Conceived a a set there is also a short prelude.

Songlist: Great Day!, In Dat Great Gettin' Up Mornin', Cert'ny Lord, He's Got the Whole World In His Hand

Treat yourself to seven, rousing spirituals by Albert McNeil, who is well-known to the national choral community, having been honored on four occasions with "Command Performances" before the prestigious American Choral Directors Association in 1981 in New Orleans, in 1985 at their Salt Lake City Convention, at their 1997 convention in San Diego, California, and most recently in February, 2000, at Los Angeles during the ACDA Western Division Convention held on the campus of Loyola-Marymount University.

Songlist: Hold Out Your Light, He's Got the Whole World, Open the Window, Noah, John, The Revelator, My Long White Robe, All My Trials

This collection showcases five of Undine Smith Moore's spirituals edited by Anton Armstrong and includes an instructional forward written for this newly-engraved edition.

Songlist: I Believe This Is Jesus, I'm Going Home, I Will Trust in the Lord, Oh, That Bleeding Lamb, We Shall Walk through the Valley

Ten easy three-part a cappella arrangements of inspirational songs, for either SSA or SAT choirs, with a piano part for convenient rehearsal. All of these rousing pieces are presented in new arrangements by Barrie Carson Turner. Bringing together ten timeless songs of faith, celebration and inspiration, Just Voices: Gospel is an ideal introduction to mastering the a cappella style. Perfect for your next concert or as a fun treat for your choir.

Songlist: Amazing Grace, Down By The Riverside, Lean On Me, Let It B, O Happy Day!, Redemption Song, Soon And Very Soon, Standing In The Need Of Prayer, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Wade In The Water

"My primary purpose in this effort is to preserve the rich heritage and the expressive power of the spiritual, while making the music accessible to most amateur and professional choral groups." -Clayton White From the Forward. These are some of the finest and most practical arrangements of spirituals ever published. Superbly arranged with an authentic choral sound. Priced to be affordable for the entire choir, with quality printing to last for years to come.

Songlist: Been in the Storm So Long, Blin' Man Stood on the Road and Cried, Calvary, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Done Made My Vow to the Lord, Fix me, Jesus, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Good News, Guide My Feet, Lord, Heavy Burdens, Hold On!, Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name, If Anybody Ask You, In Bright Mansions Above, King Jesus Is A-listenin', Lord, Don't Move the Mountain, Lord, I Ain't No Stranger Now, My Lord, What a Mournin', My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, O Lord, Done Done What You Tol' Me to Do, Oh, Freedom!, Over My Head, Ride On, King Jesus, Rise Up, Shepherd, Steal Away, There Is a Balm in Gilead, This Train, Tryin' to Get Ready, Who Is That Yonder?, Yonder Come Day

The mission of the Good News! Gospel Quartet is to provide music and learning assistance for quartets who want to sing gospel songs in the four-part barbershop style. The songbooks are in four part a cappella arrangements with most having supporting CDs with part-predominant tracks plus full-mix tracks are also available. It is the hope of the Good News! that you will find your mission as a quartet singer, or as a listener, and be enriched and learn with these fine recordings.Complete voice part set includes Tenor, Lead, Bass and Baritone.

Songlist: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, Wonderful Words of Life, He Keeps Me Singing, There's Something About that Name, In the Garden, Near to the Heart of God, Amazing Grace, Something Beautiful, It Is Well With My Soul, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Abide With Me, Why Will You Do Without Him

Good News Quartet : Gospel 2 Songbook

The mission of the Good News! Gospel Quartet is to provide music and learning assistance for quartets who want to sing gospel songs in the four-part barbershop style. The songbooks are in four part a cappella arrangements with most having supporting CDs with part-predominant tracks plus full-mix tracks are also available. It is the hope of the Good News! that you will find your mission as a quartet singer, or as a listener, and be enriched and learn with these fine recordings.

Songlist: When We All Get to Heaven, The Gloryland Way, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Wispering Hope, Just Over in the Gloryland, Standing on the Promises, To God Be the Glory, Were You There?, Christ Arose, Softly and Tenderly, Just As I Am, Without One Plea, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, Rock of Ages, God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again

Hall Johnson was a noted violinist, conductor and arranger of spirituals. The slave songs and spirituals that he heard his grandmother sing were a catalyst for him founding the Hall Johnson Choir in 1925. Here are 7 of his beautiful a cappella arrangements.

