It is always an honor to be asked to write a commissioned work to commemorate a special occasion in the life of a church, school, community group, or in honor of an individual. Below are some examples of commissions I've written for various groups.

Please contact me at ruthie@ruthie.com for more information. - Ruth Elaine Schram

Recent Choral Commissions:

Roland Park Country School Centennial Song (Doug Forbes, Wanda Waller and Rhonda AbouHana directors) - A twelve minute work celebrating the centennial of this Baltimore girls college preparatory school which premiered with 280 voices accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. (The RPCS web site.)

God's Great Peace commissioned by First Baptist Church, Keller, Texas (John Parker, minister of music) for the dedication of their new organ. Published by Warner Bros (this work is now out of print).

A Song in Every Heart commissioned by Sullivan Middle School, Rock Hill, South Carolina (Beverly J. Laney, Director.) Uplifting message of hope and acceptance, perfectly suited for Middle School or Junior High School voices. Published by Brilee (more info...)

I Will Sing commissioned by the Alabama ACDA Young Voices Festival (Shirley Ellison and Lisa Latham, Co-chairs) on the occasion of their tenth anniversary. Celebrates the power of music to bring us together and of the difference that one individual, joining with others can make. Published by Alfred (more info...)

Make My Life an Alleluia commissioned by the Grace UCC Choir of Frederick, Maryland, this lovely anthem of praise and consecration is suitable any time of year. Published by Monarch (Lorenz) (more info...)

My Declaration commissioned by the Middle and Upper School Chorus of Montgomery Academy, Mongomery, Alabama (Damian Womack, Director). A powerful patriotic work encouraging each of us to pledge our allegiance to our nation and to one another. Published by Shawnee Press (more info...)

Take Up the Banner commissioned for the dedication of their new sanctuary by Bella Vista Community Church, Bella Vista, Arkansas (Mike Walkup, Director of Music). This powerful song celebrates the function of the church in the life of the believer.

I Will Live My Thanks - This tender song of Thanksgiving and praise by Ruth Elaine Schram and Joseph M. Martin is unforgettable. Commissioned in honor of Elizabeth Monk on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Published by Shawnee Press. (more info...)

The Sky is Crying On the Sea 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. Published by Heritage. (more info...)

I Will Serve You commissioned by the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, Anniston, Alabama, in honor of James Roberts' 25 years as organist, this lovely anthem incorporates his favorite hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth" and is voiced for SATB and Unison Children. Published by Lorenz. (more info...)

Be Still, My Soul commissioned by the First United Methodist Church of Arab, Alabama, in honor of Eleanor Cobb and her many years of dedication and service, and based upon her favorite hymn. Published by Shawnee Press. (more info...)

The Talents We Possess commissioned by the Keene State College Choir, Keene, New Hampshire, Diane T. Cushing, Director; uplifting song about the unique contribution each of us can make by using our talents to the best of our abilities; theme chosen by the singers.

In This Place commissioned by and dedicated to the seniors of Edsel Ford High School, Dearborn, Michigan; Steven H. Olsen, director; beautiful song of encouragement and appreciation, in honor of graduates everywhere who face the future with the intention of building upon the firm foundation laid by their education with appreciation to all those who helped along the way.

Your Song Goes On commissioned by the Ernesto Serna Honor Choir of El Paso, Texas, in honor of their beloved Fifth Grade teacher, Dolores Serna Batres. Song of appreciation to this precious woman who dedicated her life to teaching children, and who left an indelible mark on all the lives she touched; based upon thoughts, artwork, and notes of appreciation submitted by her former students.

Look to Jesus commissioned in honor of Susan Weimer's many years of faithful service to the music ministry of Hope United Methodist Church, Torrance, California, and based upon Hebrews 12:1-2, her favorite passage of scripture.

We Sing, We Dance - This upbeat original vibrates with joy and intensity! Commissioned by the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and premiered at the FMEA All State Elementary Chorus concert. Published by Lorenz. (more info...)

Our Hope For Years to Come - Culminating with an optional segue to O God, Our Help in Ages Past (St. Anne by William Croft), this anthem provides an engaging and uplifting new melody to the beloved Isaac Watts text. Commissioned by the Chancel Choir of the Ascension Lutheran Church, Montgomery, Ohio, for the dedication of their new sanctuary. Published by Lorenz. (more info...)