News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The Nutcracker Suite 30 November, 2012

It seems that everyone loves Tschaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.  Beginning piano students want to play pieces from it, and advanced players always get  compliments for playing pieces from The Nutcracker Suite at parties and gigs for the Christmas season.  Stanton’s has The Nutcracker Suite at varying levels for students and advanced performers.  One of the easiest collections is arranged by Tom Gerou of Alfred Publishing.  It is a 5-finger arrangement, i.e., one finger at a time plays the melody.  The most advanced Nutcracker collection comes from G. Schirmer Inc. (Did you know that the “G” stands for “Gustave”?)    You may call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC or email us at keyboard@stantons.com. to see what the other levels are like.  Or vivst us at www.stantons.com to have a look at our website.

Authentic Arrangements for High School Band 29 November, 2012

If you’re tired of lackluster arrangements, or titles that sound cool, but don’t live up to their musical billing, check out these fantastic, authentic-sounding arrangements for advancing bands.  There is plenty of variety, and your band and audience are sure to enjoy them. If you teach young bands, our article Authentic Pieces Your Young Band Will Love, features excellent new works for grades 1-2.5.


Chisholm Trail
, Carl Strommen – Grade 3.5
Chisholm Trail has a truly American folk song quality, containing hints of music from the mountains, evoking the rugged terrain and pioneering spirit that were so important to the early growth of this great nation.

Come Fly with Me, arr. Paul Murtha – Grade 3
Written for Frank Sinatra, and the title track of his 1958 album, this wonderful big band-style arrangement remains masterfully true to the original recording.  Perfect for pop, summer, or community band concerts!

Earhart: Sounds of Courage, Robert W. Smith – Grade 3.5
Eternally sparking our curiosity and taste for adventure, the legend & mystery of Amelia Earhart is brilliantly captured in this soaring, musical journey of multicultural styles and a timeless spirit of discovery.

Everest: The Forbidden Journey, Rob Romeyn – Grade 3.5
Expeditions to find joy at the top of the world are an intoxicating mixture of danger, excitement, awe and solitude, all of which are finely woven into this emotional musical adventure with a driving pulse and a soaring spirit.

Hava Nagila, arr. David Bobrowitz – Grade 3
The excitement builds with the tempo in this wonderfully authentic arrangement of the traditional Hebrew song. Opening with a solo group consisting of flute, saxophone, euphonium, and bells, the unfolding musical tide gains momentum with each section, right through the boisterous, celebratory ending.

Legends of Jazz, arr. Stephen Bulla – Grade 4
Learning opportunities just seem to go hand-in-hand with this outstanding medley of milestones in American jazz, each a classic in its own style: Boplicity (Miles Davis), ‘Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk) and In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington).

Spyscape, Timothy Loest – Grade 3
Sneaky, sinister, superbly scored, and loaded for undercover action – the perfect montage of menacing musical cliches chase and intercept, building to a rousing free-for-all climax that parents and students will love.

The Stormchasers, Robert Sheldon – Grade 4
Traditional “screamers” are mostly historical icons, but this lightning-charged circus march for the 21st century carries on the bloodline magnificently, from its thundering energy, to its sweet lyrical lines, to the accelerando finale that remains crisp & controlled to the last breathless note.

Authentic Pieces Your Young Band Will Love 28 November, 2012

One of the things that our band staff is always listening for, besides unique and interesting new arrangements, is authenticity.  We all know that there are many titles for band published each year that purport to be in some style or another, and some are really good (some even in spite of their titles), and others are just outright lame (no matter how cool the title is).  We also know that fun, cool-sounding pieces can make band fun and exciting, and that your students can see right through hokey style adaptations – after all, who doesn’t want to play music that sounds like something, no matter how basic their skill level.  Here are a variety of new titles for young band that suit their styles to a “T”, and we’re sure you, your band, and your audience will have fun with them!

Chillaxin’, Matt Conaway – Grade 1
Feature your trumpet section and teach 12-bar blues with this laid-back groove-rock tune. It follows the changes, has a solid bass line, and is perfect to open up to feature some budding soloists!

