Born to Be the Bread
View score page 1, page 3
Click here to listen
An optional cello obligato (included in the score) adds the crowning touch to this tender anthem that reflects the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. Specifically designed for the observance of Communion during the Christmas season.

Carols We Love
Similar to its predecessor, Hymns We Love, six well-known contemporary church music composers have each chosen two of their favorite carols to be included in this collection for piano. As an added bonus, each arranger tells why they chose these particular pieces and why they set them as they did. A wonderful addition to your keyboard library, or a perfect Christmas gift for your favorite pianist!

more info...

Christmas Grace
View score page 2, page 3
Click here to listen
Inspired by and dedicated to Ruthie's granddaughter, Natalie Grace (whose name means "Christmas Grace"), this tender offering beautifully reflects God's gift of grace to us through His Son. Seeing the helplessness of her tiny, brand new grandbaby was the inspiration for this timeless piece. "To take God's Son from heaven, to turn the Lord of all into a helpless infant, a baby weak and small; to give to our Creator a fully human face: This is Christmas Grace..." Hints of "Amazing Grace" occur in the piano accompaniment and String orchestration for added emphasis to the theme of God's grace coming to us in the form of a tiny Child. (String Orchestra score and parts available separately.)

Cross of Sorrow, Cross of Love
View score page 1, page 2, page 6
Click here to listen
The tender text of this sensitive original anthem reflects Christ's great love for us on Calvary. A delicate melody with moderately easy choral parts shares a brief a cappella section incorporating the beloved "Man of Sorrows, What a Name" ("Hallelujah! What a Savior," by Philip P. Bliss) before the quiet, fitting conclusion. Suitable for Lent or Holy Week, with Optional String Orchestra as well as Piano accompaniment. (String Orchestra includes Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Reduction.) P/A CD also available.

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.

The Gift of My Life
View SATB score page 6, page 7
Click here to listen (SATB)
Shepherds brought humble gifts of love, wise men brought expensive gifts of adoration, while angels brought celestial lullabies to the Christ Child.  The gift of the present-day seeker, as this poignant anthem by David S. Gaines and Ruth Elaine Schram states, is to offer "the gift of my life" in response to the gift of His life for us.

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.

God Will Make a Way
View score page 5, page 8
Click here to listen
Ideal for blended worship settings, the Don Moen praise and worship favorite "God Will Make a Way" is beautifully partnered with the hymn classic "He Leadeth Me" by Joseph Gilmore and William Bradbury. Supportive accompaniment and carefully crafted vocal parts make this an accessible anthem for choirs large or small.

Hear the Children Sing "Hosanna!"
View score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen
This stately and joyous anthem is an inviting and practical consideration to usher in Holy Week. It is quickly learned by Unison Children's Choirs and adult choirs alike. The optional repeat makes it ideal for Palm Sunday processionals.

How Great His Love
Vocal Solos for Lent and Easter, including "His Hands" and "How Great His Love" by Ruth Elaine Schram and others by Joseph Martin, Pepper Choplin, and Lloyd Larson.

more info...

I Give You Honor
View score page 1, page 2, page 7
Click here to listen
In a style reminiscent of a contemporary praise chorus, this simple, understated anthem of praise has a relentless drive propelling it to the soft but earnest "I give you glory." Based on Revelation 4 - 5, suitable any time of year. "I know that one day, every knee will bow; I know that one day, every mouth will praise You, that every tongue will one day confess that You are that Lamb that was slain..."

In the Whisperings
View score page 1, page 2, page 5
Click here to listen
This tender ballad reminds us that life and faith are filled with promises: "A tiny bud holds the promise of a flower; a tiny seed, the essence of the grain; a tiny plant holds the promise of the plenty we believe the autumn harvest will contain." In all of these promises, we are reminded of God's providence and presence. It is a message which needs to be sung and heard! "In the whisperings all around, even in the smallest sight and sound we can see reminders of a Holy, loving God..." Suitable any time of year.

Jesus, Precious Treasure
This vocal soloist collection is filled with heart-felt songs of devotion to Jesus and hymns that focus on His Name. The varied seasonal themes ensure that this resource will be used throughout the church year with songs suitable for Advent/Christmas, Lent, Stewardship Emphases, and general services. Versatile, it includes optional synthesizer parts to provide a sparkling performance option when used with the piano accompaniment. An accompaniment CD is also included for rehearsal or performance purposes, and it contains two bonus tracks: an orchestral accompaniment to "His Hands," and a string accompaniment to "Christmas Grace."

more info...

Kindle the Lights of Hanukkah
View score page 7, page 8
Click here to listen
(L'Had-Lik Nayr Shel Hanukkah)
This easy to learn Hanukkah piece by Linda Marcus and Ruth Elaine Schram for Three Part Any Combination voices begins unison, then develops into a three part round. The third part may be taken down an octave for a Mixed Ensemble or sung as written for Treble Voices. The lyrics consist of an authentic Hebrew phrase and English translation, giving you the opportunity to teach your students about Hanukkah and its meaning to the families who celebrate it, while the music has a truly ethnic feel. Your students will have a memorable moment in their winter concert with this lively seasonal work.

