What a treat: a gospel style original choral piece that fills the holidays with excitement. The infectious melody and full harmonies are highlighted by dynamic contrasts which add to the inherent power of the piece. Feature your best singers on two short solos backed up by choral "oo's." The strong choral writing and the easy, yet full sounding piano accompaniment make this a winner for your December concert. Great SoundTrax.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Peace, love, hope and the joy that comes from music that heals the heart and spirit - these are the true gifts of Christmas. This uplifting gospel-flavored song was premiered at the Deck the Hall Christmas Festival at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago and arranged for choir by Rollo Dilworth. A perfect concert closer! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

The guys in your choir will shine singing this a cappella original that sounds like a traditional spiritual. Opens with a syncopated ostinato, adds a compelling minor-key melody, and expands into full four-part harmony. Gradually, voice parts disappear one by one, fading to the end. Newly Available for TTBB.

Composer: Donald Moore

Enjoy this original a cappella Christmas spiritual with optional bongo drum accompaniment. A slower contrasting middle section quotes a bit of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain." Features optional solos and descant. Exciting and rhythmic. And church choirs will enjoy it, too.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Here is the quintessential concert closer! This pairing of Children, Go Where I Send Thee and Go Tell It on the Mountain is just the ticket for a fabulous experience for your choir and audience alike. There is a sense of theatrical sweep in the arranging approach here with plenty of things to delight the ear and lift the heart. Decorated with two different orchestrations (full orchestra and a bluegrass consort) these time-honored songs of the spirit have never sounded so glorious. A tour de force for your pianist, there is much to enjoy in every aspect of this piece from the acclaimed cantata Appalachian Winter. Score and Parts for Full Orchestra (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, btbn, tba, timp, perc 1-2, hp, pno/hrpcd, bjo, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) and Score and Parts for Consort (fl, vn, vc, mndln, gtr, perc, pno) each available as a digital download.

Arranger: Joseph Martin

No joy is more joyful than joy at Christmas. Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi join forces to take us to the Caribbean for a wonderfully fresh Spiritual Christmas treat. The rhythms are infectious, the optional flute duet and percussion are perfect for the style; the whole adventure is a flat out fun. Related scripture: Matthew 1:18--2; Luke 2

Arranger: Tom Fettke | Country: Caribbean

Covered by many artists, this song was co-written and first recorded by Celine Dion on her first English-language holiday album, These Are the Special Times. Gospel style, rich harmonies and contemporary rhythms fill this pop arrangement and with its stunning track, will make a sparkling selection for your holiday program.

Arranger: Paul Langford Performed By: Celine Dion

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Moses Hogan applies his considerable talents in creating a distinctive Christmas spiritual based on Go Tell It on the Mountain. A tenor solo, dynamic contrasts and Moses' trademark rhythmic layering give this setting special appeal. Available: SATB divisi a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 4:15.

Arranger: Moses Hogan

This kickini gospel arrangement of the traditional Christmas spiritual is a standout! Victoris spirited treatment boasts rousing rhythmic syncopation, perfect choral harmony, and a highly creative (and stylistically appropriate) gospel breakdown section with a couple of riff-like solo opportunities. Your audience (or congregation) will be convinced long before the uplifting key change and sensational final chorus.

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

This exciting original Christmas spiritual by Jay Althouse opens with the men stating the rhythmic theme, followed by the middle voices and finally the sopranos. The three verses include much repetition but plenty of surprises-including a women's section contrasted by the men, and an optional high descant on the driving finish. A fresh new work that's solidly rooted in the classic spiritual traditions. An Althouse winner and a must for your holiday concerts!

Arranger: Jay Althouse

One of the best in a long line of exuberant, original, a cappella Christmas spirituals by Jay Althouse. It opens with an energetic melody sung by the low voice with the upper three voices singing in counterpoint above. Rhythmic energy develops the piece and it ends with an electrifyimg eight measure coda that's the pinnacle of excitement. No solos, no tempo changes make for quick learning. In the classic spiritual tradition, yet fresh and contemporary.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Traditional

Arranger: John Taylor

Arranger: Jay Althouse

"Have you heard the story of the baby boy, born in Bethlehem?" From that simple question Jay Althouse has crafted another superb, original Christmas spiritual. It features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male and female solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. Includes a descant on the final chorus.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

The definitive a cappella Christmas spiritual of the year! A descending bass line is a firm foundation in the A section, B features the girls vs. the guys, a vocal stack builds in the middle, followed by a soaring descant that takes the final refrain up a notch! Appropriate for school and church use.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray | Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

This a cappella Shawnee Press Classic, by composer Houston Bright has been a staple in choral libraries for many years. In 2011, this voicing has been reengraved and edited for today's choral standards. Suitable for developing voices and smaller choirs retaining the vocal finesse. Discover, again, this great choral work. Available separately: SSAB, a cappella; SATB, a cappela; SSAA, a cappella; TTBB, a cappella.