Ghost Dancing, Brant Karrick – Grade 2
Featured in our Haunting New Titles blog, this intense modern work is full of tone clusters, angular melodies, clashing harmonies, and jagged rhythmic interjections that take programmatic music to the edge!  Think Danny Elfman’s quirkiness meets Night on Bald Mountain with a taste of Charles Ives’ polytonality thrown in for good measure.

Gospel John, arr. Andy Clark – 2.5
True to the original, this 70’s Maynard Ferguson hit is solidly arranged for young bands, and is as good as any rock arrangement you’ll find.

Grand Galop, Johnnie Vinson – Grade 2
Full of dynamic phrasing, style, and tonguing, this Vinson original is brick right out of the gate!  With limited rhythmic and technical demands, this is a great introduction to the galop/circus march style, and features a slight fight-song quality.

Harlequin Dance, Erik Morales – Grade 2.5
This light, swingin’ program work reminiscent of noir TV themes features brushes on the drums, vibes, an alto sax solo, and excellent jazz harmonies and syncopation!  A walking upright bass, drum set, colorful percussion, and a Burlesque-style shout section with back-beat cymbal crashes put this chart over-the-top!

I’m Feelin’ Funky, Gerald Sebesky – Grade 2
Great for working articulation, syncopation, and rhythm reading, this groovin’ funk chart features James Brown-style horn licks and solid style.  Don’t let the recording fool you – the ingredients are there.  Tweak the tempo and tighten up the staccato articulation, and this one goes from “baby band”-ish to funkalicious!

Sun Cycles, Brian Balmages – Grade 2.5
Sun Cycles is based on the Egyptian Sun God, Ra, and features a wealth of Middle Eastern percussion instruments. Its multiple sections are mysterious, raucous, driving, dark, and full of Middle Eastern sound, rhythm, and style.

Vivo (Galop), arr. Andrew Glover – Grade 2
Limited technical demands make Vivo very accessible without sacrificing any of the style and fun of the original. Features the woodwinds at the beginning of the break strain, and a raucous shout section where the whole band can let it rip!

A Yiddish Lullaby, arr. Robert Sheldon – Grade 1
The Jewish lullaby Raisins and Almonds has become so popular that it’s now considered a folk song, and Robert Sheldon’s gorgeous arrangement is part lyrical ballad, part ancient folk song setting. Dynamic and flowing, yet gentle, this arrangement will advance your ensemble’s musicianship, while the Jewish sonic inflections add touching emotional weight.

Sing-A-Long Christmas 27 November, 2012

Christmas Favorites” and “Christmas Carols“, both in the Sing-A-Long series from Hal Leonard, have pull-out sets of lyric sheets in addition to the piano accompaniment book. “Christmas Favorites” has a set of 8 lyric sheets for the songs in the book. “Christmas Carols” has a set of 12 lyric sheets for the songs in the book.  If you are caroling this Christmas season, or if you have family singalongs when you get together for the holidays, these books with the extra lyric sheets will satisfy the desire to sing along to songs we have heard all of our lives.   Stanton’s has a wide selection of Christmas books-songbooks, solos for instruments, piano and organ Christmas collections of solos.  So check us out at www.stantons.com, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC.

“We Three Kings” by Straight No Chaser 26 November, 2012

Straight No Chaser is an exceptional professional a cappella group, which originated in 1996 at Indiana University. In 2006, a 1998 video of their rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” gained widespread popularity online and subsequently led to a five-album record deal with Atlantic Records in 2008 – the YouTube video has been viewed almost 15 million times!

Click here to watch video

Now YOUR a cappella group can perform SNC’s arrangement of We Three Kings from the chart-topping album “Christmas Cheers.” Wild and fun, complete with elements of “Mission Impossible,” Boys II Men and reggae, it’s sure to bring down the house!

For more a cappella repertoire for your ensemble, please contact us!

