SKU: A0.888277

Another anthem from my collection of Easier Anthems for Smaller Choirs. These have been composed over the years to fill a need: anthems for smaller church choirs that are easier to learn and master, that do not require large forces that have years of experience in difficult literature, but yet are never written down in any way, but instead bring to the more humble church ensemble the beauties and the enrichment that good modern compositional techniques can offer. This piece features a strong melodic idea supported by a richly colorful harmonization and the excitement of meter changes that are never arbitrary but rather serve the flow of the text. The text itself is rooted in solid theology and scripture.

SKU: A0.1257261

Here’s a new SSA choir arrangement of that ever-popular American folksong Shenandoah.  The original song probably has its origins among the French Canadians who traded with Native Americans around the Great Lakes during the sixteenth century. These traders exchanged weapons and tools for animal furs, especially beaver pelts. Paddling their canoes along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers the traders were well-known for their singing. However, as most of the traders were illiterate, the songs were never written down and went through numerous changes over the years and centuries.

In most versions of the song, the lyrics tell of a seafarer, possibly a canoeing fur-trader, who was in love with the daughter of Shenandoah, a Native American Chief who lived in what is now the state of Virginia. Shenandoah was a real person: evidently an individual of commanding presence who lived for over a hundred years. 

Shenandoah became one of the most popular capstan shanties, a slow song which set a manageable pace for the crew in a heavy and lengthy task. Most versions of the song have a similar couplet at the end of each verse. In some transcriptions, the melody is written out entirely in 4/4 time; others use triple time and some arrangements use a mixture of both. In this version, the lyrics have been selected from different versions of the song. 

This SSA arrangement for choir and piano is conceived for boy choir or girl choir and within easy technical reach of amateur or school choirs. The top soprano note is high F on the treble staff and the other parts fall well within the usual choral range. Each section of the choir takes the melody at some point. With a running time of 04:00 this piece is enjoyable to sing and hear. It’s an essential addition to your choir’s repertoire.

SKU: A0.781365

This hauntingly beautiful, original song celebrates the magic of winter's first snowfall! Perfect for fall or winter concerts, and can also be sung as a vocal trio. The piece is set in an accessible key for most voices (S1:C#4 - F5/ S2:C#4 - C#5/ A:C#4 - B4 ), features easy harmonies, and has a simple piano score, enabling even beginner choirs to learn this arrangement easily. Approximate performance time 2:37. Piano accompaniment for rehearsal or performance also available on Sheet Music Plus! (Also available for unison choirs and 2-part choirs)

Joanna Mills was the Gospel Choir Director at Roncesvalles United Church in Toronto, Canada for 20 years, and has been writing and arranging choral music for 15 years. Her compositions and arrangements are performed regularly by her own choir and others around the world and have won awards in songwriting competitions. She also teaches musical theatre, voice and piano.

SKU: A0.781371

This charming 3-Part choir arrangement is a quodlibet of three traditional songs about rain: Rain, Rain, Go Away; It's Raining, It's Pouring; and Pitter Patter Raindrops. It begins with a sparse staccato section which builds quickly to emulate the start of a rain shower, and then each song is added one after another until all three songs are sung at the same time. Then the rain sounds begin again until the rain shower ends with one final Drop. The piano score is simple and supports the singers, and because the song is in the key of F, Orff instruments can easily be added (or replace the piano entirely). Suitable for elementary aged students (range E4-D5), and perfect for a fall (autumn), spring, or early summer concert, or classroom instruction. Approximate performance time 1:40.

Piano accompaniment mp3 also available on SMP (S0.706401)

Joanna Mills was the Gospel Choir Director at Roncesvalles United Church in Toronto, Canada for 20 years, and has been writing and arranging choral music for 15 years. Her compositions and arrangements are performed regularly by her own choir and others around the world and have won awards in songwriting competitions. She also teaches musical theatre, voice and piano.