Agnus Dei
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A cappella setting of the Latin text, open scored for SATB with lots of independent movement in the voices.  A suitable challenge for contest or festival use.  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."

All Through the Night
View Two Part score page 1, page 2, page 3
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This gorgeous arrangement of the Welsh folk song is a perfect choice for the Christmas season or any time. Easily learned; suitable for children's voices or ladies voices.  The SSA version of this song was a number one seller and this arrangement was adapted for use in the HBO television series, "The Sopranos".

Also available in the "Rise Up and Sing!" SSA concert collection.

The Ash Grove
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The soaring Welsh folk tune is surrounded by a flowing piano accompaniment and imitative counterlines in this delightfully sensitive setting. With rich, easily singable harmonies, this will make any choir sound wonderful.

Benedictus
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Strong, robust setting for men's voices of the Latin "Benedictus," taken from the "Sanctus" section of the Roman mass. Translated, it means "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Suitable for church or school; contest or festival use.

Boll Weevil
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This is fun! Your audience will chuckle out loud when they hear this delightful folk song about the bug that took over Texas! A singable melody, simple harmonies and humorous lyrics tell the story, and the addition of easy body percussion or choreography will make it come alive visually as well. It's a real charmer and crowd-pleaser, suitable any time of the year or as a novelty piece in your Spring concert.

Christmas Around the World
View Three Part Mixed score page 10
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Delightful piece incorporating "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Deck the Halls" (melody) which teaches students the phrase "Merry Christmas" in several languages, and also encourages acceptance of other cultures by focusing on the feelings we all share at Christmastime, no matter where we call home.  Text and music by Gene Grier and Ruth Elaine Schram.

Cielito Lindo
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Delightful, authentic arrangement of this well-known Mexican folk song moves quickly! This arrangement features both Spanish and English texts; pronunciation given. The English is a direct translation from the Spanish. The piano accompaniment captures the sound of Flamenco Guitars and Mariachi trumpets. Available in two voicings for developing choirs.

Danny Boy
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
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Gentle arrangement of the beautiful "Londonderry Air" for young voices. Full of opportunities for teaching legato singing, expression and dynamics, and breath support.

Down By the Riverside
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The wonderful African-American Spiritual has been given a powerful, upbeat treatment in this fresh arrangement by Ruth Elaine Schram. Available in multiple voicings, along with a compelling Accompaniment track.

Dry Bones
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The well-known spiritual has been arranged for voices of all ages, with the familiar ascending chromatic key changes in the first section and the descending modulations in the latter section.  Optional guitar, bass and drum parts are included in the score; suitable for church or school use.

Every Time I Feel the Spirit
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Inventive, rhythmic arrangement of the African-American spiritual. Both youth and adult choirs will enjoy this one! Suitable for church or school choirs. An accompaniment track is available; optional guitar, bass, and drum parts are included.

Fare You Well
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Ruth Elaine Schram's arrangement of the beautiful folk song is gentle and flowing, while evoking a sense of longing.  Also known as "Nora's Dove," or "Sad Man Blues," this song with its roots in the African American Spiritual expresses a search for freedom, a yearning to go home, a hopelessness that builds to the hope found in "spreading your wings."  Suitable any time during the school year.

Grumble Too Much
View SATB score page 8, page 9
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Based on the premise that women "grumble too much," this upbeat arrangement of the Jamaican Folk Song features lots of fun, back-and-forth dialogue and interplay between the men and the ladies in the SATB edition, and the higher and lower voices in the TTB edition. Several small percussion patterns are included and may be employed throughout, and portions of the accompaniment are designed to sound like steel drums, lending an authentic Island feel for an effective performance.

Hola! Hello!
View Three Part Mixed score page 3, page 4
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Fun, educational piece that includes greetings of friendship in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Chinese, with optional sign language. Pictures to demonstrate the American Sign Language phrases are included in the score for ease of learning, and cues are given throughout the score for placement of signs.

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.

Jibuli, Jibuli
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This rhythmic Tanzanian Folk Song ("Jibuli" is Tanzanian for rabbit) is absolutely terrific for young choirs just beginning part-singing. Featuring echo passages and a descant-like section, it is extremely accessible and ensures built-in success. Optional conga parts are included in the score and add a colorful flair.

Kindle the Lights of Hanukkah
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(L'Had-Lik Nayr Shel Hanukkah)
This easy to learn Hanukkah piece by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram for Three Part Any Combination voices begins unison, then develops into a three part round. The third part may be taken down an octave for a Mixed Ensemble or sung as written for Treble Voices. The lyrics consist of an authentic Hebrew phrase and English translation, giving you the opportunity to teach your students about Hanukkah and its meaning to the families who celebrate it, while the music has a truly ethnic feel. Your students will have a memorable moment in their winter concert with this lively seasonal work.

Kyrie (based upon Largo from The New World Symphony)
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Traditional Latin text set to music based upon Movement II, "Largo," from Symphony No. 9, Opus 95, "From the New World" by Antonin Dvorak, arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. This well-known melody is also known as the Spiritual "Goin' Home." Optional oboe or other C-instrument part is included.

May the Road Rise to Meet You
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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.

My Lord, What a Morning
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Stunning arrangement of the classic African American spiritual is appropriate for school or church use.  The SATB version of this expressive setting allows opportunity for a bass soloist (or section) to introduce each verse while the upper voices respond.  Supportive, beautiful accompaniment flows downward as "the stars begin to fall."

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 teaching opportunities, including developing expression, phrasing, and dynamics.

Oh, Shenandoah (for ladies' voices)
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This gorgeous arrangement for ladies voices by Ruth Elaine Schram is characterized by beautiful harmonies and warm musical lines.  It is sensitive, expressive, and stirring -- all the things that make up an aesthetic experience for your group.

Peace Like a River
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Traditional African-American Spiritual is set for unison or two part voices with flowing piano accompaniment. Expressive arrangement begins in 4/4, then goes into 3/4 as the text changes to "love is flowing," then back into an energetic 4/4 section for "joy like a fountain," then ends up as it began. Suitable for church or school use.

A Red, Red Rose
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Warm, lyrical setting by Ruth Elaine Schram of the text by renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns. Perfectly suited for ladies' voices, with lots of opportunities for expressiveness and a wonderful aesthetic musical experience for your students. Suitable any time of year, particularly for Spring concerts.

The Rocking Carol
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This beautiful Czech carol is a tender song of adoration to the Christ child. Arrangement is available with an optional flute part (or other C-instrument), and is suitable for school or church use.

Shalom Aleichem (May Peace Be With You)
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This is an easy partner song by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram, based on a Hebrew phrase with a very positive message for your singers. The words and melody are easy to remember and work as a canon, providing opportunities to teach about rounds and repeats.

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.

Steal Away
View SATB score page 7
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Beautiful and sensitive setting of the well-known spiritual is suitable for church or school use. The musical imagery is exquisite with great expressive potential and lots of teaching opportunities. The limited range in the SATB version is perfect for the developing ensemble capable of four part harmony.

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, the original language is provided as well as the English translation.  Suitable for school or church use.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
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Soulful arrangement of the African American Spiritual by Ruth Elaine Schram includes a mixture of up-beat swing eighths and a change of feel to lush, even eighths. Suitable for school or church use, with optional solo (which may be performed by unison choir).

Ubi Caritas
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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. A powerful multicultural message, in any language!

The Water is Wide (published by Alfred)
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Beautiful, creative arrangement of the lovely Scottish folk song "Waly, Waly." Available in multiple voicings with gorgeous piano accompaniment.

The Wexford Carol
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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..."