How music gets made: 2022 Songwriter Collaboration arrangements now available
NEW COMPOSITiONS, NEW ARRANGEMENTS! — As premiered by the Anna Coyotes Chorus at the 2022 Next Generation Barbershop Junior Chorus Invitational. Trace the journey from idea to song to arrangement to performance.
In partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Barbershop Harmony Society commissioned new works that bring together a songwriter, an arranger, and a high school chorus to deliver an unforgettable set of performances not just for the audience, but for the kids themselves. (Read more in the September 2021 Harmonizer.)
For the 2022 Invitational, Nashville songwriter Alex Ruwe was paired with the Anna Coyotes Chorus, which was returning to the event for its fourth appearance. Here's a look at the songs they created together, which were then arranged for SATB barbershop by Wayne Grimmer.
Songwriter Alex Ruwe
Nashville songwriter Alex Ruwe is a songwriter, recording artist, band leader, and new author with the release of his very first, singalong children's book entitled "Good Night, Little Darlings." He currently resides just outside of St Louis, MO. Learn more about Alex at www.AlexanderRuwe.com.
“Alex’s songs could’ve been plucked out of our hearts,” said Dan Rohovit, a music educator and barbershop veteran. Such songs have a much deeper effect on youth, who are still figuring out who they are, Dan said. Because Alex collaborated with the kids, his original song is saying, “Here’s who you are,” Dan continued. “Here’s something sprinkled on top to make it better.’”
Arranger Wayne Grimmer
Arranger Wayne Grimmer is an admired arranger, teacher and singer in the barbershop community. Grimmer earned his Bachelor’s Degree in music education and a Master’s Degree in music composition and arranging from Five Towns College in New York. Upon graduating, Wayne taught at Five Towns for several years before moving to Nashville. Wayne is the principal arranger and lead singer of his quartet ’Round Midnight, and his published arrangements include "Fight Song", "All About That Bass", and "Sing" by Pentatonix. Learn more about Wayne and 'Round Midnight at www.roundmidnightquartet.com.
Tracks producer Steve Wolf
Learning track producer Steve Wolf is the Director of Music at East Haven High School in Connecticut. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education from the Hartt School of Music. A two-time Northeastern District quartet champ, , Steve currently sings with Destination. See Steve's library of hundreds of learning tracks for barbershop groups, choirs, and schools at www.WolfStudios.net
"So much of what we do in the acapella world is arrangements of existing songs, so it's awesome to have some original material to bring to life! I'm so glad the students are getting the chance to be part of this!"
"Now We Sing"
Alex on writing the song: "Now We Sing" was the first piece I wrote for this collaboration. The choir director, Daniel Rohovit, indicated that some of his students found their voice -- their purpose -- within his choir. So I wrote from that perspective, and of that voice growing in confidence, power and harmony by uniting with others.
Listen to Alex's demo of "Now We Sing"
Watch the Anna Coyotes Sing "Now We Sing"
Preview the tracks for "Now We Sing" on SoundCloud
Buy now
Now We Sing
words & music by Alex Ruwe
SATB arr. by Wayne Grimmer
formats PRINT • DOWNLOAD
voices SATB
tracks DOWNLOAD
"One, Two, Three"
Alex on writing the song: Now that we had our ballad in place with "Now We Sing," and knowing that these songs would be performed together, I turned my attention to the performance's intro. I decided to nod to the legendary Cab Calloway and his song "Minnie the Moocher," and created a number that involved crowd participation and increasingly difficult melodies for them to sing. Toooooooooooooo much fun.
Listen To Alex's demo of "One, Two, Three"
Watch the Anna Coyotes sing "One, Two, Three"
Preview the tracks for "One, Two, Three" on SoundCloud
Buy now
One, Two, Three
words & music by Alex Ruwe
SATB arr. Wayne Grimmer
formats PRINT • DOWNLOAD
voices SATB
tracks DOWNLOAD
"Jus' Maybe"
Alex on writing the song: "Jus' Maybe" was the final piece I wrote for the collaboration, and is a more personal piece, but one I imagine most young creatives can relate to. I can recall my own dreams of becoming a star artist and entertainer being dismissed — or at least not encouraged — by those around me. This piece speaks to the high schooler experience — class, parents, expectations, etc. — and of the individual considering all the musical spaces (i.e. genres) where they could potentially make their mark.
Listen to Alex's demo of "Jus' Maybe"
Watch the Anna Coyotes sing "Jus' Maybe"
Preview the tracks for "Jus' Maybe" on Soundcloud
Buy now
Jus' Maybe
words & music by Alex Ruwe
SATB arr. Wayne Grimmer
formats PRINT • DOWNLOAD
voices SATB
tracks DOWNLOAD
Donors to the Barbershop Harmony Society bring life-changing experiences to the barbershop world.
This collaboration between BHS and the Nashville Songwriters Association International enfolds all of the ways BHS is making an imapct today:
- Energizing young singers with unique artistic experiences
- Supporting music educators by offering exciting destination experiences that build choral programs
- Preserving barbershop harmony by expanding the barbershop repertoire with new commissions
- Supporting singing communities by showcasing new ensembles and possibilities for collaboration
The songwriters project was made possible by underwriting from patrons like you. Learn more about supporting youth, educators and preservation at barerbshop.org/donate