Choral Bass 1, Bass 2, baritone voice tenor 1, tenor 2

SKU: CF.CM9634

Composed by Traditional Christmas Spiritual. Arranged by Ken Berg. Sws. Performance Score. 16 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 40 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9634. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9634).

ISBN 9781491157060. UPC: 680160915620. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: G major. English, English. Traditional Christmas Spiritual.

Berg's fantastic setting of this beloved American Christmas spiritual for advanced tenor-bass choirs tells a story of hope and meaning. The various textures throughout the a cappella arrangement with solos add much variety and musical interest. A holiday programming must!.
This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!) The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we'll call them the trio part henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song. The trio part, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener's ear with sound and rhythm. The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song. There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to snap into position cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58...this only happens once). The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the Jazz Trio role and actually become a Men's Choral Ensemble. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners! Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a vamp. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience. It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the vamp and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon! Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.
This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!)The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we’ll call them the “trio part” henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song.The “trio part”, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener’s ear with sound and rhythm.The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song.There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to “snap into position” cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58…this only happens once).The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the “Jazz Trio” role and actually become a “Men’s Choral Ensemble”. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners!Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a “vamp”. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience.It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the “vamp” and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon!Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.

Arranged by Melody Bober. Duet or Duo; Piano Supplemental; Promotional Packet. Christmas; Winter. Alfred Music #00-107043. Published by Alfred Music

Handbells (3-6 octaves) - Level 3

SKU: S2.20-2157SF

Composed by Jason W. Krug. Christmas. Handbell score. SoundForth #20/2157SF. Published by SoundForth (S2.20-2157SF).

ISBN 9780787767440.

This exciting piece for bells and optional percussion overflows with the same joy that the shepherds must have felt on the night they journeyed to see the newborn King! With a touch of island flavor, it brilliantly captures the awe of the shepherds as they quietly approach the Christ Child and their excitement as they spread the good news of His birth to others. Your ringers are sure to enjoy this festive, storytelling option for Christmas!

SKU: LO.99-4075L

Composed by Mark Hayes. Choral. Sacred Anthem, Christmas. Performance/accompaniment CD. Lorenz Publishing Company #99/4075L. Published by Lorenz Publishing Company (LO.99-4075L).

UPC: 000308154719.

Perfo rmance/accompaniment CD for 10/5374L This Mark Hayes arrangement of the traditional spiritual is full of fantastic artistry! A four-hand piano accompaniment supports dynamic and powerful choral writing with fresh, unique twists and turns while retaining the original character of the song. A two-hand piano part is also available. Don’t miss this full, stately Christmas anthem!

100 Carols for Choirs by David Willcocks; John Rutter. For Mostly SATB and piano. Mixed Voices. . . . for Choirs Collections. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Sacred, Secular. Paperback. 388 pages. Published by Oxford University Press

Composed by Stacey V. Gibbs. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series. Concert, General. Octavo. Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing (SB.SBMP-1437).

Compiled by Joan Frey Boytim. Songbook for medium voice and piano accompaniment. 160 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.

Arranged by Cynthia Dobrinski. For handbell choir (3-6 octaves) with optional 3-6 octave handchimes and Clarinet. Christmas, Blues, Gospel, Spirituals, Sacred. Grade 3. Handbell score. 8 pages

SSATB choir; orchestra

SKU: HP.GC994O

Arranged by Jack Schrader. Piano Accompaniment with Optional Orchestra. Advent, Christmas, Sacred. Set of Instrumental Parts. Hope Publishing Company #GC994O. Published by Hope Publishing Company (HP.GC994O).

UPC: 763628143282. Luke 2:8-15, Matthew 2:1,9-10.

Christmas Spiritual
Jack Schrader has given this favorite Christmas spiritual a relaxed, big-band, 'swing style' setting. Arranged for SSATB voices with piano or orchestra, this fresh setting is sure to fill the season with joy and good will. Jack's printed notes ask the singers to embrace the text that describes the mission of those first shepherd-followers and you, too, will be led to the Savior of Bethlehem. Ideal for both adult or youth choirs in either church or school. The full orchestration by Don Hart consists of parts for: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horns 1 & 2, Trumpets 1, 2 & 3 (or Tuba), Percussion 1 & 2, Harp, Rhythm, Violins 1 & 2, Viola Cello and Bass.

TTBB

SKU: HP.C6317

Arranged by Jack Schrader. Piano Accompaniment with Optional Orchestra. Octavo. 8 pages. Hope Publishing Company #C6317. Published by Hope Publishing Company (HP.C6317).

UPC: 763628163174.

Chris tmas Spiritual
Jack Schrader has given this favorite Christmas spiritual a relaxed, big-band, 'swing style' setting. Arranged for SSATB voices with piano or orchestra, this fresh setting is sure to fill the season with joy and good will. Jack's printed notes ask the singers to embrace the text that describes the mission of those first shepherd-followers and you, too, will be led to the Savior of Bethlehem. Ideal for both adult or youth choirs in either church or school. The full orchestration by Don Hart consists of parts for: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horns 1 & 2, Trumpets 1, 2 & 3 (or Tuba), Percussion 1 & 2, Harp, Rhythm, Violins 1 & 2, Viola Cello and Bass.

By Willcocks and John Rutter. For Choral Collection: Mixed Choir Spiralbound. Published by Oxford University Press.

By David Willcocks; John Rutter. For Mostly SATB and piano. Mixed Voices. . . . for Choirs Collections. Christmas Choral Collection. Pack of 10 copies. 384 pages

Composed by Victor C Johnson. For SATB choir, piano. Sacred Anthem, Christmas. Octavo. Lorenz Publishing Company #10/4790L. Published by Lorenz Publishing Company

Composed by Victor C Johnson. Choral. Sacred Anthem, Christmas. Octavo. Lorenz Publishing Company #10/4791L. Published by Lorenz Publishing Company (LO.10-4791L).

7 Intermediate to Late Intermediate Piano Arrangements in a Variety of Styles. Arranged by Robert D. Vandall. Book; Graded Standard Repertoire; Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Piano Extravaganza. Christmas; Recital; Sacred; Secular; Winter. 24 pages. Published by Alfred Music

(10 Expressive Arrangements Inspired by Chopin). Arranged by Faye López. For Piano. Book; Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Sacred Performer Collections. Christmas; Sacred; Winter. Early Advanced. 40 pages. Published by Alfred Music

(7 Graded Arrangements for Early Intermediate Pianists). Arranged by Wynn-Anne Rossi. For Piano. Book; Graded Standard Repertoire; Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. For Students. Form: Medley. Christmas; Sacred; Secular; Traditional; Winter. Early Intermediate. 24 pages. Published by Alfred Music Publishing

SATB choir, piano

SKU: LO.10-5374L

Composed by Mark Hayes. Choral. Sacred Anthem, Christmas. Octavo. Lorenz Publishing Company #10/5374L. Published by Lorenz Publishing Company (LO.10-5374L).

ISBN 9780787767273.

This Mark Hayes arrangement of the traditional spiritual is full of fantastic artistry! A four-hand piano accompaniment supports dynamic and powerful choral writing with fresh, unique twists and turns while retaining the original character of the song. A two-hand piano part is also available. Don’t miss this full, stately Christmas anthem!