RMCS Spring 2025 Program

Program

Song introductions written by Steve Lovaas Voice Dance II

Greg Jasperse

O primavera, gioventù dell’anno

Claudio Monteverdi

Il bianco e dolce cigno

Giovanni Giudiccioni, Jacques Arcadelt

Over Hill, Over Dale

William Shakespeare, R. Vaughan Williams

O Mistress Mine

William Shakespeare, Kenneth Neufeld

I Am Gone, Sir

William Shakespeare, Kenneth Neufeld

Always

Irving Berlin, arr. Blake R Mitchell

Soloist: Dani Schlueter

Beautiful Dreamer Stephen Foster, arr. Alice Parker & Robert Shaw Soloist: Sean Fagan Danny Boy Trad Irish, Frederic Weatherly, arr. Jamey Ray Soloist: Jeremy Vesta/Justin Roth All My Trials Vichten

Bahamian Spiritual, arr. Norman Luboff Arthur Arsenault, Angèle Arsenault, arr. Hart Rouge

Canto Que Amabas

Gabriela Mistral, Z Randall Stroope

Tipitin

Maria Grever, arr. Raul Dominguez

Soloist: Lilly Bailey

INTERMISSION The Promised Land American Folk Hymn, arr. Ronald Staheli Soloists: Steve Lovaas, Trever Bonnema, Trevin Giles, and Angela Bosco-Lauth/Lilly Bailey Illumina

Psalm 13:3, Patrick Hawes

Full Fathom Five

William Shakespeare, R. Vaughan Williams

Come Away, Death

William Shakespeare, Kenneth Neufeld

When David Heard

Richard Burchard

Fount of Tears Paul Laurence Dunbar, David Arthur Dunbar Pianist: Carlo Migliaccio Soon Ah Will Be Done

William L Dawson

Hold On Just a Little While Longer

Remel Derrick

Ain't Got Time to Die Soloists: Matt Wiersma, Matt Pearson, Sean Fagan

Hall Johnson

Welcome Sunshine & Shadow explores the light and dark of human existence—joy and sorrow, love and loss, life and death. The first half, Sunshine, bursts with energy and warmth, celebrating the brightness of life with madrigals, heartfelt folk tunes and timeless love songs. The second half, Shadow, delves into longing, grief and resilience through haunting harmonies and powerful spirituals.

Our Choir Ann Bunyan founded the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers in Loveland, Colorado in 1988, with the goal of bringing a cappella choral music to northern Colorado. The group enjoys performing a great variety of styles, from the Renaissance masters through folk songs from around the world, to modern doo-wop, jazz, barbershop and pop/rock. The Chamber Singers revel in the breadth and variety of this literature, which requires an ear for many different styles and a dedication to precision and blend.

Audience members have raved, “Your selection of pieces is inspired!” and “Such wonderful blend and diction.” Reviews have praised the “…astounding display of virtuosity in technique, execution, style and versatility” and “…exact phrasing, excellent diction, impeccable intonation and a thorough knowledge of every style.”

Recordings include “RMCS A Cappella!”, “Christmas with the Chamber Singers”, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Best of the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers.”

Our Director, Dr. David Dunbar Born in Heidelberg, Germany, David Dunbar began his musical training at an early age in piano, organ, voice, cello, conducting, and composition. His formal education includes a bachelor of music degree in choral education from Brigham Young University, where he was mentored by Dr. Mack Wilberg, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He has a master of music degree in orchestral conducting from the University of North Texas where he was mentored by the late Maestro Anshel Brusilow.

In 2017, he completed his doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of Arizona where he was mentored by Dr. Thomas Cockrell (orchestra) and Dr. Bruce Chamberlain (chorus). Dr. Dunbar also holds an

advanced certificate in scoring for motion pictures and television from the University of Southern California. He has conducted choruses and orchestras in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and continues to work as a composer, arranger, and orchestrator. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Music and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins.

