Rollo Dilworth : Great Gettin' Up Mornin'

Now available for 2-Part. The thought of the great judgment day was an important theme to the slaves who relied on a better life after to help them through their slavery. This spiritual is full of hope, captured in all of its essence by one of America's great arrangers of concert spirituals.

A choral conductor's dream pairing of Jim Papoulis and Rollo Dilworth yields this amalgamation of rhythm, texture and choral part-writing that practically sings itself. And with a positive message that speaks to innovation and truth, this song is the ultimate opener for your concert or festival!

Arranger: 00357752

With lyrics taken from the motto of a Chicago school, this new gospel-style original from Rollo Dilworth reminds us that We believe in the creation of inspired lives.Available separately: SATB only. Performance time: Approx. 3:15.

This extraordinarily beautiful song will create a shimmering moment in performance. Ideal for graduation and many other concert occasions, your singers will shine! Available separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section parts available digitally (pno, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:30.

Composer: Frank Wildhorn | Lyricist: Steve Cuden | Musical: Jekyll & Hyde

This secular work has a wonderful gospel flavored harmonic treatment and a powerful message of unity and peace. With easy call and response style harmonies and a final building chorus of over and over and over and over, your singers will add their voices to the imagining of the world as a new symphony. Duration: ca. 3:15.

Accessible concert music with energy and excitement are the hallmarks of Rollo Dilworth's music. This is perfect for the concert stage or the sanctuary.

This well-known spiritual of assurance with its slow gospel tempo and underlying pulsating drive is full of heartfelt emotion and soul. This accessible anthem written primarily in two-parts will be uplifting to both your choir and congregation and the optional vocal stack at the end brings it all home. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

This Freedom Song was sung as an anthem of protest during the Civil Rights Movement to spread the message of faith, determination and perseverance of the people who sang them. The composer has combined this with original music to the words of the Langston Hughes poem Words Like Freedom to create a wonderful showcase for treble voices.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

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.

With a text based on Psalm 150, this a cappella anthem draws on elements from the African-American spiritual, jazz and gospel traditions. The opening four measures are contemplative but then the music shifts to upbeat and declamatory as the basses lay down an ostinato pattern upon which the tenors, altos and sopranos respectively layer their vocal riffs. This is a powerful anthem suited to open or close your concert.

Prepare to be moved! Set in a soulful gospel style, this setting of the American classic is guaranteed to lift hearts, minds and spirits! Incorporating a snippet of My Country 'Tis of Thee, the full choral harmonies and powerful gospel accompaniment will bring your audience to its feet! Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section parts available digitally (p, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Composer: Samuel A. Ward

Written as a celebration of singing for racial and social justice this powerful work sets the 11th stanza of the Langston Hughes poem Freedom's Plow. Opening with a quote from America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee), the listener is reminded of one of America's most important ideals - freedom. This work serves as a prequel to Rollo's 2009 setting of the poem's 12th and final stanza, also entitled Freedom's Plow (00114463). The two pieces can be performed separately or as a set.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

With lyricism and sonority, this is the perfect concert closer or graduation song, easily-learned and yet full and lush with immaculate craftsmanship.

Here is a stylish, bluesy concert realization of this traditional spiritual. An awesome piano accompaniment will feature a pianist who knows how to capture the spiritual style. An a cappella section creates a wonderful opportunity for nuance and the final verse features call and response.

Another rock-solid addition to the spiritual oeuvre of Rollo Dilworth, Bye and Bye is a resolute and medium-difficulty level selection for developing high school choirs.

With a Portuguese text and rhythms in the popular Brazilian groove known as Capoeira, this song of celebration begins with all voice parts emulating rhythm instruments. If all goes well, a dance just might break out in the auditorium during the performance.

Country: Brazil

This lively gospel selection will energize every concert! Beginning with the instantly memorable refrain, it moves into the famous spiritual Mary Had a Baby, then begins a slow build to a joyous conclusion. Available: SATB. Duration: ca. 2:30.

