News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Frightfully Fun Halloween Songs 30 September, 2013

The Halloween SongBOOk  is full of twenty-seven songs to play and sing.  There are spooky songs from movies including Ghostbusters,  Hedwig’s Theme and  the Main Title from The Corpse Bride. There are novelty songs including Monster Mash and Purple People Eater.    Classical music includes Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in d minor and Danse Macabre by Saints-Saens.  For an evening’s entertainment at a Halloween party, this is the best book ever!  Stretch some “spider webs” across the windows, hang a few bats from the ceiling, and get in the mood for Halloween.  For more information about Halloween or holiday music from easy piano to advanced piano, plus songbooks, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com,  or visit our website, http://www.stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Coming in November: 12th Annual New Band Music Reading Clinic 27 September, 2013

Band Directors~

It’s that time of year, again!  Marching season is about half over, and concert band season just around the corner.  To make selecting new music and concert programming easier, the band staff at Stanton’s Sheet Music would like to invite you to join us for the 12th Annual New Band Music Reading Clinic at Capital University on November 22 & 23, 2013.  This is a wonderful opportunity to preview the best new music at all levels for concert band performed live by actual students, connect with colleagues, and make use of the expertise of our band staff.

We look forward to seeing you in November!

Kent, Dan, Ben, Kris, & Ken
Stanton’s Band Department

Reading Clinic Details:
Mark your calendar:  November 22 & 23, 2013 at Capital University
Registration:  You may pre-register via the Director Application or register on-site
Price:  Free

Reading Clinic Highlights:
- Hear the best new concert band music performed live by actual students
- Wind Band Invitational Honors Band featuring guest conductor, composer, and educator Richard Saucedo
- New Music Reading Band under the direction of Barry Kopetz and James Swearingen
- Performance by the Capital University Symphonic Winds – November 22 at 8:00 p.m.
- Two guest band performances including the Gahanna Lincoln Freshman Band under the direction of Rob Cebriak
- Participate in the Directors’ Reading Band

Great New Works for High School Concert Band 26 September, 2013

Choosing new music for your high school band is always a challenge.  The sheer amount of new music makes it a daunting task.  The first of our features of Stanton’s Staff Selections for high school band for the 2013-14 school year showcases a handful of fantastic concert works at grades 3-3.5.  There is a nice mix of styles and themes, and these selections are perfect for optional adjudication programming (Ascending is on the Ohio high school Class C list for 2014).  As always, they will be fun to play, interesting to listen to, and are worth adding to your concert band library.  To see the rest of this year’s Stanton’s Staff Selections for concert band click here.

Ascending
Larry Clark
Grade 3
Uplifting and inspiring, a touching tribute to young lives lost, this piece takes the listener on an emotional journey through the stages of grief.  More importantly, though, it presents a celebration of life itself and of the joys of living, and the good that can often come from tragedy.

El Camino Real
Alfred Reed, arr. Robert Longfield
Grade 3.5
Composed by Alfred Reed in 1986, El Camino Real continues to be a repertoire staple for advanced ensembles. By shortening the duration and reducing the instrumentation and extreme technical demands, Robert Longfield has masterfully adapted this gem into an authentic sounding edition that maintains the rewards and distinctiveness of the original.

In the Valley of the Sun
James Curnow
Grade 3.5
Commissioned by the Sun City, Arizona Concert Band, this three-part overture kicks off with a rollicking and rhythmic Western-style theme. The lyrical middle theme musically depicts the stark beauty of the Arizona desert with a flowing, yet angular melody before the western flavor rides back toward an exciting and driving conclusion.

Integritas
Earl J. Fox
Grade 3
A brassy, syncopated opening and fast-driving A-theme moves to a lovely Adagio Cantabile, with beautiful solos for flute, oboe, trumpet, horn and trombone, and eventually, an over-the-top Finale.