Our Singers Abbe Castillo (joined 2006) Amy Resseguie (2013) Angela Bosco-Lauth (2012) Ann Jeffers (2024) Ardeth Carlson (2001) Cassie Foust (2023) Chris Lalonde (2024) Dani Schlueter (2018) Heather Vesgaard (2008) Ian Rousom (2013) Jeremy Vesta (2019) Joya Migliaccio (2021)

Justin Roth (2025) Lilly Bailey (2025) Matt Pearson (2024) Matt Wiersma (2019) Michael Sheppard (1995) Nan Eckardt (2010) Sean Fagan (2025) Steve Lovaas (2003) Trever Bonnema (2006) Trevin Giles (2025) Vickie Wiersma (2019)

Meet The Singers Abbe Castillo has enjoyed singing in RMCS for over 15 years with her mother, Ardeth. Abbe lives in Windsor with her husband, Jerry, and children, Jenessa and Josh. Having married a very hands-on DIY guy, Abbe spends her free time learning new skills, like operating a skid loader, pouring concrete, and creating imitation stone epoxy countertops. She also loves exploring (but not always finishing) new crafts and hobbies.

Amy Resseguie is a writer, editor, and CSU alum who has spent her career working in communications and public engagement with the city of Fort Collins. Amy has sung with the Opera Fort Collins chorus and various church ensembles. She has loved singing with RMCS for the last decade, as well as helping out behind the scenes with our board duties and marketing efforts.

Angela Bosco-Lauth currently sings with the Larimer Chorale and has sung with Laudamus and Opera Fort Collins in the past. She has a Ph.D. in microbiology and is a graduate of CSU's veterinary medicine program. She now works for CSU as an assistant professor and lab animal veterinarian. Hobbies include martial arts, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, and spending time with her spouse and their assortment of pets.

Ann Jeffers has loved music and performing since early childhood. Since moving to NOCO in 2019, she has also sung with Seicento Baroque Ensemble, Pro Musica Terrae Amoris, and Loveland Opera Theater.

Between 1980 and 2000, she lived in Boston and sang opera, oratorio and song recitals. In 2022 she retired from a career as a genetic counselor and clinical educator specializing in hereditary cancer. She lives happily in Loveland with her partner, Robin. Her daughter Fiona is a fearless wilderness EMT and educator.

Ardeth Carlson has been the piano accompanist for schools and churches since third grade and has sung in small ensembles and choirs throughout her life. After careers first in court reporting, then medical transcription, and finally copy editing, she is now loving the free time of retirement to spend on photography, serving as president and newsletter editor of the Loveland Photographic Society. (You can see her photos at Flickr.com.) She shares singing in RMCS with daughter Abbe.

Cassie Foust has always enjoyed music and singing and has earned a B.A. in music education from California State University, Fullerton. She lives in Loveland with her husband and two young children, with whom she currently stays home. She enjoys reading, kickboxing, and adventuring outdoors with her family. Cassie is loving her time with RMCS and getting back into singing and performing.

Chris Lalonde grew up in a music-loving household and got his start through musical theater and various brass instruments. He joined his first a cappella group in college at Notre Dame and has been involved in groups representing various styles since, including as a long-time member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Chris is a recent transplant to Colorado after stops around the country and lives in Fort Collins with his wife, two boys, and two cats.

Dani Schlueter is a music therapist and voice/guitar/ukulele instructor at Foundation Music School in Ft. Collins. A native of Chicago, she earned a bachelor's in K-12 music education at Wartburg College in Iowa and a Masters in music therapy at CSU. She and her husband welcomed their first child in November 2023. Besides singing with RMCS, Dani enjoys sewing, board gaming, playing the ukulele, and being “Mama!”

Heather Vesgaard and husband Matt live in Fort Collins with their family.

With degrees in social work from CSU, Heather is the executive director for the non-profit youth development organization Partners. In addition to RMCS, Heather volunteers with the music and arts ministry at First Presbyterian Church Fort Collins and as a BOD member of the Centennial Children's Chorus. When not working, parenting, or singing, Heather enjoys cuddling her dogs and exercising in the Colorado sunshine!

Ian Rousom is a Fellow in the aerospace industry and a father of four very musical children. He is involved alongside his wife, Kristin, in many music and service roles throughout Colorado, particularly volunteering at Faith Church in Fort Collins. Ian holds degrees in chemistry, computer science, and information technology, and a minor in music. His hobbies include construction, stained glass, and woodworking.

