News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Let the Kid Study Music, Already! 31 July, 2013

(This blog is a re-post of an amazing post by Liz Ryan on Linkedin. We encourage you to click here to read the full article.)

“Two years ago, my eldest children (boy-girl twins) graduated high school. I remember standing in the lobby outside the auditorium after their last high school concert, waiting for them to join my husband and me. I had kept it together pretty well through the concert, letting at most half a dozen tears fall as I thought about all the recitals, lessons, pool parties, science fairs and other growing-up experiences that were now behind us.

On the wall outside the auditorium hung a framed portrait of the senior class. I studied it as I waited for my two performers to emerge.

Here’s a kid my son played soccer with, back in third grade. This six-foot-plus beanpole over here used to ride his bike with training wheels down our driveway. Looking at 500 kids about to head off to their destinies, I felt the usual mix of pride, joy and sadness at the end of an era – but mostly pride. A father stood next to me, also surveying the faces of the graduating seniors.

“One of these kids yours?” asked the dad. “Two of them,” I said, “this guy up here and this girl, down on the first row.” “What are they going to do in college?” he asked. “They’re both going to study music,” I said. “Oh, no!” exclaimed the dad as he turned and walked away – ” MORE

New Grade 1 Orchestra 30 July, 2013

Hey String Teachers!  Holy Cow!  Have you looked at your calendar?  It’s almost August!  School is just around the corner!  It’s time to start thinking about what music you are going to use to start the new school year!

Here are some of the pieces that got the most positive responses at the Stanton’s Sheet Music New Music Reading Sessions at the Ohio State University String Teacher Workshop in early July.  Check them out on our sheet music website:

TUMBLEWEED BLUES by George T. Frueh
Kendor    8754    Gr. 1    $42.00
-Swung eighth notes, C naturals in key of D, dynamic extremes, gentle syncopation
-Walking bass line often shared with celli, rhythmic-unison repeated note patterns
-The kids will think they are so cool and the parents will be “peacock proud”

REVENGE OF THE DUST BUNNIES by Dan Adams
Ludwig/Masters    50250069    Gr. 1    $45.00
-Develop pizzicato, tremolo, light staccato bowing and reinforce counting rests
-Everyone’s part is important and the melody is shared.  Add flexitone & vacuum cleaner!
-“Spooky” novelty, perfect for second year players’ late October concert

EL GATO PIZZICATO by Richard Meyer
Highland/Etling/Alfred    40460    Gr. 1.5     $42.00
-Introduce the concepts of glissandos (intro to basics of shifting), D.S. al Coda
-Everyone gets pizzicato, arco & special vocal effects plus there is optional percussion
-Spanish flavored novelty – a fun salute to cats, with “meows,” hisses and percussion

SILHOUETTES by Alan Lee Silva
Carl Fischer    FAS81    Gr. 1.5    $47.00
-Contrasting styles – legato melodies, driving marcato phrases, quiet pizzicatos
-Concertmaster has short solos, while everyone shares flowing melodies and more
-Graceful, lilting piece in the expressive, pseudo film-score style of Mr. Silva.

Contact Stanton’s Orchestra Department for more great recommendations!

The Power of Social Media 29 July, 2013

We’ve been amazed at the number of orders we’ve taken for a brand new trumpet method book called Modern Flexibilities for Brass written by Scott Belck.

Scott, a good Stanton’s friend and chairperson of the jazz department at the University of Cincinnati, started a FaceBook page last summer called Lip Slur International Headquarters. He would write unusual lip slurs and post them on the page every day including humorous commentary to make everything fun and light. Well, his pals here at Stanton’s saw a publishing opportunity and put him in touch with the good people at the Hal Leonard and Meredith Publishing Company. Although it’s pretty unusual to have something happen this fast, Scott’s new book just hit our shelves last week and we can’t keep it in stock!

