In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

How Can I Keep from Singing?

Music by Robert Wadsworth Lowry

How Can I Keep From Singing?" (also known by its incipit "My Life Flows On in Endless Song") is a Christian hymn with music written by American Baptist minister Robert Wadsworth Lowry. The song is frequently, though erroneously, cited as a traditional Quaker or Shaker hymn. The original composition has now entered into the public domain, and appears in several hymnals and song collections, both in its original form and with a revised text. Though it was not originally a Quaker hymn, twentieth-century Quakers adopted it as their own and use it widely today.

Release Date: 1869

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-16 of 16 items.

Bob Chilcott / Peter Hunt : SongStream

SongStream is an exciting and innovative collection of 10 songs for youth choirs. Largely scored for SAB, with some divisi and optional parts, these songs combine the music of Bob Chilcott and the Voiceworks approach of Peter Hunt to present a dazzling array of pieces in all styles for young singers. Here are original compositions and arrangements, a gentle Japanese song and a gutsy setting of a Native American text, a funky spiritual and a Beatles encore, a tranquil folksong and a song noisily celebrating life and youthful energy. Accessible, relevant, and heart-warming, these pieces will communicate directly with young singers and their audiences and freshen any concert programme.

Songlist: Aka-Tonbo, Blue Mountain River, Can You Hear Me?, Give Me Strength, How Can I Keep From Singing?, The Ribbon, Shake the Bottle, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Three Country Dances In One, With A Little Help From My Friends

Larry Pugh (editor) : 6 Anthems For Women's Voices

Six attractive SSA anthems varied in musical style, both seasonal and non-seasonal in service usage, and all best-sellers in separate octavo format from some of today's favorite composers are now offered in this remarkable budget-stretching choral collection: "6 Anthems for Women's Voices." Let the men of the choir join their families in the congregation for Sunday worship and have the opportunity to enjoy hearing their female cohorts sing these inspirational anthems not only a great treat, but one in which they can reciprocate with the use of the companion volume of "7 Anthems for Men's Voices!". It is a wonderful opportunity to offer musical variety for the congregation, a Sunday "off" for half your choir, and to feature the talents of your female choir members.

Songlist: How Can I Keep From Singing?, Lulay Alleluia, I'm Gonna Sing, Christ Came To Bethlahem, Prayer For Peace, Father (O God), We Worship You

Marty Parks : Celebrate! The Joy And Wonder Of Christmas - Choral Book

Created especially for Senior Adult Choirs, this musical features Large Print and No Repeats, easy-to-sing vocals, and the always-appreciated musical sensibility of Marty Parks. Experience the sometimes festive, sometimes majestic, and sometimes worshipful orchestral beds found in this new work by Marty Parks, as they create a musical foundation giving launch to the powerful vocals and compelling narrations crafted by one of the church's favorite arrangers and musical statesmen. It is also perfect for any choir with limited rehearsal time or any choir looking for a well-crafted, yet easy-to-sing musical for Christmas! Your presentation will be made even more special with the use of the visually compelling DVD Accompaniment Track, created to increase the impact this new musical will have on your choir, congregation and community as together they Celebrate! The Joy and Wonder of Christmas.

Songlist: His Glorious Name, Name Above All Names, Joy to the World, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Jesus, Child of Wonder, O Come, Let Us Adore Him, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came upon The Midnight Clear, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Child of Mary, Son of Heaven, What Child Is this?, Celebrate! The Joy and Wonder of Christmas

Sarah Quartel : Songbook for Mixed Voices

The Sarah Quartel Songbook brings together a selection of the composer's best-loved pieces for upper voices, including favourites such as The Birds' Lullaby, I remember, and All the way home. This is an invaluable resource both for choirs looking to explore the work of this fine choral composer for the first time and for admirers of Quartel's style hoping to find staple repertoire conveniently gathered together in one volume.

Songlist: Wide Open Spaces, Sing, my Child, All the way home, How can I keep from singing?, 'Hope' is the thing with feathers, Swept Away, Voice on the Wind, I know a bank where the wild thyme grows, One of these Days, The Parting Glass

Various Arrangers : American Hymns for Male Voices

Judy Herrington established her reputation through her conducting work with the Tacoma Youth Chorus. Later, her books, folk song arrangements and choral series produced an ardent following. This a cappella arrangement of one of the great American hymns "How Can I Keep From Singing" is another tribute to her excellent work. "Bound For The Promised Land" - Canonic imitation and development propel this sturdy folk setting to a powerful and dramatic conclusion arranged by Emily Crocker. Here is an arrangement of "Almighty Father" by the great Leonard Bernstein.

