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Displaying 1-15 of 15 items.
Craig McLeish : The Negro Speaks of Rivers Craig McLeish writes of The Negro Speaks of Rivers; Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the first black American to earn his living from writing. He was an innovator of jazz poetry, becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote plays, short stories, novels, and his poetry was widely read. He was also a journalist, columnist and lecturer. The Negro Speaks of Rivers was perhaps his earliest published work, written when only 17 and while travelling by train to Mexico to visit his father. As the train crossed the Mississippi he suddenly began thinking about how rivers had impacted on Negro history, particularly in the fight against slavery. The four rivers mentioned in the poem lent themselves to using musical influences from those particular regions. Songlist: I've Known Rivers, The Congo, The Euphrates, The Mississippi, The Nile 
Gwyneth Walker : Our Dream of Feedom Our Dream of Freedom is a set of four songs presenting four different statements about the dream of freedom. Songlist: Our Dream of Freedom: 1. Freedom Will Not Come Today & 2. Hold Fast to Dreams, Our Dream of Freedom: 3. The Dream Keeper, Our Dream of Freedom: 4. Dream of Freedom
Joel Thompson : The Caged Bird Sings for Freedom Commissioned by the professional choir Exigence and using the famous Maya Angelou text The Caged Bird, here is a concert setting for the very best choirs. The powerful message is perfect for modern times.
John W. Work : American Negro Songs - 230 Folk Songs 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
Joseph Martin : Of Faith and Freedom Celebrate our legacy of liberty and the foundations of our faith with this thoughtful new choral collection from the pen of Joseph Martin. Newly composed chorals and arrangements mingle with bestsellers to create a work of uncommon power and emotion. Included in this inspiring compilation are optional religious and civil service suggestions to make your presentation a meaningful and affirming declaration of our treasured values. Songlist: If My People, Once To Every Man And Nation, Song for the Unsung Hero, God of Our Fathers, Faith of Our Fathers, Prayer for our Time, Our Heritage of Faith
Langston Hughes : Dream of Freedom The poetry of Langston Hughes inspires this 25-minute choral suite, telling a story of many aspects of life, prayer, love, death, and perseverance. Through it all, these elements play into our constant struggle to be free, where freedom means more than just a word. For SATB voices, soloists and piano, movements include: Wisdom, Feet o' Jesus, Silence, Lonesome Corner, Autumn Thought, Still Here, Dream of Freedom, Words Like Freedom. Total Duration: ca: 25:00. Songlist: Wisdom, Silence, Lonesome Corner, Feet O' Jesus, Still Here, Words Like Freedom
Margaret Hamilton : Sing Freedom! Margaret Hamilton. This unique collection of songs from South Africa contains 35 songs of the people, performed in churches, workplaces and at gatherings. This book provides the first opportunity for churches, schools and colleges to perform these wonderful songs of liberation and Christian praise. Transcribed and introduced, including performance notes, by Maggie Hamilton and written for unaccompanied voices with guitar symbols for use with unison or two-part singing. The simplicity of many of the tunes and remaining parts makes them suitable for playing on glockenspiels, recorders or other melodic instruments. Published by Novello in association with Christian Aid. Foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Songlist: Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika (Lord Bless Africa), Inzima Lendleha (This Road is Heavy, Uthando Lwakhe (God's Love), Thuma Mina (Send Me), Tumelo Yaka ha Nkeke ka e Lathla (My Faith, I Will Never Lose It), Abasunda Nabamhlope (Blacks and Whites), Thula Sizwe (Be Silent, Nation), Tshollela Moya wa Hao, Jesu ( Pour Down Your Spirit, Lord), Hamba Vangeli (Spread the Word), Monateng Kapele (In Joy We Will Be Together), Say'ilim' Ingqolowa (We Are Ploughing Wheat), Lerato la Jeso le a Makatsa (The Love of Jesus is Wonderful), Siku rin Gwana (One Day), Ehlatin'e Lusaka (In Lusaka Bush), Studente sal Nooit Verloor (Students Will Never Lose), Stop Killing Our Children