This arrangement of the traditional spiritual is set in a style that includes elements of both the spiritual and gospel genres. It uses modulation and word painting to evoke the concept of climbing the mountain.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 3-Part Treble. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

The famous text of Charles A. Tindley's hymn The Storm Is Passing Over forms the lyric framework for this powerful setting marked by sturdy gospel harmonies, a confident piano accompaniment and strong vocal articulation.

Based on two African American spirituals with additional words and music by the composer, this is a fantastic concert closer! Building from a layered unaccompanied opening section, the music builds into a driving gospel rhythm with piano, bass and percussion, punctuated by cries of Dan-i-el! Powerful! Duration: ca. 4:30.

H.T. Burleigh's classic spiritual arrangement in an adaptation for 2-part treble voices is a perfect selection for teaching phrasing, dynamics and style. An expressive and reflective choice for festival and competition use. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Based on the traditional African American spiritual, this setting depicts the story of Noah and the flood. After the baritone soloist introduces the chorus of the spiritual, the SSATB choir responds with a harmonized version. The audience gets the opportunity to participate in this gospel-style arrangement by making percussive rain sounds during the 2-measure breaks of the closing section. Rhythm/Trumpets parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-3, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:30.

The theme of the river functioning as a source of life, reflection, rejuvenation, prayer, cleansing and freedom infuses this popular spiritual with layers of meaning. This arrangement is designed to strengthen part independence with developing choirs and is an ideal selection for combining choirs and levels.

Original music to a text by Langston Hughes combine with the old spiritual Oh, Freedom to create a gospel showcase for young singers that will build vocal and performance skills through the message of freedom for all. Perfect for honor choirs, MLK concerts and many other types of programs.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

The inspirational text of Langston Hughes is set perfectly for young voices by Rollo Dilworth. An easy vocal ostinato works with the accompaniment to support the lyric. Available separately: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

This latest selection from the Henry Leck Creating Choral Artistry series was debuted by the ACDA Junior High Honor Choir in February 2003. Based on the Kenyan phrase for the voice of the dove this composition combines the imagery of the African landscape and its musical essence. Available separately: SATB, SAB and SSAA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Country: Kenya

Building on the heritage of the great arrangements of Hairston and Hogan, Rollo Dilworth creates his own unique approach in this setting for treble voices. Through layering of motivic material, and percussive effects in the lyrics, elements of jazz, blues and gospel music combine to great success in portraying Elijah's dramatic ascension into heaven.

This vibrant setting of the favorite spiritual for treble voices will shine in performance with its crisp rhythms, call and response phrases and unexpected harmonic turns. Not to be missed!

This gospel-style original will set every toe tapping and fill every heart with harmony. Well-written vocal and piano parts ensure success! Available: SATB, 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

This celebratory Latin text forms the framework for this gospel flavored work for young voices. The form of the music is ABA leading to a layered section that builds to a dynamic and forte conclusion. Excellent for contest, concert and festival performances! Duration: ca. 3:10.

In this oft-performed spiritual, the Bible tells that a vision of two wheels intersecting was shown to Ezekiel, signifying the spirit of living creatures. Rollo Dilworth's arrangement of this song doubles down on the wheel imagery, with cyclical melodic passages throughout and a piano part to match.

Composer: Traditional

Falling Water, based on a text by Brian Newhouse, reminds us that water is perhaps the most essential and powerful element in nature. Pitches and rhythms in the piece help to illustrate a vivid picture of the text including a meditative soundscape of falling raindrops.

The modal melodies, bluesy piano accompaniment, whispered warnings and layered percussion in this setting of the traditional spiritual create a mysterious atmosphere that dramatically tells the story of the Underground Railroad. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Written for the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Children's Choir, this jazz-infused gospel original was inspired by the great spirituals of the past. Marked by invigorating rhythms, bluesy melodies and full harmonies, this work makes a wonderful concert closer or mass-choir finale. Duration: 3:30.

Quotes of the beloved spiritual Hold On are combined with excerpts from Freedom's Plow by Langston Hughes in this powerful and dramatic work commissioned by the St. Louis Symphony. Themes of the struggle for liberty and justice throughout America and the world make this a magnificent concert closer for festival and community performances with keyboard, bass and drums or the optional orchestral accompaniment! Available separately: SATB divisi, Orchestra score and parts (fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2 (btbn), bells, perc 1-2, vn 1-2, va, vc, db). Duration: ca. 5:00.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

The unmistakable flair of an urban gospel style is front and center in this arrangement of a classic spiritual. Carefully considered idiomatic part writing opens this engaging genre to choirs of every size and ability. The piano part is a delight, providing the proper balance of support and spice. A timeless message, profound in its simplicity, affirms the walk of faith and our eternal destiny!

