Rollo Dilworth : Bound for the Promised Land

Here is a stylish, bluesy concert realization of this traditional spiritual. An awesome piano accompaniment will feature a pianist who knows how to capture the spiritual style. An a cappella section creates a wonderful opportunity for nuance and the final verse features call and response.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Rollo Dilworth : We Are More Alike

We Are More Alike is a celebration of our common humanity as well as those characteristics that make us unique as individuals. In this poem, Dr. Angelou teaches us the importance of recognizing and respecting difference.

Composer: Rollo Dilworth

A choral conductor's dream pairing of Jim Papoulis and Rollo Dilworth yields this amalgamation of rhythm, texture and choral part-writing that practically sings itself. And with a positive message that speaks to innovation and truth, this song is the ultimate opener for your concert or festival!

Arranger: 00357752 | Composer: Rollo Dilworth

With lyrics taken from the motto of a Chicago school, this new gospel-style original from Rollo Dilworth reminds us that We believe in the creation of inspired lives.Available separately: SATB only. Performance time: Approx. 3:15.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This secular work has a wonderful gospel flavored harmonic treatment and a powerful message of unity and peace. With easy call and response style harmonies and a final building chorus of over and over and over and over, your singers will add their voices to the imagining of the world as a new symphony. Duration: ca. 3:15.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This Freedom Song was sung as an anthem of protest during the Civil Rights Movement to spread the message of faith, determination and perseverance of the people who sang them. The composer has combined this with original music to the words of the Langston Hughes poem Words Like Freedom to create a wonderful showcase for treble voices.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

With a text based on Psalm 150, this a cappella anthem draws on elements from the African-American spiritual, jazz and gospel traditions. The opening four measures are contemplative but then the music shifts to upbeat and declamatory as the basses lay down an ostinato pattern upon which the tenors, altos and sopranos respectively layer their vocal riffs. This is a powerful anthem suited to open or close your concert.

Composer: Rollo Dilworth

This text welcomes the long-awaited arrival of the railway system and the benefits it will bring, bidding good riddance to the slow, rough-riding stage coaches of the era. The music has a folk-inspired melody while utilizing contemporary harmony and voice leading. The piano part changes throughout the short work, adding interest while providing a stable foundation for the choir.

Composer: Matthew Emery

Written as a celebration of singing for racial and social justice this powerful work sets the 11th stanza of the Langston Hughes poem Freedom's Plow. Opening with a quote from America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee), the listener is reminded of one of America's most important ideals - freedom. This work serves as a prequel to Rollo's 2009 setting of the poem's 12th and final stanza, also entitled Freedom's Plow (00114463). The two pieces can be performed separately or as a set.

Composer: Rollo Dilworth

With lyricism and sonority, this is the perfect concert closer or graduation song, easily-learned and yet full and lush with immaculate craftsmanship.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Another rock-solid addition to the spiritual oeuvre of Rollo Dilworth, Bye and Bye is a resolute and medium-difficulty level selection for developing high school choirs.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

With a Portuguese text and rhythms in the popular Brazilian groove known as Capoeira, this song of celebration begins with all voice parts emulating rhythm instruments. If all goes well, a dance just might break out in the auditorium during the performance.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Using the image of barley bending in the breezes to represent overcoming struggle and adversity, poet Sara Teasdale has created a pastoral and optimistic poem. This move from pain to joy is echoed in the music, with the feisty and exuberant rhythms and harmonies of Latin jazz.

Composer: Dominick DiOrio

Here is a high energy piece suitable for either the concert stage or the sanctuary. Body percussion adds energy and the gospel style piano accompaniment drives it all to a powerful conclusion.

Composer: Diane L. White-Clayton

This arrangement of the traditional spiritual is set in a style that includes elements of both the spiritual and gospel genres. It uses modulation and word painting to evoke the concept of climbing the mountain.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 3-Part Treble. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

The famous text of Charles A. Tindley's hymn The Storm Is Passing Over forms the lyric framework for this powerful setting marked by sturdy gospel harmonies, a confident piano accompaniment and strong vocal articulation.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This jaunty little work is on a text from William Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, one of his earliest comedies. The tongue-in-cheek text talks of married life and the woe that comes from being unable to pursue the frolicsome fruits of spring. Keeping with the profile of the Rollo Dilworth Choral Series, this piece is designed for upper level high school singers, honors choirs and festivals.