Songlist: Fix me, Jesus, Oh, Freedom!, I've Been Buked, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, When I Was Sinkin' Down, Ain't Got Time To Die, Elijah Rock

A fine collection of spirituals.

Songlist: Amen, Deep River, Dis Train, Don't Be Weary, Traveler, Give Me Jesus, I Want Jesus, It's All Over Me

Another fine collection from Jester Hairston

Songlist: Live-A-Humble, Oh, Rocka My Soul, Poor Man Lazrus, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Steal Away, What Kind O'Shoes You Gonna Wear, Who'll Be A Witness For My Lord?, Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho

Gospels and sacred hymns have become increasingly popular in the choral world, especially at Christmas. Their contents and melodies have delighted, deeply moved and comforted many generations. 'Christmas Gospel Hymns' presents a collection of the most beautiful Christmas gospel hymns in easy to intermediate arrangements in pop and swing style. The movements include chord numbering and piano accompaniment, yet can also be sung a cappella. Known throughout the world, all gospels and hymns are in English.

Songlist: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, What Child Is This?, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Away In A Manger, Silent Night, O Holy Night, Joy To The World, The First Noel, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Sing We Now Of Christmas, African Noel, Good Christian Men, Rejoice, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, The Night, When Christ Was Born, Jesus, The Savior Of The World, The Mighty King In Humbleness

A collection of classic Negro spirituals arranged for unaccompanied SSA choir by John C. Phillips

Songlist: Mary Had A Baby, You Got A Right, Never Said A Mumbalin' Word, The Train Is Bound For Glory, Steal Away To Jesus, Little David, Play On Your Harp, Nobody Knows De Trouble I See, Lord, Dry Bones

From joyous gospel to deeply felt blues, this wonderful collection contains vintage songs sung and played through the years by black Americans - at work, in church and for pure entertainment. included are spirituals, blues, work songs, and a variety of social and dance songs. This book was originally compiled by Dr. John Work, the noted musicologist affiliated with Fisk University and the celebrated Fisk Jubilee Singers and is a indispensable treasury of music for singers seeking a comprehensive sourcebook of black American folk music.

Songlist: Origins, Spirituals, The Blues, Work Songs, Social and Miscellaneous, The Songs

These arrangements of the Five Spirituals grew from the arranger's desire to see a larger and more interesting repertoire for mixed choruses, and were created with the approval of Tippett's biographer and execture, Merion Bowen. Whilst the spirituals suit mixed choruses of various sizes and remain as 'basically simple' as the originals, there are several musical challenges in the arrangements.

Songlist: Steal Away, Nobody Knows, Go Down Moses, By And By, Deep River

These arrangements of the Five Spirituals grew from the arranger's desire to see a larger and more interesting repertoire for male choruses, and were created with the approval of Tippett's biographer and execture, Merion Bowen. Whilst the spirituals suit male choruses of various sizes and remain as 'basically simple' as the originals, there are several musical challenges in the arrangements.

Songlist: Steal Away, Nobody Knows, Go Down Moses, By And By, Deep River

With a foreward by Andre Thomas, this collection of Moses Hogan spiritual arrangements is a welcome addition to any director's library and is a fitting tribute to to this great American composer and conductor. Includes: Ain't That Good News, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, Joshua (Fit the Battle of Jericho), My Soul's Been Anchored in De Lord, Ride the Chariot, This Little Light of Mine, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace and 26 more.

Songlist: Abide With Me, Ain't That Good News, The Battle of Jericho, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Do Lord, Remember Me, Down By the Riverside, Elijah Rock, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, God's Gonna Set This World on Fire, Good News, the Chariot's Comin', Great Day, Hear My Prayer, I Can Tell the World, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, I Got a Robe, I Know the Lord's Laid His Hands on Me, I Stood on the River of Jordan, I Want Jesus to Walk With Me, I Want to Be Ready, I Want to Thank You, Lord, I'm Gonna Sing 'til the Spirit Moves in My Heart, Jesus Lay Your Head in the Window, Little David, Play On Your Harp, Lord, I Want To Be A Christian, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, Oh Mary, Don't You Weep Don't You Mourn, Ride the Chariot, Standing in the Need of Prayer, Steal Away, and more

Moses Hogan's contemporary settings of spirituals, original compositions, and other works have been enthusiastically accepted by audiences around the globe and have become staples in the repertoires of high school, college, church, community and professional choirs everywhere. Here is a taste of some of his best work.

