Judith Palmer is a Philadelphia-area composer, singer, and arranger. She is one of the founding members of Anna Crusis Women's Choir,Mckelvey, Anita (2007). "The Passions of Anna Crusis". Philadelphia Music Makers. 6 (2): 47–49. America's oldest and longest running feminist choir.Vukovich, Dyana (1988). "The Anna Crusis Women's Choir". Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory. 4 (1): 50-63.
Early life Judith Palmer grew up in rural Ohio. Her mother used to say she "came out of the womb singing." The local, public school system, exposed her to musical instrument lessons, and singing opportunities. Her first composition, in 1963, was “The Class Song.” It was conducted by Judith and sung at high school graduation by all 32 members of her graduating class.
Wine, Women and Song In 1970, Judith helped start the feminist singing group Wine, Women and Song. The motivation for starting the group was to make up for the dearth of women-composed, women-centered music, and to create music for a day-long radio program of original feminist music for International Women's Day. Judith's first arrangement for this program was "Free of the Burden", to the tune of "Get Along Home Cindy, Cindy". In 1975, Cathy Roma recruited singers from Wine, Women and Song to form Anna Crusis Women's Choir.
Anna Crusis Women's Choir Judith is a founding member of Anna Crusis Women's Choir. Since 1975, she has sung in the first soprano section and has served as choir arranger and composer, particularly of four- and five- part acappella pieces written for small ensembles. ANNA’s mission to foster social change and advance the empowerment of women provided a venue for the musical expression of Judith's social commentary. Access to fine singers and the choir’s commitment to LGBTQ+ issues has also provided a place for reflections on her own personal journey.
Compositions and arrangements Mariju-ANNA, original composition, first performed 2 June 2019 Light of a Clear Blue Morning, re-wording of Craig Hella Johnson's a capella arrangement of Dolly Parton's Light of a Clear Blue Morning, performed December 8, 2018 Rise Up Again, first performed 3 June 2017 America, The More Beautiful, re-arrangement of Katharine Lee Bates' America, The Beautiful, first performed 10 December 2016 Common Ground, 2015 The Recital, 2015 What's in a Name?, 2014 Golden Arches, 2013 Peace Canon, 2012 Plutocracy Trumps, 2011 Breaking for Trout, 2010 Toast the Earth with Exxon Mobil, re-arrangement of song by the Austin Lounge Lizards, 2010 A Mighty Shrug, 2009Palmer, Judith (2009). "Musical Musings in 4 Parts: Original songs and arrangements encompassing 35 years of singing with ANNA CRUSIS Women's Choir"Colletta, Jen (May 14, 2009). "Women's Choir Strives for Social Justice Through Music, Art". Philadelphia Gay News. http://www.epgn.com/news/local/957-2559744-womens-choir-strives-for-social-justice-through-music-art Still Fallin' , music commissioned by Sharon Dailey, 2009 Tumble Me, 2008 Outside the Bottle, 2007 On the Wind, first performed June 2007 Our Remains: The Composting Song, arrangement; words and music by Jamie Foto, 2007 Cheney at the Pump, text by Calvin Trillin,Trillin, Calvin (May 4, 2006). "Cheney at the Pump". The Nation. https://www.thenation.com/article/cheney-pump/ 2006 Bushwacked, 2005 Oldest Feminist Choir on Mission: A quodlibet based on the mission statement of the Anna Crusis Women's Choir, skits by Jennifer Raison, first performed 14 May 2005 I Believe, barbershop arrangement of "I Believe", 2003 Mrs. Harold Righteousbomber, arrangement; words and music by Darthe Jennings, 2000; performed by MUSE (Cincinnati Women's Choir)Hamilton, Nicole (May 13, 2002). "Muse makes fun music, but with a message". The Cincinnati Enquirer. http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/05/13/tem_muse_makes_fun_music.html Woe to Pinochet, 1999 37 Bumperstickers, 1998 Your Satin PJs: An Adult Lullaby, 1996 Houseboat Holiday, 1995 Mrs. Harold Righteousbomber, arrangement; words and music by Darthe Jennings, 1995; performed by Portland Lesbian Choir, Sacramento Women’s Chorus, HerSong (Iowa women's chorus), Juneau Pride Chorus, Alaska Women’s Chorus, New Mexico Women’s Chorus, Womonsong (Madison, WI feminist choir, 1978-1997), Indianapolis Women’s Chorus, and MUSE (Cincinnati Women's Choir) Menopause, 1994; appears on 2000 album Spaces Between the Stars, has also been performed by Windsong (Cleveland's feminist chorus), The LimeJello, Marshmallow Surprise, and SheWho (Philadelphia feminist vocal ensemble) The Celebration Song, 1994 Together Proud and Strong, arrangement; words and music by Lynn Thomas, 1993 Plain song for Kenny, arrangement; words and music by Gwendolyn Burke, 1992; performed by Portland Gay Men's Chorus, 1996, 2012Portland Gay Men's Chorus (July 10, 2012). "The Young Person's Guide to the Gay Men's Chorus". GALA Choruses Festival, Denver 2012. http://www.tresonamultimedia.com/ckfinder/userfiles/files/PortlandGMC.pdf Kitchen Ditty, words by Susan Saxe, 1983 Finny, 1982 Farmer Brown, arrangement; words and music by Dean Morgan, 1981 Little Fetuses, arrangement; words by Mybel Johnson, music by Malvina Reynolds Finny, 1981 Whether to Mother, 1980 Women Friends, 1978 New Life, words by Linda Bettof, 1977 Who's Gonna' Shoe, arrangement traditional, 1976 Still Ain't Satisfied, arrangement; words and music by Bonnie Lockhart of the Red Star Singers, 1974 Women Friends, 1973 Free of the Burden, arrangement; words co-authored by Marykae Josh, 1971 You Can't Stop NOW (when NOW was being attacked by anti-feminists, early 70's) Don't Bring Me Posies Class Song, 1963
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