Ukulele for Christmas 23 November, 2012

We have seen ukulele for ACDC,  Metallica, and Jimi Hendrix.  Let us turn to something well, not as ramped-up.  How about ukulele for Christmas?  Why not?  The ukulele is small,  portable, easy to play, a very friendly little instrument.

Christmas Songs for Ukulele“  contains 20 easy arrangements of favorite holiday songs including “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”,  “Frosty the Snowman” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”.  Melody, words, and chord grids are included for each song.  Be the song leader for a sing-along.  Strum your best, and get your friends into the holiday mood!  For more information about this book of Christmas sheet music, or other ukulele books, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC or email us at keyboard@stantons.com.

Give Thanks! 22 November, 2012

Stanton’s is closed today so that we can all celebrate with our families–we hope that you are doing the same!

Click here to watch video

Enhance Your Praise from the Piano! 21 November, 2012

If you are looking to bring more “ministry” to your piano service music, try one of these wonderful, new collections endorsed by Stanton’s keyboard department:

Gospel Gold – Volume 2
Energized by the success of Gospel Gold, enjoy this celebrated sequel perfect for every occasion. Like its predecessor, this compilation is essential repertoire for every church pianist. Fifteen favorite hymns and gospel tunes leap from the pages in these exciting new arrangements. Sizzling southern gospel, ragtime, and even jazz treatments infuse this collection with variety and joy. Stretch your offertory options with this brilliant collection from some of today’s most respected piano arrangers.

Images
This is a groundbreaking album/book project from the multi-talented Heather Sorenson. As the moniker implies, these highly impressionistic arrangements are designed to capture the ear and eye while portraying the spirit of each of the arrangements. When combined with the innovative visual supplement, the church pianist moves their ministry from its traditional role into a new area of expression. The arrangements are filled with variety and are effective with or without the visual component. Optional cello and/or violin obbligatos are included on many of the titles.

Who Will Score Star Wars Episode VII? 20 November, 2012

The announcement of Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm and its subsidiaries, along with the planned 2015 release of Star Wars Episode VII set the internet and media outlets a-buzz with rumors and speculation.  From mainstream and entertainment news to fan sites and blogs about movies, comics, gaming, etc. speculation has been flying about who will write and direct Episode VII, and whether the story would be original, or adapted from the novels and comics that comprise the Star Wars expanded universe.  Of course, the immediate discussion around Stanton’s was about the return of compositional Jedi Master John Williams.

John Williams

His scores for the original trilogy and other films of that period are iconic, and a major reason the Star Wars movies are not just great, but epic.  Although less prolific than in his heyday, his recent work includes Lincoln, War Horse, and The Adventures of Tintin , and he has remained active within the Star Wars franchise, providing original music for the 2011 TV movie Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace.

But what if John Williams were not to return?  Williams himself admitted surprise upon returning to score the Prequel Trilogy some 20 years after the original’s debut. With whom else is The Force strong?  Although there are plenty of great film composers out there, very few could replicate his strong thematic writing and storytelling capacity without sounding like, well, a clone, not to mention finding someone whose style is appropriate to both the genre and scope of the Star Wars universe.

Howard Shore prominently returns to the limelight beginning this December with the first release from Peter Jackson’s three-film adaptation of The Hobbit.  This provides compositional consistency for Jackson’s adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology. Shore is probably best-known for his fantastic scores for the world-building Lord of the Rings trilogy lending credibility to his potential to create soundscapes for unexplored worlds in the Star Wars universe in addition to scoring the colorful fantasy Hugo.

Alexandre Desplat is most widely known for the darkness and grim intensity of his scores for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2.  In addition to being some of this author’s favorites from the series, his Harry Potter scores display a knack for properly underscoring the gravity of epic battle.  His ability to write lighter material and strong storytelling are on display in The King’s Speech, with turns of fantasy via The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Golden Compass.

