Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd
There's a new shepherd on the job in Bethlehem, but he's got a problem. He's allergic to sheep! Meanwhile, a miracle is about to happen up the street in a local stable that will change his life.

The Book/CD Combination includes everything you need to prepare and present this easy, 17-minute musical. Perfect for grades K - 4, suitable for as few as 8 children, or many more.

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American Folk Songs for Two
Collection of ten American Folk Songs arranged for duets. Includes arrangements by Ruth Elaine Schram, Mark Hayes, Jay Althouse, David Waggoner, and Andy Beck.

The Case of the Reluctant Innkeeper
Bethlehem court is in session with the Honorable Judge Jody Justice presiding! It's the People vs. a certain "reluctant" innkeeper ... reluctant to give a certain young couple a room for the night, that is. Sam Shepherd is the prosecuting attorney who's out to get to the bottom of this case by calling key animal witnesses to the stand. Eventually it is revealed that the greatest miracle of all happened the night before, and God can always turn things around for good!

Perfect for grades K - 4, this 20 minute, easy to prepare and present musical by Mark Cabaniss and Ruth Elaine Schram, orchestrated by John DeVries, can be performed with as few as eight children or many more. The verdict is in ... "The Case of the Reluctant Innkeeper" will delight and inspire your church and community with the joyous message of Christmas!

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Children of the World
Authentic folk songs from around the world are especially arranged for beginning Two Part voices. Compiled and edited by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher, accompaniments orchestrated by Tim Hayden. Fun fact pages provide a fascinating look at cultures of nine countries on four continents, as well as doubling as an optional narration for a 30 minute program. Includes Ruthie Schram's gorgeous arrangement of the lovely Welsh lullaby, Suo Gan. Handbook is 100% Reproducible for your convenience.

Come to Earth, O Tiny King
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
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Written in the style of the holiday favorite "Dance of the Reed Flutes" from "The Nutcracker Suite," this celebration in song is fun for kids of all ages! Combine your singers with 8 bells or chimes and hear the sounds of the Christmas season come alive! Sung in unison or in 2 easy (equal) parts, this selection for young voices is superbly constructed to teach important singing skills (such as pitch-matching) in an enjoyable way. Delightful, sparkling accompaniment track orchestrated by Tim Hayden is available as well to make your presentation delightful for all.

Gather Round and Sing
Collection of six rounds for Two Part and Three part Children's Choirs. Spanning the entire church year and covering a broad range of general and seasonal applications including Advent, Baptism, Child or Family Dedication, Christ the King Sunday, Christmas, Eastertide, Lent, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Children's Day, Spring, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day.

Gifts At the Manger
View score page 5, page 6
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Charming offering blends the beloved carol Away In a Manger with The Friendly Beasts in a delightful work for Unison or Two Part choirs. Children and adults alike will enjoy singing this arrangement by Ruthie Schram. Particularly sweet for children on Christmas Eve. An optional narration quoting scripture is the perfect lead-in to set a worshipful mood.

Hallelu! He Lives!
This highly accessible 8 minute mini-musical for unison / two-part children's choir tells the story of the final week of Jesus' life from Palm Sunday through Easter. (Anthems may also be done separately during Holy Week.) Weaving traditional melodies with original melodic material, and providing charming narration in verse form, Ruth Elaine Schram has created a lovely work well suited to the abilities of children, yet rich in meaning for all who hear. Parts for flute, two clarinets, cello, handbells, piano and percussion are available separately for live orchestra, in addition to the Accompaniment CD. Titles include "Joy on That Day," suitable for Palm Sunday, "Table of Love" for Communion / Maundy Thursday, and "Hallelu! He Lives!" for Easter Sunday.

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Hola! Hello!
View Three Part Mixed score page 3, page 4
Click here to listen (Three Part Mixed)
Fun, educational piece that includes greetings of friendship in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Chinese, with optional sign language. Pictures to demonstrate the American Sign Language phrases are included in the score for ease of learning, and cues are given throughout the score for placement of signs.

I Will Hold Your Hand
View SATB score page 2, page 3
Click here to listen (SATB)
Uplifting piece that assures us no matter what storms we encounter, God has promised to never let us go. "When the clouds begin to gather, and the rain begins to fall; when the storms are all around you till you cannot see at all, I will hold your hand..." Available in two voicings for mixed ensembles.


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

In Communion
Providing a rich context for why Christians celebrate communion, this anthem will enrich your congregation's observance of Jesus' last supper. With or without the available orchestral parts, the lilting melody and lyrical accompaniment set a tender mood for a text that describes the Savior's final meal with His disciples. From the Lenten tenebrae musical, "Tapestry of Darkness." Beautifully orchestrated Accompaniment CD available, or Score and Parts for Winds, Strings, Percussion, and French Horn for live orchestra.