Songlist: The Lord's Prayer, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Bound For The Promised Land, Almighty Father

Various Arrangers : Intermediate Repertoire for Treble Voices

The text of "Wind Song" is derived from the names for different types and characters of winds found all over the globe. Each wind is presented in its own language, and the mood of each is reflected in the music. Written to excite and intrigue, the creative and improvisatory work for women's choir "'s No Wonder" highlights the double meaning of the title. It's no wonder that winter itself creates snow wonder. The musical structure of "How Can I Keep From Singing?" is similar to the well known American folk hymn, Amazing Grace. A verse of Amazing Grace is included in the last section of this arrangement. "Songs From Gahu is a recreational piece of the Ewe (eh-weh), who live in Ghana and Togo, West Africa. Gahu" is a rich texture of singing, dancing, drumming, drama and the visual impact of colorful costumes. It originated in Nigeria and was brought to Ghana in the 1950's by Ewes who had travelled there, "Gahu" means "expensive dance" and refers to the elaborate nature of the costumes. These four songs (among many others) accompany the dancing and drumming of Gahu.

Songlist: Songs From Gahu, How Can I Keep from Singing?, 's No Wonder, Wind Song

Andy Beck : American Folk Songs for Two

Combine any two vocalists to study and perform these exceptional duets of traditional American folk songs. Includes a carefully selected variety of familiar favorites. Titles: Billy Boy * Down in the Valley to Pray * Every Night When the Sun Goes In * Go 'Way from My Window * How Can I Keep from Singing? * Poor Boy * Simple Gifts * Sourwood Mountain * Sun Don't Set in the Mornin' * The Water Is Wide. A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection.

Songlist: Billy Boy, Down in the Valley to Pray, Every Night When the Sun Goes In, Go 'Way from My Window, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Poor Boy, Simple Gifts, Sourwood Mountain, Sun Don't Set in the Mornin', The Water Is Wide

Jay Althouse : American Folk Songs for Solo Singers - Medium Low

Songlist: Bright Morning Stars, Down in the Valley to Pray, Honey Babe, How Can I Keep from Singing?, My Lord, What a Mornin', Nine Hundred Miles, Old Joe Clark, Pretty Little Girl, Shenandoah, Simple Gifts, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Sun Don't Set in the Mornin', The Water Is Wide

Jay Althouse : American Folk Songs for Solo Singers - Medium High

Most vocal teachers have already discovered Jay's extremely popular Folk Songs for Solo Singers collections. And now, Alfred is excited to offer another for vocal students and their teachers! American Folk Songs for Solo Singers includes an excellent variety of solo material for recitals, concerts, and contests, available in two voicings. Titles: Bright Morning Stars * Down in the Valley to Pray * Honey Babe * How Can I Keep from Singing? * My Lord, What a Morning * Nine Hundred Miles * Old Joe Clark * Pretty Little Girl * Shenandoah * Simple Gifts * Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child * Sun Don't Set in the Mornin' * The Water Is Wide.

Songlist: Down in the Valley to Pray, Honey Babe, How Can I Keep from Singing?, My Lord, What a Morning, Bright Morning Stars, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Sun Don't Set in the Mornin', The Water Is Wide, Old Joe Clark, Pretty Little Girl, Shenandoah, Simple Gifts, Nine Hundred Miles

Sally K. Albrecht : 12 Folk Songs for Solo Singers - Medium High Voice

This excellent collection of 12 varied folk songs from near and far offers fresh settings by well-known Alfred Music arrangers including Jay Althouse, Andy Beck, Mark Hayes, Douglas E. Wagner, Dave and Jean Perry, and more. Available in Medium High and Medium Low editions. Titles are: A-Roving * Arirang * By Waters Clear and Flowing * How Can I Keep from Singing? * Johnny's Gone * Land of Our Dreams * The Lass from the Low Country * Ol' Dan Tucker * Star of the County Down * Sun Don't Set in the Mornin' * Waters Ripple and Flow * Where the Sea Meets the Sky.

Songlist: A-Roving, Arirang, By Waters Clear and Flowing, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Johnny's Gone, Land of Our Dreams, The Lass from the Low Country, Ol' Dan Tucker, Star of the County Down, Sun Don't Set in the Mornin', Waters Ripple and Flow, Where the Sea Meets the Sky

Sally K. Albrecht : 12 Folk Songs for Solo Singers - Medium High Voice

Sally K. Albrecht : 12 Folk Songs for Solo Singers - Medium Low Voice

Various : Sing Praise: Sacred Vocal Solos

This compilation of vocal solo material is suitable for varied worship conditions.

Songlist: Be Still, Bless the Lord, All Nations, Bread of Heaven, Come to Me, All You Who Labor, Covenant Prayer, How Can I Keep from Singing? , I am Jesus' Little Lamb, If I Say That You Are Holy, In the Breaking of the Bread, The Lamb, Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song, Soft Mist is Rising, Thy Holy Wings, We Walk by Faith

Various Arrangers : Best of Songs of Inspiration and Celebration

30 well-known songs in attractive arrangements for 1-2 voices with easy-to-play piano accompaniments and guitar frames.

Songlist: All Things Bright and Beautiful, Amazing Grace, America, The Beautiful, Auld Lang Syne, Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, For He's a Jolly Good Fellow, For the Beauty of the Earth, God of Our Fathers, God Save the Queen, Great Day!, Heart of Oak, He's Got the Whole World, Home! Sweet Home!, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, How Can I Keep from Singing?, I Got a Home in That Rock, I Vow to Thee, My Country, Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, Land of My Fathers, Men of Harlech, O Canada!, O God, Our Help in Ages Past, Rule, Britannia, Simple Gifts, Shall We Gather at the River?, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Maple Leaf For Ever!, This Land of Ours, This Little Light of Mine

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-19 of 19 items.