Songlist: The Battle of Jericho, Elijah Rock, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, God's Gonna Set This World on Fire, I Want To Thank You, Lord, I'm Gonna Sing 'Til The Spirit Moves In My Heart, Old Time Religion

Moses Hogan's contemporary settings of spirituals, original compositions, and other works have been enthusiastically accepted by audiences around the globe and have become staples in the repertoires of high school, college, church, community and professional choirs everywhere. Here is a taste of some of his best work.

Songlist: Abide With Me, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Down By The Riverside, Give Me Jesus, I Can Tell The World, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, I Got A Home In-a Dat Rock

More of Moses Hogan's most exciting arrangements.

Songlist: I Know The Lord's Laid His Hands On Me, Ride On, King Jesus, Standing In Need Of A Prayer, There Is A Balm In Gilead, Jesus Lay Your Head In The Window

Features 7spirituals as interpreted by acclaimed conductor and arranger Moses Hogan. "Moses Hogan provides a new voice for spirituals in America. His arrangements are exciting treatments that do not obscure the traditional essence of this music. His artistry as conductor, arranger and pianist is world-class!" - Craig Jessop, Director, Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Songlist: Hear My Prayer, Ride the Chariot, I Want To Be Ready, You Better Min' How You Talk, A Spiritual Reflection, Good News, The Chariot's Comin', We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace

"This Little Light of Mine" - Originally composed for Anton Armstrong and the St. Olaf College Choir, this setting was adapted for women's voices by Kathleen Rodde for the Iowa State University Women's Choir and their ACDA performance. A vibrant and accessible work! The multi-layered texture of this powerful original spiritual "I'm Gonna Sing .." is both challenging and invigorating. The Moses Hogan arrangement of "The Battle of Jericho" is an absolute showstopper, and has electrified audiences since its debut in 1996."Lily of the Valley" - From the expressive opening this builds to a great rhythmic chorus that will captivate your singers and audience. Filled with beautiful harmonic moments, this will surely become a concert favorite.

Songlist: This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Sing 'Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart, The Battle of Jericho, Ride On, King Jesus, Music Down in My Soul, Lily of the Valley

Eleven superb arrangements of classic and lesser-known spirituals covering a wide range of styles and moods, from simple four-part settings to extended eight-part compositions. These stunning settings can be performed as a set or individually, and are ideal choices for concerts, festivals, or even as surprising encores! A cappella with rehearsal keyboard.

Songlist: Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Go Down in De Lonesome Valley, Walk Together, Children, Go Down Moses, Were You There?, Gonna Set Downan' Rest, Don't You Weep When I am Gone, Scandalize' My Name, Steal Away, 'Tis Me, O Lord, Give Me Jesus

Rediscover the fine arrangements of Robert DeCormier in this elegant new collection of five of his best-loved spirituals.

Songlist: Hallelujah, Walk Together, Children, Stars Shinin' By n' By, Ride On, King Jesus, Let Me Fly

Songlist: I Hear a Voice A-Prayin', Deep River, Run To The Manger

A fine collection of traditional and modern spirituals that are bound to get your group swayin' and a prayin'. These stiring and heartfelt songs will inspire audience and singers alike.

Songlist: In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin', Keep In The Middle Of The Road, My Lord, What a Mornin', Old Arks A Moverin' / Steal Away, Don't Touch My Garment, Wade in the Water

The wonderful choral work "Prayer Of the Children" has been heard by audiences across the nation. The piece was featured by the Luther College Choir conducted by Weston Noble during their 1996 tour and was performed at the national MENC conference in Kansas City. Also recently performed by the Georgia All-State Choir, 'Prayer of the Children' is perfectly suited for concerts or festivals! Now men's choirs can enjoy the famous arrangement "Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal" by Alice Parker, originally written for the Robert Shaw Chorale. The strong walking pulse and juxtaposed motives have made it exceptionally popular for over 40 years. Some choral pieces speak for themselves! 'Salvation Is Created' is just such a work. All of the rich sonorities have been captured in this wonderful new edition. Don't miss this one!

Songlist: Brothers, Sing On, Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal, Salvation Is Created, Prayer Of the Children

The iconic spiritual arrangement of "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord" by Moses Hogan has been masterfully adapted for men's voices by Peter Eklund. From the powerful opening chords to the exhilarating call and response sections, this is a work that will bring down the house! Using jazz articulation in an exuberant spiritual style, "Plenty Good Room" provides an exciting dimension to choral programming! John Parker and Greg Gilpin have combined their talents to create "Nothin' Gonna Stumble My Feet" an exuberant and original spiritual for a cappella voices. Full of dynamic contrast, rhythmic nuances, and textual percussiveness, Nothin' Gonna Stumble My Feet will be an outstanding festival, concert, or contest piece. Thrilling to sing and to hear. "Fire In The Furnace" recounts the tale of Shadrach, Meshach and Abegnego as they escape the mighty fiery furnace of King Nebuchadnezzar. A super showcase for men's groups!