Scott has been gracious enough to plug Stanton’s Sheet Music on the Lip Slur Headquarter’s FaceBook page and in one week we’ve had over 40 copies leave the store to all points around the world. THE ONLY PROMOTION FOR THIS BOOK HAS BEEN ON FACEBOOK!!! The actual new issue date isn’t until September but the buzz was so great that the production schedule was bumped up. Contact Stanton’s instrumental department for more information on this amazing book!

IN 3 WEEKS – Sacred Choral Reading Session! 26 July, 2013

Stanton’s is pleased to welcome back Mary McDonald as our clinician for the August Church Choral Music reading session! Mary McDonald’s music and talents have blessed choirs and congregations across the country for nearly thirty years.

McDonald_Mary_RGBMary is a well-known composer of more than 700 choral anthems, many seasonal cantatas, and keyboard collections. She previously served as a sacred music editor for a major publishing company and continues to serve in editorial consultant role for The Lorenz Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. She is published with every major publisher of church music and has had numerous top-selling anthems. Her unique blend of heart, hands, and humor, combined with a wide range of writing and performing styles, keep her in constant demand as a keyboard artist and keyboard and choral clinician.

Your registration includes a packet of over 40 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. We look forward to seeing you on August 10th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.

Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday 8/10/2013, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Battelle Fine Arts Center, Otterbein University
195 West Park St., Westerville OH 43081
Cost: $20.00 (There is no pre-registration; you may register the day of the clinic beginning at 8:30.)
email our choral department for more details

Sacred Piano Reading Session
- Also featuring Mary McDonald
Saturday 8/10/2013, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music,
330 South 4th St., Columbus OH 43215
Cost: Free!
email our keyboard department for more details

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Aaron Copland: Music of an Uncommon Man 25 July, 2013

Stanton’s Sheet Music is very excited about a new classroom resource from Hal Leonard, Aaron Copland: The Music of an Uncommon Man.

This title is the first in a new series for the music classroom that presents essential selections from the Leonard Bernstein recorded library with units of study built around them. It features some of the more popular works of Aaron Copland, including Fanfare for the Common Man, and his ballets Billy the Kid, Appalachian Spring and Rodeo.

Make music listening engaging and active with beautifully-designed full-color listening maps, easy-to-follow lesson plans and full-length recorded orchestral versions of Copland’s music. Included in the Classroom Kit is the Bernstein Century Copland CD featuring Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic. The Enhanced CD in the Teacher book contains audio folksong recordings, full-color PDFs of the student booklet, student handouts and bonus materials, all for duplication or projection.

Part II features an in-depth study of Copland’s ballet Rodeo, specifically “Hoe-down,” based on the Artful Learning transformative learning system inspired by Leonard Bernstein. Working together in learning centers, students engage in cross-curricular activities that are incorporated into the music lessons.

For more information on this and other music history resources, contact Stanton’s Sheet Music at 1-800-426-8742.

Kid’s Ukulele Course Complete 24 July, 2013

More and more schools are starting ukulele classes or clubs.  The uke is an inexpensive instrument to aquire, and it is easy to learn to play.   It’s even more fun to play in groups!  This book is designed for children ages 5 and up.  It includes a DVD+CD, and an MP3 CD with over 80 minutes of music.  Your child can tune the uke to the MP3 disc.  The way to play the chords is shown clearly in pictures.  Familiar songs are used to teach reading the chords and strumming patterns. If your youngster is interested in playing an instrument, why not start out with the ukulele?  It’s a great instrument to take to summer  camp, too.  For more information about this ukulele instruction book, or other ukulele music, please call 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at www.stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Top Pop Hits for Marching Band: Alfred 23 July, 2013

This is the final post in our series highlighting the top new pop hits by publisher for marching band for 2013!  These charts are some of today’s biggest pop hits.  They’re catchy, full of hooks, and your students are sure to love them!  If you haven’t picked up at least one of these titles, what are you waiting for?  Don’t miss out!!

