A La Nanita Nana
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From Ruthie's musical, "It's Christmas Everywhere," 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, a pronunciation guide is included. Suitable for school or church use, available for treble or mixed choirs. Beautifully recorded accompaniment CD is available, orchestrated by Greg Gilpin.

Agnus Dei
View score page 1
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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.

Angels Watching Over Me
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Equally suitable for school or church use, this delightful melding of three spirituals allows opportunities for young, developing choirs to create beautiful tone quality while preparing for an artistic performance. Beginning with "All Night, All Day," the song glides into "In the morning, when I rise ..." and concludes with "Every night when the sun goes in ... Angels watching over me...." For mixed or treble voices.

Banyan Tree
View Three Part Mixed score page 2, page 3
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Bright, happy, dance-like arrangement of the Jamaican Folk Song features stomps, claps, and a tasty, articulated accompaniment which provides additional percussive interest. The song gradually builds from lots of unison to harmony with the use of echo and descant, then softens down to "pp" at the end as the dancers "fade away" into the distance. Fun!

Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
View TTBB score page 1, page 2
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This beautiful American folk melody has been given a gorgeous new setting for mixed or men's voices.  This gem will be a popular choice for concert and festival performances for years to come.

Children of the World
Authentic folk songs from around the world are especially arranged for beginning Two Part voices. Compiled and edited by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, accompaniments orchestrated by Tim Hayden. Fun fact pages provide a fascinating look at cultures of nine countries on four continents, as well as doubling as an optional narration for a 30 minute program. Includes Ruthie Schram's gorgeous arrangement of the lovely Welsh lullaby, Suo Gan. Handbook is 100% Reproducible for your convenience.

Christmas Around the World
View Three Part Mixed score page 10
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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
View Three Part Mixed score page 1
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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
View SATB score page 1
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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
View score page 3, page 8
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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 Night When the Sun Goes In
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 3
Listen to an excerpt
Beautiful, legato arrangement of the African American spiritual is suitable for school or church use, and appropriate for contests and festivals.  Only moderately difficult, available in three voicings.

Everybody Loves Saturday Night
View score page 4, page 5
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Delightful arrangement of the Nigerian folk song, sung in four languages (pronunciation guide given). Your students will learn Nigerian, Chinese, and French translations of this phrase! Optional Orff percussion is included, and an accompaniment track is available.

Farewell, My Friend
View Three Part Mixed score page 3, page 4, page 5
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This lovely adaptation of an African Folk Song is hauntingly beautiful and yet accessible for young singers. An optional Flute obbligato and Orff accompaniment (included in score) adds to the beauty of the piece and helps the work build throughout, only to come back to a soft climax that will leave your audience breathless. The portion from Measure 25 to the end would make a beautiful, memorable encore at the end of your concert and a fitting closer. The chorus also appears in canon, making this piece easy to learn and express.

Grumble Too Much
View SATB score page 8, page 9
View TTB score page 10
Click here to listen (SATB)
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
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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
Click here to listen (SATB)
Click here to listen (SATB Christmas Lyric)
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.

Irish Friendship Wish
View score page 1, page 2
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This setting of one of the many Irish Blessings is beautifully set with a gentle melody and colorful, yet supportive, harmonies in the keyboard. Very expressive, this piece may be performed unison, as a solo, or as a Two Part work. Suitable any time during the school year, it is especially meaningful as an end-of-year piece or for graduation services.

Jibuli, Jibuli
View score page 3, page 4
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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
View score page 7, page 8
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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)
View Three Part Mixed score page 7
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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.

A Long Way from Home
Gorgeous pairing of two beloved Spirituals; "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Going Home" (theme from Dvorak's "New World" Symphony). The two combine effortlessly in this lovely, flowing setting. Dreamy, poignant and tasteful, it will touch the hearts of all who hear it. Voiced for Three Part Mixed voices with an optional Baritone part, making it extremely flexible for the developing (or small) choir. Free MP3 rehearsal and accompaniments are available by download from the publisher at BriLeeMusic.com.

Lullaby
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Delicately arranged from beginning to end, "Lullaby" combines an adaptation of the traditional Welsh "Suo Gan" text with "All Through the Night." Gorgeous accessible vocal lines are supported by a flowing accompaniment, all of which can be enhanced by the use of optional descant. The Flute obbligato adds a crowning touch to this lovely piece. Ruthie Schram has created a charming and versatile setting for children's or treble voices.

Miserere Nobis
View score page 1, page 2
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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.

Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
View SATB score page 3, page 4
Click here to listen (SATB)
Click here to listen (Unison / Two Part)
This well-known spiritual comes to new life in this exquisite arrangement by Ruth Elaine Schram.  The harmonies are sonorous and warm, beautifully supporting the melody.  The syncopation gently propels the work through each phrase, ending softly on "Nobody knows my sorrow."  An aesthetic experience awaits your ensemble in this incredible arrangement.

Oh, Shenandoah
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 5
The beautiful, early American folk melody is arranged in a lovely new setting by Ruth Elaine Schram, available in multiple voicings. Expressive arrangement gives conductors teaching opportunities with freedom of interpretation.