Maya Angelou : Like Dust I Rise - Male Voices "Like Dust I Rise" is a choral song cycle from the poems of Maya Angelou which can be performed separately or as a set. "Equality" - This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. "On the Pulse of Morning" - Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. "Caged Bird" - A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. "Still I Rise" - Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! Songlist: Equality, On the Pulse of Morning, Caged Bird, Still I Rise
Maya Angelou : Like Dust I Rise - Mixed Voices "Like Dust I Rise" is a choral song cycle from the poems of Maya Angelou which can be performed separately or as a set. "Equality" - This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. "On the Pulse of Morning" - Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. "Caged Bird" - A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. "Still I Rise" - Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! Songlist: Equality, On the Pulse of Morning, Caged Bird, Still I Rise
Maya Angelou : Like Dust I Rise - Female Voices "Like Dust I Rise" is a choral song cycle from the poems of Maya Angelou which can be performed separately or as a set. "Equality" - This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. "On the Pulse of Morning" - Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. "Caged Bird" - A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. "Still I Rise" - Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time! Songlist: Equality, On the Pulse of Morning, Caged Bird, Still I Rise
Natalie Curtis Burlin : Negro Folk-Songs This collection of Negro folk songs represents a faithful effort to place on paper a precise record of old traditional plantation songs, exactly as they were sung by black students at Virginia's Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Dedicated to the education of former slaves, this nineteenth-century establishment was home to some 900 students from all parts of the United States. The songs were compiled by musicologist Natalie Curtis-Burlin, whose brilliant and careful notation presents a vivid transcription of actual performance. Included here are precise scores of nineteen spirituals, work-songs, and play-songs in four sections, each notated for male quartet, with a piano reduction of the vocal parts. From such spirituals as "Go down, Moses," "Couldn't hear nobody pray," "O ev-ry time I feel de spirit," and "Good news, chariot's comin'!" to more secular melodies such as "Cott'n-pickin' Song," "Hammerin' Song," "Liza-Jane," and "Lullaby," each piece is preceded by a detailed analysis of the music. In addition, all four sections feature thorough, engaging introductions that discuss the social context of the times, the people, and their music. Students, musicians, and musicologists interested in the priceless contributions of African Americans to the folk music of the United States will treasure this unique volume.
Ron Kean : The Journey of Harriet Tubman This 5-movement, multi-media, Choral Drama honors one of the great heroes of the emancipation era. Scholars have no idea how these spirituals were performed before the Civil War, but they agree that there was probably very little European influence. Dr. Kean's goal was to compose and arrange music in a style that is evocative of the enslaved Africans' frame of mind based upon their west African musical heritage and in their sociological context. He chose to accompany the spirituals with kalimba (thumb piano) to honor the west African tradition of connecting with ancestors and the marimba to sound like the west African balafon. Medium to difficult.
Ron Kean : The Journey of Harriet Tubman This 5-movement work pays tribute to one of the great heroes of the emancipation era. Ron Kean brings authentic expression to the spirituals that served mulitiple functions for the African-Americans of that time. The African heritage sings true in the renderings he offers, and the journey of those who sacrificed becomes a story we can relive and honor. A simple percussive accompaniment provides the foundation for a truly artistic expression that will move an audience to tears. Medium to difficult.
