The Spirituals: Their Story, Their Song

SKU: FJ.ST6423S

English.

Students confidently tell their story as though from the mountaintops in this African American Spiritual. With straightforward rhythms and pitches, the right arm and bow hand can be the focus to achieve a convincing proclamation tone, as well as a lush but gentle sound in the subdued moments. A wonderful change of pace that is still at a moderate tempo.

About FJH Beginning Strings

Appropriate for first year string students. All instruments stay in first position, and optional third violin (viola) parts and piano are included to aid in rehearsal and performance situations. Grade 1 - 1.5

SKU: 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.

SKU: LP.765762091122

UPC: 765762091122.

Jeff Smith's children's musical, Pirates of the I Don't Care-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit especially if your kids love the hilarious silly songs from VeggieTales, the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. The musical will reach not only kids, but your congregation with a great message of the Gospel. The story is set inside Pirate Park, home of the Plattsburg Pirates (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff's favorite baseball team!). It is a pirate night at the stadium and families are in the bleachers dressed as pirates to support their woefully bad team. Similar to Dorothy traveling back to the Land of Oz, the story starts with a dream sequence where a young fan named Andy gets hit in the head with a baseball and travels to a fantastical island in the Caribbean called Johnny Bay. As the story unfolds, you learn that the pirates don't remember anything about their past or how they came to Johnny Bay. All they know is that they are required to guard the captain's treasure from anyone who may want to steal it away. Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea. During a time when pirate movies are popular, this musical will connect with kids as well as adults and draw them in to something that is both fun and spiritually educational.

Professional quality recording useful as an aid for choir members learning the music, or for personal enjoyment and meditation times. (Performance demo - not an accompaniment CD.).

SKU: LP.765762148208

UPC: 765762148208.

Jeff Smith's children's musical, Pirates of the I Don't Care-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit especially if your kids love the hilarious silly songs from VeggieTales, the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. The musical will reach not only kids, but your congregation with a great message of the Gospel. The story is set inside Pirate Park, home of the Plattsburg Pirates (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jeff's favorite baseball team!). It is a pirate night at the stadium and families are in the bleachers dressed as pirates to support their woefully bad team. Similar to Dorothy traveling back to the Land of Oz, the story starts with a dream sequence where a young fan named Andy gets hit in the head with a baseball and travels to a fantastical island in the Caribbean called Johnny Bay. As the story unfolds, you learn that the pirates don't remember anything about their past or how they came to Johnny Bay. All they know is that they are required to guard the captain's treasure from anyone who may want to steal it away. Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea. During a time when pirate movies are popular, this musical will connect with kids as well as adults and draw them in to something that is both fun and spiritually educational.

Package of one hundred service folders (bulletins.) 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 when folded. Packaged unfolded for easy printing. Front cover features artwork found on choral book cover. Insides and back are blank.

SKU: GI.G-9396

ISBN 9780967298221. English.

From gifted composer, performer, and author Jeanne Cotter comes Child of the Moon, the story of an inquisitive child on a magical journey of discovery. Along the way, the sun and moon, Mother Earth, and all of her creatures provide guidance and support. Child of the Moon enfolds children in this circle of love. Companioned by animal friends, children are encouraged to sing their own songs, follow their own dreams, and cultivate their gifts to make bountiful gardens of their own lives. Enchanting illustrations engage the imagination and celebrate the wonders of creation. An illustrated children's glossary, storytelling notes for adults and a CD of the author's captivating pop/vocal single, Child of the Moon, are included.   With formal education and training in music, phychology, and spirituality, Jeanne Cotter is the founder of Mythic Rain, an independant record label and publishing company. In addition to a prolific career as a performer and recording artist, she is a nationally known inspirational speaker, offering a wide range of seminars and retreats. Jeanne lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.   Chrysa Otto holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). During her studies, she participated in a study abroad program through Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughn, Ireland.    Jeanne Cotter discusses her children's book Child of the Moon  .

