America the Beautiful
View SAT(B) score page 1
Click here to listen (SATB)
Click here to listen (Unison / Two Part)
The classic patriotic piece has been arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram for school or church use.  Use it to begin or end your concert, or as an encore.  The optional baritone part in the mixed voicing offers more options for choirs with changing male voices.  Suitable for observances of national holidays or general use.

Baloo Baleerie
This beautiful Scottish lullaby is appropriate for seasonal or general use, Festivals or Concerts. The text is in English with Gaelic subtext, along with an accessible pronunciation guide. The vowels of the text lend themselves to teaching beautiful tone. Flexibly voiced for Three-part Mixed voices with an optional Baritone part, or SSA voices. Lovely, lyrical, and simply beautiful arrangement by Ruthie Schram.

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

Brave Achiever (Beyond Where Sky Meets Sea)
Inspired by explorers who braved the unknown and discovered new lands and countries, this piece highlights how critical it is for each of us to believe in our own abilities and to reach for our own goals in the face of trials and setbacks. A wonderfully positive way to teach our students to stand up under social pressure and emphasize the value that each student's life possesses! By Ruth Elaine Schram and Aren Newell Williams.

For free part-by-part Rehearsal and Accompaniment MP3s, go to BriLee Music.

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.

Come What May
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
The piano introduction sets the mood for this lovely, inspirational piece by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram.  "We don't know where these roads may take us, but nothing is strong enough to break us..." Arranged for SSA(B) voices, the baritone range is limited and does not go above a Middle C, and rarely below G (the lowest note is E).  With this part being optional, the piece can easily be performed SSA.  It is the perfect choice for graduation, as the text speaks of the power of music to bind us together with wonderful memories and hope for the future, and may also be used for festivals or concerts as a "love-of-music / music appreciation" piece.

A Day in the Life of the Sun
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Stunning, amazing choral tone poem with a soaring melody, accessible ranges, poignant text, and colorful piano accompaniment will captivate singers and listeners alike. Brilliant portrayal of the sun's journey across the sky, flexibly voiced for Unison, Two Part, or SSA choirs. Suitable for general use; particularly effective for Earth Day or Spring concerts. "I begin the journey with a fire of anticipation, I rise into the skies of blue; there is nothing but air beneath me..."

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

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.

Echoes of Kindness
In this delightful original work, Ruth Elaine Schram and Linda Marcus offer a sincere and important message about the lasting effects that our words and deeds have on everyone around us. "...In every single life we touch, a tiny difference can mean so much…may the echoes of kindness go on and on and on..." Limited ranges, ample unison, and easily learned vocals all spell success for your young and developing choirs.

Follow the Golden Sun
Young choirs always enjoy singing about reaching their dreams for the future, and this piece will let them do it in a very gratifying way. "If I could choose, I would chase the wind ... I would soar the azure skies, if I had the wings to fly!" Perfect for spring concerts and graduation ceremonies, it is simply gorgeous!

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

Give Me America
View Three Part Mixed score page 6
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
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.

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.

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.

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.

In My World
View SATB score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen (SATB)
"In the world of my dreams, there is love, there is harmony.  There is laughter and joy, there's a home for every girl and boy. In my world, no child goes to bed feeling hungry.  There is plenty for everyone.... How hard can it be to make the world of my dreams the world that we see?  We have the vision, and the courage, and the power and the knowledge to make it so!..."  Powerful, uplifting song, perfect for graduation ceremonies, Spring concerts, or general use.

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.

Longing for Spring
Written to sound like an awakening, the lovely musical lines and beautiful harmonies support an introspective, allegorical text that will bring out the very best in your singers. Set in minor mode, a longing for the return of springtime is captured by both the music and the text, and offers the ensemble the chance to communicate those ideas to the audience. Great selection for concert, contest, or festival!

May the Road Rise to Meet You
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2
Listen to an excerpt
This fresh setting of the "Old Irish Blessing" is gentle and positive, yet can be sung with firm unanimity.  The message of hope and encouragement, and wish for a safe return, is appropriate for use throughout the year.   It would make a very meaningful benediction, or end to a Spring concert or Graduation ceremony.

Mister Zombie's Jazz Club
Zombies and monsters abound in this novelty piece that offers the opportunity to introduce jazz, swing, and the concept of scat singing to developing singers. Add the optional String Bass and Finger Snaps for a realistic "jazz" feel. Perfect for fall concerts and Halloween, or for any time of year, this piece has a message of cooperation and acceptance packaged with scary fun! Commissioned by the Rock Springs Middle School Chorus in Smyrna, Tennessee; written by Mark Cabaniss and arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram.

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

My World
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
Listen to an excerpt
This gorgeous unison piece has a limited range of a 7th, so is a perfect selection for younger voices, but well within the moderate ranges of Junior High singers as well.   The uplifting message of this work inspires us all to respect our world and take good care of it, because one day our children will inherit it.  Perfect for Earth Day, general use, or Spring concerts.

Night Noises
View Three Part Mixed score page 1, page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
With just the right touch of mystery, this unique original will captivate and enchant your singers as well as your audience! Vivid word pictures paint the scene of the musical noises we hear in nature after the sun sets. Rhyme and alliteration are employed to full advantage to make the text memorable. A marvelous, creative programming choice for your developing choir!