Tudor Sketches
William Owens
Grade 3
This magnificent three-movement work pays homage to the House of Tudor, the royal house that ruled England in the 16th century. A blithe woodwind anthem and a rollicking dance heralds in Hampton Court, a principal residence of King Henry VIII. Good Queen Bess, the regal second movement, depicts the court of Queen Elizabeth I.   The intrepid Hunting at Chobham portrays an aggressive game of chase in the vast 500 acre hunting park held by the Tudors for nearly 70 years.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

The Best New Christmas Titles for Young Band 25 September, 2013

As the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, it is also time to begin rehearsing Christmas/winter concert music with your elementary and middle school bands.  As always, Stanton’s band staff is excited to share the best new arrangements with you – these are our favorites for 2013 from grade 0.5-2.5!

Both And All the Bells Shall Ring! and Flourishing Noels are wonderful choices as joyous openers or celebratory closers, and we can’t think of a title more deserving of a long-awaited band arrangement than Welcome Christmas from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole ChristmasHoliday Bobsled Run is perfect for those who want something light and fun or need a non-Christmas, winter title, and O Christmas in Three is a lovely arrangement of well-known Christmas carols, all in 3/4 – what better way to teach and gain confidence playing in three.

Also, be sure to check out Alfred’s new Accent on Performance Holiday Collection listed below – it features Christmas titles from the Accent on Achievement band series by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams, and with 22 titles provides plenty of bang for your budget buck!

And All the Bells Shall Ring!
arr. Rob Romeyn
Grade 2.5
Sparkling and festive, And All the Bells Shall Ring contains a fanfare setting of Ding, Dong, Merrily on High with The Ukrainian Bell Carol providing dramatic contrast in the middle section. As the title implies, this arrangement is full of mallet percussion, and bell tone articulations and flourishes in the winds making it a celebratory choice for heralding the holiday season!

Christmas Mash-Up
arr. Larry Clark
Grade 0.5
Perfect for your students’ very first concert, Christmas Mash-Up utilizes the first six notes learned, rhythms no more difficult than quarter notes (8ths in the percussion), and is a ‘Greatest Hits’ of first Christmas titles including Jingle Bells, Up On the Housetop, Good King Wenceslas, and more in an arrangement far more interesting than the ‘one-liners’ from your beginning band method!

Flourishing Noels
arr. Travis J. Weller
Grade 2
Add some flourish to your holiday concert with this adaptation of The First Noel inspired by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Innovative harmonies and melodic snippets weave throughout the ensemble, and expansive percussion, including chimes and bells, add to the celebratory fanfare perfect for heralding the start of the Christmas season.

Holiday Bobsled Run
by Robert Sheldon
Grade 1.5
This pleasant holiday work features light playing, 8th notes, some syncopation, and lyrical melodic answering statements, before a chromatic slide down the hill ends the work. A charming, fun programming choice that depicts a carefree day of playing in the snow!

O Christmas in Three
arr. Joseph Compello
Grade 1.5
Independent part playing and balance are needed in this unique medley of traditional 3/4 carols. Containing O Christmas Tree, Away in a Manger, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, this adaptation also interweaves Silent Night and The First Noel with Away in a Manger to poignant effect.

Welcome Christmas (from How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade   1
Available for concert band for the first time, Welcome Christmas from the television adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a welcome addition to Christmas band literature! Kids of all ages will recognize and love this arrangement of the joyous sound that rises from Whoville as its undaunted residents join their voices in affirming the deeper meaning of the season – and everyone gets the melody!

Accent on Performance Holiday Collection

Accent on Performance: Holiday Collection is one of five new concert collections from Alfred Publishing.  Each collection features specifically themed titles originally published in the Accent on Achievement band series by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams.  Holiday Collection contains 22 Christmas and holiday arrangements ranging in difficulty from grades 0.5-1.5.  Fun and accessible, this series is perfect for beginning and elementary band Christmas and winter concerts, contains plenty of arrangements allowing you to rotate your programming, and is educationally sound and age appropriate since the arrangements were correlated with the Accent on Achievement band method.  Click on the cover image to see the complete instrumentation.

