Judith Palmer
Judith Palmer is a Philadelphia-area composer, singer, and arranger. She is one of the founding members of Anna Crusis Women's Choir, America's oldest and longest running feminist choir.
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.
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 2019Light 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, 2018Rise Up Again, first performed 3 June 2017America, The More Beautiful, re-arrangement of Katharine Lee Bates' America, The Beautiful, first performed 10 December 2016Common Ground, 2015The Recital, 2015What's in a Name?, 2014Golden Arches, 2013Peace Canon, 2012Plutocracy Trumps, 2011, 2010Toast the Earth with Exxon Mobil, re-arrangement of song by the Austin Lounge Lizards, 2010A Mighty Shrug, 2009Still Fallin' , music commissioned by Sharon Dailey, 2009Tumble Me, 2008Outside the Bottle, 2007On the Wind, first performed June 2007Our Remains: The Composting Song, arrangement; words and music by Jamie Foto, 2007Cheney at the Pump, text by Calvin Trillin, 2006Bushwacked, 2005Oldest 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 2005I Believe, barbershop arrangement of "I Believe", 2003Mrs. Harold Righteousbomber, arrangement; words and music by Darthe Jennings, 2000; performed by Woe to Pinochet, 199937 Bumperstickers, 1998Your Satin PJs: An Adult Lullaby, 1996Houseboat Holiday, 1995Mrs. Harold Righteousbomber, arrangement; wods and music by Darthe Jennings, 1995; performed by Portland Lesbian Choir,,,, Alaska Women’s Chorus,, Womonsong,, and Menopause, 1994; appears on 2000 album, has also been performed by, The LimeJello, Marshmallow Surprise, and The Celebration Song, 1994Together Proud and Strong, arrangement; words and music by Lynn Thomas, 1993Plain song for Kenny, arrangement; words and music by Gwendolyn Burke, 1992; performed by Portland Gay Men's Chorus, 1996, 2012Kitchen Ditty, words by Susan Saxe, 1983Finny, 1982Farmer Brown, arrangement; words and music by Dean Morgan, 1981Little Fetuses, arrangement; words by Mybel Johnson, music by Malvina ReynoldsFinny, 1981Whether to Mother, 1980Women Friends, 1978New Life, words by Linda Bettof, 1977Who's Gonna' Shoe, arrangement traditional, 1976Still Ain't Satisfied, arrangement; words and music by Bonnie Lockhart of the Red Star Singers, 1974Women Friends, 1973Free of the Burden, arrangement; words co-authored by Marykae Josh, 1971You Can't Stop NOW Don't Bring Me PosiesClass Song, 1963