America
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). <

Free MP3 part-by-part rehearsal aids and accompaniments are available from the publisher.

America, Land I Love
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 8
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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.

Caring For Each Other
"Caring for each other, being there for one another, sharing the good times, overcoming the bad; that's what we're here for." That's the opening lyric of this positive and upbeat song of caring and sharing by Ruth Elaine Schram. It's a great message that everyone young and old can and should relate to. Great for Spring Concerts or general use, or as a signature piece for your choral ensemble.

Available from your favorite dealer or direct from the publisher either as a digital download or in print form.

Colors of Love
View score page 4, page 5
Listen to an excerpt
Wonderful message of multi-cultural acceptance by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram. "...All the world is painted with colors of love..." Text focuses on our similarities rather than our differences, and yet points out that there is beauty in all the variations.

Give Me America
View Three Part Mixed score page 6
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This uplifting patriotic gem features limited ranges and extreme accessibility. An original melody introduces the theme as the song builds from unison to harmony. In the final section, the original material works in partnership with My Country, 'Tis of Thee, and then concludes with the climactic statement: Give me America; let freedom ring! Sure-fire success for your developing Elementary or Middle School choir.

I Have a Dream
From her collection "Every Day's a Holiday" (30/2477H), Ruth Elaine Schram offers this powerful partner song that celebrates our freedom and equality. The lyrical original melody pairs with the traditional "We Shall Overcome" in vocal parts that are accessible and easily learned. Sensitive and thoughtful, this selection is perfect for young and developing choirs and an obvious choice for Black History Month, Martin Luther King Day, or other patriotic celebrations. Beautifully orchestrated Accompaniment CD by Greg Gilpin is available as well.

I Will Stand Up for You
Strongly impact your choir and their classmates with a message of friendship and acceptance with this inspirational piece by Ruth Elaine Schram and her daughter, Celsie Staggers. Celsie is an Elementary Music teacher, and wanted to create a song that took a strong stance against bullying, but from a positive standpoint.

May be performed by Unison or Two Part voices, with comfortable ranges and a strong melodic chorus. Perfect for the ensemble just beginning to learn to sing independent harmonic lines.

Irish Friendship Wish
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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.

May I Be a Hero
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This flowing original selection passes a lovely and thoughtful melody between the voices in a flawless stream of music that practically sings itself. Perfect for graduation, concert closer or a signature piece, this work will be taken to heart by all who sing it and listen to it. Also available for solo voice in the "When I Reflect" collection.

My Declaration (I Will Stand)
View score page 5, page 6
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Commissioned in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 by the Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, Alabama (Damion Womack, director), this patriotic ballad gives singers the opportunity to make a stand for their nation and for freedom. This powerful, moving song of unity is available for SATB voices and has a soprano descant on the final chorus.

Thank You Again
View score page 3, page 4
With tender music appropriate for her text, Ruth Elaine Schram has written a lovely two-part treble piece that will do much to encourage thoughtfulness in the young performers. The piece is particularly suitable for Patriotic celebrations, acknowledging not only the contribution of parents and grandparents in our lives, but with an alternate text to honor civil servants such as police, firefighters and the armed forces.

We Stand United
"We stand united for the USA. We band together gaining ground each day, sowing seeds of hope for true equality and a future rich with opportunity...." This patriotic original by Ruth Elaine Schram and Aren Newell Williams presents an important truth as we join together in our efforts and understanding of the past, present and future. It honors the cost and sacrifice of those who have gone before us while stirring our personal commitments to the values upon which our nation was built. Teaching opportunities abound, and a learning resource page is included for application of this piece to the standards. Trumpet, snare drum and optional narration may be added to enhance the performance.

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.