Songlist: Fire In The Furnace, De Animals A-comin', Blow That Trumpet, Gabriel, Nothin' Gonna Stumble My Feet, Plenty Good Room, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord

This hardbound treasure is a goldmine of hundreds of historic hymns rendered in the traditional shape note style. Essentially, shape notes consist of four shapes - triangle, square, oval and diamond - which correspond with a syllable: fa, sol, la and mi. These shapes and syllables are then associated with notes on a scale. This system, and the Shape Note singing books such as the Sacred Harp (which was originally published in 1844), were ubiquitous, particularly in the South, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Music was an integral part of the camp meetings and revivals of the period, and the shape note method was intended to simplify the reading of music, so that anyone so moved could participate. The thematic content is almost exclusively religious in nature, reflecting the predominant attitude of the composers, as well as the publishers, of the time. The polyphony of the shape note is characterized by lively chordal movement, and dyadic harmony based on fourths and fifths, often in parallel. Contemporary renditions, sung in the shape note style, can be heard on the soundtrack to the Civil War film, "Cold Mountain." The book also includes an introductory section entitled the "Rudiments of Music," a thorough primer in the fundamentals of theory. Updated in 1991 with the addition of 62 songs, "The Sacred Harp" will keep a group of part-singers entertained for years. Can also be used by those accustomed to conventional notation.

"My Soul's Been Anchored In The Lord" - The iconic spiritual arrangement by Moses Hogan has been masterfully adapted for treble voices by Rollo Dilworth. From the powerful opening chords to the exhilarating call and response sections, this is a work that will bring down the house! "Keep Yo' Lamps" - Renowned composer Rosephanye Powell takes a traditional "field shout" and presents it with care for an authentic sound. There is great passion in this approach and will provide an excellent opportunity to teach the history of the African American spiritual and its importance. "Hold Me, Rock Me" - Brian Tate cleverly combined the texts from a variety of frequently used spirituals to create a brand new choral selection. The yearning for belonging is quickly evident and rocks gently to a satisfying finish. Brian Tate has been composing and arranging a steady string of choral hits that deserves our attention."Roll, Jordan, Roll" - This great, rocking spiritual arranged by Brian Tate is simply fun to sing! A repeated ostinato section builds to the final ending.

Songlist: Hold Me, Rock Me, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, Keep Yo' Lamps, Roll, Jordan, Roll, Good News!

Beginning choirs will love the imagery and contemporary harmonies in the a cappella original "A Pawnee Prayer". Perfect for contest or concert use, the optional hand drums provide additional rhythmic background. "Ezekiel Saw The Whee"l - An invigorating adaptation of one of the great spirituals! "Plenty Good Room" - Using jazz articulations in an exuberant spiritual style, this original provides an exciting dimension to choral programming! "When It Was Yet Dark" - Set to a beautiful old hymn tune from an 1855 collection, this piece offers much scope for phrasing and word painting as the singers recreate the setting from outside the tomb, and explore the psychology of one of the Bible's most famous and timeless characters, Mary Magdalene. "Who Rolled The Stone Away?" - This exciting arrangement of a traditional gospel swing is full of accents, scoops and body percussion that will challenge your choir to internalize the lively and spirited gospel style.

Songlist: Who Rolled The Stone Away?, When It Was Yet Dark, The Lord's Prayer, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, A Pawnee Prayer