Mary Donnelly : How Can I Keep from Singing?

This gentle folk hymn is expertly arranged for young singers with a simple partner melody. Excellent 2-part programming! Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:35.

Arranger: Mary Donnelly

Kirby Shaw : How Can I Keep from Singing?

You've heard many arrangements of this beautiful American folk hymn, but none quite like this. Kirby Shaw's unique style brings out the inherent joy of the traditional text. Throughout the piece, contemporary a cappella techniques use sections of the choir as accompaniment, and a bright chord structure yields a current sound.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

David Schwoebel : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Here's a wonderful new treatment of the well-known American hymn from David Schwoebel. Utilizing a bluesy chromatic harmony and an optional clarinet obbligato, this classic sings in a place it has not visited before - and it is delightful. Supported by a brilliant piano accompaniment and full of great vocal lines, this is a beautiful church choir anthem.

Arranger: David Schwoebel | Composer: Robert Lowry

Mack Wilberg : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Wilberg's arrangement of Robert Lowry's text and melody is a beautifully reflective take on the well-known hymn. Simple vocal lines are enhanced by a gently flowing accompaniment, rich in suspensions and harmonic interest. This part can be played on the piano, or by the unusual combination of flutes, cors anglais, harp, and strings.

Composer: Mack Wilberg

Becki Slagle Mayo : How Can I Keep from Singing?

This arrangement for SSA voices is unique and accessible for developing choirs. The opening and closing antiphonal refrain, major and minor modes with homophonic and contrapuntal harmony, beautifully paints the text asking, How can I keep from singing? Available separately: SSA, PianoTrax CD. Duration: 3:31.

Arranger: Becki Slagle Mayo

Andy Beck : How Can I Keep from Singing?

A cherished melody and poignant text are skillfully set for contemporary choirs. Deliberate simplicity promotes freedom of the voice and understanding of the text. Highly effective, but easy to prepare.

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: American Folk Hymn

Janet Whitcomb Pummill : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Thoughtfully set to a new tune supported by a majestic piano accompaniment. The vocal lines seem to emulate the echos of the hills where this text may have first been sung. The rich choral texture and dramatic rise and fall of the work will make this a good selection for festival choirs. Length: 5:20

Arranger: Janet Whitcomb Pummill | Composer: Robert Lowry

Robert Wadsworth Lowry; Karen P Thomas : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Starting with the most innocent of beginnings and featuring the famous treble melody, this piece builds to a dramatic ending while maintaining the integrity of the original tune. Set for both treble and mixed voices, it is a beautiful celebration of Lowry's hymn.

Composer: Robert Wadsworth Lowry; Karen P Thomas

Robert Wadsworth Lowry; Karen P Thomas : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Composer: Robert Wadsworth Lowry; Karen P Thomas

Tony Alonso : How Can I Keep from Singing?

For cantor or soloist.

Arranger: Tony Alonso | Composer: Robert Lowry

Jay Althouse : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Singers will cherish this sublime Quaker song, taken from our rich heritage of American folk music. As experienced conductors have come to expect from the gifted arranger, Jay's setting is artful in its simplicity, elegant in its effect.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Sarah Quartel : How Can I Keep from Singing?

This lively reimagining of the traditional hymn is a thrilling a cappella arrangement which pairs the soaring legato melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. Together, these elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound joy contained in the text. Also including moments of tenderness and reflection, the piece comes to a rousing close with an energy that engages singers and audience alike.

Composer: Sarah Quartel

Rene Clausen : How Can I Keep From Singing?

When most conductors see the name Rene Clausen attached to a piece of music, they tend to associate that selection with college or professional singers. Happily, on occasion, Rene brings his compositional talents and deep understanding of the voice to a broader range of ensembles. Although not easy, this piece is perfectly suitable for a high school or community treble choir.

Composer: Rene Clausen

Gerald Custer : How Can I Keep from Singing?

A duple-meter version of this famous Robert Lowry hymn, scored for SATB divisi and organ. An interpretation that is straightforward and chorale-like, rather than the frequently heard folklike settings. Produces a big choral sound.

Arranger: Gerald Custer | Composer: Robert Lowry

Gwyneth Walker : How Can I Keep from Singing?

A very popular setting of the most popular Quaker hymn c. 1800.<

Composer: Gwyneth Walker

Greg Gilpin : How Can I Keep From Singing?

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Rollo Dilworth : How Can I Keep from Singing?

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

Judith Herrington : How Can I Keep from Singing?

Arranger: Judith Herrington

Emily Crocker : How Can I Keep from Singing?

This plaintive 19th century melody, popularized by the 60s folk movement in a simple and elegant a cappella setting makes a wonderful feature for treble or mixed choirs, especially in a warm acoustic setting.Available separately: SAB and SSA. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20

Arranger: Emily Crocker