Jeremy Vesta has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University, spent several years as a commodity trader, and is currently a local entrepreneur. He spent much of his youth playing piano or singing in choir. Jeremy enjoys arranging choral music and writing piano music in his spare time. He enjoys a musical household with his wife, Kathleen, and two children.

Joya Migliaccio was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at CSU. She currently practices primarily small animal medicine. She moved back to Fort Collins in 2021 where she lives with her 4 dogs, cat, and horse. In her free time outside of work and singing she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, baking, doing puzzles, and playing card and board games with her friends and family.

Justin Roth is a singer/songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist who spent 20+ years touring and releasing six albums—back when people still bought CDs. After a choral hiatus since the late 1900s, he’s now thrilled to sing with RMCS. These days, he’s a dad of two, husband of one, and splits time teaching guitar, making YouTube tutorials, leading songwriting workshops, DJing on KRFC, and playing solo gigs.

Lilly Bailey started singing before she could talk. She started singing in junior high choir back in Texas, through high school (making the Texas All State Choir!), and into college where she studied music. She has sung with Christ the King Singers in Dallas, and Fort Worth Chorale.

Lilly was a choir director in Texas for 4 years before she and her husband Sean moved out to Fort Collins. Hobbies include hanging out with her cats, collecting house plants, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Matt Pearson brings with him a lifelong love of singing in choirs and small ensembles. Originally from England, Matt relocated to Fort Collins in August, accompanying his wife as she began a new role at Colorado State University. Working remotely as a software professional, Matt appreciates the flexibility to support his children’s sports and music pursuits. In his free time, he enjoys exploring northern Colorado’s scenic surroundings and cheering on his beloved Liverpool FC.

Matt Wiersma has been involved in music for much of his life, performing in choirs and bands, and enjoying the opportunity to sing, play drums, or piano at church. Matt also stays busy with a wide range of home projects—everything from installing solar panels and a fireplace to renovating a school bus. Matt and Vickie are having a grand time exploring the wonders of parenthood with their 4 month old Felix, making this an exciting and memorable time for their family.

Michael Sheppard grew up playing trumpet and played upright bass in high school and in the Omaha youth symphony. He also played bass guitar while in the Air Force. He sang with the New Life gospel quartet for over 30 years. He has studied voice with teachers Tom Turner, Daniel Nelson and, finally, Dr. John Lueck. In 1995, Mike’s good friend Dick Laingor encouraged him to audition for RMCS. This began one of Mike’s most fulfilling musical experiences to this day.

Nan Eckardt and her husband, Simon Tavener, have called Fort Collins home since 2000. Nan has enjoyed singing choral music all her life and also sings with the Larimer Chorale. She is an avid birdwatcher, photographer, hiker, cyclist, and cross-country skier. Indoors, she enjoys reading, cooking, and playing the piano. Nan has a Ph.D. in plant biology and is newly retired from her work as a senior editor for the scientific journal The Plant Cell.

Sean Fagan is excited to join RMCS, ending a three-year choral break after moving to Fort Collins with his wife, Lilly Bailey. Previously, he performed across DFW Texas with the Fort Worth Chorale, Christ the King Singers, and the Goode Time Carolers. Though he earned a music degree from UT Arlington, Sean pivoted from recording studio work to a career in IT systems administration. Along with singing, Sean connects to his musical roots through bass guitar, DJing, and seeing concerts with Lilly and friends.

Steve Lovaas has a music degree from UConn and has performed in opera, choral, folk, and early-music ensembles around the country.

Steve is the chief information security officer for the CSU System, and his community engagement has included stints as president of Opera Fort Collins and Colorado Science Olympiad. He and his wife, Heidi, now take every opportunity to explore a new retreat in the San Luis Valley.

Trever Bonnema After 18 seasons with the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers, I have decided to step away from the group following this set of concerts. It has been an honor and a privilege to perform for so many lovely audiences over the years. It would not have been possible

without the steadfast support of my wife Perry and our two daughters, but I also deeply appreciate the continuous support extended by so many of you faithful patrons. "Goodnight and joy be with you all."