Various : I Have a Dream We come from many different lands, and no two journeys have been the same. Yet, we are all the followers of dreams. We are all followers of dreamers. Can you hear the heartbeat of the freedom marchers ... Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King? The dreams of peace, hope and freedom echo in our hearts from those who have gone before us. And to honor these dreamers and leaders, we must pledge to live the dream and keep hope alive! This Express Musical features 6 stirring songs of peace and freedom with short, connecting narrations that combine for a touching performance while requiring minimal rehearsal time. The Teacher Edition comes complete with piano/vocal arrangements of each song, narrations and choreography by John Jacobson. Young performers will enjoy the exciting full-color singer editions for extra visual appeal. Available: Teacher Edition, Singer 20-Pak, Performance/Accompaniment CD, Classroom Kit (Teacher book, 20 singer editions, and P/A CD). Performance Time: Approx. 25 minutes. For grades 3-6. Songlist: Down By The Riverside, Hallelujah, Get On Board, I Have A Dream, Like A Mighty Stream, The Rhythm Of My Soul, We Live The Dream
Various Artists : Slave Songs of the United States This 1867 landmark book represents the first systematic effort to collect and preserve the songs sung by the plantation slaves of the Old South. Most of the 130 songs, arranged by geographic area, were recorded directly from the singers themselves. Includes the melody line and all known verses to each song. |
Displaying 1-50 of 76 items.
Poet Langston Hughes writes, A long time ago, an enslaved people heading toward freedom made up a song: Keep Your Hand on the Plow! Hold On! The plow plowed a new furrow across the field of history. Into that furrow, the freedom seed was dropped. From that seed a tree grew, is growing, will ever grow. That tree is for you, and me and everybody. This is for an advanced choir with an accomplished accompanist.
Arranger: Joseph Joubert | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The Circle is a composition sensitive to the needs of a world growing ever more aware of social justice. Its text is based on the words of American poet Edwin Markham - He drew a circle that shut me out ... but love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in! The piece was notably performed by Tonality, an ensemble conducted by self-proclaimed music activist Alexander Lloyd Blake. Their award-winning rendition brought renewed attention to the piece's inclusive message and compelling musical setting.
Composer: Allan Robert Petker
The text expresses the universal message of liberty and freedom. A unique piece for women, it is both theatric and ethnic in its style, with a rhythmic djembe drum and a text that includes various translations of the word liberty. To properly realize its dramatic impact, it is recommended for the large choir.
Composer: Jenni Brandon
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 | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
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 | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Originally released in the 1940s, this strong message of justice and unity continues to speak to the hearts and minds of those who hear it. Recorded by a variety of artists including The Weavers, and Peter, Paul, and Mary, this arrangement includes an additional verse written by Pete Seeger.
Arranger: Robert DeCormier | Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Written by Bob Dylan and covered by countless artists, this protest song from the 1960s raises questions about peace, war and freedom. The answers are there, but not easy to find. This beautiful folk song is perfect for your concert setting and important for your students as they explore recent American history.
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Bob Dylan Performed By: Peter, Paul & Mary
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 | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Dedicated to Civil Rights pioneer Ella Baker, this song by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon is a powerful song of courage and struggle. "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes"
Arranger: Bernice Johnson Reagon Performed By: Sweet Honey In The Rock | Country: United States
This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues directly into the closing movement of Like Dust I Rise. When performing separately, Mark Hayes includes an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.
Arranger: Mark Hayes | Poetry By: Maya Angelou
Here's an ideal way to close a music festival or spring concert. Combining choir and band, this powerful setting traces America's roots through song, portraying the struggle for freedom and the pursuit of a dream. Using some of our most treasured folk songs, it paints a vivid picture of America's heritage. This dramatic finale will be a standard for your library for years to come. Includes: Shenandoah, Yankee Doodle, Cumberland Gap, The Banks of the Sacramento, Follow The Drinking Gourd, The Battle Cry of Freedom, The British Grenadiers, Chester, Old Joe Clark, The Yellow Rose of Texas, Deep River, America The Beautiful. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Concert Band. Performance Time: Approx. 7:00.
Arranger: Emily Crocker
Stephen Stills wrote this song after visiting a Civil War battle site and the emotion is still potent today: "All the brave soldiers that cannot get older been asking after you....Find the cost of freedom buried in the ground." The a cappella texture makes it especially moving.