Partner Songs for the Whole Year Long
Original and traditional songs in combination for teaching part singing for elementary age children.

more info...

Peaceful, Silent Night
View Two Part score page 5
Listen to an excerpt
This beautiful anthem is based on the well-known German Christmas carol "Stille Nacht," but set in 4/4 rather than the traditional 3/4, giving the melody a more relaxed feel. An original second melody and lyrics works alone or as a lower descant or counter-melody. The lush keyboard part may also be used as a piano solo during the holidays.

Railroad
View SATB score page 3, page 4
This swingin' arrangement of "I've Been Workin' On the Railroad" by Ruth Elaine Schram offers program notes by the arranger inside the front cover, which include background information on this folk medley as well as some rehearsal tips and performance suggestions. With a couple of speech riffs and a little jazz flavor, this delightfully fresh presentation of this work will make a fun folk-novelty feature for any concert. Available for mixed choirs (includes some optional cues for divisi in the ladies) or men's voices.

A Red, Red Rose
View score page 1, page 2
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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.

Rock-A-My-Soul
View score page 5, page 6
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Cute, light arrangement of the Traditional folk song arranged for SAB voices with optional percussion instruments. Lots of teaching opportunities with changing meters, styles, and tempos, but lots of fun to sing (and play!).  Suitable for church or school use.   Accompaniment cassette available; percussion parts included.

Set Down, Servant
View score page 4, page 5
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Ruthie Schram has created a wonderful arrangement that captures the very essence of the well-known classic spiritual.  Optionally a cappella throughout, with optional solo phrases, exciting dynamics and a joyful rhythmic feel.  Singable voice parts, featuring movement in the bass line, make it entertaining and fun for your choir and audience.  Sure to be a winner!

Shalom, Pacem, Peace  New!
Based upon the haunting "By the Waters of Babylon" folk tune, this gorgeous, poignant setting is a call for peace in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and English. Set as a round, it will work for any combination of voices and will be easily learned by any age group. Optional instrumental parts for Cello and Two Violins (or Flute and Oboe) add depth and beauty to the flowing accompaniment in this piece that is equally effective for school and church.

Simply Carols
In this collection of twelve beloved carols, Ruth Elaine Schram has arranged six unison or two-part songs that celebrate the musical traditions of France, England, Ireland, Wales, Germany, and the United States. It boasts supportive piano accompaniments, reproducible song sheets, and an optional fully orchestrated recording (orchestrated by Tim Hayden). As an added bonus, reproducible narrations that give historical detail may be added to introduce each carol and create a special program. "Simply Carols" is an outstanding resource for children's and youth choirs, as well as small adult and senior choirs. Suitable for school or church.

Sing We All Noel
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
This fun, upbeat pairing of two African folk songs (from Ruthie's collection, "It's Christmas Everywhere") is a creative choice for your winter concert. Optional sacred lyrics are included, making this perfectly suitable for school or church use. Employing a variety of percussion adds to the fun, and specific suggestions and ideas for use are provided. For mixed or treble voices; delightful accompaniment CD orchestrated by Greg Gilpin. Three-part Mixed / SAB version works with E - C range or D - F range for guys.

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.

Sourwood Mountain
View SATB score page 2, page 3
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Click here to listen (TBB)
Fun, delightful arrangement of the Appalachian folk song is available in multiple voicings. Cues for foot stomps and hand claps are included. Vibrant and upbeat, a real crowd-pleaser!

Still, Still, Still
View Two Part score page 4, page 5
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Easy to learn but effective arrangement of the familiar German carol, now available for SATB as well as Three Part Mixed or Two Part voices. Suitable for school or church use.

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. Now available in the new "Children of the World" book from Alfred.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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).

Together We Can Change the World  New!
"Together, We Can Change the World" (Songs for a Better Planet) is breaking new ground - all of the scores and resources are provided as data files on the CDrom, making this collection 100% reproducible. In addition, the folder in which the CD is encased is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled material.

Whether you need unison choral pieces, a resource to introduce your students to part-singing, or a full-scale musical complete with narrations and supporting materials, these enriching songs fit the bill. The optional use of partner songs and simple two-part harmony subtly underscores the themes of cooperation and community building that run throughout this collection. Beginning with songs that encourage friendship and acceptance, the collection progresses to songs that introduce "green" themes of reducing waste, recycling, and working together to cherish and protect our natural resources. Narrations are included to give additional information and introduce each song, and delightfully orchestrated Accompaniment tracks (by Tim Hayden) are included.

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. A powerful multicultural message, in any language!

The Water is Wide (published by Alfred)
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
Listen to a three part mixed excerpt
Beautiful, creative arrangement of the lovely Scottish folk song "Waly, Waly." Available in multiple voicings with gorgeous piano accompaniment.

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..."

Yoo Yoo (Baby Won't Sleep)
View score page 2, page 3, page 4
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In this gentle Ruth Elaine Schram setting of a lovely Kenyan folk song, triadic harmonies in the voices are sometimes close and other times open to create breathtaking treble sonorities. "...Star shine falling, brighter than day; shepherds calling, joyful are they. Tucked among the cattle and sheep, no wonder baby won't sleep!" Suitable for school or church use.