The Joy of Singing: Book & 2 CDs

Rattray designed this collection for real classrooms where confidence matters as much as technique. The teaching notes go beyond lyrics and melody; they offer discussion points and extension activities that transform songs into learning moments rather than just performances. With unison pieces sitting alongside four-part arrangements, you can meet singers exactly where they are and challenge them to grow.

These songs breathe with warmth and accessibility. Spirituals sit alongside original compositions infused with African and gospel traditions, creating a collection that feels both rooted and contemporary. There's an invitation in every arrangement: come as you are, find your voice, belong to something larger.

This resource serves teachers and leaders who guide singing communities in elementary and secondary settings, youth groups, and church choirs. Whether you're building a program from scratch or deepening an established one, the collection meets singers at multiple skill levels without requiring every participant to read music fluently.

• Play the backing tracks during rehearsal to help singers internalize harmonic context, especially when introducing part-singing arrangements. Let students hear how their line sits within the full sound.
• Use the warm-up material at the start of each rehearsal to build vocal flexibility and ensemble awareness before tackling the main repertoire.
• Assign the discussion points and extension activities before or after learning a song; they deepen understanding and give students ownership of the material's meaning.
• Reference the performance tracks when preparing for concerts. They model phrasing, energy, and interpretation while respecting that your ensemble will bring its own character.

Weave individual songs throughout the year as warm-ups, filler pieces, or cornerstone pieces for themed concerts celebrating spirituality, community, or cultural traditions. The unison arrangements work beautifully for all-school sings or gatherings where inclusive participation matters more than polished four-part harmony.

• Singing in unison with confidence and blend
• Moving from unison to two, three, and four-part singing
• Understanding spiritual and gospel traditions through sung experience
• Developing musicality and interpretation from backing tracks
• Building ensemble awareness and listening across voice parts