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

Upbeat and energetic, this spiritual setting is fresh and contemporary sounding, and it's a great confidence builder. Full of powerful and dramatic vocal effects and with carefully constructed ranges for

Rhythmic, driving, and intense, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual with themes of home, journey, and trial is based on the 1950s Mahalia Jackson version with an Afro-Cuban beat. Add string bass

Recognized for its connection to the Underground Railroad by signaling the direction north, this traditional spiritual offers many teaching moments. This exciting arrangement is rhythmic and well supported

Authentically based on the arranger's early singing experiences, this adaptation of the traditional spiritual brings together a hybrid of styles, including gospel, pop, and jazz. A hushed introduction

The clever interplay between the vocal lines is really fun! A solid, swingin' interpretation of the traditional spiritual with a funky, bluesy piano accompaniment, this will be very impressive in

Commissioned by the Fort Worth Chorale's Schola Cantorum Project, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual contains a message of indirect warning to be wary of whom to trust and how much one should

The traditional spiritual Run, Mary, Run is full of courage, rhythmic integrity, and melodic interest. Interwoven with the folk hymn Wayfaring Stranger, this arrangement is a heartfelt

A solid piano accompaniment keeps the momentum going all the way through this gospel-swing treatment of the beloved African-American spiritual. Plenty of repetition makes it easy to learn, and multiple

With options for bass, percussion, body percussion, and a cappella singing, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual from the Georgia Sea Islands is easy to learn and an absolute joy to sing. This

Your students will love singing this traditional spiritual arranged in an upbeat, gospel style! Call-and-response singing, stacked vocal harmonies, and a funky bridge make this piece oh so fun to sing.

This fantastic stylized arrangement will appeal to choirs at many levels. Singable and skillfully arranged, this setting is fun, exciting, and captures the gentle joy of this spiritual. The piano

This gospel arrangement of the traditional spiritual is not only restylized, it's given new text as well: "Over my head, I hear music in the air. There must be joy somewhere." Celebrate singing, music, and

This new take on a traditional spiritual is packed with uplifting energy from beginning to end and is great for both sacred and secular performances. The familiar tune has been arranged with fun and

This gospel selection speaks to the need for all to join together in unity and harmony, to help each other without judgement and love each other without boundaries. Set in the original key, the text with

Fun harmonies, cool syncopation, and exuberant rhythmic energy abound in this highly creative arrangement of the traditional spiritual, also quoting I've Got Peace Like a River. The spirited,

A spirited original melody paired with the traditional spiritual Little David, Play on Your Harp is the foundation of this bright and bouncy offering. With its accessible partner-song format, this

This creative, accessible, and well-crafted setting features a rhythmic vocal ostinato that allows each section to shine as they sing the melody. The supportive piano accompaniment provides an infectious

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

This delightful partnering of two traditional spirituals in a rhythmic, jazzy style is both easy to teach and fun for your singers. Both songs are introduced in unison and two-part harmony before partnering

In this traditional spiritual arrangement, accented rhythms in the vocal lines and the supportive piano part drive the energetic vitality, while counterpoint and a pianissimo staccato section provide vocal

Here's an original work set in a gospel style with an accessible piano accompaniment that supports the vocals but allows for some improvisation, along with the opportunity to add bass and drums for extra

The traditional spiritual takes on new life with a driving rock-style setting. Pop and gospel harmonies surround the familiar melody, and the energy is simply nonstop from beginning to end. This is a

In a rollicking concert gospel setting, this traditional spiritual really shines! The positive text brings a spirit of hope and optimism to the world, which is surely needed. The piano accompaniment and