Composer: Dominick DiOrio

Based on two African American spirituals with additional words and music by the composer, this is a fantastic concert closer! Building from a layered unaccompanied opening section, the music builds into a driving gospel rhythm with piano, bass and percussion, punctuated by cries of Dan-i-el! Powerful! Duration: ca. 4:30.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

H.T. Burleigh's classic spiritual arrangement in an adaptation for 2-part treble voices is a perfect selection for teaching phrasing, dynamics and style. An expressive and reflective choice for festival and competition use. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Based on the traditional African American spiritual, this setting depicts the story of Noah and the flood. After the baritone soloist introduces the chorus of the spiritual, the SSATB choir responds with a harmonized version. The audience gets the opportunity to participate in this gospel-style arrangement by making percussive rain sounds during the 2-measure breaks of the closing section. Rhythm/Trumpets parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-3, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:30.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

The theme of the river functioning as a source of life, reflection, rejuvenation, prayer, cleansing and freedom infuses this popular spiritual with layers of meaning. This arrangement is designed to strengthen part independence with developing choirs and is an ideal selection for combining choirs and levels.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Original music to a text by Langston Hughes combine with the old spiritual Oh, Freedom to create a gospel showcase for young singers that will build vocal and performance skills through the message of freedom for all. Perfect for honor choirs, MLK concerts and many other types of programs.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This latest selection from the Henry Leck Creating Choral Artistry series was debuted by the ACDA Junior High Honor Choir in February 2003. Based on the Kenyan phrase for the voice of the dove this composition combines the imagery of the African landscape and its musical essence. Available separately: SATB, SAB and SSAA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Building on the heritage of the great arrangements of Hairston and Hogan, Rollo Dilworth creates his own unique approach in this setting for treble voices. Through layering of motivic material, and percussive effects in the lyrics, elements of jazz, blues and gospel music combine to great success in portraying Elijah's dramatic ascension into heaven.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This vibrant setting of the favorite spiritual for treble voices will shine in performance with its crisp rhythms, call and response phrases and unexpected harmonic turns. Not to be missed!

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This celebratory Latin text forms the framework for this gospel flavored work for young voices. The form of the music is ABA leading to a layered section that builds to a dynamic and forte conclusion. Excellent for contest, concert and festival performances! Duration: ca. 3:10.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

In this oft-performed spiritual, the Bible tells that a vision of two wheels intersecting was shown to Ezekiel, signifying the spirit of living creatures. Rollo Dilworth's arrangement of this song doubles down on the wheel imagery, with cyclical melodic passages throughout and a piano part to match.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Composer: Traditional

The modal melodies, bluesy piano accompaniment, whispered warnings and layered percussion in this setting of the traditional spiritual create a mysterious atmosphere that dramatically tells the story of the Underground Railroad. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Now available for treble voices, written for the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Children's Choir, this jazz-infused gospel original was inspired by the great spirituals of the past. Marked by invigorating rhythms, bluesy melodies and full harmonies, this work makes a wonderful concert closer or mass-choir finale.

Composer: Rollo Dilworth

Quotes of the beloved spiritual Hold On are combined with excerpts from Freedom's Plow by Langston Hughes in this powerful and dramatic work commissioned by the St. Louis Symphony. Themes of the struggle for liberty and justice throughout America and the world make this a magnificent concert closer for festival and community performances with keyboard, bass and drums or the optional orchestral accompaniment! Available separately: SATB divisi, Orchestra score and parts (fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2 (btbn), bells, perc 1-2, vn 1-2, va, vc, db). Duration: ca. 5:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

The unmistakable flair of an urban gospel style is front and center in this arrangement of a classic spiritual. Carefully considered idiomatic part writing opens this engaging genre to choirs of every size and ability. The piano part is a delight, providing the proper balance of support and spice. A timeless message, profound in its simplicity, affirms the walk of faith and our eternal destiny!

