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
View score page 1, page 5, page 6
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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Customized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
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.


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

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

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, 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.

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.

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.

Eyes of Heaven
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"Cover the earth with a cloud of darkness. Cover the earth with a blackened sky. Hide Calvary's pain 'neath a veil of tears that the eyes of heaven cry..." Beautiful, poignant song for Lent or Holy Week. Optional oboe part (included in the score) adds a haunting, unforgettable touch.


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

Fall, Slow Tears
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The SSATB revoicing of this best-selling title by Ruth Elaine Schram is her 1000th choral publication, making this an historic printing both for her and for Carl Fischer Music. In the musical lines of the voices and piano accompaniment alike, the "falling" motive of shed tears creates a highly symbolic experience for singers as well as worshippers. This lush, thought-provoking and reflective work calls worshippers to a time of repentance and recognition of what Christ has done for us by His death on the cross. This gorgeous piece is perfectly suited for Communion, Lenten or other services of confession. Stunning, beautiful, and hauntingly memorable!

Garden of Tears
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Ruthie Schram's considerable gifts as a lyricist and melodic writer abound in this poignant reflection upon Christ as He prayed alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. The lyrics recall the gospel story. The music flows in 3/4, with sensitive text declamation and colorful harmonies. An optional oboe (or C Instrument) obbligato adds a mournful touch.


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

God's Big Family
In "God's Big Family," celebrated composer Ruth Elaine Schram has crafted a great resource for today's Christian children's choirs. Its six easy unison anthems are both fun and fun to sing and include optional second voice parts written in easy-to-teach formats such as echo, call and response, and partner song. With texts that serve the entire church year, each piece in this collection features a supportive and playable keyboard accompaniment.

Songs are included for Advent, Christmas, Easter, Family Emphasis, and General use. There are also optional parts for small percussion and body percussion that reinforce rhythmic acuity, and optional body motions and sign language provide beautiful visual appeal while developing gross motor skills. The corresponding reproducible narrations make these anthems perfect for worship, Sunday School and Christian School programs, and special fellowship events. The collection includes reproducible song sheets and (if purchased in this format) a Performance/Accompaniment CD delightfully orchestrated by Tim Hayden.

Hear the Children Sing "Hosanna!"
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This stately and joyous anthem is an inviting and practical consideration to usher in Holy Week. It is quickly learned by Unison Children's Choirs and adult choirs alike. The optional repeat makes it ideal for Palm Sunday processionals.


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

His Will Was Done
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Expressive text by J. Paul Williams telling the story of Jesus in Gethsemane and his crucifixion. Good choice for Lent or Holy Week, especially Good Friday.

Hosanna in the Highest!
This bright Palm Sunday anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram has a memorable melody and lively syncopation. Scored for two-part voices, it includes fun call-and-response, and a supportive accompaniment. Optional percussion parts add interest and lend a world-music flavor.

How Great His Love
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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.

How Great the Love of Jesus
Gorgeous poetic imagery opens with a statement of Christ's sacrifice of coming to earth, then the song further explores the humbling thought "to wash the very feet that He Himself designed," and Christ's earthly sacrifice on the cross. Poignant and moving during Lent, for Maundy Thursday, or Good Friday. (From "Songs of the Passion.")

Beautifully orchestrated for Flute, Oboe, Handbells, Percussion, and Strings.

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.

In the Silent Garden
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John Parker's beautiful poetry is set to lovely music by Ruth Elaine Schram in this offering for Lent or Holy Week.  "...Music like no other once filled the garden fair. Tiny birds with pleasure expressed their gladness there.  But now hidden in a cold tomb, where no singing can be heard, lies the very Song of Life, in death, without a word..."  Available in two voicings.


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

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.

Journey to the Cross
Compilation Musical / Collection for Lent or Holy Week, remembering Christ's sacrifice of love for us. Featuring the music of Pepper Choplin, Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson, and Ruth Elaine Schram

Kyrie
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The melody to this two part setting of the Latin text is chant-like but the harmonies are warm.  Ebb and flow, dynamic changes, a rising climax, and a return to gentleness all result in a beautifully crafted work that helps build a sense of expressiveness into your ensemble.  A great teaching and performance piece for Two Part Men's voices or Two Part Treble voices.

MP3 rehearsal aids and Accompaniment Tracks are available as a free download from the publisher.

Kyrie Eleison (published by BriLee)
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
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 Living Last Words
A Dramatic Musical Experience for Lent, Holy Week or Easter, for choir, speakers, piano, and optional small orchestra, exploring the words Jesus said in His final hours -- words that had not only the immediate meaning to the eye-witnesses at His crucifixion, but have universal, relevant meaning to us today. Available SATB or SAB.

more info...

Look to the Cross
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Highly expressive anthem incorporating the beloved hymn, "My Faith Looks Up To Thee," by Lowell Mason and Ray Palmer, focuses our attention on the cross where Jesus died. (This portion may be sung a cappella or the piano may discreetly double the voices.)  Appropriate throughout the church year, especially during Lent and Holy Week.  May also be used for Communion services.


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

A Mighty Hope
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Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, here is a rousing and uplifting anthem of joy, peace, and hope. "There is hope, a mighty hope, since Jesus arose from the grave! There is peace, a mighty peace, knowing Jesus Christ can save! There is joy, a mighty joy as we celebrate in one accord, because nothing in the world is greater than our Risen Lord!" Perfect text for the Easter season. May be sung a cappella or with the optional Piano accompaniment.