Our final group showcases arrangements of new pop hits from Alfred Publishing.  They include hits from some of the hottest current pop artists including Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen, Neon Trees, Bruno Mars, and Ke$ha.  If you missed our earlier posts in this series, be sure to check out this year’s Top Pop Hits from Hal Leonard and Arrangers’ Publishing, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Die Young – Ke$ha
With its catchy beat and infectious groove, this hot tune by singer and songwriter Ke$ha was a big hit at the end of 2012.  Nick Baratta has created a fun arrangement full of great sounds.

Everybody Talks – Neon Trees
With their infectious mix of driving rock rhythms and great melodies, the Neon Trees are becoming one of today’s most popular bands. Here is their 2012 hit in a stellar arrangement that is sure to rock the stands!

Good Time – Owl City with Carly Rae Jepsen
Here is the infectious dance-pop hit from 2012 by Owl City with Carly Rae Jepsen in a solidly scored chart with lots of rhythmic drive, and every section gets a shot at the melody.  Sure to be a good time in the stands!

Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars had a huge #1 hit with this one, and now it is already on its way to being a hit for marching band 2013!

The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
This hard-driving rocker from the band Jimmy Eat World really shines in the capable hands of veteran arranger Doug Adams. Lots of unison writing and a short drum break make this a perfect tune for the stands and pep band!

Some Nights – fun.
The popular alternative rock band fun. had a big hit with this gospel-rock influenced song in 2012. Brian Scott’s powerful arrangement starts out big with lots of block scoring and builds up to a spectacular finish.

JUST 1 MONTH – Excellence in Choral Literature! 22 July, 2013

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to announce our 20th annual Excellence in Choral Literature Clinic on Saturday August 24, 2013! This session was designed to help you select concert and contest literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and men’s choirs at all levels of difficulty. Registration fee includes a complimentary packet of over 30 titles.

Come join us to discover beautiful music and share ideas with colleagues and friends! For more information, please check out our video below, contact us by email, or call us at 1.800.426.8742. Register online NOW!

Click here to watch video

“Let the River Run” 19 July, 2013

Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare‘s performance of the Carly Simon hit Let the River Run was featured on a PBS special and was also included on their Grammy-nominated CD. Vibrant choral textures are supported by a dancing keyboard and percussion accompaniment for a spectacular choral showcase!

For more choral music from Conspirare, check out our previous blog on this dynamic ensemble, or contact us for more suggestions.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Newsies! 18 July, 2013

Newsies won Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Original Score in 2012. A musical full of energy and spunk, it’s hard not to get excited about Newsies! The book of vocal selections for Newsies has been available for some time. Now available is a book of sheet music in easy piano for those young fans who have seen the show and want to play the music. The words are included in this collection, so friends can sing along. If your child is bored with their summer music, this will get their interest in gear! Call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our sheet music website if you are interested in the book, or other books of easy piano music for Broadway musicals.

Top Pop Hits for Marching Band: Arrangers’ Publishing 17 July, 2013

Through next week, we’re highlighting the top new pop hits by publisher for marching band for 2013!  These charts are some of today’s biggest pop hits.  They’re catchy, full of hooks, and your students are sure to love them!  If you haven’t picked up at least one of these titles, what are you waiting for?  Don’t miss out!!

Our second batch features 5 fantastic numbers from Arrangers’ Publishing.  They feature some of the biggest, most driving arrangements available with artists ranging from will.i.am with Britney Spears, to Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, and fun..  If you missed it, check out this year’s Top Pop Hits from Hal Leonard, keep reading next week for the top pops from Alfred, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj
Performed by pop sensations, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, the rhythmic energy and contrasting melodies of this hit song provide the right mix for a sensational Tom Wallace chart.

Feel This Moment – Pitbull with Christina Aguilera
Feel This Moment features an interpolated melody from the 80s hit Take On Me by the group A-ha.  This combination of rhythmic power and soaring lyrical melodies offers production variety easily coupled with music that translates naturally for marching bands.

