Enjoy the old-time gospel feel of this traditional spiritual, arranged by Joanna Mills for soloist(s) + SATB choir. The solo could easily be shared between several singers in any section as it is set in an accessible range (D5 - D4 - Basses or Baritones sing it an octave lower). This arrangement features a fun call-and-response format, with some back-up harmonies that your choir will love singing, and starts and finishes with a building vamp section. Perfect for Black History Month services or assemblies, or services about peace and justice.

Joanna Mills is the Gospel Choir Director at Roncesvalles United Church in Toronto, Canada, 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.

This Negro Spiritual is one of the most traditional and recognized within the style. Here you will find a very lively and contrasting arrangement in each of its stanzas. Your choir, your community will like it. Great option for Easter, concerts and repertoire.

Another fresh arrangement from Jennifer Durham, this time with piano accompaniment. The tasteful accompaniment provides a few harmonic surprises while supporting your chorus (and not overwhelming it!). Soloists have opportunities to shine if desired. The final verse moves to a stirring climax, after which an optional solo brings the piece to a satisfying close.

Steal Away interprets the traditional spiritual, "Steal Away to Jesus," as a song of alternating sorrow and strength. The refrains are presented quietly and mournfully: "Steal away to Jesus. I ain't got long to stay here." In contrast, the verses are sung with conviction: "My Lord calls me, calls me by the thunder." Similarly, the accompaniment varies from florid arpeggiations (for the refrains) to rhythmic chordal entrances (for the verses).

Of special interest is the use of scale patterns. In the opening refrain, and on every occurrence of the words "steal away," the scales descend, marked as falling tears, or stealing away. At the conclusion of the song, the scales rise, as the soul ascending to heaven. "My Lord calls me, calls me home." Duration: 3:40.

"Little David, Play On Your Harp" - SATB with 2 piano accompaniment

This arrangement of the traditional spiritual is a fresh take on a classic. The accompaniment is a piano duet! Altogether an exciting and brisk delight for the ears!