Titles include: Christmas on the Farm; Early English Christmas; First Holiday Concert; First Rockin’ Christmas; First Winter’s Sleigh Ride; Holiday for Basses; Holiday Magic; A Holiday Processional; In a Christmas Mood; Kings from the East; Little Drummer Boy; Lo, How a Rose; North Pole Sleigh Ride; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Parade of the Tin Soldiers; Procession of the Kings; Two English Carols; Two Holiday Classics; Two Spanish Carols; Wassail March; Winter Fun; and Yankee Doodle Christmas.

Gospel Songs 24 September, 2013

Traditional Gospel“  is a collection of twenty gospel songs including “He Touched Me”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”,  “He”, “In the Garden” , and  fifteen more  songs.  Some of these songs are not easy to find, such as “How Great Thou Art“, or “It is No Secret (What God Can Do)”.  This collection is quite a find.  It includes old favorites and some newer gospel songs.  It’s a great resource for hymn-sings or string bands.  Reasonably priced at $9.99, each song costs fifty cents; not bad for a collection of hard-to-find favorites! For more information about this gospel song book or other gospel songs, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at http://www.stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

College Bound Clarinetists! 23 September, 2013

If your applied instrument instructor has given you a list of repertoire that they want you to work on this coming year, contact Stanton’s and we can supply all your sheet music needs.  If no specific list has been recommended, consider these top selling materials:

Top Selling Clarinet Technique Books:
03770637 – Melodious and Progressive Studies Book 1 – Hite
03770642 – Melodious and Progressive Studies Book 2 – Hite
04470670 – Selected Studies – Voxman
03770605 – Foundations Studies from Baermann book 3 – Hite

Top Selling Clarinet Solo Literaure
2287 – Concerto #3 in Bb – Stamitz/Drucker
W1668 – Concerto in Bb K622 – Mozart/Bellison
14025920 – Sonata (Revised Edition) – Poulenc
4116 – Arabesques – Jeanjean
S215 – Adagio and Tarantella – Cavallini/Waln

FREE Holiday Choral Reading Session! 20 September, 2013

holidayreadingsessionNow that you’ve been working with your ensembles for a few weeks and know the strengths of your particular students, you are probably ready to program your Holiday concert. Let Stanton’s Sheet Music help!

*FREE*
HOLIDAY CHORAL READING SESSION
Saturday, October 5, 2013
10:00-11:30 a.m.

We will read new titles in all voicings for winter concerts. Even if you attended our choral reading sessions this summer, we still encourage you to join us for this Holiday session, as we will be including many titles that have not been read on any previous Stanton’s sessions.

Because we will be reading music directly from our large inventory and sharing the expertise of the Stanton’s School Choral staff, we are able to offer this reading session at no cost to you! (There is no complimentary packet, but you may purchase singles or quantities on any titles that you like.)

For more information, please contact us at 1.800.426.8742 ext. 1 or email us.

New for Elementary Choirs for Fall 2013 20 September, 2013

Welcome your elementary choir back to school with one of these great choral octavos, as featured on Stanton’s Elementary General Music Clinic with Cristi Cary Miller:

Go Down Moses arr. Vicki Tucker Courtney
We never tire of singing this time-honored spiritual favorite! Courtney’s jazzy 2-part accompanied arrangement incorporates appealing rhythmic elements flavored with exhilarating melodies. Appropriate for concert or festival use.

Here Is Music for You by Victor C. Johnson
Two classics come together in this setting of verse by Robert Louis Stevenson with the famous canon melody “Music Alone Shall Live.” Perfect for your youngest choirs, it will help you teach all the important choral skills as well as create a beautiful concert moment!

I Let Her Go-Go arr. Douglas Beam
This cheerful song is a Caribbean circle game from Trinidad and Tobago arranged for young voices and piano or classroom instruments. The octavo includes directions for playing the game and the setting will nicely complement Kodaly and Orff curricula as well as being an excellent addition to children’s choral repertoire.

