school or church use, wonderful for end-of-year ceremonies or concerts with a patriotic theme. Commissioned by the Midland High School Chorus, Midland, Michigan (Robert Sabourin, director).

For free MP3 part-by-part Rehearsal and Accompaniment MP3, follow the link below to the Carl Fischer web site.

America, Land I Love
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 8
Click here to listen (SATB)
America is truly a land of many cultures, and this anthem celebrates the freedom and diversity which make our nation great!  This patriotic arrangement includes the Pledge of Allegiance, parts of "The Star Spangled Banner," and "America."   Optional Guitar, Bass, and Drum parts are included in the score.

Choose to Stand
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A song of strength and brotherhood with a lifelong message for everyone! Appropriate programming for concerts throughout the year, also suitable as a theme song for drug awareness campaigns. Available in multiple voicings (the Two Part version works beautifully as a Unison piece as well).

Fly High, You Grand Old Flag
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How do you spell built-in success for young, developing choirs? A partner song that works! The patriotic George M. Cohan favorite "You're a Grand Old Flag" is partnered with a delightful original melody for use any time of the year. A rousing, energetic gem that will get your audience on their feet!

The Handshake Shake
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Delightful, lively song by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram with multi-cultural appeal has optional percussion parts for your students to enjoy. With a hint of a Spanish feel, this bright little tune is sung in both English and Spanish (pronunciation guide is included) and has optional choreography. Upbeat message about acceptance and friendship between cultures is a perfect tool to use in today's classroom.

In My World
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"In the world of my dreams, there is love, there is harmony.  There is laughter and joy, there's a home for every girl and boy. In my world, no child goes to bed feeling hungry.  There is plenty for everyone.... How hard can it be to make the world of my dreams the world that we see?  We have the vision, and the courage, and the power and the knowledge to make it so!..."  Powerful, uplifting song, perfect for graduation ceremonies, Spring concerts, or general use.

Light a Candle for Peace
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Though this gentle, flexible anthem is a perfect choice when lighting the peace candle during Advent, it is not so specific to Advent that it could not be used throughout the year for other services with a "peace" focus, particularly 9/11 memorial services. The optional child's solo can be a particularly breathtaking option and the flowing keyboard writing helps make this a real winner. Ruth Elaine Schram is known for her tender music of hope and she has touched this subject with her special magical melding of melody and text. Cello obligato included in score, which adds a beautiful, crowning touch.

May the Road Rise to Meet You
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
Listen to an excerpt
This fresh setting of the "Old Irish Blessing" is gentle and positive, yet can be sung with firm unanimity.  The message of hope and encouragement, and wish for a safe return, is appropriate for use throughout the year.   It would make a very meaningful benediction, or end to a Spring concert or Graduation ceremony.

A Song in Every Heart
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Commissioned by Sullivan Middle School, Rock Hill, South Carolina (Beverly J. Laney, director).  This song emphasizes that because we are all unique, each of us contributes something to the symphony of life.  When we combine our individual songs of celebration, love and joy (as well as our songs of strife, sorrow, loneliness and despair) we come together in harmony and unity.  Uplifting message of hope and acceptance, perfectly suited for Middle School or Junior High School voices.

Ubi Caritas
View SATB score page 3, page 4
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Click here to listen (SSA)
Powerful setting of the Latin text which means "where there is charity and love, God is there." Although there are some unexpected chord progressions, this song is only moderately difficult. Available in three voicings. May be used in church settings; also suitable for school contest and festival use.

What Lies Within
View SATB score page 1, page 7
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Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram have created a powerful work quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson: "What lies behind us, what lies before us, does not compare to that which lies within!..." A strong a cappella beginning unfolds into the perfect selection for Spring concerts, Graduation ceremonies, or concerts that feature inspirational songs of optimism in the human spirit.