Trevin Giles has had a passion for music since childhood and was involved in numerous choirs throughout his schooling years. He has since taken an interest in transcribing and arranging music, and has begun pursuing a career in piano technology. This is of course in addition to his continued dedication to vocal coaching and participation in three choruses throughout the Front Range. He joined the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers in January and looks forward to growing and performing with them in the future.

Vickie Wiersma is excited to return to the choir after a semester of maternity leave! An amateur in the traditional sense, she also sings for the praise band at Immanuel CRC, in recitals under the tutelage of Ginger Martin, and all night long to her four month old son, Felix. When not singing, Vickie enjoys painting her nails, writing fiction, and putting on tea parties for her friends!

Thank You! We would like to thank our wonderful contributors to Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers! Your generous support makes it possible for us to continue offering a cappella music across Northern Colorado.

Patrons ($1000+) Sponsors ($500–$999) Benefactors ($250–$499) Sustainers ($100–$249)

Friends (Up to $99)

Ann Bunyan Perry & Trever Bonnema, Nan Eckardt & Simon Tavener, Judy Lovaas, Sue Ellen Markey & James Boyd Angela Bosco-Lauth, Amy Resseguie, Kjerstin Thorson Anne Beer, Ardeth & Don Carlson, Karlin Gray, Gabrielle Henery, Nancy & Gustav Hoyer, Joya Migliaccio, Laura Stuntz, Marilyn Tuttle, Heather & Matthew Vesgaard, Joanne Waltz Abbe & Gerald Castillo, Ann Jeffers, Nancy Lauth

Join our list of Sponsors by making a tax-deductible donation in the lobby, by donating online or by sending a check to: The Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers c/o Ian Rousom 3546 Maplewood Lane Johnstown, CO 80534

Keep in Touch With RMCS Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, find us on YOUTUBE and on the WEB at www.rockymountainchambersingers.org and sign up at the door for our NEWSLETTER to receive news of upcoming events.

Enjoy beautiful choral music with these regional ensembles

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for a Digital program, with additional Notes, Lyrics, and Singers’ bios:

Lyrics Part I: Sunshine Voice Dance II (Greg Jasperse) Da, do-way da ya da bum ba-va da day ya da.

Do-way ya da da do way ya da ah. Etc...

O, primavera... (Giovanni Battista Guarini) O primavera, gioventù dell'anno, Bella madre de' fiori, D'erbe novelle e di novelli amori! Tu torni ben, ma teco Non tornano i sereni e fortunati dì delle mie gioie.

Tu torni ben, tu torni, Ma teco altro non torna, Che del perduto mio caro tesoro. La rimembranza misera e dolente. Tu quella sei, pur quella Ch'eri pur dianzi sì vezzosa e bella, Ma non son io quel, che già un tempo fui, Sì caro agli occhi altrui.

[Translation from Italian] Oh springtime, youth of the year, beautiful mother of flowers, of new plants and of new loves, you return indeed, but with you are not returning the bright and lucky days of my joys.

You return indeed, you return, but with you, otherwise, is returning only my dear lost treasure's memory, sad and sorrowful. You are that one, indeed that one that you were not long ago, so lovely and beautiful, but I am not that one that once I was, so valued in the eyes of others.

Il bianco e dolce cigno (Giovanni Giudiccioni) Il bianco e dolce cigno cantando more, ed io piangendo giung' al fin del viver mio. Stran' e diversa sorte, ch'ei more sconsolato ed io moro beato.

Morte che nel morire, m'empie di gioia tutto e di desire.

Se nel morir, altro dolor non sento, di mille mort' il di sarei contento.

[Translation from Latin] The white and sweet swan dies singing, and I, weeping, reach the end of my life.

Strange and different fate, that he dies disconsolate and I die a blessed death, which in dying fills me full of joy and desire.

If in dying, were I to feel no other pain, I would be content to die a thousand deaths a day..

Over Hill, over dale

(Wm. Shakespeare)

Over hill, over dale, thorough bush, thorough brier.

Over park, over pale, thorough flood, thorough fire.

I do wander everywhere. Swifter than the moon’s sphere; And I serve the fairy queen, To dew her orbs upon the green. The cowslips tall her pensioners be; In their gold coats spots you see; those be rubies, fairy favours, in those freckles live their savours: I must go seek some dew drops here, And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.

