The Most Precious Gift: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Ruth Elaine Schram
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0006810
$1.60
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"It's the faith that we'll remember through December and beyond, what we really need is each other. That's the most precious gift of all." Ruth Elaine Schram once again brings forth a message of the true meaning of the holiday season in a song. The melody lingers and the lyrics are so stirring that it simply reaches in and touches all our hearts.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0006810
More about this title
About the Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram
Ruth Elaine Schram is a composer whose choral works have become staples in holiday and sacred music programming across schools and churches. Her gift for pairing accessible melodies with emotionally resonant lyrics has made her a trusted voice in choral education, where her pieces consistently reach audiences of all ages.
Schram's compositions emphasize clarity and singability without sacrificing musical substance. Her understanding of what makes a piece both teachable and deeply moving has earned her recognition among music educators who seek repertoire that speaks authentically to community and faith.
Why we love this
Schram captures the emotional heart of the season without relying on recycled carol melodies. The text's focus on connection and presence over commercialism gives singers genuine meaning to convey, and the moderate Grade 3 setting ensures both accessibility and musical substance.
What to expect
The piece carries a quiet dignity and warmth, built on a melody that feels both contemporary and memorable. The 2-part texture creates space for genuine harmonic interest without overwhelming singers, allowing the text's quiet wisdom about what matters most to resonate clearly.
Who it's for
This octavo suits middle school through early high school choirs, particularly programs with limited time to prepare holiday concerts. It works equally well for community choirs, church music programs, and mixed-age ensembles seeking repertoire with emotional integrity and manageable technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrases to establish the reflective tone; resist the urge to rush the slower passages where the lyrical quality depends on space and breath.
- Work the two parts together early so singers understand how their line functions harmonically; this builds ownership of both melody and support roles.
- Highlight the shift in intensity when the text turns to 'what we really need is each other' by adjusting dynamic contour and ensemble focus.
- Use a light, focused tone throughout to keep the message intimate rather than broadcast; this piece thrives on genuine connection between parts.
How to use it
Place this near the end of your holiday concert to shift focus from celebration to meaning and reflection. Its moderate length and accessible voicing make it ideal for the closing piece on a mixed-program concert or as an opening reflection before seasonal carols.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained phrases with consistent tone quality
- Balancing independence in two-part writing while maintaining ensemble blend
- Interpreting text with emotional authenticity and appropriate dynamic nuance
- Reading and performing in a moderate harmonic style with clear voice leading