Scream & Shout – will.i.am featuring Britney Spears
Having topped the charts in 18 countries worldwide, this upbeat, electro-pop mega-hit by will.i.am is perfectly titled to be performed in the stands… and you can rest assured that Tom Wallace’s arrangement lives up to the title!

Starships – Nicki Minaj
Tom Wallace captures the feel-good vibe of this mega-hit by Nicki Minaj.  Pulsating rhythmic sections coupled with one of the more popular hooks in recent memory make this a natural choice for the stands.

We Are Young – fun.
Topping the Billboard charts for six weeks, this is arguably the biggest hit of 2012.  This power ballad by the American group fun. combines indie pop and alternative rock to create a blend that pleases everybody from baby boomers to teenagers.  With deliberate beats and soaring melodies, this life-affirming anthem is a fist-pumping stadium rocker.

IN 2 WEEKS – Elementary General Music Clinic! 16 July, 2013

gm logoElementary General Music Clinic
Wednesday 7/31/2013, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $20.00
Stanton’s Sheet Music is excited to welcome back Cristi Cary Miller as our clinician for the 31st edition of our Elementary General Music Clinic. This is one of Stanton’s longest running and most successful clinics, showcasing the best new teacher resources, song collections, games, musicals and more! We are sure that you will find materials that will keep you and your students interested throughout the year. Get your school year started on the right foot!

Everyday Voice Care 15 July, 2013

The human voice expresses more than words, more than music. Vocal expression links the listener directly to another person’s inner feelings, body, and soul.

Keeping the voice healthy used to be as mysterious as the power of voice itself. Modern science has revealed much about the vocal mechanism and its health requirements, but simple information for the average voice user has remained hard to find and harder to trust. In Everyday Voice Care: The Lifestyle Guide for Singers and Talkers, respected voice therapist Joanna Cazden brings together a wealth of practical tips and advice to help keep your own expressive voice in top working order.

Drawing from her experience as a singer, theater artist, and a licensed speech pathologist who has treated more than 1,000 voice patients, Cazden integrates up-to-date medical information with common-sense suggestions and sympathy for the demands of contemporary life. Chapters on food and drink, cold remedies, loud parties, travel, fitness routines, and when to see a doctor are complemented by notes on alternative health care and the spiritual dimension of vocal rest. This invaluable resource for voice and speech professionals, students, and teachers will answer even the age-old question of whether to put lemon or honey in your tea.

For more valuable vocal resources, contact Stanton’s at 1.800.426.8742.

New Featured Composers/Arrangers Added to CB Listening Library 12 July, 2013

Stanton’s Band Department is excited to announce the addition of Warren Barker, Brant Karrick, Pierre La Plante, Gene Milford, and John Williams to the Featured Composers/Arrangers section of our Concert Band Listening Library!  Each of these individuals has a catalog of excellent original compositions and arrangements that are great teaching tools, and wonderful programming options.  Be sure to check out our recommended titles for each composer – they are some of our favorites, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Warren Barker has long been a go-to arranger of pop standards, many of them featuring a vocal soloist with concert band.  His arrangements are wonderfully harmonized, stylistically appropriate treatments, and staples of high school and community band libraries across the country.
Stanton’s Staff Recommends: GershwinIn the Miller MoodSelections from Les MiserablesOver the RainbowStar Dust

Brant Karrick is on the faculty of Northern Kentucky University and composes music solely for concert band.  His compositions are interesting, range from grades 1.5 to 4, and have been on the Ohio Large Group Required Lists for both junior high and high school.
Stanton’s Staff Recommends: ExuberanceGhost DancingThe Old Red MillSongs of Old Kentucky - Spy Chase

Pierre La Plante is another fabulous composer whose works range from elementary band to advancing high school works.  In addition to his quality original compositions, Mr. La Plante’s settings of sailing and folk songs are some of the best!
Stanton’s Staff Recommends: All Ye Young SailorsAmerican RiversongsFive Good-Natured Variations on Mr. Frog Went a-Courtin’Grand Old Duke of YorkA Walk in the Morning Sun