O, Mistress Mine (Wm. Shakespeare) O, Mistress mine, where are you roaming? O stay and hear; your true love’s coming, that can sing both high and low: Trip no further, pretty sweeting, journey’s end in lovers’ meeting, ev’ry wise man’s son doth know. What is love? ‘Tis not hereafter; present mirth hath present laughter. What’s to come is still unsure, is still unsure. In delay, there lies no plenty, lies no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty, youth’s a stuff will not endure.

I am gone, sir

(Wm. Shakespeare, )

I am gone sir, and anon sir, I’ll be with you again.

In a trice, like to the old Vice, your need to sustain.

Who with dagger of lath, in his rage and his wrath, cries, Aha! To the devil, Oh! Fa la, la la la la, la la la.

I am gone sir, and anon sir, I’ll be with you again.

In a trice, like to the old Vice, your need to sustain.

Like a mad lad, pare thy nails, Dad; Adeiu, good man devil. I am gone, adieu!

Always (Irving Berlin) Everything went wrong, and the whole day long I’d feel so blue. For the longest while, I’d forget to smile. Then I met you. Now that my blue days have passed, Oh, now that I’ve found you at last. I’ll be loving you, always. With a love that’s true, always. When the things you’ve planned need a helping hand, I will understand, always, always.

Days may not be fair, always. That’s when I’ll be there, always. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always.

Beautiful Dreamer

(Stephen Foster)

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me; Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day; Lull’d by the moonlight, have all passed away.

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song; List while I woo thee with soft melody; Gone are the cares of life’s busy throng; Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea, mermaids are chaunting the wild Lorelie; Over the streamlet, vapors are borne; Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart, E’en as the morn on the streamlet and sea; Then will all clouds of sorrow depart. Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Danny Boy (Frederick Weatherly) Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.

The summer's gone, and all the roses falling, It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow, Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow, It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow, Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!

But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying, If I am dead, as dead I well may be, You'll come and find the place where I am lying, And kneel and say an Ave there for me.

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me, And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be, For you will bend and tell me that you love me, And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!

All My Trials (Bahamian Spiritual) If religion was a thing that money could buy, the rich would live and the poor would die.

All my trials, Lord, soon be over.

Too late, my brothers. Too late, but never mind.

All my trials, Lord, soon be over.

Now hush, little baby, don’t you cry. You know that man was born to die.

All my trials, Lord, soon be over.

Too late, my brothers. Too late, but never mind.

All my trials, Lord, soon be over.

Vichten [Arthur Arsenault] Vichten a ven a ven, vichten a ven a va.

Vichten a ven a ven a ven a ven a va va.

Tari aka taka shoon, taka shoon, taka shoon.

Tari aka taka shoon, vichten a ven a va.

Ala couchi oom shoo shla lizabeta, Ala couchi oom shoo shla, ha!

Bibi bit’n, taria Bodnah bi bodne Stalawala w’d dalia bibodne.

Canto Que Amabas.

(Gabriela Mistral) Yo canto lo que tú amabas, vida mía, por si te acercas y escuchas, vida mía, por si te acuerdas del mundo que viviste, al aterdecer yo canto, sombra mía. …

Soy la misma que fue tuya, vida mía.

Ni lenta ni trascordada ni perdida.

Acude al anochecer, vida mía, ven recordando un canto, vida mía, si la canción reconoces de aprendida y si mi nombre recuerdas todavía.

Te espero sin plazo y sin tiempo.

No temas noche, nebline ni aguacero.

Acude con sendero o sin sendero.

Llámame adonde tú eres, alma mía, y marcha recto hacia mí, compañero.

[Translation from Spanish by Ursula K. Le Guin] Life of my life, what you loved I sing.

If you're near, if you're listening, think of me now in the evening: shadow in shadows, hear me sing. …

Life of my life, I haven't changed, not turned aside and not estranged.

Come to me as the shadows grow long, come, life of my life, if you know the song you used to know, if you know my name.

I and the song are still the same.

Beyond time or place I keep the faith.

Follow a path or follow no path, never fearing the night, the wind, call to me, come to me, now at the end, walk with me, life of my life, my friend.

