A La Nanita Nana
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
Customized Instrumental Accompaniment (Demo using synthesizer)
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, and a pronunciation guide is included.

Now available in multiple voicings; suitable for school or church use. Originally published in Ruthie's musical, "It's Christmas Everywhere."


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

Ahrirang
Lovely setting of the beloved Korean folk song about the mountain pass of Ahrirang Hill. Sung predominantly in English, the pentatonic melodies and open harmonies are presented in unison and canon to appropriately convey the style of the song and the depiction of the text. Ahrirang is often believed to be a symbol of peace, contentment, and personal triumph. This makes a wonderful selection to teach the context and style of music from that region.

All My Trials
View Three Part Mixed score page 1
The familiar African-American Spiritual has been expressively arranged in multiple voicings by Ruth Elaine Schram. It starts out in A minor with open, parallel fifths in the piano part then moves into C-major when the voices come in, and the ending just fades away, again in A minor.  Suitable for school or church use.

All Through the Still, Silent Night
In the style of a tender lullaby, Ruth Elaine Schram intertwines "All Through the Night;" "Silent Night, Holy Night;" and "Still, Still, Still" to create a musical blanket of peace. Accessible and effective, this lyrical gem will highlight the musicality of your women's choir. Suitable for church or school use.


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

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.

Angels Watching Over Me
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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.

Away In a Manger
This rocking, soothing SSA setting of Away in a Manger by Ruth Elaine Schram is easy to learn and multi-functional. Ruthie has provided the option of using the holiday text or that of Robert Burns' well known poem "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton" making it an excellent addition to your holiday or festival program. Suitable for school or church use.

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

Banyan Tree
View Three Part Mixed score page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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!

Boll Weevil
View score page 1, page 7
Click here to listen
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.

Children, Go Where I Send Thee
View score page 1, page 6
Click here to listen (SATB)
Imaginative arrangement of the traditional favorite. This bright, crisp setting is very easy to sing yet sounds impressive when sung by even the youngest of choirs. Suitable for church or school use.

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
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
Gentle arrangement of the beautiful "Londonderry Air" for young voices. Full of opportunities for teaching legato singing, expression and dynamics, and breath support.

Doraji
This lovely pentatonic Korean folk song is framed with gentle harmonies and a free-flowing melody. Lyrics in both Korean and English are sure to capture the hearts and minds of your singers and audience. A refreshing addition to any concert program! A pronunciation guide is included.

Dry Bones
View score page 3, page 8
Click here to listen (SATB)
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.

The Erie Canal
Take your singers on a ride on the Erie Canal, one of America's time-honored folk songs! Ruthie Schram's rhythmically interesting arrangement is full of syncopations and will develop excellent diction in young singers. If it suits the needs and abilities of the ensemble, the optional second part provides an opportunity to teach and hear descant-style harmony.

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

Also available for solo male voice in Ruthie's "Traveling On" collection (BLB003).

Every Time I Feel the Spirit
View Three Part Mixed score page 1
Listen to the complete work
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.

Fa La La Noel
"A la Media Noche;" "Deck the Hall;" and "Noel Nouvelet" represent three nationalities in this bright medley. With a quick-moving pace and pulse in two, the first "fa la la" establishes the festive mood. This work intriguingly mixes major and minor modes to keep your choir on their toes and the listener engaged! For treble or mixed voices; Performance / Accompaniment CD available singly or on the compilation CD.

Farewell, My Friend
View Three Part Mixed score page 3, page 4, page 5
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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.

Folk Songs for Solo Singers, Volume Two
Fourteen favorite folk songs compiled by Jay Althouse, arranged for solo voice and piano by Ruth Elaine Schram, Jay Althouse and Mark Hayes.

more info...

Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
Although this tune is often associated with up-beat, rhythmic settings, Ruth Elaine Schram's a cappella arrangement offers a more thoughtful and poignant approach befitting the reverent text. Rich harmonies and well-crafted choral lines ensure a captivating presentation for Christmas worship or holiday concerts.

Go Tell It, He Is Born
Uplifting and lively, this new partner song arrangements pairs two of the most popular Christmas tunes, the traditional French carol, "He Is Born," with the traditional Spiritual, "Go Tell It On the Mountain." Crowned by an optional flute solo, equally suitable for school or church use.

Good News!
Two delightfully uplifting spirituals, "Good News" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" are partnered in this swing-style, upbeat arrangement for Two-Part Any Combination voices (suggestions given for mixed voices). Expertly crafted for beginning part singers or small, volunteer choirs, it opens with one spiritual, introduces the second, then partners them in the final section. Equally useful in a school or church setting, "Good News!" is a toe tapping, fun choice for both concerts and worship services.

He's Gone Away
View score page 4, page 5
Beautiful North Carolina folk song arranged for ladies' voices. Supportive accompaniment is expressive and moving.

Hold On!
"Keep your hand on-a that plow..." An absorbing accompaniment and attractive chord structure support the vocal lines in this dynamic and powerful arrangement of the popular spiritual. It is a terrific choice for use at your next performance as an opening or closing number! Available for SATB (with some divisi) or SSAA voices.