The haunting melody of "No Room" is harmonized in the Dorian mode and captures the irony of the Son of Man having no place to lay his head. No Room has a spiritual-like quality, yet the modal tonalities and occasional "jazz" chords give it a unique, almost ethereal feel. Seamless, chilling, and very moving. "I Am the Vine" is a beautiful worship or concert octavo. Tight harmonies and a flowing mixed meter give this expressive anthem a smooth ebb-and-flow, give-and- take feeling, very much like the spiritual relationship described in the text. "When I Was A Child" - Larry Nickel takes texts from both the Old and New Testaments and touches them with his creative magic to produce a lush tapestry of choral color and sound. This challenging octavo gives thoughtful directors ample opportunity for expressive performance moments. A multi-use choral, it is well suited for use as an introit, benediction or theme anthem. "Grace Be With You" - Joel Phillips takes the words of John 2:3 and touches it with a cappella beauty in this fresh new anthem. Suitable as a benediction or as a general use anthem, this choral uses a lush tonal vocabulary that brings to the text warmth and expressiveness that are very compelling. "They Shall Soar On Wings Like Eagles" - The celebrated words of Isaiah 40:28-31 take wing in this Tim Rumsey choral setting. There are many beautiful moments in this work and larger ensembles will revel in the thick divided harmonies. The expressive palette of choral colors and textures build the work to an impressive climax. This inspiring affirmation of God's strength and care is appropriate for programming any time of year. There is a joyful spirit to this a cappella choral from this new Mark Foster composer with a gentle "islands" feel, making it the perfect sorbet for your menu of music this year. Use the optional percussion for an authentic festive touch.

Songlist: No Room, I Am The Vine, When I Was A Child, Grace Be With You, They Shall Soar On Wings Like Eagles, My Heart Is Steadfast, O God!

Experience this fiery work, "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" and "feel the Spirit" add vitality to any choral program. Hold on to your choir robes! This invigorating a cappella adaptation of "Sinner Man" will bring your audience to their feet! In keeping with Sister Rosetta Tharpe's stylistic blend, this arrangement of "Heaven Somewhere" has a funky doo-wop flavored middle section that reminds us just how many different rock styles go back to the gospel source. In , "Go Down, Moses," Moses Hogan's contemporary settings of spirituals, original compositions, and other works have been enthusiastically accepted by audiences around the globe and have become staples in the repertoires of high school, college, church, community and professional choirs everywhere. Perhaps the spiritual closest associated with Norman Luboff's arranging style is "Deep River." It requires the fine singing of a well trained a cappella choir, high school choir and beyond. Moderately difficult. Destined to become a standard this new setting of "Witness" for men's voices features the classic Moses Hogan style. Opening with a section of sustained close harmony, "Plenty Of Good Room," moves into a medium tempo jazz-flavored groove that's pure delight! An ideal showcase for men's chorus! From the quiet beginning to the joy-filled ending, your men will gladly proclaim, "Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory!"

Songlist: Sinner Man, Heaven Somewhere, Joshua, Rise an' Shine, Plenty Good Room, Witness

From the Mark Foster catalog, "Take My Mother Home" is an especially pictorial and dramatic spiritual for Holy Week. Craig Westendorf has chosen an expressive melody to recall Christ's concern for His mother. It is direct and powerful without sentimentality. Sung a cappella with baritone soloist, the repetitive use of the word "nailin'" beneath the second verse is particularly effective. Take My Mother Home could be used within the context of the passion reading by liturgical churches and is also suitable for Lent or Holy Week. All congregations will find this poignant and unique anthem to be a dramatic and moving addition to worship. A tremendously joyful anthem about "kingdom come"! Roy Belfield has artfully arranged this light and bouncy spiritual, "I Want To Be Raedy," with wonderful interplay between voices. Optional solos give soprano and/or tenor stars a chance to shine, and a middle section split between four-part women and four-part men gives each section a chance to really show what they've got! I Want to Be Ready has contagious energy, and such a wonderful picture of heaven-what unbridled happiness when we "walk in Jerusalem just like John." "Climbin' Up The Mountain," is newly arranged by Russell Robinson in a robust a cappella setting with solo opportunities. With its repetitive sections, this piece is not difficult; however, with the exciting key change and strong ending, the singer and listener are captured by the sound and energy of this great arrangement. This unusual, traditional spiritual is not often found. Phil Kern has arranged this exciting, version on "Don't Let Nobody Turn You" which makes its mark with a driving, hushed energy, fantastic solo lines and an ending that will set your audience on fire. This arrangement is smart, musically exciting and fresh. Also included in this package are "Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name," "My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord," and "Take My Mother Home."

