Spirituals and Gospel Choral Music

Work songs, railroad songs and songs of travel are important components of the American folk song tradition. This attention to historical style is on full display in this carefully constructed treble

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

Here we have a fresh new take on this familiar African-American spiritual featuring contemporary jazz harmonies, added passing tones that bring passion and excitement, a small group descant, and a steady

Set in a spirited gospel swing, this traditional African American spiritual is paired with When the Saints Go Marching In in an arrangement with a dynamic modern feel. With both songs

This jazz-infused gospel original was inspired by the great spirituals of the past. Marked by invigorating rhythms, bluesy melodies and full harmonies, with a truly authentic gospel-style piano

Opening expressively with a solo, this spiritual favorite moves forward into a brisk tempo that will showcase developing SSA choirs with style! Well-written vocal parts and a supportive accompaniment make

This exciting setting of the favorite spiritual will make your women's or mixed choir sound fantastic! With crisp rhythmic figures, call-and-response phrases, unexpected harmonic turns, and handclaps, it is

The famous text of Charles A. Tindley's hymn The Storm Is Passing Over forms the lyric framework for this modern concert gospel piece. This powerful setting is marked by sturdy gospel harmonies, a

Based on the two African-American spirituals Who Built the Ark? and Hoist the Window, Noah, this dynamic arrangement gives a creative retelling of the story of Noah. Unison

The wistful layered melodies, undulating piano accompaniment, and plaintive violin obbligato create a mysterious atmosphere in this accessible work that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. Arranged

Charged with gospel-style excitement, this traditional spiritual comes alive with energy and style. A powerful chorus, hand claps, a stacked vocal section and a key change build to a big ending that is sure

Combining the traditional spiritual I Want To Be Ready, a powerful piano accompaniment, and a gospel setting, this arrangement allows the singers to really dig in and sing with the full power of

Opening with a slow, unaccompanied statement of the refrain, this dramatic setting of the traditional spiritual then unfolds in a tremendously exciting way. Includes optional congas and electric bass.

This spiritual tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites to safety through the parted waters of the Red Sea. This arrangement, set in a flowing 6/8 meter, features gospel and jazz style harmonies in

Your singers will develop important expressive skills in this setting of two traditional spirituals, Walk Together, Children and There's Going to Be a Meeting Here Tonight, that combine in

"Ring dem bells..." is a recurring motive in this authentic gospel-style setting of the traditional spiritual, and the effect is fantastic! It's a song of celebration, anticipation, freedom and hope, and

This southern gospel spiritual will raise the roof of your concert hall or sanctuary with a "Saturday night revival" feel and foot-tapping a cappella harmonies! Add the hand-claps to bring it on home!

This gospel/jazz song is best known for the 1967 Nina Simone recording. It makes a wonderful choral showcase, testifying to the longing for freedom and justice for all people.

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

This vivid and powerful work is loosely inspired by the traditional spiritual Didn't It Rain. It opens with a recollection of the story of Noah's flood, then shifts to reflect on the impact of

This accessible, well-crafted arrangement of the traditional spiritual features solid vocal harmonies over a rhythmic gospel piano accompaniment. It's full of spirit and joy!