Good News! New Folksongs & Spirituals for Choir Friday, February 17, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Good News arr. Rollo Dilworth, 3-part treble with piano
Good news indeed. A powerful new setting of this traditional spiritual for treble voices. Plenty of room for nuance, dynamic contrasts, independent voice parts and the full vocal range required from the singers.
Bound for the Rio Grande arr. Andrew Parr, 3-part mixed with piano
Arranged for developing choirs with careful attention to ranges, this historic sea shanty is repetitive with enjoyable harmonies making the piece easy to learn and fun to sing.
Deep River arr. R. Nathaniel Dett, SATB a cappella
This a cappella arrangement was originally published in “The Dett Collection of Negro Spirituals” (1936). Share this impressive work with today’s choirs in a carefully crafted new edition by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett. The motet-like setting features an unaltered soprano melody that appears with each iteration of the refrain. Accompanying voices are imitative, with an ascending melody to represent the singer’s journey to heaven (“home over Jordan”). Publication includes brief background information to provide introductory context about R. Nathaniel Dett, a Black nationalistic composer, educator, conductor, and writer who transformed impressions of Black music during the early twentieth century.
Wade in the Water arr. Dan Davison, SAB with piano
Written specifically to bring success to developing choirs of all ages, this bold, exciting African-American spiritual arrangement features comfortable vocal ranges and easy-to-learn choral parts. This rhythmic setting abounds with solo opportunities for a variety of voice types and presents outstanding teaching opportunities for style and historical context. Equally appropriate for the concert stage or worship service.
Down by the Riverside arr. Robert T. Gibson, SATB with piano
This gospel-style kicker features the bass section on the familiar spiritual melody. It’s an arrangement crafted with tried-and-true techniques of the genre like rhythmic choral interjections, close triads, and ascending chord inversions. An exuberant add-on section shifts momentarily to bluesy minor, and a huge ritard at the end invites singers to bring the power. Raise the roof by performing with the lively SoundTrax or invite an improvising bass and drummer to play along. Premiered at the 2022 Missouri MEA conference under the direction of arranger Robert T. Gibson.
Hold On arr. Dan Davison, SSA with piano and optional percussion
With tremendous rhythmic variety, vitality, and even counterpoint, Davison creates a frenetic energy in this beloved African American spiritual. Ranges are perfect for emerging treble choirs in the middle and developing high school levels. Add the optional brake drum for greater effect.
Jack the Sailor arr. Larry Shackley, TBB with piano
This British folk song comes to life in this buoyant and bustling arrangement by Larry Shackley. Sensible voice leading and vocal harmonies coupled with a hearty piano accompaniment make this piece easy to prepare and exciting to perform. It’s a perfect work for tenor-bass ensembles!
Hold Me, Rock Me by Brian Tate, TTBB a cappella
This original makes clever use of texts from a variety of popular spirituals. Anyone who has ever yearned for belonging will relate to its message, and will enjoy the feeling of being rocked by its satisfying music!
Ezekiel Saw the Wheel arr. Rollo Dilworth, SSATB with piano
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.
Good News, the Chariot’s Comin’ arr. Stacey V. Gibbs, TTBB a cappella
Stacey Gibbs does it again! This spirited setting of the favorite spiritual for a cappella lower voices is easily learned and rhythmically accessible. An excellent concert or contest feature!
The Oak and the Ash arr. Philip Lawson, SAB with piano
Now available for SAB. Here is the traditional English North Country folksong in a delightful setting that will enhance the programs of choirs from children to adult.
Bound for the Promised Land arr. Rollo Dilworth, SATB with piano
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.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years and a former church choir director of 20 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!