SKU: PR.114414450

ISBN 9781598064087. UPC: 680160597635. 9x12 inches.

Inspired by the tale of a legendary folk hero, Adolphus Hailstork’s tour-de-force for trombone and piano is a riveting portrayal of the steely strength and stamina of John Henry, a former slave who helped build the American railroads and ultimately outperformed a steam engine. This composition uses quotes from the spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit and the folk song The Ballad of John Henry. For advanced players. Duration: 13’__________________________________________Text on the scanned back cover:JOHN HENRY'S BIG(MAN vs. MACHINE)FOR TROMBONE AND PIANOInspired by the tale of the legendary hero, Adolphus Hailstork’s tour-de-force for trombone and piano is a riveting portrayal of the steely strength and stamina of John Henry, a former slave who helped build the American railroads and ultimately outperformed a steam engine.
PROGRAM NOTES by the ComposerJohn Henry was born a slave in the 1840’s or 1850’s. It is important to remember that no one knows for sure if John Henry existed or is a tall tale created by writers. That is one of the things that makes the legend so intriguing.According to the legend, he grew to stand 6 feet tall, 200 pounds – a giant in that day.Though the story of John Henry sounds like the quintessential tall tale, it is certainly based, at least in part, on historical circumstance. There are disputes as to where the legend originates. Some place John Henry in West Virginia, while recent research suggests Alabama. Still, all share a similar back-story.In order to construct the railroads, companies hired thousands of men to smooth out terrain and cut through obstacles that stood in the way of the proposed tracks. One such chore that figures heavily into some of the earliest John Henry ballads is the blasting of the Big Bend Tunnel, more than a mile straight through a mountain in West Virginia.Steel-drivin’ men like John Henry used large hammers and stakes to pound holes into the rock, which were were then filled with explosives that would blast a cavity deeper and deeper into the mountain. In the folk ballads, the central event took place under such conditions. Eager to reduce costs and speed up progress, some tunnel engineers were using steam drills to power their way into the rock. According to the great American tall tales, on hearing of the machine, John Henry challenged the steam drill to a contest. He won, but died of exhaustion, his life cut short by his own superhuman effort.This composition uses quotes from the spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit and the folk song The Ballad of John Henry.JOHN HENRY’S BIG was composed for trombonist David Jackson.

SKU: WD.080689352973

UPC: 080689352973.

High in the mountains in the impenetrable Agape Fortress, General Agape has called the mighty Agape League together to solve a crisis in Suburbiana City! Calling on the super-powered fruits of the spirit available to every follower of Christ, these heroes must also face an enemy within their own ranks when Ironblade forgets his superhero identity (self-control) and becomes entangled in the pervasive worldly culture. Will the League recover their powers? Will the citizens of Suburbiana City be saved? Will the source of true power - God's Word - finally be utilized before time runs out? Acclaimed children's writer Christy Semsen has delivered another high-powered production that is super-sized in every way: a high-octane story, clever dialogue, dynamic contemporary songs, and uncompromised spiritual truth. Daniel Semsen's cinema-worthy accompaniment tracks positively soar and the always amazing Teacher Resource Kit and performance IVD will grant you all the production power you need.

SKU: WD.080689406775

UPC: 080689406775.

High in the mountains in the impenetrable Agape Fortress, General Agape has called the mighty Agape League together to solve a crisis in Suburbiana City! Calling on the super-powered fruits of the spirit available to every follower of Christ, these heroes must also face an enemy within their own ranks when Ironblade forgets his superhero identity (self-control) and becomes entangled in the pervasive worldly culture. Will the League recover their powers? Will the citizens of Suburbiana City be saved? Will the source of true power - God's Word - finally be utilized before time runs out? Acclaimed children's writer Christy Semsen has delivered another high-powered production that is super-sized in every way: a high-octane story, clever dialogue, dynamic contemporary songs, and uncompromised spiritual truth. Daniel Semsen's cinema-worthy accompaniment tracks positively soar and the always amazing Teacher Resource Kit and performance IVD will grant you all the production power you need.