When the Spirit Says Sing: New Folksongs & Spirituals for Choir Friday, February 21, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
When the Spirit Says Sing arr. Rollo Dilworth, SSA with piano
This well-loved spiritual is set for developing choirs and will be equally useful for both the contest hall and the concert stage. Your singers will want to come back to this one again and again!
There’s a Hole in the Bucket arr. Blake Richter, 2-part with piano
Children’s songs leave a legacy in our lives, and this arrangement of “There’s a Hole in the Bucket” will bring the song to life for your young singers. True to form, Blake Richter has set this song with pedagogical expertise and lots of fun!
Climbin’ Up the Mountain arr. Stacey V. Gibbs, SATB a cappella
Fun and energetic, this gospel-style a cappella arrangement of the traditional spiritual is easy to learn and dynamic to perform. There’s plenty of repetition and very little divisi, making this approachable for most mixed choirs.
I’m On My Way arr. Anthony Trecek-King, SATB with piano
Rhythmic, driving, and intense, “I’m On My Way” is a rich selection for two-part treble choruses. A lesser-known spiritual speaking to themes of home, journey, and trial. An accessible and dynamic arrangement.
This Little Light of Mine arr. Robert T. Gibson, SATB with piano
Robert T. Gibson’s fantastic arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” will appeal to many levels of mixed choruses. Singable and skillfully arranged, this setting is fun, exciting, and captures the gentle joy of this spiritual. The piano accompaniment is simple and supportive, with room for improvisation.
Until I Reach My Home arr. Brandon A. Boyd, TTBB with piano and optional string bass & percussion or orchestra
Spirituals, folk tunes, and gospel music have enjoyed great popularity during the last century. Much is owed to collector-composers such as Nathaniel Dett for holding onto primary source materials now available to current arrangers. Here, Brandon A. Boyd provides us with a wonderful arrangement for tenor-bass voices (TTBB) with piano. A guide to “hidden messages” and pronunciation considerations is included.
I Got Shoes arr. Stacey V. Gibbs, SATB a cappella
Acclaimed conductor and arranger Stacey V. Gibbs lends his signature sound to the beloved traditional spiritual. This timeless a cappella treatment is sure to be a reliable addition to the choral repertoire for years to come. Singers will enjoy vibrant stacked harmonies, call-and-response interjections, and a joyfully ornamented “I feel better, Lord” section, which adds to growing excitement throughout. Appropriate for concert, contest, and church.
The Battle of Jericho arr. Roger Emerson, SAT(B) with piano
Now available in an expanded vocal setting, this classic Emerson-style contemporary spiritual is a great confidence-booster for rebuilding and developing choirs. With powerful and dramatic vocal effects, it makes a great concert and festival finale!
The Water Is Wide (with Bring Me a Little Water, Sylvie) arr. Rollo Dilworth, SAB with piano
Two folksongs from different origins are expertly paired in this setting for SAB choirs. Gospel harmonies and an underlying rhythmic groove add contemporary flair!
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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.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.