Alan Silvestri displayed a proven ability to score a Hollywood blockbuster with Marvel’s The Avengers, and could certainly capture the breadth and scope of Star Wars. His soundscapes and textures would be a good fit, he has the ability to compose a strong, memorable theme, see Captain America March from Captain America: The First Avenger, and his score for the modern Christmas classic, The Polar Express, is wonderful, as well.

Michael Giaccchino

Michael Giacchino appears to be the one with whom The Force is strongest, and is our pick should John Williams ever choose to pass the baton.  His versatility is on wonderful display as one of Disney/Pixar’s “go-to” composers, he is familiar to TV audiences courtesy of Lost and Fringe, and his score to 2009’s Star Trek is motion picture perfect! He has the ability to bring both strong storytelling and a visual spectacle to life at the same time, and his writing is just enough like John Williams’ to not seem like a radical departure, but not so similar as to seem like musical plagiarism.

Who would be your choice to score future Star Wars films if John Williams were unavailable?  Let us know in the comments below, and May The Force Be With You!

January Sacred Reading Session 19 November, 2012

Since most church choirs are in the thick of preparations for Advent and Christmas, it seems strange to think that it’s almost time to purchase music for Lent and Easter! When the holidays are over, plan to attend Stanton’s Sacred Choral Clinic on Saturday, January 12th, 2013, and you’ll be fully prepared for the next “holiday season.”

Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday, January 12, 2013
9:00 am – 12:30 am
Registration: $20.00

We will be featuring the best new choral publications for Lent, Easter and beyond, as chosen by Stanton’s sacred choral staff. The clinic will be held in its usual place at the Battelle Fine Arts Center at Otterbein University in Westerville, OH.

Attending this clinic is a fantastic way for you to choose new church anthems for your choir by hearing the music read live. This January’s clinicians will be Stanton’s own Judy Henry and president emeritus Jim Strouse. Please feel free to contact Stanton’s at 1-800-42-MUSIC and speak with a choral staff member for the details of the event. We look forward to seeing you at 8:30 on January 12th for registration, coffee and doughnuts followed by a wonderful morning of singing!

Click here to watch video

Teach Your Young Band 3/4 16 November, 2012

After establishing the basics of playing in 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures with beginning bands, most groups then move on to 3/4 – it’s easy to count, and still uses the quarter note as the basis for each beat.  Finding pieces to teach and reinforce this concept can be challenging, but as our band staff was checking out the new band titles for this year, we noticed a variety of quality pieces in different styles and tempi that are perfect for working on 3/4.

Lyrical Works
Daydreaming, Gary Fagan – Grade 1
In the Garden, arr. Andrew Glover – Grade 2.5
Mosswood Lullaby, Brian Beck – Grade 1
Twilight Serenade, Steve Hodges – Grade 1
Water’s Edge, Steve Hodges – Grade 2

Adventure & Programmatic Works
Adversary, Larry Clark – Grade 1.5
The Beast, Michael Story – Grade 0.5
Blunderbuss Battles, Ralph Ford – Grade 1.5
Ghost Ship, arr. Michael Story – Grade 1
The Siege of Harlech Castle, Robert Sheldon – Grade 1

Concert Overture & Christmas
The Cherry Tree Carol, arr. Johnnie Vinson – Grade 1.5
Winds of Celebration, Tyler S. Grant – Grade 2.5

Folk & Classical
De Colores, arr. Douglas Wagner – Grade 1
Slavonic Dance #1, Dvorak/arr. Story – Grade 1

Movies & TV
Themes from Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang, arr. Douglas Wagner – Grade 1
Game of Thrones, arr. Michael Brown – Grade 2

Keep following the Stanton’s blog for more great teaching ideas – Coming Soon: Authentic New Arrangements for concert band, pieces for Teaching Odd and Mixed Meter, and the Best New Advanced Concert Band!

Glen Hansard Guitar Songbook 15 November, 2012

Glen Hansard is an the Academy Award winning song writer known for his performance in the 2007 film “Once.” Starting at age 13, when he dropped out of school to busk on the streets of Dublin, Ireland, he has been a very active musician.  He has toured world wide, and has won multiple awards as a song writer.