In the Christmas Spirit
View SATB score page 4, page 5, page 6
Click here to listen (SATB sacred text)
Incorporating the spirituals "Mary Had a Baby," "The Angel Band," "I'm Gonna Sing," and "Go, Tell It On the Mountain," Ruth Elaine Schram has tied them together with original words and music for a fun, upbeat medley. This bright swing-style piece will be a unique change of pace for the holidays. Suitable for church or school use (with alternate text included), available in multiple voicings.

The Incredible Adam Angel
Remember what it was like to be a child and have your imagination run wild; to imagine all of the wonderful places you could go and all of the exciting things you could see? Well, geeky scientist, Adam Angel, is a dreamer, and with just that kind of imagination, every single day he dreams of adventure and fame, fancying himself as everything from an archaeologist to a race car driver. He has lost the true meaning of Christmas, and doesn't find it until he dreams of being the angel that announces the birth of Jesus!

This delightful children's musical, from creators Mark Cabaniss and Ruthie Schram, will take you on Adam's journey as he becomes that angel. It is filled with wonderful new music and traditional carols. The message is clear, during the Christmas season and all through the year, we are ALL incredible in God's eyes!

Easily prepared and presented, this 19-minute reproducible musical will take your young singers (and your congregation) on a unique and entertaining trip to the heart of Christmas. Perfectly suited for grades K - 4.

It Was For Me
View SATB score page 5, page 6
Click here to listen (SATB)
Welcome the Child of Christmas with this light, lyrical anthem, reminding us that every miracle that surrounded the birth of Christ was as much for us as it was for the people of that day. "Celestial glory, the star so bright, the old, old story, the silent night, the sweet Redeemer Child who would change the world; it was all for me..."


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

The Last Noel
The baby Jesus is born in the last place on earth you'd expect to find God's son - behind the last stable door on the left at the Last Resort Inn! This delightful Christmas story is told from the animals' point of view. All of the animal characters - Donkey Jody, Cowsandra and Cowdy, Shiloh and Woolian Sheep and Camel Lot soon realize that despite their humble status, God has a very special place for them in Bethlehem at the Last Resort Inn!

Suitable for Grades K-6, perfect for Sunday School programs or as a Church School Christmas musical. Approximately 20 minutes in length; easy to prepare with familiar melodies. Delightfully orchestrated by Tim Hayden.

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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 the Great 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 to heaven. Suitable for Pentecost or General use.

Masterworks for Two
This outstanding collection features ten classic songs for any combination of two voices and piano. Alfred Music's top masterwork arrangers provide supportive accompaniments, well-crafted vocal lines, and historically informed editorial markings plus IPA pronunciation guides and complete translations for every piece in a foreign language. Superb recital, concert, and contest repertoire for developing singers! Arrangers include Ruth Elaine Schram, Patrick Liebergen, Earlene Rentz, and Russell Robinson.

Titles include: Abendlied (Mendelssohn); Alleluia (Mozart); Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod); Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart); Bon Dì (Lully); Caro Mio Ben (Giordani); Kyrie (Dvorak); The Maiden (Dvorak); Pie Jesu (Faure); Where'er You Walk (Handel).

Miracle at the Christmas Cafe
Welcome to Bethlehem and the Christmas Cafe, where Polly Porkchop and Mac N. Cheese serve up some home cooking and tell "The Greatest Story Ever Told" that happened right up the street not long ago! Easily prepared and presented, this funny and touching reproducible musical by Mark Cabaniss and Ruth Elaine Schram can be performed by large and small children's choirs alike. Orchestrated by John DeVries; presentation time approximately 20 minutes.

Watch the Digital Reading Session with Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss here!

A New Song
View SATB score page 3, page 4
Click here to listen (SATB sacred text)
Ruth Elaine Schram has adapted one of the most cherished texts from the Psalms to create an exciting work about music. Geared specifically to today's choirs, this song is upbeat and powerfully moving. Dual texts have been provided to make this suitable for church or school use. Churches may wish to involve adult choir, youth choirs, or praise ensembles with either the full orchestration (by Julian Bond) or a rhythm section.

Poor Boy
The beautiful folk melody is sensitively set for SSA voices in this charming arrangement. Delicate harmonies come easily to the lower voices as the melody floats effortlessly above. "Bow down your head and cry, poor boy ... and stop thinking of the one you love ..."

Simple Songs for All Seasons
Every church choir needs songs in their library that are easy to prepare for those times when the choir loft is not quite full. This collection of five easy to learn songs is written with the volunteer musician in mind and can be used throughout the church year. Each song is flexibly voiced for SAB voices or Two Part mixed voices (the alto part is optional throughout).

This collection includes five songs, two of which have dual texts to be used for a specific season or for general use any time of the year. Three of the songs have optional instrumental obbligatos (including 2 clarinets, a flute, and a cello). Each song works as a "partner-type" duet, utilizing a familiar hymn melody for the vocalists with accessible ranges and voice leading.