My King is a Servant
Jesus the Servant / King is the focus of this touching anthem for Holy Week or Communion observances. Luscious melodic treatments carry a message of humility and grace into the heart of the listener. A sensitive piano part covers the whole octavo in a blanket of beautiful sounds and thoughtful voice leading makes for a very positive learning experience.

Never Let Us Go
Ruth Elaine Schram crafts a tender and expressive devotion to the unswerving love of God for His people, incorporating the beloved hymn "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" and an optional flute obbligato. Flexibly voiced for SATB or Two-part Mixed, this anthem is a great fit for choirs large and small. A Performance / Accompaniment CD is also available.

Suitable for General use, Lent, or Wedding Services.


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

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.

Palm Sunday Processional
"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord." This celebratory strain comes to life in this anthem that is perfect for Palm Sunday worship. Endless possibilities abound with this arrangement for three-part any combination of voices that is easily learned for processional use. The optional handbell parts are accessible and will add to the festive spirit of this piece.

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.

more info...

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.


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

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!

Roses and Thorns
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This beautiful text (translated from Russian by Geoffrey Dearmer and used by permission of Oxford University Press) is hauntingly set in D minor (without the 3rd for the most part) and 3/4 meter. The simplistic message of this song will linger long after the music is over. Chord symbols are given for optional guitar, and a three-octave handbell part is also included.

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.

Step by Step with "Lead Me, Lord"
Ruthie Schram has seamlessly woven together the tune "Step by Step" by David Strasser with the traditional nineteenth-century hymn tune "Lead Me, Lord" (by Samuel Wesley) in this gently flowing prayer for God to lead us throughout life's journey. Part of the "Ready to Worship" series, this inspired arrangement features easy vocals that are beautifully supported by the accompaniment options. Scored for Piano, String Synthesizer, and live Cello; suitable for Discipleship, Eastertide, and General use.

They Crucified My Lord
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Poignant pairing of two favorite Lenten Spirituals, "Were You There?" and "He Never Said a Mumbalin' Word." Mixed meters (moving from 4/4 to 3/4 and back) emphasize the thought-provoking text of "Were You There," without being jarring. Very effective for Maundy Thursday, Communion Services, or any time during Lent.

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.

Wave the Palms, Hosanna!
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Regal and stately, choirs and congregations alike will find this anthem to be a perfect addition to the Palm Sunday service: "...Wave the palms and throw the branches at his feet. Wave the palms; the Son of David now we greet. Wave the palms and sing 'Hosanna, hosanna! Blessed is he who comes'..." Parts for two trumpets are included in the score and add a festive touch.

Welcomed Home Again
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Using the familiar Irish melody, The Salley Gardens, here is a graceful offering for use during Holy Communion or the reflective Lenten season. Verse options are provided for both Communion and Lent, though this anthem may also be performed using the verses consecutively. Tender and expressive, this anthem will quickly become a favorite of choir and congregation! (Also available for Unison / Two Part voices in the children's collection "Three Songs for Spring.")

When Jesus Wept
Ruth Elaine Schram artfully weaves an original melody with the beloved American hymn by William Billings. Hauntingly beautiful, this accessible anthem will make a great addition to your Lent and Holy Week collection. Flexibly voiced for SATB or Two-part Mixed choirs, with optional Oboe obbligato. Oboe part is available as a free download from the publisher.

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, voices ask the question "Where are the angels?" while others 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.

Who Is He?
Displaying the unique and creative gifts of Ruth Elaine Schram and Ken Bible, this song poses the question asked by those who witnessed the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem just days before that same crowd would cry for His crucifixion. The artfully written text for Palm Sunday also answers the question: who is He who comes to die? Exalting Christ as Savior, the music is beautifully presented to support the celebratory mood of the crowd and the solemnity of the pending death on the cross. The celebratory feel of the music is enhanced by a dance-like clarinet (or C-instrument) part that weaves in and out of the melody line with grace and style. The addition of percussion instruments contributes color and an appropriate quasi-Hebrew flavor to the overall effect. Accompaniment Track is available and includes both Stereo and Split Track formats.

You Are the Bread
The sacrifice of Jesus' life for mankind and His invitation that we must simply come to Him for salvation is never as clear as in this tender anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram. A flowing accompaniment supports text that references both John 6:48 and the Passover blessing. (The actual blessing Jesus would have quoted when He blessed the bread and broke it.) The addition of a flute obbligato helps to make this piece an ideal choice for a reflective Communion service. Available SATB or SAB. Extracted from the cantata "The Living Last Supper" (SATB -55/1110L; SAB - 55/1116L)

Your Love Is Greater
View SATB score page 6, page 7
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"Your love is greater than all our guilt.  Your mercy is deeper than all our shame.  How desperately we needed a Savior, so God sent You, and willingly You came..."  This emotive choral offering features a reflexive text that befits the Lenten season.  Lyrical lines are composed in minor on the verses, then shift to major on the chorus.  The rolling piano accompaniment supports the voices for a lovely statement of sincerity, admiration, and appreciation for His sacrifice.

Your Will is Enough
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Moving, mournful song for the Lenten season from the Savior's perspective as He faced the cross, depending solely on the Heavenly Father for strength to accomplish the task. "...Your will for me will give me strength to face the scorn. Your will for me will be my anchor in the storm. From before time began, this was Your plan, and Your will is enough to see me through and bring me home to You..."