Holy Night, Silent Night
Perhaps the world's most beloved carols, "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" are masterfully combined in this powerful arrangement by Ruth Elaine Schram. The two classics shimmer with rich harmonies, and the addition of the optional string orchestra create a sense of wonder and awe. Fitting for worship services and pageants as well as seasonal concerts, this heartwarming choral captures the beauty and essence of the Christmas season. For mixed or ladies' voices. String orchestration includes reduction for Synth.

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.

I Hear the Windmill
This fast-moving setting of the French Canadian folksong "J'entends le Moulin" is perfect for developing choirs. Optional percussion parts, English or French lyrics, and performance suggestions make this accessible work a delight to prepare and perform! Performance / Accompaniment CD available.

Il Est Ne (for SSA voices)
Unique partner song for SSA choirs begins with the popular French carol set in a tender, deliberate tempo. The altos begin the song, setting the stage for the angelic entrance of soprano voices singing "Gloria in Excelsis!" (from Ruth Elaine Schram's original "He Is Born, Gloria!"). English subtext is included with the traditional French for flexibility in programming this during the holidays. Suitable for school or church use.

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

Infant Holy
Ruth Elaine Schram has created a gorgeous melding of the beloved carols "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" and "Silent Night" in a gentle arrangement that is equally suited for both school and church use. A subtle programming contrast, it will bring moments of beauty and reflection to any performance. Available for SATB, SSA, or Two-part Choirs.

It's So Still in Bethlehem
This tender pairing of two beloved carols ("Still, Still, Still" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem") features a flowing piano accompaniment with optional use of handchimes. Gentle melodies and harmonies that tie the two carols together add beauty, depth and character.

Available in a variety of voicings to meet the needs of most any ensemble, it makes a wonderful Christmas selection in both school and church settings.

Joy to the Whole World
View SATB score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen (SATB)
Winning mixture of "Joy to the World" and "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands," suitable for church or school use. The song starts off in 4/4 with a bit of a swing, but for the third verse ("He's got the tiny baby...") it slows to 3/4 and goes to even eighths, while the accompaniment plays portions of "Brahm's Lullaby" and "Rock-a-bye Baby." The tempo picks back up for the fourth verse and a strong ending. The accompaniment CD is orchestrated by Steve Herold.

Kyrie (based upon Largo from The New World Symphony)
View Three Part Mixed score page 7
Click here to listen (SATB)
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.


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

Listen!
Quoting the Traditional Gaelic melody "Bunessan" (Morning Has Broken) and "Merrial" (Now the Day is Over), Ruth Elaine Schram delivers a rhythmic, pulsing a cappella choral that is engaging and fun. Mixed meters are juxtaposed with homophonic, chorale-style harmonies, and build to a thrilling conclusion. "Listen to the rhythm, the rhythm of life!" Voiced for Mixed choirs with divisi.

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

Little Innocent Lamb
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
The traditional spiritual Little Lamb, Little Lamb, Little Innocent Lamb has been arranged for Unison and Two Part choirs. Easy to learn and to easy to teach, this offering is a great piece to introduce the traditional spiritual style, or just a treat for your singers! The text has been updated by the arranger to make it less confusing for today's choirs.

The Lone, Wild Bird
View SATB score page 3, page 4
Click here to listen (SATB)
This traditional American folk hymn, while elegantly simple, has been given a fresh, stirring setting by Ruth Elaine Schram. An optional soaring flute obbligato is featured, while gorgeous vocal harmonies convey the image of a spirit who comes in lofty flight to give rest to the weary. The richly flowing accompaniment underscores three modulating verses that gradually lift our souls heavenward.

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

Lullaby
Click here to listen
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.

Lullay, Infant Holy
A gentle pairing of two beloved Christmas carols, the Polish carol "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" and the English "Coventry Carol." Together they create a lovely lullaby setting for the celebration of the birth of the Christmas child. This gentle piece will set up a moment of quiet reflection in your Winter Concert.

My Lord, What a Morning
View SATB score page 1, page 2
Listen to an excerpt
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."

Noel Peace Canon
A simple statement of the beloved "Dona Nobis Pacem" moves effortlessly to the cherished carol "The First Noel" in this striking choral work for Christmas. The two melodies are woven seamlessly into the musical and textual fabric of the anthem. The result is a cry for peace that is welcome in every December musical gathering: in the concert hall, community gathering, sanctuary, or snow-covered street corner. This inspired work is an absolute must!

The Oak and the Ash
This jaunty arrangement of a traditional English folk song tells the story of a woman who laments being away from her home in the North Country. Lovely harmonic refrains contrast with lyric unison verses, all enhanced by the piano accompaniment and two optional flutes. (Flute parts are included in score.) In minor mode throughout, this is very tasteful and pretty for women's choirs!

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

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.

Once in Royal Bethlehem
Cleverly combining two Christmas favorites, this tender anthem provides the opportunity for a soloist or small ensemble to open with the melody to "Once in Royal David's City." This transitions seamlessly into "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The optional cello accompaniment helps to set a mood of peace and joy for your Winter concert. Also suitable for combined choirs as a tremendous addition to your program!