Like a Child, I Wait
View score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen
This tender ballad is an insightful look through the eyes of the child in all of us as we await the promised Messiah. The memorable melody, accessible parts and supportive accompaniment make this the perfect anthem consideration for Sundays early in Advent. "Like a child, I wait for the promises to be fulfilled...with a simple child-like faith..." Optional Flute part included in score. Beautiful!

The Living Light
A Dramatic Musical experience for the Christmas season tells the story of Christ's birth and examines various reactions to His arrival. Accessible and within the capabilities of any size church or music program, available SATB or SAB. Small Orchestra parts are available separately (strings, winds, and light percussion, all optional) which will not overwhelm even a small choir.

more info...

My Life Flows On in Endless Song
View score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen
(How Can I Keep from Ringing?) Cascading eighth notes begin and end this inspired arrangement of one of Robert Lowry's most endearing hymns. The melody is found in alternating sections both in higher and lower bell ranges with no rhythmic figures encountered above the first subdivision of the beat. Works well with Bells or Chimes, three octaves.

Now the Winter
View SATB score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen (SATB)
This expressive piece by John Parker and Ruth Elaine Schram celebrates the change of seasons from Autumn to Winter in all its unique beauty. It is available in two voicings for Ladies Voices or Mixed Ensembles. In the chorus, the composers have utilized independent voice leading as upper voices carry the line forward singing "...Gone, the leaves without a trace, Autumn's hues have been erased, barren branch and windswept face; all are gone..." Meanwhile the lower voices hold the chord on the word "gone" at the beginning of each measure. Use this as a teaching opportunity to help your singers learn how to bring out the moving line and hold back on the supporting line. This effective tool may also provide your ensemble with a stunning moment in performance. Set in minor mode, but sprinkled with a touch of major, providing interesting contrasts and making this work a scrumptious, subtle programming choice.

Pass the Bread, Pass the Cup
View score page 1, page 2
Click here to listen
Lovely, flowing Communion anthem that utilizes layered vocals and echo to gently drive the message home.  "Pass the bread, pass the wine.  At the table of the Lord, we dine with Jesus. Pass the bread, pass the cup.  We proclaim our Lord's death, until He comes again...."

Prayludes for Spring
Nine flexible Piano solos for the Easter Season, including arrangements of favorite hymns for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Communion services. Designed to be adaptable to the changing needs in today's Worship Services that often have time constraints, these arrangements are easily expandable or contractible with optional start and stop points, and optional short endings (to stop there) or long endings (that lead into the next section).

more info...

Simply Waiting
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
A musical and textual depiction of the frustration of "simply waiting," yet having the faith that the Advent promises will be fulfilled. Lots of dynamic contrast and some a cappella measures interspersed with rhythmic piano accompaniment make this anthem a unique and dynamic offering for the Advent season.

Stay With Me
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
This tender anthem eloquently demonstrates God's desire for us to open our hearts to Him. With flowing accompaniment and simple harmonies, this touching setting is accessible for choirs of all skill levels and sizes. Suitable for general use, and due to its references to the promises of Advent, perfect for the Sunday after Christmas as a reminder to keep Jesus in our hearts all year long. "...Stay with me, let me be your counselor (Wonderful Counselor). Stay with me, let me be your God (Mighty God). I know it can seem hopeless, but this is why I came; stay with me, in your heart let me remain..."

Wave the Palms, Hosanna!
View score page 3, page 4
Click here to listen
Regal and stately, choirs and congregations alike will find this anthem to be a perfect addition to the Palm Sunday service: "...Wave the palms and throw the branches at his feet. Wave the palms; the Son of David now we greet. Wave the palms and sing 'Hosanna, hosanna! Blessed is he who comes'..." Parts for two trumpets are included in the score and add a festive touch.

When I Honor You
View score page 4, page 5, page 7
Click here to listen
Perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christian Family Sunday or any service with a family focus. The innocence and sincerity of the text is lovingly crafted in a simple melody for children, echoed and enhanced by the SATB choir. The children begin by stating to parents, "When I honor you, God is lifted up..." and from there it builds into a beautiful statement of the importance of honoring and respecting one another in God's design for home and family.

Whispering Snow
View score page 1, page 2, page 3
Click here to listen
The stark beauty of winter is contrasted to the other seasons in the wistful lyrics of this thoughtful, evocative piece. It is a stunning showcase for treble voices, with opportunities to teach dynamics, phrasing and expressive singing. Perfect for your winter concert.

Winter Starlight
View score page 4, page 5
Click here to listen
With a shimmering accompaniment by Ruth Elaine Schram and an original text by Jan McGuire, this song sparkles from beginning to end!  "Winter starlight glistens in the sky, winks and blinks and teases from on high.  What a cheerful, happy sight to see; winter starlight, joyful and carefree..."  A welcome addition to the winter repertoire for young voices!