Arranger: Nick Page
Believed to be written after the Civil War, this American folk song is often credited as a spiritual based on the idea that the words are encoded escape instructions and a map for fleeing slaves on their way north. The supportive and interesting piano accompaniment can be enhanced with ad lib. percussion while the melody, harmony, text, and rhythm combine to create an unforgettable performance.
Arranger: Glenda E. Franklin
This fifth movement from "Bandari" is set in the style of a South African freedom song. Easy choral writing and a narrator soloist provide an uplifting experience. The words may be altered to suit the occasion, be it Christmas or a special celebration. The music builds to a dramatic climax. Wonderful way to close a program.
Arranger: Ben Allaway
Written for the Conspirare Company of Voices and Craig Hella Johnson, this original work requires SATB soloists, SATB chorus (divisi) and some sort of percussion (the composer says "stick, or drum." ) Starting in the style of a slow spiritual, the piece builds in excitement as the four soloists (as well as some drawn from the chorus) improvise over the music. A thorough and thoughtful page of instructions is provided as to the overall performance and the improvisations (which are extensive and rhapsodic.) An amazing, energetic piece for your singers to encounter.
Composer: Robert Kyr
A confident medley of spirituals makes this octavo suitable for school, concert, or sanctuary stage. Showcasing the choir with solid SATB writing and a crafty piano part, this anthem is a call to liberty and a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Creatively set and arranged for success, your ensemble will love singing this collection of favorites and encouraging the listener in the celebration of freedom! Songs include: Oh, Freedom; Go Down, Moses; Slavery Chain Done Broke at Last.
Arranger: John Purifoy
Get on board the freedom train with this rousing original spiritual! The opening emulates the train beginning to roll down the tracks and the excitement picks up steam from there clear to the dynamic ending. The optional snare drum part adds texture and color to this creative gem, ideal for developing choirs. "Freedom train is comin', comin', Hallelu!"
Composer: Linda Spevacek
Inspired by two railroad songs, Jill Gallina has created this fun, energetic partner-song called Freedom Train. It bounces along atop an accompaniment that runs like a train and keeps this energetic piece on track. Beginning with unison singing and independent part-singing, the surprise partner-song appears and magic happens.
Arranger: Jill Gallina
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
A joyous and spirited call for unity, patriotism, and peace. Extremely singable and memorable melodies. Inspiring original text. Ample opportunity for optional solo work throughout. Terrific selection for combining middle school or junior high and high school choirs. Some divisi for the men also included. Perfect concert finale. Don't miss this one!
Composer: David A Perry
The dramatic song by American rap artist and actor Common and singer/songwriter John Legend is featured in the historical film drama Selma, based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders of the time. A powerful learning opportunity for a new generation
Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Lonnie Lynn Performed By: John Legend | TV/Movie: Selma
Crisp and rhythmic writing creates the original tune that is partnered with the spiritual Keep Your Lamps. An excellent choice for young and developing voices using short, musical phrases that weave throughout, creating an exciting learning process and performance. The piano is supportive and has the effect of a train rolling down the track keeping this arrangement flowing yet punctuated.
Composer: Jerry Estes
In a new SSAA voicing, this is an outstanding arrangement of the song originally penned by Walter Robinson and a timely honor as the anti-slavery activist's image will be on the new twenty dollar bill. A cappella vocals build with a come on up followed by rhythmic vocals under the hypnotic melody. Optional cabaca part helps to imitate a train along with vocal nuances resembling the sound of chains and a train whistle. Powerful and moving!
Arranger: Kathleen McGuire
Capturing the importance of the Greenfield poem and the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman's life, Rollo Dilworth has crafted a powerful new spiritual. Tubman was often referred to as a conductor of the Underground Railroad and as the Moses of her people. In recognition of these titles, musical themes from the spirituals If I Got My Ticket and Go Down, Moses have been incorporated into the score.