Gene Milford is an experienced, respected educator from Canton, Ohio, in addition to being an excellent composer and arranger.  His works include original compositions, as well as some fantastic march arrangements.
Stanton’s Staff Recommends: China Sea VoyageFestival EspanolThe Flying SquadronPirate’s Cove

John Williams is probably the best-known film composer of all-time.  With memorable themes from Superman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and, of course, Star Wars, numerous individual arrangements and medleys have been done for concert band, so it seemed obvious, (and overdue) that his titles receive their own category!
Stanton’s Staff Recommends: Harry Potter Symphonic SuiteJohn Williams BlockbustersThe Olympic SpiritRaiders MarchSuite from the Star Wars Epic: Part IISuperman

The dog was undoubtedly shaggy… 11 July, 2013

A blind man carrying a guitar walked into a restaurant with his seeing eye dog.  He struck up a conversation with the owner, and observing the man’s sense of humor, gave his sales pitch.

“I’m a singer/songwriter looking for a gig,” he said.

“What kind of music do you do?” asked the restaurant owner.

“I do comedy songs I’ve written that involve food.  That’s why I like to play in restaurants,” replied the musician.

“Well, let’s hear something,” urged the owner, so the musician pulled out his guitar.

He prefaced his performance by saying, “I wrote this one for my wife when she was pregnant with our first child.  It’s called The Pickle and Ice Cream Dilemma,” and proceeded to launch into a fresh, hilarious song even if it was on a rather overdone theme.

The owner got a good laugh and asked for another selection.

“Here’s one I call Freddie’s Fabulous Floating Fruitboat,” and he proceeded to sing a song with an unbelievable series of tongue twisters.

A patron called from the back, “Hey, these are great – sing another one!”

“Okay, here’s one called A Corned Beef Milkshake and a Side of Toads,” which was more of a kid’s song, but adults were chuckling too.

The restaurant owner said, “I love your material!  You’re hired!” and the crowd cheered.

As the musician was putting his guitar in its case, the fellow at the next table said, “Excuse me sir, but do you know your dog has eaten my pork chop?”

“Know it?” the musician exclaimed, “Heck, I wrote it!”

LESS THAN 4 WEEKS – Stanton’s Super Session! 10 July, 2013

ss logoDo you need to put a little “spark” in your choral program? Is there just too much new music out there for you to review? Join us for a fun, enriching day of music education with Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin, and Stanton’s own Jen Sper featuring music from Alfred Publications, Shawnee Press and many other choral publishers.

Stanton’s Super Session
Saturday 8/3/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
at Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth St, 43215
REGISTRATION: $55.00 (includes lunch)

Nowhere else will you find such a variety of new choral selections and teaching resources to inspire and motivate you and your students as you begin the school year.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Top Pop Hits for Marching Band: Hal Leonard 09 July, 2013

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting the top new pop hits by publisher for marching band for 2013!  These charts are some of today’s biggest pop hits.  They’re catchy, full of hooks, and your students are sure to love them!  If you haven’t picked up at least one of these titles, what are you waiting for?  Don’t miss out!!

We start with 5 fantastic numbers from Hal Leonard.  They feature 2 energizing tunes from hit-maker Bruno Mars, the newest hit from fun., Adele’s fantastic theme to the latest James Bond film, and, what we consider to be a marching band sleeper hit from Taylor Swift in a great arrangement.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs, and stay tuned for Top Pop Hits from Arrangers’ Publishing and Alfred.

I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift continues to dominate the airwaves with her appealing style of country and rock.  Here is one of her biggest hits in a gritty, hard-hitting arrangement for marching band.

Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Locked Out of Heaven is an energetic and rhythmic tune from hit-maker Bruno Mars. The low brass are featured on the melody with syncopated answers by the entire band. The perfect style and tempo for dance routines, and just plain fun!

Runaway Baby – Bruno Mars
Here’s the hot dance groove from Bruno Mars, made even more popular thanks to his stunning live performance at the Grammy Awards.  With its catchy melody and driving tempo, this one is perfect for dance groups or just energizing the crowd.