The Ocean Is a Restless Heart
The music so beautifully captures the feeling of a restless heart, this minor-key original by John Parker and Ruth Elaine Schram is a true treble showpiece. The memorable melody and effective mixed meter make the contemplative lyrics come to life!

Over the Sea to Skye
Ruth Elaine Schram's wonderfully creative arrangement exudes a wistful, fresh take on this Scottish folk song favorite and features the Robert Louis Stevenson text. The violin part (included in score) provides a welcome texture and color to this concert showpiece. Historical background information and suggestions for further study are also included. Performance / Accompaniment CD available.

A Red, Red Rose
View score page 1, page 2
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Warm, lyrical setting of the Robert Burns poem by Ruth Elaine Schram, 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.

Rockwood River
Commissioned by the All-Cleveland County (North Carolina) Middle School Choral Festival. Pure fun abounds in this unison/optional two-part original folk song by Mark Cabaniss, arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. Your choir will enjoy singing about the folks from Rockwood River, where life is easy and the pace is slow. The optional fiddle and string bass parts, enhanced with intermittent clapping, add a realistic musical depiction of a Huck Finn / Tom Sawyer adventure. Available in two voicings.

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

Shule Aroon
Ruthie Schram's dynamic setting of this eighteenth-century Irish folk song is the perfect creative programming choice for your treble choirs. A mixture of thoughtful rubato and energetic rhythms, a Gaelic chorus--written phonetically throughout--and an optional violin obbligato all contribute to the lively Celtic flavor and flair. Perfect for Concert or Festival Use.

The Sky Is Crying On the Sea
View SATB score page 6, page 7
Click here to listen (SATB)
Commissioned by the Learwood Middle School 8th Grade Chorus, Avon Lake, Ohio, this thoughtful, expressive work soars with dramatic intensity and dynamic contrast. The text (based on ideas submitted by the students) is filled with beautiful imagery describing seasonal changes and the circularity of life-giving water, which falls as rain or rises as mist from sea to sky and back again. Stunning, yet accessible for mixed choirs or ladies' voices. Suitable for concert, contest or festival use.

Song of the Open Road
View score page 1, page 2
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Based on poetry from Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, this optimistic work proclaims the freedom we have to choose our own path in life. An excellent way to teach expressive, interpretive singing as you expose your students to an important work of American literature with a positive outlook on the adventure of life; perfect for Spring or Graduation ceremonies.

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.

The Talents We Possess
Commissioned by the Keene State College Choir in Keene, New Hampshire, Ruth Elaine Schram has penned a very thoughtful and beautiful composition. She encourages us all to use the talents we possess, and develop them to the best of our ability. Even though we are not all destined to be the best at what we do, we can still be the best we can be.

Everyone can relate to the inspirational message of the text, which is well served by the lovely music. This is a perfect selection for graduation or end-of-year ceremonies. "So, sing your song, let your radiance shine! Combine your gifts with those of mine. How lovely the world could be if we each gave our best of the talents we possess."

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

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.

Watercolor Morning
The stark black and white of winter is infused with color as life blossoms anew with the lushness of springtime. Flowers bloom, the sun shines in a sky of blue; everything changes as the air warms and we bid winter goodbye on a gorgeous "watercolor morning." Beautiful melodies and harmonies grace this expressive original, an especially good choice for spring or year-end performances. For treble or mixed voices. A learning resource page is included.

We Just Want to Say Thanks
View score page 4, page 5
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This special song that openly expresses appreciation to parents is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser! The original version of this song (sacred) appears in Ruth Elaine Schram's collection "Seeds to Grow On Too!" Perfect concert closer or end-of-year piece for young voices.

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
Click here to listen (SATB)
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.

When I Reflect (octavo)
View SATB score page 3
Click here to listen (SATB)
Unique choice for graduation / end-of-year ceremonies that will show honor and appreciation to parents and teachers for their contributions to students' lives.   Some words in the Two Part voicing have been changed to make this version more age-appropriate. A solo arrangement is also available in a collection (see below).

The Wide Missouri
A fresh paring of two beloved American Folk Songs ("Shenandoah" with "The Water is Wide") will offer a moment of peaceful reflection at your concert or festival. The fluid accompaniment ties the two songs together, both culturally and geographically, with a flowing texture that represents the movement of the water. A helpful Learning Resource Page is included in order to tie the piece to the National Standards and present cross-curricular opportunities.

The Wind
View Two Part score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen (SATB)
Expressive word pictures depict the journey of the wind and the changing of the seasons. Voices hauntingly and antiphonally sing "oo," mimicking the sound of the wind blowing "...across the ocean blue from anywhere to me..." and fading to nothing at the end.

Within These Walls
View SATB score page 1, page 2
Listen to an excerpt
Wonderful, uplifting message about the growth and potential of our graduating students. While they are leaving behind the safety and comfort they have known 'within these walls,' they have optimistic assurance as they go their separate ways. Ruthie dedicated this work to her daughter, Crystie, who graduated in 1996.

You Are My Hero
Based upon ideas submitted by students at Learwood Middle School in Avon Lake, Ohio, this sincere tribute provides an opportunity to celebrate the people that we admire. Offering a refreshing view of family, school, and community through the eyes of young people, this piece is an excellent choice for Graduation, Concert, Festival, or for honoring a special teacher.

Optional parts for Violin (or Flute) and Cello are available as a free download from Lorenz. Go to www.lorenz.com and search 15/3016H or 15/3017H.