Composer: Rollo Dilworth
This moving work was commissioned by the Choral Arts Society of Washington in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and premiered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It was described by The Washington Post as a speaker's narration of the slain African American leader's accomplishments with a galvanizing chorus of pungent syncopations and emotional turbulence - of both the composer's own invention and assimilated spirituals. Available: SATB divisi. Performance Time: Approx. 14:40.
Arranger: Moses Hogan
How long will it be for freedom's light to shine on me? Call and response between soloist and choir dramatize the powerful plea for freedom in this extremely effective original spiritual.Available separately: SATB and SAB a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 1:50.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
One of Oscar Peterson's most heartfelt compositions and now once again available in the classic arrangements by Paul Read (SATB) and Seppo Hovi (SSA), this song has been embraced by choirs throughout the world. Now available with concert band and strings accompaniment arranged by Robert Buckley
Arranger: Paul Read
This arrangement was premiered by 2018 BHS International Chorus champion Vocal Majority to conclude their "swan song" set at the 2019 Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention in Salt Lake City, UT. Clancy's arrangement of this Oscar Peterson composition is simple, elegant, and powerful. Harriette Hamilton's lyric beautifully captures and communicates the spirit of inclusion and harmony of Peterson's composition, which has become a core characteristic of the BHS "Everyone in Harmony" initiative.
Arranger: Jim Clancy | Composer: Oscar Peterson
From her collection "Every Day's a Holiday" (30/2477H), Ruth Elaine Schram offers this powerful partner song that celebrates our freedom and equality. The lyrical original melody pairs with the traditional "We Shall Overcome" in vocal parts that are accessible and easily learned. Sensitive and thoughtful, this selection is perfect for young and developing choirs.
Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram
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
This gospel/jazz song written by Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas is best known for the 1967 Nina Simone recording and makes a wonderful choral showcase testifying to the longing for freedom and justice for all people.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Billy Taylor
"The Langston Hughes poem 'I, Too' is a powerful statement by an African-American writer. Although too often denied equal opportunity or respectful treatment in this country, the author claims his right as an American: 'I, too, sing America. The musical setting interprets this phrase literally. Not only does the author sing praises of his country, he also sings the words to the patriotic song, 'America' ('My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith: 1808-1895). The text of this song has been adapted to include references to African-American experiences.
Composer: Gwyneth Walker | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Craig Hella Johnson has become well known for outside the box programming, composing and arranging. Here is another great example. This folk song written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays in 1949 in support of the Progressive movement and later made popular by Peter, Paul and Mary is here arranged with a driving motif If I Had A Hammer by SATB divisi chorus. Hand percussion underpins this motif and the melody floats above. A powerful video of this by Conspirare lives on YouTube.
Arranger: Pete Seeger | Composer: Pete Seeger Performed By: Pete Seeger
The incomparable arranging talents of Robert DeCormier combined with this legendary Pete Seeger song will be a musical inspiration for your choirs and audiences. This arrangement is based on DeCormier's classic arrangement for the Weavers. Don't miss it! Performance Time: Approx. 2:10.
Arranger: Robert DeCormier | Composer: Pete Seeger Performed By: Pete Seeger | Country: United States
This tribute to the remarkable life and work of Pete Seeger will uplift and inspire. A great audience sing-along! Includes: If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song), Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season), We Shall Overcome, Where Have All the Flowers Gone.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Pete Seeger
Employing the Civil Rights refrain Let justice roll and a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar, this work is both inspirational and instructive. Set in a rhythmic groove, the work builds to a powerful gospel chorus with a harmonized melisma on the word roll as if to symbolize the spread of justice throughout the land. Ideal for MLK concerts, community events and concerts of all types.
Arranger: Rollo Dilworth
This wonderful song from the Underground Railroad movement is full of emotions. Those emotions are carefully captured here giving your singers the opportunity to pour themselves into this important music from an important time.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Written in answer to a call for connection in troubled times, this is about persistence, community and moving ahead. The composer reflects on multiple love warriors like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and others and reminds us that all of them started their movements out of the love of their people, not out of the hatred of someone else.