I’m Flying arr. Sally K. Albrecht
No 2-part choir will be able to resist singing this adorable, high-flying favorite from the musical “Peter Pan.” Exceptional fun for everyone! Away we go!

Rattlin’ Bog arr. Cristi Cary Miller
Here’s a jaunty setting of the traditional cumulative Irish folksong that uses spoken phrases, body percussion and a few surprises to create a fun and clever concert piece for young singers.

The Swing by Greg Gilpin
A mostly step-wise melody soon becomes a canon in this playfully poetic piece written expressly for 2-part treble singers. Near the end, a gentle and expressive moment brings out the thoughtful text. Delightful.

For more exciting elementary choral resources, please contact us!

FREE Holiday Choral Reading Session! 19 September, 2013

Now that you’ve been working with your ensembles for a few weeks and know the strengths of your particular students, you are probably ready to program your Holiday concert. Let Stanton’s Sheet Music help!

*FREE*
HOLIDAY CHORAL READING SESSION
Saturday, October 5, 2013
10:00-11:30 a.m.

We will read new titles in all voicings for winter concerts. Even if you attended our choral reading sessions this summer, we still encourage you to join us for this Holiday session, as we will be including many titles that have not been read on any previous Stanton’s sessions.

Because we will be reading music directly from our large inventory and sharing the expertise of the Stanton’s School Choral staff, we are able to offer this reading session at no cost to you! (There is no complimentary packet, but you may purchase singles or quantities on any titles that you like.)

For more information, please contact us at 1.800.426.8742 ext. 1 or email us.

On This Shining Night 18 September, 2013

flat,550x550,075,fPrepare for Christmas with your church choir with some of these outstanding anthems and cantatas!

Amen! Tell It on the Mountain arr. Mary McDonald
In a relaxed, blues/swing style, “Amen! Tell It on the Mountain!” creatively combines two familiar spirituals, “Amen!” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” There are many soulful blue notes in the piano, and the accessible vocals are fun to perform, especially as they build to a big finish.

Breath of Heaven arr. Michael Barrett
An apex of contemporary sacred music, this popular solo now made choral, probes the emotions and sentiments felt by Mary as she ponders the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Heart-felt and filled with gentle beauty, this sensitively arranged octavo rises and falls like a prayer. Ideal for Marian emphasis or Advent services, this soliloquy of grace will become a favorite with your singers.

How Beautiful This Silent Night arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
Gentle and captivating, the beautiful text images are reinforced by subtle musical references to “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Ruthie’s melody is unforgettable.

Joy to the World arr. Lloyd Larson
This bold and exciting arrangement of “Joy to the World!” is worthy of both worship and the concert hall. The arrangement unfolds with striking harmonic color, fluctuating choral textures, and rhythmic interplay.

A Light Will Shine arr. Lloyd Larson
This energetic Advent anthem is based upon a famous passage from Isaiah: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.” Opening with lively syncopation in the accompaniment and easy vocals, it segues to the HOLY MANNA tune, which Lloyd creatively pairs with Charles Wesley’s “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”

This Child by Mary McDonald
From a hushed, meditative opening to a powerful, praise-filled conclusion, “This Child” focuses on the identity of the baby in the manger and His mission to bring light to the entire world.

What Strangers Are These arr. Dan Forrest
The contemplative text of an old Scottish Carol explores the identities and relationships of the participants in the Nativity story. The SATB arrangement of a Scottish folk song includes a tender piano, flute and/or guitar accompaniment. Perfect for Christmas Eve.

With Open Hearts We Are Waiting by Pepper Choplin
“Emmanuel: our prayer is the same as the meaning of Your name. God be with us.” And with open hearts, we eagerly await our Emmanuel each Advent season. Choplin’s original is a lyrical and touching musical expression of our faith.