This book of guitar sheet music,which includes tablature, is a collection of his best songs from 2001 to 2012, including his “Falling Slowly“, which he and Marketa Irglova wrote together.  Check out the Glen Hansard Guitar Songbook!

You can email us at keyboard@stantons.com,  call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, or check out our website at www.stantonssheetmusic.com.

It’s Time to Start the Music! It’s Time to Light the Lights! 14 November, 2012

If you’re following Stanton’s on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed that we’re BIG fans of The Muppets (and we’ll take any opportunity to feature them on our page!).  Here’s some of our favorite Muppets music!

From the 2011 movie comes the big opening production number Life’s a Happy Song, a sunny salute to Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and gang along with their biggest fan Gary! The lyrics say it all, “I’ve got everything that I need right in front of me.”  Also check out The Muppets Choral Highlights (including “Life’s a Happy Song,” “Mah-Na Mah-Na,” “Me Party,” “The Muppet Show Theme” and “The Rainbow Connection”), and the movie songbook featuring 12 great songs from the hit-packed soundtrack.

Looking for classic, “old school” Muppets music?  Try the “John Denver and the Muppets – A Christmas Together” piano/vocal/guitar collection, “Favorite Songs from Jim Henson’s Muppets” (available for piano/vocal/guitar and easy piano), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” piano/vocal/guitar collection, “The Muppet Show Theme” (available for piano/vocal, saxophone quartet, young concert band or string orchestra), or “The Rainbow Connection” (available for MANY different instrumentations!).

For more suggestions, please contact us!

We Wish You a Folky Christmas! 13 November, 2012

Books of Christmas music for folk instruments are sometimes hard to come by.  Here are two books, one for banjo and one for mandolin.  “Christmas Songs for Banjo” has been arranged by Jim Schustedt.  The music is written out in both banjo tablature and standard notation, and includes chord names and lyrics. Because the chord names are included, friends can strum along, turning your visit  into a fun get-together. Contents include  24 songs, mostly standard Christmas carols.  There is a handy banjo notation legend in the back of the book.

  “Mandolin Christmas” by Eric Cutshall is a collection of  20 Christmas carols, each in 2 versions. First, a lead sheet version, second, a solo arrangement.  They can be played together as duets, and chord names  are included, so friends can strum along.  Spend the holiday with friends and make music together with either collection!  For information concerning either of these Christmas books, or other folk music Christmas collections, please call 1-800-42-MUSIC or email us at keyboard@stantons.com.

Must-Hear New Concert Band Pieces 12 November, 2012

As our band staff was checking out the hundreds of new titles for concert band this year, we came across some fantastic arrangements that we’re excited to share!  From the bold fanfare Carnegie Anthem to the dizzying intensity of Vertigo, the triumphal Aces High from Battle of Britain to the uplifting spirit of An Impulse to Soar, the epic vastness of Stardance to the hip, Cool Jazz sound of Legends of Jazz, these are arrangements you just can’t miss!  Of course, they comprise part of Stanton’s Staff Selections for high school band for the 2012-13 school year – to see the complete list of our Staff Selections for this year, click here.  If you also teach beginning or middle school bands, check out our Must-Hear Young Band titles, and keep following the Stanton’s blog for more new concert band features.  Happy Listening!

Grade 3.5
Aces High
– arr. Larry Daehn
Carnegie Anthem – William Owens
Earhart: Sounds of Courage – Robert W. Smith
Everest: The Forbidden Journey – Rob Romeyn
Exuberance – Brant Karrick
Savannah River Rhapsody – Robert Sheldon
Venture – Sean O’Loughlin
Vertigo – Chris M. Bernotas

Grade 4
And In the End It Was Earth
– Roland Barrett
An Impulse to Soar – Patrick J. Burns
In Perfect Silence I Often Gaze at the New Stars – Richard Saucedo
Joy in All Things – Brian Balmages
Legends of Jazz – arr. Stephen Bulla
Stardance – Michael Sweeney
The Winged Stallion – Rossano Galante

