(Is this the way to) Amarillo? is about a man travelling to find his fiancée in Amarillo, TX. Apparently Amarillo was chosen to feature in the song because it rhymes with "willow" and "pillow" and I suppose you can't argue with logic like that! After the second verse and chorus there's a chance to go a cappella: the piano can leave out the small notes and give the singers a chance to show off what they can do! Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Afton Water is a gentle, lyrical hymn of praise both to the countryside of Scotland itself (the word "brae" means "hillside") and to a girl called Mary who lies sleeping by the banks of the river Afton near Ayr, south of Glasgow. The poet entreats the river, blackbirds, lapwings and stock-doves to go about their business quietly, so as not to disturb the "slumbering fair" Mary. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale

John Kander and Fred Ebb created a number of 20th-century show classics, including Cabaret and Kiss of the spider woman, but Chicago is perhaps their greatest and best-loved show of them all. On the surface "And All That Jazz" is a celebration of bohemian excess of every conceivable kind. Sing the fantastic, show-stopping melody with great energy, have a ball and relish the rich word painting. There is an underlying dark side, however, which shows itself at the end when Roxie murders her unfaithful husband in anger. Vibrato is appropriate and a clear, well-tuned, brash sound that carries a mile is more important than a refined, classically rounded tone here. Make sure the words are exceptionally clear and above all, prioritize telling the story. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the pe

Arranger: Charles Beale | Musical: Chicago

The first sketches for Another Christmas . . . were dreamt up in the back of a coach when fellow-composer Peter Gritton and I were doing some Christmas concerts on a trip to Switzerland; the song was inspired by the breath-taking winter scenery and the carols we had just been singing. Although written in a "light" style, it has a message for all of us, particularly those that have grown weary of, or disillusioned with, Christmas. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed writing it together! Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The history of perhaps the most famous Irish folksong Danny Boy (the melody of which is also known as Londonderry Air), is steeped in mystery. It was first published, without a title, in Dublin in 1855 and was apparently collected by a Miss Jane Ross, who claimed to have taken it down from the playing of an itinerant piper. However, although it is often assumed to be an old, traditional tune, its structure and meter do not fit any of the known Irish folksong forms. The words most commonly associated with it for the last hundred years or so, "Danny Boy," were written by an English lawyer who apparently never set foot in Ireland! Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The struggle and suffering described in spirituals go hand in hand with an overwhelming sense of hope for a better life. Deep River is one of the most popular spirituals; its long-phrase melody calls for sustained breath control and a real sense of shape. Much contrast can be made between the first and second sections of the melody, and enjoy the more adventurous harmony around the words "where all is peace" (both times!). The idiomatic "rippling" piano part should be played very legato, but with a steady, clear tempo. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale

"Early one morning, a bittersweet lyric with a deceptively upbeat melody, tells of false promises and deception. It probably dates from the eighteenth century and is quoted in 1859 by William Chappell (Popular Music of the Olden Time), as being 'one of the three most popular songs among the servant-maids of the present generation.' It is here given a rather melancholic treatment, ending simply and sadly, as it began. You can hear the men promising to be ever faithful in measures 56--63, underneath the girls' plaintive reproach." Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Freedom is coming is an incredibly infectious celebration of hope and freedom from oppression. I have coupled it with Hamba Vangeli ("Spread the new word"), as its musical feel and declamatory message follow on well. Pay attention to the dynamics -- there are lots of opportunities for contrasts and a gradual build-up of texture, as well as chances for soloists to sing out. In Freedom Is Coming, watch out for the different rhythm on "oh yes I . . . know" -- it might catch you out! Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Singing ("umculo") is a huge part of the culture and everyday life of many African peoples, none more so than those in Southern Africa. Hamba Lulu is a wedding song that advises Lulu, a bride, to "Hush, listen to all the things they are telling you." The unusual time signature is in fact incredibly straightforward, with a gentle, comforting rhythm that is first set up by the piano. It then follows with the choir and soloist (or group of singers) intoning the simple melody above. The men of the choir and then the sopranos take over this tune in the middle of the piece and it ends, as softly as you dare, with humming. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale | Composer: Cole Porter