Bethlehem’s Child by Lloyd Larson & Victor Johnson
Using a blend of original and familiar music, Lloyd Larson and Victor Johnson who are church musicians like you, collaborated on this telling of the Christmas story from the vantage point that God’s ways are not typically our ways. Featuring all of the hallmarks of popular cantatas, from beloved carols and a scripturally based narration to opportunities for congregational participation and an optional full orchestration, this work also boasts the distinctive choral writing of two fine composers, an upbeat spiritual movement, and short optional female or male solos. May you welcome “Bethlehem’s Child” into your heart and your worship service this season!

On This Shining Night by Lee Dengler
The hauntingly beautiful introductory section of this new Christmas cantata from Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler leads into the glorious majesty of “O Holy Night,” and sets the scene as the shining night when Jesus – the Light of the World – was born. The work is woven with newly-composed music and familiar carols, including “Joy to the World!;” “O Come, All Ye Faithful;” “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow;” “Rocking Carol,” and many more. This cantata is scored for choir (with an optional congregation participation piece) with piano accompaniment. The movements are separated by narration for one or two readers. An optional chamber orchestration is available for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, percussion, timpani, string quintet, and handbells. Performance suggestions, including dramatic use of candles and two possible endings for the cantata, are included in the choral book. This creative cantata, which includes energetic and upbeat songs as well as reflective and reverent pieces, promises to be a profound addition to your congregation’s Advent and Christmas observances.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2013, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

2013 Greatest Pop & Movie Hits 17 September, 2013

This Alfred’s Deluxe Annual Edition has the best pop and movie hits from 2013 so far. Two pieces from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey are included: “Misty Mountains” and “A Very Respectable Hobbit.” The film was released December 14, 2012, and went on to win 5 awards in 2013. The suite for Downton Abbey – one of the most watched TV shows in the world – is in this collection. “Locked Out of Heaven” and “When I Was Your Man” are two of the best songs by Bruno Mars.

This is primarily a singer’s collection.  Sometimes the melody is in the right hand of the piano part, sometimes not.  All in all, there are twenty-two songs from eighteen artists.  If you enjoy the current hits, this is a great collection for your library.

To find out more about this collection  of current hits or other current songbooks, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

New Music for Homecoming 16 September, 2013

Are you tired of using the same old arrangements from your library for homecoming?  Are you running short on options because so many arrangements are missing parts?  If so, 2013 is a perfect year to get some fresh, new titles!  Our band staff is excited to share this mix of ballads and fun pop tunes that are a perfect fit for your homecoming show and ceremony.  Since it’s feast or famine from year to year for new homecoming options, why not add a couple of these titles to your library for future use?

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen      
arr. Michael Brown
With a catchy melody and irresistible upbeat feel, Carly Rae Jepsen’s megahit has instant appeal, and is fun for your students and audience alike!

Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen       
arr. Paul Murtha & Will Rapp
Recorded by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, this catchy pop hit is perfect for the stands and a great way to start a halftime show.

Home – Phillip Phillips              
arr. Michael Brown
Recorded by Phillip Phillips, this inspirational tune is heard in films and television and is the perfect title for your Homecoming show.

The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson                       
arr. Dave Henning
Make everyone feel good with this upbeat Michael Jackson hit in triple feel.

Your Song – Elton John            
arr. Tom Wallace
Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s beautiful ballad is a unique programming choice that is just right for homecoming.  Tom Wallace’s arrangement produces a positive uplift with gentle melodies building to an emotional peak before fading away to end as quietly as it began.

When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge   
arr. Tim Waters
A perfect change-of-pace ballad for marching band, what could be more ideal for a homecoming show than this solid arrangement of Percy Sledge’s tender R&B ballad?

Want more great homecoming ideas?  Check out the Homecoming category on our Marching Band page!