The great poet and essayist Langston Hughes used the power of words to speak out against racism, division, poverty and greed. In this new setting of the poem Give Us Our Peace, we first hear the African American spiritual I've Been in the Storm So Long. Once the historical context is established, a treble chorus - representing the role of innocent children - enter singing Dona Nobis Pacem (grant us peace). Finally, the mixed chorus enters with the bluesy/gospel theme that carries the rest of the song. Powerful and inspiring.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

Full of power and excitement, this traditional Latin text is a celebration. Equally at home on the concert stage or the sanctuary, this is a great concert opener or closer.

Antonín Dvorák wrote his 9th Symphony From the New World while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. He was directly influenced by Harry T. Burleigh, a student at the National Conservatory at the time. The musical theme from the Largo movement was adapted into the spiritual-like Goin' Home by Dvorák pupil William Arms Fisher. This beautiful melody along with the powerful lyrics are here set in an African American gospel style, including a quote from the spiritual Deep River.

Composer: Antonin Dvorák

This well-known spiritual of assurance with its slow gospel tempo and underlying pulsating drive is full of heartfelt emotion and soul. This accessible anthem written primarily in two parts will be uplifting to both your choir and congregation, and the optional vocal stack at the end brings it all home. Available separately: SATB. Duration: ca. 2:45.

Your singers will develop important expressive skills in this setting of two traditional spirituals, Walk Together, Children and There's Going To Be a Meeting Here Tonight, that combine in an uplifting celebration of emotion and joy. Your singers will be instructed in the history of these songs and how they impacted the struggle for freedom. Perform with piano or the optional instrumental ensemble.

Now available for mixed choirs! Call-and-response vocals, a gospel-inspired accompaniment and blues improvisations combine to create a spiritual setting that is a jubilant expression of joy for hoped-for freedom and social justice which is to come.

The thought of the great judgment day was an important theme to the slaves who relied on a better life after to help them through their slavery. This spiritual is full of hope, captured in all of its essence by one of America's great arrangers of concert spirituals.

Two traditional spirituals, The Gospel Train and I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table, are combined in this new arrangement by Dilworth. The train-like piano accompaniment (or ShowTrax CD) propels the vocals to a rousing finish. Performance Time: Approx. 1:40.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD.

Walk with me, sing with me, work with me - this song encourages understanding and unity with a steady and rhythmic energy that just builds and builds! Ideal for concerts and festivals, this compelling work truly brings people together! Duration: ca. 3:20.

Capturing the importance of the Greenfield poem and the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman's life, Rollo Dilworth has crafted a powerful new spiritual. Tubman was often referred to as a conductor of the Underground Railroad and as the Moses of her people. In recognition of these titles, musical themes from the spirituals If I Got My Ticket and Go Down, Moses have been incorporated into the score.

This new original incorporates This Little Light of Mine, a supportive piano part and strong choral writing making it a perfect closer for all-state and honor choirs. When in the darkness, hold the light!Available separately: SSAA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Now available for young singers in a 2-Part treble voicing, this treasured folk hymn comes alive in this vibrant gospel setting by Rollo Dilworth. An excellent concert opener!

Introduce your young treble choir to this glorious spiritual with this well-crafted and expressive setting with its steady, walking bass line, gospel harmonies and haunting vocal effects. Powerful words and and a powerful message! Available separately: 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:00.

A poem by Langston Hughes forms the lyric framework for this 3-part setting. Begnning with a joyous gospel opening with three layered vocal parts, the work unfolds into a powerful affirmation of the human spirit.Available separately: 3-Part Treble, Instrumental ePak (parts for Alto Sax, Trumpet 1 & 2, Electric Bass, Drums, Violin 1 & 2, Viola and Cello) and VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:20

Poetry By: Langston Hughes