Spirituals and Gospel Choral Music

A common theme among spirituals is "the great judgment day" and the idea of hope for a better future. Incorporating quotes from Great Day as well as original verses with a stylish gospel piano

Simple body percussion and an uncomplicated harmonic texture highlight the text in this traditional song that reflects on what it feels like to be alone. SEL assets, including lesson plans, suggestions, and

Your choirs will enjoy singing this original gospel-inspired concert setting of the much-loved Psalm 121 text. Fresh gospel harmonies, a dynamite piano accompaniment, and an upbeat tempo make this a

This blues-flavored arrangement of the beloved spiritual makes a great addition to middle school and community treble choirs with its dynamic vocal parts and spirited piano accompaniment. The water image

A powerful new setting of this traditional spiritual for treble voices. There is plenty of room for nuance, dynamic contrasts, independent voice parts, and the full vocal range required from the

Maya Angelou's famous text frames this majestic concert piece that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to one's purpose and destiny. Dilworth's setting is in his classic style with

With conservative ranges in all parts, this gospel-style spiritual arrangement is a great choice for younger choirs. Gospel harmonies, jazz and blues influences, bell-like effects, and a classic layered

Building on the heritage of the great arrangements of Jester Hairston and Moses Hogan, Rollo Dilworth has created his own unique approach to the traditional spiritual. Through layering of motivic material

This stylized gospel arrangement of the traditional spiritual features a terrific layered bridge section with traditional gospel stacking. Rock-solid choral writing and a beautifully written piano part give

With a slow gospel groove, this accessible concert work sets the traditional Latin text with full, rich harmonies in a slow 6/8. The piano accompaniment supports the harmonic motion while adding to the

This traditional arrangement of the time-honored spiritual is accessible for middle school choirs. The piece can be performed a cappella or with piano accompaniment and uses fully notated body percussion

This traditional spiritual carries in its essence the longing for peace and rest. The bittersweet spirit is front and center in this arrangement enhanced by sensitive part writing, an optional solo, and a

Here's a rockin' arrangement of a traditional African American spiritual that your treble choir will love to sing! Feature a few soloists, and let your alto section really shine on the melody in the second

Two African-American spirituals, Rise, Shine, for Thy Light Is A-Comin' and This Little Light of Mine, are combined in this solid setting. They work together beautifully! This is

This traditional spiritual encourages us all to persevere even in times of challenge and adversity. Set in a gospel style with call and response and repeated refrains, this work builds to a climactic chorus

The driving forward motion begins with the hushed opening and never lets up! This a cappella setting of the traditional spiritual is musically satisfying with full choral harmonies and fun vocal

Inspired by the Joseph Jennings arrangement of this same tune for Chanticleer, this arrangement combines the five-syllable "halleluia" with the timeless melody of the old spiritual. A true gospel piano part

This timeless spiritual has been arranged with Rollo Dilworth's unique signature harmonies and wonderful piano writing, with some original material incorporated. The smooth gospel setting includes a strong

This gospel-style spiritual setting for children's choir is a sensitive arrangement in a slow groove. Opening with a statement of the well-known tune in unison, the piece then allows each voice part to

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 is an inspirational choice for gospel,

Rollo Dilworth has combined this traditional freedom song - sung as an anthem of protest during the civil rights movement to spread the message of faith, determination and perseverance - with the words of

This upbeat spiritual is sure to make your singers and audience smile. The arrangement is accessible for two-part choirs, while syncopation, bluesy vocal riffs, staccato articulations, and melodic variation