Fun & Haunting New Music for Young Band 13 September, 2013

Happy Friday the 13th!  Our first group of Stanton’s Staff Selections for band this year features an eclectic group of fun programmatic works for young band ranging from the mysterious and haunting to rhythmic and Renaissance – and besides, Whirly Tubes!  What more do you need?

Enchantment – Brian Balmages
Series: Measures of Success
Grade: 0.5         $40.00
Dark and mystical, Enchantment is an interesting sounding work for beginning band. Rhythms are no more complicated than quarter notes allowing you to build confidence and focus on sound quality, while your percussionists will enjoy getting to play mallets and tambourine in addition to standard percussion.

Ghost Lights – Timothy Loest
Series: Beginning Band
Grade: 1            $40.00
Eerie and mysterious, this one will be a hit with your students! Featuring droning whirly tubes, wind gusts, and creative percussion, optional flashlights add to the fun! While ranges are kept basic and rhythms are no more difficult than 8th notes, your band can work on blend and balance, especially on tone clusters and haunting harmonies.

Jester Dance – Mekel Rogers
Series: Starter
Grade: 0.5         $40.00
A fun work in Renaissance style, Jester Dance features basic 8th note rhythms using the first six notes learned. Call & response, dynamic contrasts, and light playing can be addressed. Add a history lesson and an air of fun by having a couple of students dress as jesters for the concert!

Scorpion – Richard Saucedo
Series: Musicworks
Grade: 1.5         $45.00
Scorpion is ideal for establishing rhythmic security and addressing ensemble balance with your developing band. With basic 8th note rhythms, and the full ensemble engaged from beginning to end, this powerful, relentless work utilizes a single tempo, no syncopation, and is perfect for smaller bands.

Shadows Unleashed – Brian Balmages
Series: Developing Band
Grade: 1.5         $45.00
This work is sure to spook your audience and be a student favorite! The dark, mischievous opening paints a picture of shadows moving into and out of darkness before the haunting melody builds into the fury of the shadows’ wild ritualistic dance! A simple piano part adds depth and sophistication, and when the dance sections kick in, look out!

Essential Elements Name Change 12 September, 2013

Band & Orchestra Directors ~

In case you haven’t heard, Hal Leonard is in the process of revising the title of the Essential Elements band and string methods.  Beginning this year, the series is receiving a fresh new look with some subtle changes to the cover, and reverting from Essential Elements 2000 to Essential Elements for Band and Essential Elements for Strings.

While the cover has changed slightly, the contents of the books remain identical, so orders for Essential Elements books will be filled with a mix of the new and Essential Elements 2000 covers until the “2000” editions have run out.  We have already received new editions of Book 1 for both band and strings, and are almost out of the “2000” cover editions for each, so this transition is almost complete.  The title change is taking place with Book 2 and Essential Technique, as well, so orders for these volumes will continue being filled with the “2000” cover editions with the transition taking place over the next year.  The only real change to the Essential Elements methods is the addition of the Essential Elements Interactive features which you can check out here.

Also, to remain consistent with the publisher’s listings the original Essential Elements series (purple, green, & black for band; red, blue, & green for strings) are being titled just that – Essential Elements (Original Edition).

We hope this helps avoid confusion with your method book orders, and we thank you for ordering your methods with Stanton’s Sheet Music – Your Partner in Music Education.

New Church Anthems for Fall 2013 11 September, 2013

Autumn ChurchAs church choirs start up for the fall and Christmas season, Stanton’s Sacred Choral Music staff has carefully chosen these pieces to be appropriate for a variety of worship styles and services throughout the coming months:

Come with Thanksgiving arr. Lloyd Larson
Lloyd Larson has created a triumphant musical adaptation of a famous Brahms symphony melody, pairing it with Pamela Stewart’s Thanksgiving text and crowning it with a glorious keyboard part.

Do Not Be Afraid for You Are Mine arr. Lloyd Larson
The listener will find comfort and assurance on any occasion from this anthem which is based on Isaiah 43:1-5 and 1 Peter 5:7 and incorporates the much-loved W. Stillman Martin hymn “God Will Take Care of You.” (GOD CARES) Scored for SATB and piano, this is well within the reach of the average church choir.