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Jingle Bells dates from the mid-nineteenth century and is thought to be one of the first secular Christmas songs to "top the charts." While there is no doubting its enduring seasonal popularity, it is in fact not about Christmas at all but instead about the "Cutter" drag races in Boston, where young men would race sleighs and attempt to impress the girls with their speed . . . Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

In Love's Philosophy (Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1792--1822), there is the marvellous comparison of couplings in nature---the mountains and the river, the moonbeams kissing the sea---and amongst humans. The music is inspired by composers Gerald Finzi and Roger Quilter, two of the most prominent figures in English song in the first half of the twentieth century. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Now sleeps the crimson petal (Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1809--92) entreats a lover to emulate nature's patterns, imploring that they first waken like the firefly and then "slip into my bosom and be lost in me." The music is inspired by composers Gerald Finzi and Roger Quilter, two of the most prominent figures in English song in the first half of the twentieth century. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The Germans' love of the Christmas tree was immortalized in the song O Tannenbaum. The fir tree's evergreen qualities, and hence its loyalty, inspired many "Tannenbaum" songs to be written over the last four centuries; however, it was the version by August Zarnack and a Leipzig organist named Ernst Anschütz, set to an old folk tune, that ultimately stood the test of time. Many popular singers, including the great Nat "King" Cole, have recorded their own versions either in German or, as in this arrangement, in English. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

When Cecil Sharp transcribed O Waly Waly in 1908, it bore this title but did not contain the title words (beginning instead with "Down in the meadows"). It has been suggested since that the version we know now may be a composite of three songs: the Scottish "Waly Waly" (meaning "a cry of woe or grief"), the Cecil Sharp transcript and an American song, "The Water Is Wide," which begins the first verse of our version. This sad song is sometimes set in 3/4 time, but I have chosen to give it a gently rocking 4/4 feel, slightly reminiscent of the version by the singer James Taylor. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Oh Shenandoah dates back to the early nineteenth century, with possible origins in Virginia. Sometimes referred to as a "shanty" song because of its refrain ("away, you rolling river," etc.), its lyrics exist in many versions and can be seen as a paean either to the river itself, or perhaps to the (mythical?) daughter of an Indian chief of that name. Regardless of its origins, Oh Shenandoah has become an enduring favourite in the USA and abroad. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

First performed in 1975, Chicago has become a true classic, and no other show better portrays decidedly questionable human characteristics. "Razzle Dazzle" features big-shot lawyer Billy Flynn. The lovely but naïve Roxie Hart stands accused of murder, which we know she committed. Here, Billy gleefully explains how to "razzle dazzle" a jury and indeed newspaper readers, using legal tricks to get your client off the charge. The law is portrayed as a glamorous show, with the trial participants as actors. The excess in the song slowly builds, so begin quietly but with excitement. This song is an opportunity to explore different vocal qualitie--from stage whispering and full-voice speaking to pure singing and belting. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasi

Arranger: Charles Beale | Musical: Chicago

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange | Composer: Johnny Marks

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale

"English song in the first half of the twentieth century was largely defined by the wonderful output of Roger Quilter and Gerald Finzi, both of whom delighted in setting fine poetry by Wordsworth, Shakespeare and others. She walks in beauty was inspired by these two composers, with a choice of quintessentially English texts that are particularly musically evocative and colorful. The melody flowed from the natural rhythm of the words and, indeed, seemed already to exist as I read the poem to myself for the first time." Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

A joyful, exuberant song with an infectious rhythm, Si Njay Njay Njay is easy to learn, as it builds up gradually from just the men, and then men and altos, to all three parts. The second-verse notes are the same, but watch out for the changes of rhythm on "Woh mama bagu . . ." and "babay thanda zah" ("thanda" is pronounced with a hard "t"). The optional percussion adds a great deal to this number and, when you are more confident with the notes, you can also sing it completely a cappella -- just set the percussion groove going and start singing!

