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.

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."

Ale Pun
This vibrantly rhythmic and percussive setting of the traditional Spanish tune is all decked out with a new English text and is absolutely infectious. The original Spanish is offered as a performance option, along with a pronunciation guide and translation, although the piece may be performed entirely in English. Percussion parts for tambourine, triangle, finger cymbals, jingle bells and wood block are included which will add a festive flair to this exciting multicultural creative programming gem.

A wonderful resource of the new Sing! catalog (Educational division of Choristers Guild) is the inclusion of a Learning Resource Page (included in this piece, inside the front cover). These provide students with focus questions and suggested learning experiences to become engaged with the work and the newly developed National Core Arts Standards for Music Ensembles (2014).

All Through the Night
View Two Part score page 1, page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (SSA)
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.

Amen!
View SATB score page 11
Click here to listen (SATB)
The delightful, popular Spiritual is available with an all-Christmas text, in a truly choral arrangement.  After the chorus is sung, the first verse begins "See the tiny baby lyin' in the manger on Christmas morning!" and continues with the shepherds running to greet him in the lowly stable, the kings and wise men kneeling down before him, and the angels singing "Amen, Hallelujah, Amen!"  Powerful and fun, yet not difficult to prepare.  Suitable for school or church use.

The Ash Grove
View SSAA score page 1
View Three Part Mixed score page 4
Click here to listen (Two Part)
Click here to listen (SATB)
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.

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!

Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
View TTBB score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen (SATB)
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.

Cantemos
Add some "island flair" to your holiday concert with this delightful Venezuelan carol tune set in a light calypso style. Limited vocal ranges, repetitive motives, and the included bell parts make this Ruthie original a no-brainer for developing choirs easing into part-singing.

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.

The Christmas Fir: A Story Song for Christmas
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
Listen to an excerpt
Thoughtful story song for young voices by Gene Grier and Ruth Elaine Schram incorporates the traditional German carol "O Tannenbaum."  Teaching opportunities include changing meters and modes, yet the song is moderately easy to learn with very supportive accompaniment .

Colors of Love
View score page 4, page 5
Listen to an excerpt
Inspiring 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.

Do Lord
View SATB score page 1, page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (SATB)
The upbeat swing style of this classic African American Spiritual arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram is ideal for any concert, and suitable for church or school use.   Optional Guitar, Bass, and Drum parts are included in the score.

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
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 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.

Fare You Well
View SSA score page 5
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
Click here to listen (SSA)
Click here to listen (Unison / Two Part)
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.

Good King Wenceslas
During the telling of this classic carol about a king who is generous to the poor during a harsh winter, Ruthie Schram mixes the use of soloists and word painting to help the audience experience the cold winds and the conversations between the good king and his loyal page. A wonderful holiday selection for your chorus.

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

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.

Heaven!
This bright, upbeat pairing of the spirituals "I Ain't Gonna Grieve My Lord No More" and "I Got Shoes" features call and response and simple harmonies supported by a fun, rhythmic piano accompaniment. Especially effective as a concert or festival opener or closer, it is a superb programming choice for young and developing choirs.

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.

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.

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.

An Irish Prayer
A haunting keyboard introduction recurs as a unifying device and beautifully complements the mesmerizing melody throughout this tender original selection by Ruth Elaine Schram, utilizing two familiar Irish blessings. Well suited for church and school use throughout the year, it will also serve as a wonderful benediction or concert closer.

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.

Little Children, Wake and Listen
This traditional French carol begins with the proclamation of "Noel" and is followed by elegant unison and 2 part writing. A lilting piano accompaniment supports the voices, and the shimmer of optional bells is sprinkled throughout. A gorgeous selection for the holidays, suitable for church or school use.

Accompaniment CD available on the Piano Trax Compilation CD for 2013.

A Little Night Caroling
View score page 6, page 10
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This beautifully and skillfully blended medley of "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," and "All Through the Night" will stir hearts and minds, back to the night when the angels sang and peace was promised to our world. Lush choral harmonies are supported by a lyrical piano accompaniment. Suitable for school or church use.

The Lorelei
Popular German folk song recounts the tale of the lure of the Siren's song and the sailor's fatal shipwreck in this haunting setting for male voices. Lush, romantic harmonies and lovely part writing create a dreamy effect as the story unfolds, and builds to its chilling conclusion. "Be warned, my friend, and heed not the call of the Lorelei!"

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

The Magpie
One for sorrow, two for joy; three for a girl and four for a boy. Five for silver, six for gold; seven for a secret never to be told ... This old British poem is the theme of this clever original from Ruth Elaine Schram. Reminiscent of a folk song, it is set in a minor key to give the music a mock seriousness, while the whimsical text is a delightful contrast. Very easily learned, with lots of unison, easy echo singing, and some part singing.

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

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.

Night Reverie
In this beautiful choral lullaby for treble choirs, Debussy's gorgeous "Reverie" is artfully woven with the Welsh "All Through the Night." Your treble choir will grow musically while learning this dreamy selection. "Sleep, dear baby, sleep all through the night..." Suitable for school or church use.

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

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.

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 Island Line
Fun, singable arrangement of the folk song for young TB choirs is short and sweet! "Want to ride it? Go like you're a-flyin'? Buy your ticket at the station on the Rock Island Line!"

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

The Rocking Carol
View SATB score page 1, page 2
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)
View score page 2, page 3
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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.

Share the Light of Hanukkah
This Hanukkah original by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram features expressive lines that are both reflective and joyful along with historically accurate lyrics. The subtle modal flavor, flowing melodies and significant message are bound to make this piece an annual favorite. Performance / Accompaniment CD available.

Simple Gifts
View Two Part score page 8, page 9
Click here to listen (SATB)
The 18th century Shaker hymn tune has been artfully arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram for multiple voicings.  Use of unison and echo singing, in conjunction with beautiful harmonies make this piece easy to learn but lush to the ear.  Optional flute part is included in the score.  Equally suitable for church or school use.

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, 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.

Songs of the Far East for Solo Singers
This exquisite collection of vocal solos features folk songs from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Appropriate for both developing singers and mature vocalists, each of the ten beautiful arrangements is sung largely in English, and a phonetic pronunciation guide is included for the phrases in Asian languages. Perfect for Recitals, Concerts, and Contests, with arrangements by Ruth Elaine Schram, Vicki Tucker Courtney, Ruth Morris Gray, Marti Lunn Lantz, Sonja Poorman, and others. Professionally recorded Piano Tracks are available either in the Book/CD Combination or the separately available Accompaniment CD.

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.

Still, Still, Still
View Two Part score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen (SATB)
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
"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
Click here to listen (SATB)
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!

Walk This Lonesome Valley
In this combination of two familiar and beloved spirituals, Ruth Elaine Schram has crafted a thoughtful and captivating medley suitable for both school and church use. Gorgeous chords permeate the vocals and piano accompaniment, both of which are further strengthened by an optional cello obbligato which is included in the score.

The Water Is Wide (Waly, Waly)
View score page 2, page 5
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The beloved folk song is given fresh treatment in this new arrangement by Ruth Elaine Schram. An optional text by Robert Louis Stevenson adds even more flexibility to the beautiful melody. Refreshing and alive, this wonderful gem will provide your singers with an aesthetic experience that is easy to learn and express.

The Wexford Carol
The gorgeous Irish carol has been paired with the familiar "Venite adoremus Dominum" chorus from "The Snow Lay on the Ground" to create a lovely Christmas offering for treble voices. Optional flute and cello parts add a crowning touch to this exquisite selection that is suitable for school and church settings.

Performance/Accompaniment CD available.

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
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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.