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Antonín Dvorák wrote his 9th Symphony From the New World while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. He was directly influenced by Harry T. Burleigh, a student at the National Conservatory at the time. The musical theme from the Largo movement was adapted into the spiritual-like Goin' Home by Dvorák pupil William Arms Fisher. This beautiful melody along with the powerful lyrics are here set in an African American gospel style, including a quote from the spiritual Deep River.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Composer: Antonin Dvorák

Your singers will develop important expressive skills in this setting of two traditional spirituals, Walk Together, Children and There's Going To Be a Meeting Here Tonight, that combine in an uplifting celebration of emotion and joy. Your singers will be instructed in the history of these songs and how they impacted the struggle for freedom. Perform with piano or the optional instrumental ensemble.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Now available for mixed choirs! Call-and-response vocals, a gospel-inspired accompaniment and blues improvisations combine to create a spiritual setting that is a jubilant expression of joy for hoped-for freedom and social justice which is to come.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

The thought of the great judgment day was an important theme to the slaves who relied on a better life after to help them through their slavery. This spiritual is full of hope, captured in all of its essence by one of America's great arrangers of concert spirituals.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Two traditional spirituals, The Gospel Train and I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table, are combined in this new arrangement by Dilworth. The train-like piano accompaniment (or ShowTrax CD) propels the vocals to a rousing finish. Performance Time: Approx. 1:40.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Walk with me, sing with me, work with me - this song encourages understanding and unity with a steady and rhythmic energy that just builds and builds! Ideal for concerts and festivals, this compelling work truly brings people together! Duration: ca. 3:20.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This new original incorporates This Little Light of Mine, a supportive piano part and strong choral writing making it a perfect closer for all-state and honor choirs. When in the darkness, hold the light!Available separately: SSAA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Now available for young singers in a 2-Part treble voicing, this treasured folk hymn comes alive in this vibrant gospel setting by Rollo Dilworth. An excellent concert opener!

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Introduce your young treble choir to this glorious spiritual with this well-crafted and expressive setting with its steady, walking bass line, gospel harmonies and haunting vocal effects. Powerful words and and a powerful message! Available separately: 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Throughout their history, African American spirituals have been sung in a variety of contexts, from plantation fields to places of worship to concert halls. The genre has served the purpose of communicating messages of faith, hope, inspiration, equality and freedom. This setting has special significance related to the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for justice and equality.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Adapted from the gospel-style interpretation of the hymn, His Eye Is on the Sparrow, originally performed and recorded by the Georgia Mass Choir, this setting has been lowered a step and a bass part added, making it an inspirational choice for gospel, church and concert choirs.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Here is a dramatic setting of the classic spiritual that will uphold the traditions of the style and enrich the experience of the singers and listeners. Your choir will display the full range of their vocal skill, creating a powerful audience reaction. With optional clarinet or soprano sax, rhythm and horns. Available separately: SATB, ChoirTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (cl/ssx, tpt, tbn, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:15.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Your choirs will enjoy singing this gospel-inspired setting of the much-loved Psalm 121. Opportunities to teach vocal blend abound.

Composer: Rollo Dilworth

Celebrate the new life that spring brings in this work that is based on a Langston Hughes text and features a baritone soloist, call and response phrases between upper and lower voices, and finally a layered gospel-style section with sopranos floating on top with the text in time of silver rain when spring and life are new. A companion work to When Storms Arise (HL08711567) and Didn't It Rain (HL08711568). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Celebrate the new life that spring brings in this work that is based on a Langston Hughes text and features a baritone soloist, call and response phrases between upper and lower voices, and finally a layered gospel-style section with sopranos floating on top with the text in time of silver rain when spring and life are new. A companion work to When Storms Arise (HL08711567) and Didn't It Rain (HL08711568). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Uses: General, Call to Worship, Introit, Concert Scripture: Psalm 17:5-7; Psalm 102; John 22:26-29 Here's a gospel-styled choral with a highly original voice. Parallel harmonic movement and earthy harmonies provide great impact as the choir sings, Send us Your love, let it rain from above. Dramatic and primal, this brief, yet effective song is a welcome call to worship in sanctuaries and an excellent opener in concert halls. Highly recommended! Instrumental parts (b, dm) available as a digital download.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Dilworth pays homage to Moses Hogan in this powerhouse. A tambourine drives the rhythm as the fiery vocals build to a breathtaking ending. Spectacular!

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Set in a spirited gospel swing, the traditional African American spiritual is paired with When the Saints Go Marching In. With both songs referencing the chosen number of souls to ascend to heaven and the melodies fitting together as partners, this setting is ideal for developing and strengthening part singing independence.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

This spirited telling of the story of Jonah is sure to be a favorite of singers young and old alike. The strong accompaniment helps support the energetic vocal lines as they recall the three days and nights that changed Jonah forever.Available separately: SATB, SSA and TTB. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth