Zachary Lavender has arranged this wonderful, old hymn for SATB choir (with some divisi). The text and the tune are simple and straightforward, but the dynamic range is expansive and the arrangement is expressive. On hearing this piece, the congregation will be roused by the middle and, at the end, led to a place of stillness where they can encounter Christ.

Arranger: Zachary W. Lavender | Composer: William J. Kirkpatrick

Arranger: Richard N Ware

Arranger: Richard N Ware

This one almost gives you double your money, because the highly developed "Alleluia" that begins and ends this piece totally stands on its own and has countless uses in worship. But in the middle, there's a motet-like section on the text "God is our refuge and strength . . . we shall not fear." It, too, could stand on its own. But put it all together and it is a strong a cappella choral anthem that would be at home in any tradition.

Composer: Charles D. Coleman

Recording of "Alleluia" sung by The Promise.

Composer: Eurydice V. Osterman

Arranger: Jason Max Ferdinand | Composer: Andrae Crouch

Arranger: Clayton White

Arranger: M. Roger Holland, II

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Keyboard part is optional. Ê

Composer: Margaret P. Douroux

Composer: Eurydice V. Osterman

This one takes a deep bass soloist. The SATB choral accompaniment, which calls for some divisi, results in a rich, sonorous, setting that is best appreciated if sung a cappella. A keyboard reduction, however, is provided. If you want to feature your choir's best bass, this is the piece! He needs a good low F, but only has to sing up to the D above middle C. The alto, tenor and bass parts occasionally divide throughout the arrangement, but that shouldn't deter you from trying this gem with your singers.

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Arranger: Frederick Young

Contains: As We Enter ¥ Psalm 19:15 ¥ Thank You for Hearing Our Prayer ¥ Remember Me ¥ Till We Gather Again

Composer: Stephen F. Key

Arranger: R. Nathaniel Dett

Composer: Stan Jones

GIA is particularly proud of its African American Church Music Series and this piece shows why. The divisi in the women's voices is not excessive, so smaller choirs should not shy away from this piece. Add this one to your Christmas repertoire.

Composer: Isaac Williams

Arranger: Evelyn Simpson-Curenton

A favorite spiritual for generations! The arranger has provided clear markings for the rhythms, accents, and dynamics, which unite to create an uplifting choral experience. A strong bass section will savor the moments when they have a chance to shine.Ê

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Arranger: Eurydice V. Osterman

A Negro spiritual for unaccompanied SSAATTBB voices that can simply be called a "wow" setting! Superb material for the high school, college, or large church choir.

Arranger: Marques L. A. Garrett

An engaging setting that combines two traditional spiritual melodies: "Heaven-Bound Soldier" and "This Little Light of Mine." The primary theme of light makes this setting quite useful throughout the church year. The vocal harmonies are pleasantly predictable with rhythmic variety throughout.

Arranger: Glenn L. Jones

Arranger: Norah Duncan, IV

Arranger: Courtney D. Carey

Featured in the motion picture "Hard Ball."

Arranger: Mattie L. Robertson | Composer: Elisha A. Hoffman

Composer: Jerrell R. Gray

Here is an ideal anthem for the end of Year C as it leads into Year A! No need to limit it though; this extract from Psalm 122 lends itself to any moment of praise of God's name in the house of the Lord. Note that the vocal score may be doubled by keyboard accompaniment and, of course, the genre invites accompanists to let loose their improvisatory skills.Keyboard part is optional. Ê

Composer: Laymon T. Hunter

Composer: Charles Garner

Alto or Baritone Solo

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Arranger: M. Roger Holland, II

Arranger: Robert L. Morris

Arranger: Brandon Waddles

The solo part does not have an expansive range, but the emotion that must be conveyed takes just the right singer. With supportive humming from the choir and a truly haunting quasi-echo of the soloist by the first sopranos, this solid Burleigh arrangement will leave quite an impression.

Arranger: Harry T. Burleigh

Do you have a good group of men that can sing 4-part a cappella and stay in tune? If you can count this among your blessings, then you MUST give them the pleasure of singing this incredible composition! It will be an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them for years.Ê

Composer: Brandon Waddles

A traditional spiritual, rather simply arranged for unaccompanied choir and baritone solo. It is all intended to press the question posed by the title, and remind us that "none but the righteous shall see God."

Arranger: Salone T. Clary

A rich baritone solo establishes the melody in an expressive and distinctive arrangement of this cherished American folk hymn. Refreshing harmonic textures and the seamless interweaving of the melody throughout the choral sections set this arrangement apart.

Arranger: Stanley T. Thurston

The text is a plea for help in turbulent times; the "pilot" of the title refers to a nautical, not aviation, context. The oceanic imagery of Hopper's text is akin to the sentiments of the beloved hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," while Ball's setting, though original, is anchored in the spirit of the sturdy gospel songs that many people fondly associate with their spiritual formation.Learn more about the story behind this piece in this Composer's Corner episode with composer Lark N. Ball.

Composer: Lark N. Ball

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Arranger: Brandon Waddles | Composer: Thomas Whitfield

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Arranger: Robert L. Morris | Composer: Milan G. Brown, Jr.

This bold and spirited SATB a cappella arrangement of a Negro spiritual uses Jesus' words calling Lazarus forth from the tomb. It includes a tenor solo and is perfect for Sundays conveying themes of resurrection and healing.

Composer: Robert T. Tanner

Composer: Salone T. Clary

Arranger: Andrew Marshall

This octavo was conceived as part of a group titled, "Three Old Souther Negro Church Songs." The other two arrangements, "Thank You, Jesus" and "When the Holy Ghost Fell on Me" are available separately.

Arranger: J. Weldon Norris

The solo is for tenor or baritone.

Arranger: Mark Butler

The "Dean of Black Women Composers," Undine Smith Moore, created this burst of thanksgiving for her alma mater, the famous Fisk University Jubilee Singers.Using an array of contrapuntal and rhythmic skill influenced with African American flavor, this would be an exciting choice for a festival or larger choir looking for a worthwhile challenge.The divisi, syncopations, and 32nd-note alleluias appear intimidating at first glance but lie well for the voice and could be learned quickly.A true masterpiece!

Composer: Undine Smith Moore

Arranger: Uzee Brown, Jr.

Composer: M. Roger Holland, II