Composer: Melanie DeMore
Beginning with the key anthem from the civil rights movement,We Shall Overcome, Mark Hayes leads the singer into Bill Wither's song Lean On Me, creating a powerfully moving ballad of inspiration, hope, and courage. The orchestration adds even more spirit. Available separately: SATB, SAB, TTBB, SSA, Orchestration Score and Parts, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:55.
Arranger: Mark Hayes | Composer: Bill Withers Performed By: Pete Seeger
Grounded in the ideas, symbols, and threads of songs that have been born out of adversity, Dominick hints at South African freedom songs, 6/8 Gospel anthems and other styles indicative of this style. Megan Levad's text speaks to our need for neighborhood as we all search for ways to be connected to those around us. This is a moving and vital work for those looking for a socially conscious work.
Composer: Dominick DiOrio
The Latin and English texts stress the worldwide desire for freedom, combining a traditional Latin motet style with contemporary musical elements.
Composer: Jim Papoulis
My Country 'Tis of Thee and Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing are masterfully combined by Moses Hogan in this dramatic arrangement that uplifts and instructs. This work is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit that will be a great addition to your concert program.
Arranger: Moses Hogan
The haunting song by U2, recorded on the King's singers 'Good Vibrations' album.
Arranger: Bob Chilcott Performed By: U2
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize Laureate. Malala was shot in the head in an assassination attempt in retaliation for her activism. Following her long recovery, she became a prominent activist for the right to education. As we all struggle to find ways that we can make a difference in the world, this musical setting of a passage from her memoir, I Am Malala, offers an avenue for your singers to spread the message of peace and equality.
Composer: Ethan McGrath
Laura Farnell has drawn her inspiration for this gospel-style composition from the work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him, who worked to break down the barriers of racial and social discrimination. A gripping Van Dyke text delivers the powerful message: when we choose love and sing together in community, surely "peace and love will conquer hate and strife.
Arranger: Laura Farnell
Incorporating words from the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and three important songs of the Civil War era, this short medley is especially fitting for community and high school choir performances during Black History month, Civil War remembrances and other civic occasions. Songs include: Oh Freedom, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, Battle Hymn of the Republic. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 3:55.
Arranger: John Purifoy
The text, taken from a sermon by Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction." Composer Szymko shows her skill and compassion with the artistic setting of this powerful text.
Composer: Joan Szymko
"Freedom Will Not Come Today" is a forceful song. The piano introduction grows in dynamic intensity leading to the entrance of the chorus, marked "boldly". "Freedom will not come today, this year, or ever, through compromise and fear." This is a message of asserting one's right to freedom. #2. "Hold Fast to Dreams," in contrast, has a gentle theme. Dreams can be precious and fragile. Thus, florid passages in the piano accompaniment reflect the dreams as they float above us. "Hold fast...for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." At the end of this song a portion of the first song returns to link the dreams to the aspirations of freedom.
Composer: Gwyneth Walker
"The Dream Keeper" is a prayer for the protection of dreams. "Bring me all of your dreams, you dreamers." The choral writing is often in hymn style, while the arpeggiated piano accompaniment flows around the chorus, perhaps "wrapping" the dreamers in a "blue-cloud cloth" of safety from the harsh world.
Composer: Gwyneth Walker
"Dream of Freedom," is energetic, with rhythmic sounds coming from the chorus. This song represents the fight for freedom "with its back against the wall." The dream is described as "embattled". And the singing is marked "emphatically." Accents fill the musical score. Interspersed are quiet reminders of "Dreamers, dreamers, dream on." At the conclusion of the song comes the line "to save the dream for one it must be saved for all." Thus, the final chord expands to ten pitches, as "notes for all."
Composer: Gwyneth Walker
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