Skyfall – Adele
Adele continues her amazing string of hits with this distinctive and evocative theme for the James Bond movie, Skyfall.

Some Nights – fun.
Recorded by the group fun., this contemporary hit features a hard-hitting rock style, strong melodies, and a driving percussion pulse. Impressive in the stands or as a dance feature.

New for Orchestra! 08 July, 2013

Orchestra Directors! Now is the time of year when publishers are sending out their promotional materials for the next school year.  One smaller company you won’t want to overlook is Grand Mesa Music out of Colorado.  Stanton’s carries their music and recommends that you pay close attention to their selections, which offer a wide variety of grade levels and styles. We especially like these new titles:

GMMOR82 – Classic Christmas Medley – Grade 1
GMMOR87 – Snow Ride, Grade 2
GMMOR88 – Loch Lomond – Grade 2+
GMMOR90 – Labyrinth – Grade 2+
GMMOR91 – Three Pieces – Grade 3+
GMMOR92 – The Rejoicing – Grade 3
GMMOR93 – Illumination – Grade 3
GMMOR98 – After the Rain – Grade 3
GMMOR99 – Scenes of the Old West – Grade 3+
GMMOR100 – Pizzicato Blues – Grade 4
GMMOR101 – Still, Still, Still – Grade 2+

Contact our Orchestra Department for more recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

LESS THAN 1 MONTH – Hal Leonard Reading Sessions! 05 July, 2013

logo JJWStanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Independence Day! 04 July, 2013

Stanton’s is closed today in observance of the 4th of July! We’ll be back tomorrow to serve all your sheet music needs.

Why Should I Attend Stanton’s Summer Workshops? 02 July, 2013

Summer is here (finally!)… You’ve wrapped up your end-of-the-year concerts and lessons and you’re enjoying some well-earned time off. Here at Stanton’s Sheet Music, we’re gearing up for our summer workshop series! Yes, it can be hard to think about starting up a new school year, and we hear lots of excuses…ahem, I mean reasons…as to why people want to skip out on attending a summer workshop this year:

“It’s summertime! I don’t want to think about work.”
We hear ya. Summer sunshine…sandy beaches…grilling out on the patio…spending time with family and friends… These are all worthwhile summertime pursuits. But think about it – spending just one day at a Stanton’s workshop this summer can give you repertoire and teaching ideas for your entire school year! By devoting a few hours to work with us in the summer, you could free up evenings and weekends during the year so that you can: A) spend more time with your family and friends, B) work on that novel or symphony you’ve been meaning to write, or C) regain your sanity from spending all day with those rowdy kids!

“I can find everything I need to know on the internet/in a catalog.”
The internet is a wonderful tool in finding new music for your ensembles and classrooms – it helped you find this blog, right? Stanton’s Listening Library contains thousands of recordings to help you find the perfect piece of repertoire, many items on our newly redesigned main website have sample pages you can view, and our Digital Delivery website allows you to find and print music immediately. But…none of those benefits outweighs the value of holding a new piece of music in your hands and experiencing it for the first time as your students do. At Stanton’s summer clinics and reading sessions, you can identify music your students will love to sing and find resources and repertoire to teach important musical concepts. NOTHING compares to looking at the entire piece and singing it with a group – THAT’S how you know if it will work for you! No 30-second sample recording or three-sentence catalog write-up can do that.

“I have such a small budget. Why learn about new music that I can’t afford?”
You’re not alone. Music budgets are shrinking across the country, and our clinicians know that you need to make every penny count. We’ve got ideas for affordable costuming and set design for your elementary musicals. We’ve got budget-stretching, reproducible choral collections with lots of repertoire options. And best of all, we’ve got many other teachers at our clinics so you can meet and share ideas that really, truly work in the classroom with each other! You could meet someone with great ideas for nurturing a successful booster group, or someone with tips for garnering community support and sponsorship, or someone with suggestions for marketing your program to your school board. Colleagues and peers in the education field are one of your greatest resources – join us and take advantage of that!