Arranger: Houston Bright

Celebrate the baby's birth in Bethlehem with this change-of-pace a cappella spiritual, set in a walking tempo with four optional percussion parts (available free at alfred.com/choralparts). Feel and hear the Christmas story come alive!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jay Althouse

Uses: Christmas, Concert, Youth Choir Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:1-14 Rollo Dilworth's exciting arrangement of this gospel favorite is an exuberant celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Savior and King. This driving, energetic anthem is full of spirit and joy! It will stand on its own with piano only, or add some sparkle with the optional trumpets and rhythm section. A tried and true winner!

Arranger: Rollo Dilworth

Get ready for an unbridled Gospel celebration! David Maddux has placed this selection (featured in the movie The Preacher's Wife) within the grasp of all church choirs...while remaining faithful to the original. It is pure fun with an energetic drive that won't stop.

Arranger: David Maddux | TV/Movie: The Preacher's Wife

Greg Gilpin's original gospel chorals are solid-gold. Keep on Following the Star is no exception. His new original work for Christmas begins with an infectious chorus full of gospel harmonies and style. The verses are sung with an optional solo above gospel oo's. Verse and chorus are repetitive, allowing for quick learning. Add a key change, followed by a hot a cappella with hand claps section, finish with a rousing ending and you've got a new hit for your concert this December. Available separately: SATB, 3-part mixed, 2-part, StudioTrax CD.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Greg Gilpin

This original Christmas spiritual will delight the congregation. Beginning with a bass ostinato line, the tenors join, and then the women enter in a rhythmic and energetic pattern. Including some divisi for the women, and an interesting key change, Mary Sat A-Rockin' explores the full range of dynamics and will be a memorable selection for Christmas.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Uses: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Concert Scripture: Isaiah 29:18-19; Matthew 14:22-33; Luke 19:10; John 1:1 A glorious treatment of what has become a modern day Christmas classic! This touching vignette of a mother's love brings us a poignant and emotive portrait of the birth, life and ministry of Christ. Special vocal effects distinguish this arrangement from others, along with the pairing of the ancient carol, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. An almost cinematic orchestration makes this a sacred tone poem and a pinnacle moment for Christmas pageants and holiday concerts. Amazing! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba, perc, hp, pno, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.

Arranger: Joseph Martin | Composer: Buddy Greene

Here's a Christmas spiritual medley...swing style! Mark Hayes has created an ingenious pairing of two well-loved spirituals: Mary Had a Baby and Go, Tell It On the Mountain. Your choir will really enjoy putting this one together. Rhythmic and fun! Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak (Rhythm and Winds), ChoirTrax CD.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Midnight Clear is a fantastic a cappella original spiritual from Herb Frombach and Vicki Tucker Courtney. This new Christmas favorite features a soprano or tenor soloist. Sure to please choir and congregation during worship or concert, this is a must for the Christmas season!

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

This glorious anthem is the feel good piece of the season! Exuberant and filled with the Spirit, your choir will shout the comfort and joy as it interacts with the soloist and connects with the urban gospel styling of this arrangement. The traditional Christmas Gloria is reimagined with articulate syncopations and powerful chords of praise, complete with moments for clapping and the addition of a worship band. Careful attention has been paid to avoid the uncomfortable vocal tessituras often associated with this style. Score and Parts (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, pno, rhy) available as a digital download.

Arranger: Heather Sorenson | Composer: James C. Ward

In this unique arrangement, Mark Miller blends the African-American spiritual Rise Up Shepherd and Follow with O Come All Ye Faithful to create a perfect collaboration with your adult, children's, or youth choirs. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult.

Arranger: Mark A. Miller

This upbeat gospel-flavored anthem is a real treat. With a quiet energy, it soon builds to a celebrative song of praise. Beginning with a basic melodic pattern from the men, the other voices join for a rich and spirited anthem with a hushed conclusion.

Composer: Kirby Shaw

This original a cappella Christmas spiritual is packed with rhythmic vitality and inspiring lyrics. Features a great hook and call-and-response solos.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Hurry on down to Bethlehem to hear the angels sing! Gospel tinged rhythms and very singable melodies and harmonies give this original spiritual tremendous appeal. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as a digital download (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:20.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

An exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. A cappella.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Arranger: Jay Althouse