New Concert Band Reading Session – NEXT WEEK! 09 November, 2012

The 2012 Wind Band Invitational and Concert Band Reading Session at Mees Hall,  Capital University takes place Next Week – November 16 & 17! This annual event is a fantastic way to get to hear the best new music for concert band performed by real student musicians instead of professionally produced publisher promos. It’s also a perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues and catch a break after marching season. Highlights include:

- Honors Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Bands – Kansas State University

- Honors Concert Band led by renowned composers, conductors, and educators Barry E. Kopetz and James Swearingen

- Capital University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Winds conducted by Barry E. Kopetz

- Guest band performances by the Franklin Heights High School Symphonic Band conducted by Mark Fox, and the Columbus Junior Winds conducted by Jim Dowdy

- Bring Your Instrument to play in the 2 Directors’ Reading Sessions!

As always, Stanton’s Sheet Music will have a display of all of the music being performed available for review and purchase, and members of our expert band staff on-site. Both events are co-sponsored by Capital University and Stanton’s Sheet Music so your participation is FREE! Mark your calendar for either, both, or parts of both days – We look forward to seeing you there!!

50 Christmas Carols for All Harps, by Sylvia Woods 08 November, 2012

50 Christmas Carols for All Harps , by Sylvia Woods, is one of her multi-level harp collections.  The book is written for lever harp, but can be played on pedal harp as well.  Each tune has 2 pages.  One page is easy, the next page is more advanced.  These two arrangements can also  be played together as a duet for harps. There are chord names for chorded instruments, so a guitar could strum along.  Christmas music for harp is not very easy to find, so this is a great collection to have. The pieces can be prepared quickly.  The lyrics are included for those inclined to sing along.  For more information about this harp collection of sheet music or other collections, please contact us at 1-800-42-MUSIC or email us at keyboard@stantons.com.

2013 Hal Leonard Vocal Competition 07 November, 2012

The North American Online Competition for Singers

Hal Leonard Corporation, the world’s largest print music publisher, launched the exciting and innovative concept of a serious music competition for voice students comprised entirely of YouTube video entries. We believe this to be the first legitimate music competition for musicians of various ages, children through college, to be held entirely on the Internet.

Two Categories of Competition:
1. ART SONG
2. MUSICAL THEATRE

Four Age Divisions for Each Category:
Children’s Voices, Ages 12 and Under
Early Teen Voices, Ages 13-15
High School Voices, Ages 16-18
College/University Voices (Undergraduates), Ages 18-23

Cash Prizes for First Place Winners, Valuable Gift Certificates for Second and Third Place Winners

2013 Official Rules and Guidelines

Click to see the video entries of the 2012 Prize Winners

“Ubi Caritas” by Paul Mealor 06 November, 2012

Paul Mealor‘s setting of the Latin hymn Ubi Caritas was composed for the royal wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton and first performed by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace, conducted by James O’Donnell, at the wedding service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, April 29, 2011.  This much-lauded composition is now available in the U.S.!

In Mealor’s own words: “My new piece, Ubi Caritas for the Royal Wedding, takes its text from the sixth century Christian hymn that was normally sung at the service for the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday. The words, originally in Latin, mean: ‘Where charity and love are, God is there. Let us come together in God’s love and let us love each other with a sincere heart.’

The meaning of the words, in my mind, is two-fold: firstly, a prayer about love and, secondly, about service. After all, Jesus came to serve, and the young couple are about to enter a long period of service to the nation. I wanted to capture these two themes in my piece.

The composition is for choir and is gentle, delicate and meditative. The ancient, sixth century plainchant of Ubi Caritas is blended with 21st century harmony to create a work that, I hope, is both new and reflective of the past.

This commission came as a complete surprise to me – a letter, completely out of the blue in December saying that the royal couple had heard and enjoyed my music and wanted to include it in the ceremony – I almost fell over when I heard the news.