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Simple Gifts has been sung to numerous different lyrics (particularly Sydney Carter's 1960s hymn Lord of the Dance) and the tune is very well known, thanks to its use in Aaron Copland's score for the ballet Appalachian Spring, first performed in 1944. Elder Joseph Brackett -- a Shaker from Maine -- originally wrote it as a "dancing song" in 1848. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Siyahamba is one of the best-known African worship songs of recent times. It is presented here in a (mostly) homophonic arrangement that contrasts unison singing with three-part harmonies. As with lots of African, folk and gospel music, three notes cover all the necessary harmonies, but you can have lots of fun once you know the arrangement by adding more of your own, for example "doubling" at other octaves to create a thicker texture. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The Skye Boat Song is perhaps one of the best-known Scottish melodies of all. It refers to the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie who, still only a boy, was smuggled out of Scotland to France after the Scots' defeat by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Despite there being a huge reward on his head, not one of his faithful Highlanders would betray him to the "auld enemy": a girl named Flora MacDonald disguised him in her maid's clothes and helped to row him "over the sea to Skye." The words by Sir Harold Boulton date from the nineteenth century. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

This medley comprises three songs that speak of a journey through trial to eventual salvation and liberty. It should gradually gather pace and energy from a slightly more reflective start, though retaining a lively feel throughout. "All My Trials" developed into a popular protest song in the 1950s and 60s and has been recorded by, amongst others, Joan Baez, Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley. "By and By" is a more upbeat song with plenty of syncopated rhythms and more forthright dynamics---it should be sung and played with lots of energy. We end with "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," a true pilgrim journey full of trials and breaking hearts, but never giving up on hope and final deliverance. The tempo should really pick up for this final section, galvanized by the walking bass line and more jazzy harmonies, and reaching its climax in the final few measures. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broa

Arranger: Ben Parry

Standing in the Need of Prayer is a simple, meditative melody with a pleasing, repetitive chord sequence. This arrangement gives you a chance to "crank it up a gear" after the modulation; there is also an opportunity to thicken out the vocal harmonies towards the end with some optional alto notes. Once singers get more confident, you may wish to experiment with other improvised harmonies or descants. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Patrick Gazard

The lark in the clear air is an exquisite song celebrating the beauty of nature. (Unusually for a folksong lyric, it also presents a positive outlook on love!) The contrapuntal second verse, particularly measures 26--34, may require special attention in rehearsal, part by part, as it is the only occasion where the three voice-parts are truly independent of each other. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The poignant words of The Last Rose of Summer, by Thomas Moore, match this song's mournful, drooping melody. After a temporarily uplifting modulation for the third verse, where the men of the choir echo the melody two measures behind, the arrangement ends as it began---in a solitary mood, with an empty, bare fifth. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

The words of Thuma Mina come from the vocabulary of the Xhosa tribe. Pronounced "too-ma mee-na" it means "send me, Lord," while "Roma nna" (linger on the "n" sound) means "lead me, Lord." This song works well performed simply and unaccompanied (experiment with different dynamics), but in verses three and four you might like to try adding a solo "descant" voice over the top, either using the notes suggested or improvising your own. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Wade in the Water is a lively and infectious spiritual. Its features include a call-and-response texture, jazz "scat" vocalization and finger clicks on beats 2 and 4 of the measure. This arrangement remains true to the spirit of Eva Cassidy's well-loved version, adapting the instrumental improvisation on the recording to create a fun scat section. Listen to Eva Cassidy's version and aim for the same passion and commitment, allowing the voices as much freedom of expression as is possible in a choral texture. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Joanna Forbes

Chicago is perhaps the greatest and best-loved creation of writing team John Kander and Fred Ebb. In "We Both Reached for the Gun," Roxie is accused of killing her violent lover and Flynn's argument is that they both "reached for the gun" at the same time--Roxie had no choice but to kill him, or she would have died. In the staging, Roxie is portrayed as Billy's mechanical puppet, which is why the music has a certain mechanical, even clockwork quality to it. This is a patter song, full of long streams of words, so take care not to go too fast. Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale | Musical: Chicago

John Kander and Fred Ebb created a number of 20th-century show classics, including Cabaret and Kiss of the spider woman, but Chicago is perhaps their greatest and best-loved show of them all. Mama Moreton sings "When you're good to Mama" to indicate to the prison inmates how the world really works. She is deeply cynical, knows the ways of the world and controls the purse strings of the prison, but she also turns out to be compassionate --a mother figure to the other inmates. This song requires sassy singing and good communication skills; to convey the double meanings, use careful timing, facial expression and, for the more daring, staging too! Faber Choral Singles offer a series of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles for today's choirs. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion.

Arranger: Charles Beale | Musical: Chicago