We also know that many schools won’t reimburse teachers for your registration fees, and it’s always painful to shell out your hard-earned money. To help with this issue, Stanton’s is offering a $25 gift certificate to new attendees who qualify; contact us for more details. And talk to your tax guy – workshop fees for teacher enrichment and continuing education may be tax deductible.

“I live in Pennsylvania/Kentucky/Illinois/Anytown, U.S.A. It’s too far for me to drive to Columbus.”
We often have a pair of wonderful music teachers from CANADA who come to our clinics here in Ohio! Make it really worth your while by attending multiple workshops during “School Choral Week 2013.” Bring the family! Workshops each day are completed by 4 p.m., so you have the evening to explore all that Central Ohio has to offer. The Stanton’s staff can recommend our favorite local restaurants, movie theaters, and cultural hot-spots for you to visit – the cooler summer evenings are perfect for a trip to the Ohio State Fair (open July 24-August 4 2013); maybe your spouse can take the kids to COSI or the Columbus Zoo while you’re enjoying your workshop during the day; the Columbus Metroparks are great for hiking or sunset picnics; or check out the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the historic Ohio Theatre.

teacher strictI’ve been teaching for 10/20/30 years. I know what I’m doing and I don’t need help.”
It’s true – experience can breed wisdom. But we find that the wisest teachers know that in order to keep students engaged they need to refresh, renew and revamp their teaching every single year! Keep your teaching style fresh and innovative by getting new ideas from our nationally-known, experienced, expert clinicians. Yes, there are probably great resources already in your library that work as well today as they did 30 years ago – but we’d venture a guess that there are just as many things that now seem dated and over-used. Mixing in new titles with the old standards keeps your lessons and concerts interesting for your students and – just as importantly – for YOU!

“I’m a first-year teacher. I have no idea WHAT I need yet!”
Stanton’s workshops are perfect for you! The first thing a beginning teacher needs is a strong support system around them – start building that support system by joining the dedicated community of teachers who know the benefits of attending our workshops. You may not have heard your choirs or met your classes yet, but by arming yourself with information and repertoire ideas you’re ready to face whatever challenges await you. PLANNING is your best defense against the dreaded feeling of being overwhelmed by all the “newness” of starting your teaching career. Also, by developing a relationship with Stanton’s, you’ll have US on your side! We’re staffed with veteran teachers and college-trained musicians, so we’ve got your back!

So stop making excuses! Check out our previous posts on Stanton’s Elementary General Music Clinic, the Joy of Singing, the John Jacobson Workshop, and Stanton’s Super Session, and register today for Stanton’s summer workshops! We also have sessions available for instrumental teachers, church musicians, pianists and college and community choir directors; contact us for more info.

More Modern Rock Hits for Marching Band 01 July, 2013

If you’re looking for more modern rock arrangements as stands tunes or another marching band show planning option try these.  Featuring big-name bands of the past 2 decades, these tunes have solid hooks and riffs, but with a little more modern edge – quite a contrast to the popularity of 80’s & modern pop arrangements, and re-arrangements of the same old rock songs from the 60’s and 70’s.  For more great show planning ideas, keep reading our blog, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Basket Case – Green Day
This 1994 classic from the group Green Day makes an opener that your students will love.

Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Composed by Stevie Wonder, Jay Dawson’s arrangement is based on the version popularized in the 80′s by the Red hot Chili Peppers.  Aggressive stylization and propelling tempo make this arrangement solid opener or production number.  Scored for small bands with reduced instrumentation.

Howlin’ for You – The Black Keys
Recorded by The Black Keys, this tune is already established as a sports anthem, in addition to being heard in films and TV.  This distictive arrangement is sure to become a favorite for rockin’ the stands.

Unbelievable – EMF
Rock the stands with this catchy hit from EMF. Lots of block scoring and an infectious groove make this a must-have chart!