This is the biggest gig of any composer’s life and I am really touched that the couple have chosen me. I only hope that my work can fulfill their wish for a piece that offers meditation and quiet contemplation amongst all the pomp and celebrations.” (source: guardian.co.uk)

For more distinguished choral repertoire suggestions, please contact us.

A Fiddling Christmas, by Craig Duncan 05 November, 2012

What’s more fun than playing Christmas carols on the violin?  Playing more Christmas carols on the violin, of course!  “A Fiddling Christmas“,collected by Craig Duncan, from Mel Bay Publications, has 73 Christmas songs.  These songs come from all over.  “Angels We Have Heard on High” was a French carol first published in 1842.  “Away in a Manger” has two tunes: the Kirkpatrick tune was first published in Cincinatti, Ohio.  “The Cherry Tree Carol” has been sung in England since at least the 17th century.  “Christmas Eve” is a fiddle tune from the Appalachians, heard beginning in the 1920′s.  “Oh Christmas Tree” came from Germany.    “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” hails from Poland.  A lively fiddle tune called “Frost and Snow” comes from Ireland.  The tunes are not long, only 2-4 lines each.  There is a piano accompaniment book included with the fiddle book.  A second violin part is provided for each tune, so violin duets are a possibilty with this collection.  If there is no pianist available, chords are provided above the staff.  A guitarist can strum along, or a mandolin player.  Some songs have few enough chords that an autoharp player can play along.  This book is great for get-togethers, Christmas party background music, or  just plain fun.  To inquire about this book of sheet music for fiddle, or other fiddle music, cotact us at 1-800-42-MUSIC or  email us at www.stantons.com

Two New “Sunday Suites” for Piano 02 November, 2012

When you wish to make a thematic statement throughout your service music, call Stanton’s for one of these beautifully arranged suites:

Jesus Shall Reign
Lloyd Larson adds another practical volume to our “Sunday Suites” series with “Jesus Shall Reign”–a stirring suite of four favorite hymns, suitable for Christ the King Sunday or general worship services. It begins with a classical approach to “Come, Thou Almighty King” and concludes with a glowing, festive postlude on “Rejoice, the Lord is King.” Completing the suite are two flexible arrangements that can serve as offertories or special numbers. As always, Lloyd Larson’s arrangements are expertly written for the church pianist: challenging, but fitting well under the hands, and easy to prepare.

Wonderful Words of Life
Mark Hayes explores the wonders of scripture in this thematic “Sunday Suite” for piano. First comes a rousing prelude in the style of Aaron Copland and based on the American folk hymn “How Firm a Foundation.” For an offertory or prayer meditation, Mark offers a flowing, atmospheric setting of the Gospel favorite “Wonderful Words of Life.” And to conclude the service, you’ll find a stunning, pianistic setting of “Word of God, Across the Ages.” This suite is ideal for services focusing on the scriptures, but these challenging pieces are also suitable for special numbers or recitals.

For more recommendations, contact our keyboard department.

2 Weeks Until New Concert Band Reading Session 01 November, 2012

Only 2 Weeks until the 2012 Wind Band Invitational and Concert Band Reading Session at Capital University! Taking place at Mees Hall on November 16 & 17, this annual event is a fantastic way to get to hear the best new music for concert band performed by real student musicians instead of professionally produced publisher promos. It’s also a perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues and catch a break after marching season. Highlights include:

- Honors Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Bands – Kansas State University

- Honors Concert Band led by renowned composers, conductors, and educators Barry E. Kopetz and James Swearingen

- Capital University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Winds conducted by Barry E. Kopetz

- Guest band performances by the Franklin Heights High School Symphonic Band conducted by Mark Fox, and the Columbus Junior Winds conducted by Jim Dowdy

- Bring Your Instrument to play in the 2 Directors’ Reading Sessions!

As always, Stanton’s Sheet Music will have a display of all of the music being performed available for review and purchase, and members of our expert band staff on-site. Both events are co-sponsored by Capital University and Stanton’s Sheet Music so your participation is FREE! Mark your calendar for either, both, or parts of both days – We look forward to seeing you there!!