Tipitin Ladron de amores me llaman, por robarme tu cariño, como un juguete que a un niño se le antojara al pasar. con el, me robe, tus besos y un rizo de tus cabellos, pero me he enredado en ellos y no me puedo zafar. ti pi ti pi tin, tipitin, ti pi ti pi ton, tipiton, todas las mañanas bajo tu ventana, canto esta cancion. ti pi ti pi tin, tipitin, ti pi ti pi ton, tipiton, este es el sonido del fuerte latido, de mi corazon. con mi guitarra en la mano, y en ella un ramo de flores, por las mañanas temprano, voy cantando mis amores. y en mi cantar voy diciendo, que nunca te he de olvidar, que aunque la vida me cueste, el cantar no he de dejar. ti pi ti pi tin, tipitin...

[Translation from Spanish] They call me a thief of love, For having stolen your love, Like a toy a child fancies in passing.

With it, I stole your kisses and a lock of your hair, But I've gotten tangled in it and can’t get away. ti pi ti pi tin, tipitin, ti pi ti pi ton, tipiton, Every morning below your window, I sing this song. ti pi ti pi tin, tipitin, ti pi ti pi ton, tipiton, This is the sound of the strong beating of my heart.

With my guitar in my hand, and in it a bouquet of flowers, I go out every morning, singing of my love.

And in my song, I say that I will never forget you, Even if I die,I will not stop singing.

[Intermisson]

Part II: Shadow The Promised Land

(Amer. Folk Hymn)

On Jordan’s stormy bank I stand and cast a wishful eye, To Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie. O, the transporting rapt’rous scene that rises to my sight! Sweet fields arrayed in living green, and rivers of delight. I am bound for the promised land, I’m bound for the promised land. O, who will come and go with me, I am bound for the promised land!

The gen’rous fruits that never fail on trees immortal grow; There rocks and hills and brooks and vales with milk and honey flow. I am bound for the promised land…

All o’er those wide extended plains shines one eternal day; there God, the sun, forever reigns and scatters night away. I am bound for the promised land…

When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blessed? When in my Father’s bosom rest? I’m bound, I’m bound for the promised land…

No chilling winds or pois’nous breath can reach that healthy shore: All sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more. I am bound for the promised land…

Filled with delight my raptured soul can here no longer stay: Though Jordan’s waves around me roll, Fearless I’d launch away. I am bound for the promised land…

Illumina (Psalm 13.3) Illumina, occulos meos.

Ne cuando obdormiam, in morte, illumina.

[Translation from Latin] Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep unto death.

Full Fathom Five

(Wm. Shakespeare)

Ding dong bell!

Full fathom five my father lies, of his bones are coral made. Those are pearls that were his eyes.

Nothing of him that doth fade, but doth suffer a sea change, Into something rich and strange.

Sea nymphs hourly ring his knell: Hark! now I hear them, Ding dong bell…

Come Away, Death

(Wm. Shakespeare)

Come away death, and in sad cypress let me be laid; Fly away, breath; I am slain by a fair, cruel maid.

My shroud of white, stuck all with yew, O prepare it!

My part of death, no one so true did share it.

Not a flow’r, not a flow’r sweet on my black coffin let there be strown; Not a friend greet my corpse where my bones shall be thrown; A thousand, thousand sighs to save, Lay me where sad true lover never find my grave to weep there, to weep there!

When David Heard

(II Samuel 18:33)

When David heard that Absalom was slain He went up into his chamber over the gate and wept And thus he said; O My son, my son Would God I had died for thee!

O Absalom my son Would God I had died for thee!

The Fount of Tears

(Paul Laurence Dunbar)

All hot and grimy from the road Dust gray from arduous years I sat me down and eased my load Beside the Fount of Tears The waters sparkled to my eye Calm, crystal-like, and cool And breathing there a restful sigh I bent me to the pool REFRAIN: Lo! a voice cried: "Pilgrim, rise Harsh tho' the sentence be And on to other lands and skies This fount is not for thee "Pass on, but calm thy needless fears Some may not love or sin An angel guards the Fount of Tears All may not bathe therein."