Songs include "Hymn of Grateful Praise" (Thanksgiving / General); "We'll Welcome Him" (Advent); "That First Silent Night" (Christmas); "Alleluia! Jesus Lives Today!" (Easter); and "Mercy and Grace" (Communion / General). The hymn tunes were carefully selected and the corresponding original material is deftly woven through the familiar material with meaningful texts, providing thought provoking and poignant moments in the worship service.

Sing Now His Song
This sparkling anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram will be a joyful addition to any worship setting! Original musical material moves effortlessly into a statement of the well loved hymn, "Come, Christians, Join to Sing" and then back into the original music to end the piece with sounds of highest praise.

Parts for three octave handbell choir are included with the score and will only add further to the celebratory nature of this delightful piece.


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

Something's Fishy
This delightful collection by Ruth Elaine Schram includes five songs about God's great big world. From the stars in the heavens to the bottom of the deep blue sea, God's great big world is an amazing and marvelous creation! These songs celebrate this creation, as well as God's greatest creation of all, you and me. Each of the five songs in this creative reproducible collection can be performed separately any time during the year, or you can use the rhyming narration to link the songs together, creating a 20-minute, easy-to-prepare-and-present mini-musical perfect for a Spring Musical, Summer Musical, or Vacation Bible School Program. In addition, Discussion Topics and "starter questions" with Scripture references have been included to aid your rehearsals and deepen your singers' understanding of these Biblical concepts.

Titles include: "Something Fishy's Going On;" "Seeds and Soil and Such;" "Whatever the Weather;" "Birds and Bugs, Worms and Slugs," and "So Big!" Your children's choir will be enthralled by this collection that teaches Biblical truths in a fun and interesting way!

Songs of the Passion
Here is an inspiring four-movement suite for Lent or Holy Week. It can be presented in its entirety or as individual movements throughout the season. The work opens with a short, meditative introduction quoting the spiritual "Were You There" and then moves into a jubilant Palm Sunday piece titled "Hosanna! Christ Is King!" Next is the reflective and poignantly beautiful "How Great the Love of Jesus." The spiritual returns along with original musical content in the third movement, "They Crucified My Lord." The suite ends with a lovely arrangement of the traditional "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" with optional congregation involvement. Narration for two readers occurs between each of the four movements.

Beautifully orchestrated by Phillip Keveren with parts for Flute, Oboe, String Quintet, Handbells and Percussion. Performance time: approximately 16 minutes.

Watch the Digital Reading Session interview with Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss here.

Special Songs for All Year Long
Budget Stretching Book/CD Combination is filled with creative, singable Unison / Opt. Two Part songs for use at a variety of special occasions and general worship throughout the year. Songs included by writers Ruth Elaine Schram, Janet McMahan, David Huntsinger, Celeste Clydesdale, Kathie Hill, Melody Morris, Christy Semsen, Pam Andrews, Susie Williams, Reuben Morgan, and Ben Fielding. CD features Accompaniment Tracks as well as reproducible singer's pages.

Three Songs for Spring
View score page 1, page 9, page 14
Delightful collection of three children's anthems for unison / opt. 2-part voices and keyboard. Appropriate for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Lent and Easter, each of the three anthems has optional narration. Anthems included are; "Hosanna!" for Palm Sunday, "Welcomed Home Again," for Maundy Thursday or any communion service, and "Jesus Rose" for Easter Sunday. "InstruTrax" accompaniment CD (orchestrated by Tim Hayden) is available separately.

Twas the Year Before Christmas
Turn back the clock and witness the exciting events leading up to the birth of Christ in this Christmas Musical for children.

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Two-Gether We Sing: Christmas
This addition to Alfred's "Two-Gether We Sing" series features ten festive chorals for the holidays, written and arranged with tuneful melodies and strong, independent counterlines. Songs can be performed individually or put them together to create a December performance.

Composers incude Ruth Elaine Schram, Sally Albrecht, Jay Althouse, Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin, Ruth Morris Gray, Donald Moore, George Strid, and others. Beautifully recorded Accompaniment CD orchestrated by Tim Hayden. Reproducible student pages are included as PDF files on the Enhanced SoundTrax CD.

Waiting for the Star
Here is another creative gem from the pen of Ruth Elaine Schram, appropriate for Advent, Christmas or Epiphany. The Latin style, supported by keyboard accompaniment and optional parts for tambourine and shaker, seems to be a perfect fit with the engaging text. Your choir will love to sing this piece and your congregation will love to hear it!

Welcomed Home Again
View SATB score page 1, page 2
Using the familiar Irish melody, The Salley Gardens, here is a graceful offering for use during Holy Communion or the reflective Lenten season. Verse options are provided for both Communion and Lent, though this anthem may also be performed using the verses consecutively. Tender and expressive, this anthem will quickly become a favorite of choir and congregation! (Also available for Unison / Two Part voices in the children's collection "Three Songs for Spring.")

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.