The famous words of Victorian author and philosopher John Ruskin set to inspiring music—with options for inclusion of childrens choir and orchestra. This setting created for the Huntsville (AL) Community Chorus, in honor of the 50th anniversary of America’s lunar landing.

When we build, let us think that we build forever—

Let it not be for present delight, or present use alone…

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Let Us Break Bread Traditional Spiritual

SATB accompanied

Wes Ramsay created the arrangement of this classic spiritual in honor of the July 2024 installation of Reverend Dorothy Wells as the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. This approachable setting features a mezzo-soprano soloist, with a rich harmonic setting subtly supported by the keyboard accompaniment.

Dr. Carlton Young, editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, writes that this “spiritual was formed in the West African Gullah/Geechee slave culture that developed in the coastal areas of South-Eastern colonial America’. It is still in frequent use by contemporary congregations.

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Nothing But The Blood

Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

Arr. Wes Ramsay and Robert Bailey

SATB a cappella

This a cappella setting of Robert Lowry’s gospel classic, created for the legendary artist Cynthia Clawson, is compelling, authentic, unforgettable. Written in a call-and-response format, the solo voice presents each question or statement of faith, answered by the choir. All join on the refrain, where the congregation may be invited to sing as well. Simple yet not simplistic.

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Come Away to the Skies: A High, Lonesome Mass

Traditional texts and American hymn tunes and texts

SATB divisi

Bluegrass band accompaniment (fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, optional drum kit.)

The traditional Catholic Mass (Introit, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) in English (with one small diversion into Latin), employing Southern Harmony and spiritual tunes, accompanied by a bluegrass band. Jointly composed by Wes and choral conductor Tim Sharp, this work has received hundreds of performances around the world, enthusiastically sung and played by tens of thousands. The entire work is available for performance, as well as individual movements. The bluegrass band music is available in standard jazz notation as well as Nashville Number System –-transcribed by one of Nashville’s premiere session musicians.

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River Medley (Show Me The Way) Traditional American Hymnody

Arranged by Wes Ramsay and Tim Sharp

SATB, Accompanied

Commissioned by Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, River Medley weaves together three great American hymns (On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, When I Go Down To The River To Pray, Shall We Gather At The River) that share the imagery of rivers: places of promise, of prayer and consecration, and points of departure and celebration. This can be performed as SATB/Piano or with available instrumental parts for guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and bass.

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Get Up John

Bill Monroe and Marty Stuart, arr. Wes Ramsay

SATB accompanied (Keyboard or bluegrass band)

Commissioned by the Berea College Concert Choir, Bill Monroe's beloved mandolin tune is transformed into a gospel classic in this wonderful choral arrangement for mixed voices. True to its beginnings, this work features the lively bluegrass feel pioneered by the acknowledged founder of bluegrass, Bill Monroe.

I Am Thine, Oh Lord (Draw me nearer)

Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)/William Doane (1832-1915)

SATB accompanied (organ with optional harp, cello, violin)

Created for Holy Week services, this tender arrangement opens a cappella, with the accompaniment entering after the initial cadence. It is structured as a modified ‘call-and-response with instrumental interludes between stanzas, to give listeners time and space to absorb Fanny Crosby’s timeless text. The choral parts are approachable and engaging, a pleasure to sing.

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