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

more info...

Peace Like a River
View score page 1, page 4, page 5
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.

Petit Enfant
This arrangement of a lovely French carol may be performed in French or English. With canonic-like imitation throughout, this is a sensitive, haunting, beautiful carol, a programming must for holiday concerts. Flexibly voiced for Two-part Mixed / Optional 3-part Mixed voices (Part II in the treble clef is optional throughout) with piano accompaniment, this is a wonderful selection for developing mixed ensembles.

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

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.

Rise, Rise Thou Merry Lark
Melodic and singable, with delightful harmonies, this setting of the Welsh folk song has a bright, lilting feel. It's a great piece for teaching the musical line, and the ranges are very appropriate for young singers.

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

Rock-A-My-Soul
View score page 5, page 6
Click here to listen
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.

The Rose E'er Blooming
View SATB score page 6, page 7
Click here to listen (SATB)
Stunning, transportive anthem that lyrically weaves together the traditional "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "What Child Is This?" to create an unforgettable work for your winter concert.

Set Down, Servant
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
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!

Shepherds! Sing Noel!
A delightful pairing of "Shepherds! Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep" and "Sing We Now of Christmas" comprise this holiday feature for young male voices. Use the optional tambourine part included in the score to add a festive flavor to this joyful mini-medley!

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

Silent Night
Ruth Elaine Schram has created an arrangement of extraordinary beauty of the beloved carol . A lush piano accompaniment and cello part add the crowning touches to this wonderful carol setting which is equally appropriate for both school and church use. Cello part included in score; Performance / Accompaniment CD available.

Simply Spirituals
Six easy Unison or Two part Spirituals with reproducible song sheets, arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram.

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 dynamite 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 F - D range for guys.

Sleep, Holy Babe
Based upon a relatively unknown carol by John B. Dykes, this lovely arrangement incorporates portions of the beloved "Still, Still, Still," which is always a favorite at Christmas time. This sensitive and accessible setting by Ruth Elaine Schram with its unexpected chord structure will be warmly received in either a school or church setting, and is perfectly suitable for a Winter Concert or Christmas Eve service. With limited range SATB voicing (perfect for developing choirs or choirs with limited range abilities), Sleep Holy Babe is accompanied by piano with optional flute and glockenspiel.

Somebody Got Lost
Terrific, upbeat arrangement of the lesser-known Spiritual for male choir. The music is so much fun, you may not even realize the import of the message: "We can all get lost in the storms of life!" Works for Two Part or Three Part male voices.

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

The Spirit Says Sing!
Developing choirs will love this fun medley of two traditional spirituals, "I'm Gonna Sing" and "Every Time I Feel the Spirit." Rhythmic and upbeat, the supportive accompaniment punctuates the rhythms while adding color and texture. The optional Descant provides an added opportunity for either a soloist or small group, and seamlessly ties the two tunes together. A valuable Learning Resource Page is included as an added bonus.

Streets of Laredo
Ruthie Schram's arrangement of this traditional ballad opens with a solo voice describing the scene in this Texas town. When the rest of the TBB chorus joins in, they benefit from the full, rich part writing. A great selection for the male chorus!

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

The Swallow
View SSA score page 6, page 7
Click here to listen (SSA)
Click here to listen (Unison / Two Part)
Exquisite setting of the lovely Newfoundland folk song tenderly expresses the mourning and sense of loss evident in this piece. The soaring melody and sonorous harmonies are wonderfully supported by a moving accompaniment.

That Promised Land
In "That Promised Land," Ruth Elaine Schram has paired two traditional spirituals - "Walk Together, Children," and "When the Saints Go Marching In," and the result is a pure delight. After each song is first stated alone, they are cleverly partnered in a way that makes this arrangement both easy-to-learn and fun for any combination of two-part voices and choirs of all ages. Delightful accompaniment track (orchestrated by Tim Hayden) makes this tune sparkle! Suitable for school or church use.

Wade in the Water
View SATB score page 5, page 6, page 7
Listen to an excerpt
This light, jazzy "swing" arrangement of the folk song is perfect for general use in school or church. Guitar, Bass, and drum parts are included, and an accompaniment track is available. Moderate ranges are suitable for any age choir.

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.

We Circle Around
Based on an Arapaho folk tune, this enchanting piece from the talented pen of Ruth Elaine Schram celebrates the beauty of nature and the circularity of life. An optional flute obbligato adds the crowning touch to this evocative work full of mysterious melodies and thoughtful harmonies.

The Wexford Carol
View score page 6, page 7
Click here to listen
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..."

What Child Is This
Click here to listen (SSA)
This gorgeous setting of the beloved carol is a most-welcome addition to treble choral literature. By featuring two clarinets, Ruthie has created a hauntingly beautiful and unique Middle Eastern aura. Optional lyrics are included to make it equally suitable for school or church use.

Yoo Yoo (Baby Won't Sleep)
View score page 2, page 3, page 4
Click here to listen
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.