Then with my burden on my back I turned to gaze awhile First at the uninviting track Then at the water's smile REFRAIN And so I go upon my way Thro'out the sultry years But pause no more, by night, by day Beside the Fount of Tears REFRAIN

Soon Ah Will Be Done (William L. Dawson) Soon ah will be don' A-wid de troubles ob de worl', Troubles ob de worl', De troubles ob de worl'.

Soon ah will be don' A-wid de troubles ob de worl', Goin' home t'live wid God. I wan' t'meet my mother, I wan' t'meet my mother, I wan' t'meet my mother, I'm goin' t'live wid God. Soon ah will be don' A-wid de troubles ob de worl', De worl', de troubles ob de worl'….

No more weepin' an' a-wailin', No more weepin' an' a-wailin', No more weepin' an' a-wailin', I'm goin' t'live wid God. No more weepin' an' a-wailin'…

Soon ah will be don' A-wid de troubles ob de worl', De worl', de troubles ob de worl', De worl', oh, Soon ah will be don' A-wid de troubles ob de worl', Goin' home t'live wid God. I wan' t'meet my Jesus, I wan' t'meet my Jesus, I wan' t'meet my Jesus, I'm goin' t'live wid God. In de mornin' Lord! I'm goin' t'live wid God. I'm goin' t'live wid God..

Hold On Just a Little While Longer Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, just hold on!

Hold on just a little while longer, everything will be alright.

When I was a moaner, just like you.

(Everything will be alright).

I called and called ‘til I came through.

(Everything will be alright).

Hold on just a little while longer, everything will be alright.

Heard the voice of Jesus say.

Everything will be alright.

Come to me, oh yes, for I’m the Way! Everything will be alright.

Hold on just a little while longer, everything will be alright.

Sing on, pray on, everything is gonna be alright.

Shout on, fight on, everything is gonna be alright.

Hold on! Sing on! Fight on! Pray on!

Hold on brother, don’t get weary, Hold on sister, don’t get weary.

Hold on children, don’t get weary. Don’t get weary!

Everything will be alright.

(Trad. Spiritual)

Ain’t Got Time to Die

(Hall Johnson)

Lord, I keep so busy praisin’ my Jesus, keep so busy praisin’ my Jesus, keep so busy praisin’ my Jesus, Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause when I’m healin’ de sick, I’m praisin’ my Jesus, healin’ de sick, I’m praisin’ my Jesus, healin’ de sick, I’m praisin’ my Jesus, Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause it takes all o’ my time to praise my Jesus, all o’ my time to praise my Lord. If I don’ praise him, de rocks gonter cry out, “Glory an’ honor! Glory an’ honor!”

Ain’t got time to die Lord, I keep so busy workin’ fer de kingdom, keep so busy workin’ fer de kingdom, keep so busy workin’ fer de kingdom, Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause when I’m feedin’ de po’, I’m workin’ fer de Kingdom, feedin’ de po’, I’m workin’ fer de Kingdom, feedin’ de po’, I’m workin’ fer de Kingdom.

Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause it takes all o’ my time to praise my Jesus, all o’ my time to praise my Lord. If I don’ praise him, de rocks gonter cry out, “Glory an’ honor! Glory an’ honor!”

Ain’t got time to die Lord, I keep so busy servin’ my Master, keep so busy servin’ my Master, keep so busy servin’ my Master, Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause when I’m givin’ my all, I’m servin’ my Master, givin’ m all, I’m servin’ my Master, givin’ m all, I’m servin’ my Master, Ain’t got time to die.

‘Cause it takes all o’ my time to praise my Jesus, all o’ my time to praise my Lord. If I don’ praise him, de rocks gonter cry out, “Glory an’ honor! Glory an’ honor!”

Ain’t got time to die.

Now won’t you git out o’ ma way, lemme praise my Jesus, out o’ ma way, lemme praise my Lord. If I don’ praise him, de rocks gonter cry out, “Glory an’ honor! Glory an’ honor!” Ain’t got time to die.

The Parting Glass

(Trad. Irish/Scottish)

Of all the money that e'er I had I have spent it in good company Oh and all the harm I've ever done Alas, it was to none but me And all I've done for want of wit To memory now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass Good night and joy be to you all Of all the comrades that e'er I had

They're sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They would wish me one more day to stay But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all.