Songlist: Climbin' Up The Mountain, Don't You Let Anybody Turn You Around, Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name, I Want To Be Ready, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, O Lord, Have Mercy, Take My Mother Home

'Wait on the Lord' is based on the text in Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31, put together by Rosephanye Powell. This beautifully harmonized piece starts out with the basses, then builds, adding each voice one at a time until measure 13 when all voices are singing together. 'The Word Was God' is another text by Rospehanye Powell, based on John 1:1-3. In this piece, both the male voices and the female voices get their opportunities to shine. Each part is divisi at one point or another. Robert H. Young's 'Show Us Your Mercy, O Lord,' is based on the text in Psalm 85:7-11,13. In this piece, the women split up into gorgeous four-part harmony, the men's voices create a great vocal accompanyment throughout. Robert h. Young's other gem, 'The Christ-Child' is an excellently composed choral with a few divisi parts to sweeten-up the lush chords throughout. His 'Treasures in Heaven' is another piece not to be missed with ample amounts of soli men and women sections throughout. The challenging chord progressions and multiple dynamic changes will allow your large advanced choir to show their chops

Songlist: Treasures in Heaven, Show Us Your Mercy, O Lord, The Christ Child, The Word Was God, Wait on the Lord

The familiar portions of 'Dem Bones' dance delightfully and are surrounded by meaningful choral statements, especially the ending 'Breathe On Me Breath of God.' The title of 'Ain't That News' is a tribute to the superb Staple Singers, who dang a piece by that name, not otherwise quoted in this chart. The opening seven measures are an adaptation of an old Paul Robeson 78. The rest of the piece is original material intended to pay homage to both the black church and black popo music, just one of the many genres that owes its soul to the spiritual. The composer states, "My goal is to allow even the most demure chorister to have at least a little taste of what it would be like to be Aretha Franklin." Donald R. Frderick's arrangement of 'Deep River' is short but sweet with beautiful 4 part harmonies. The beautiful sound of 'Bright Mansions' is brought to life with great excitement in K. Lee Scott's arrangement. Multiple sections featuring only male voices and a soaring descant towards the end of the piece make this gospel tune a true gem. Rosephanye Powell has become one of the most popular new choral writers to burst on the scene. 'Drinking of the Wine' was commissioned by the Truman State University Chorus, conducted by R. Paul Crabb. The text weaves together stories from the Bible with images of the hardship of life. 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' is treated in an expressive, upbeat and playful manner in this arrangement. It is rhythmically challenging - a pervasive triplet feel with some interesting and unexpected twists.

Songlist: Ain't That News, Deep River, Bright Mansions, Drinkin' of the Wine, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

'Down in the Valley to Pray' was featured in the film 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' (only it was titled 'Down in River to Pray'), workers in a field sang the song with great fervor as they swung their hoes plowing the land. The song is African-American in origin, perhaps with some Appalachian influence due to the use of the pentatonic scale. The piece should be sung with great energy, with an ever-strong pulse on the first beat of the measure. The ever-popular spiritual, 'Wade in the Water' is especially fun to sing in this arrangement. It lends itself to accompaniment well, or it can be sung a cappella. The great 3 part harmony mixed with the very expressive dynamics make it very fun to sing. The wonderful melody hardly needs decoration. At times, indeed, it seems that harmony merely gets in its way. This arrangement is intended to highlight the tune's effectiveness through its simple and straightforward persentation. With the possible exception of a slight slowing in the final few measures, the piece should remain in tempo thorughout, and dynamics should err on the side of comfortably soft. 'The 'river' figure should remain a background murmur with little or no change in dynamic. Joan Szymko's 'Amazing Grace' is very exciting, there isn't a boring line in any voice part. 'Simple Gifts' is one of 12.000 songs composed by the Shakers during the middle of the nineteenth century. Thought to be written by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, the song was both an instruction for like as well sa an instruction for dancing. This arrangement starts out unison before breaking off into glorious 4 part women's harmonies.

Songlist: Down in the Valley to Pray, Some of These Days, Amazing Grace, Simple Gifts

In Witness, the men and women start in a call and response fashion, the next change comes with a fun walkin bass line with the rest of the voices singing beautiful harmonies... this is a fun tune! The rhythmic and expressive setting of the well known Spiritual, 'Rockin' Jerusalem' is a tribute to the work of Dale Warland. This arrangement will make an inspiring concert work for a skilled A Cappella choir. Originally, 'Wade in the Water' was a code song of the African-American slave that cautioned slaves to travel by water on their journey to freedom. Powell's arrangement captures the drama with beautiful harmony and powerful dynamics. The light humming of harmonies that start 'Somebody's Knockin' At Yo' Do'' will give you an idea of how exciting this piece could become, and sure enough it doesn't faulter from that expectation once throughout the song, this is a fantastic arrangement!

Songlist: Witness, Rockin' Jerusalem, Wade in the Water, Somebody's Knockin' at Your Door