Fly Away Home arr. Mary McDonald
Celebrate your faith with this medley of old favorites sure to put a smile on your face. “I’ll Fly Away,” “This World Is Not My Home,” and “In the Sweet By and By” dance together in rustic abandon, complete with a rollicking piano part and a combo of acoustic instruments. These hopeful, old “gospel evergreens” have never sounded better!

Give Me Jesus arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
A lovely pairing of two traditional spirituals, this artful arrangement opens with “Give Me Jesus” then flows so seamlessly into “Steal Away to Jesus” that the listener is unaware of the change to the second tune. Lovely harmonic colors and a supportive accompaniment make this anthem a great addition to any library.

Hymn of Peace by Mary McDonald
Built on selected text from the well-known hymn, “Be Still My Soul,” this anthem, scored for SATB choir, is suitable for any occasion. The gentle, flowing keyboard accompaniment beautifully complements the comfort and reassurance of the text.

If We Ever Needed the Lord Before arr. Lloyd Larson
Famed gospel songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey’s perennial “If We Never Needed the Lord Before” receives a fresh, upbeat treatment in this creative setting from Lloyd Larson.

Just As I Am, I Come arr. Mary McDonald
This powerful ballad sets the familiar words of “Just As I Am” to the folk melody O WALY WALY. Arranger Mary McDonald adds an original refrain and crafts an enticing piano accompaniment that builds to an earnest and moving conclusion revealing a fresh emotional take on this beloved classic.

Spirit, Sing Through Me by Mary McDonald
This inspiring original anthem is a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to use our voices to bring the message of Christ to the world. “Spirit, Sing Through Me” builds from a quiet opening to a jubilant conclusion.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2013, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742.

Complete Curriculum of Robert Cavally for Flute 10 September, 2013

The Melodious and Progressive Studies books by world-renowned flutist and educator Robert Cavally have been staples of advanced flute study for decades.  Now thanks to Robert Cavally Editions, Hal Leonard Publications, and the scholarship and compilation efforts of his student and protégé, Bootsie K. Mayfield, the complete structure of his curriculum and teaching are being made available for the first time with the Melodious and Developmental Studies series!

Written in progressive order at four levels (Primer – Book 3), Mr. Cavally’s method of study is ideal for advancing high school through undergraduate performance students.  His comprehensive approach includes 5 components at each level: 1) Tone Studies, 2) Scale Studies, 3) Velocity Studies, 4) Method book (the original Melodious and Progressive Studies books), and 5) Repertoire of the teacher’s choice.

Stanton’s Sheet Music is excited to offer the Primer Level and Book 1 editions of this fantastic new series:

Melodious and Developmental Studies

Tone Studies Primer Level         $12.99
Scale Studies Primer Level         $13.99
Velocity Studies Primer Level    $12.99
*Use with Let’s Play the Flute: Melodious and Progressive Studies for the Beginning Flutist

Tone Studies Book 1                  $12.99
Scale Studies Book 1                  $17.99
Velocity Studies Book 1             $13.99
*Use with Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1

COMING IN 2014:  Melodious and Developmental Studies, Books 2 & 3!

Federation Favorites (from 2011 to 2013) 09 September, 2013

The FJH Music Company has put together two collections of favorites from the 2011-2013 Federation list. There’s no reason to forget the favorite pieces from the last list. Book 1 includes “Mr. Cat” and “Circus Tumblers.” Book 2 includes “Ghost Waltz” and “Lost Star.” These collections have a variety of styles from the leading composers at FJH. These are fun pieces to play, and are great recital selections.

Meanwhile, check out the current Junior Festival list.  Stanton’s stocks many of the Federation titles. For more information about “Federation Favorites” or current Federation material, call 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course 06 September, 2013

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course is a well thought out method of study. It uses several books on each level to keep students interested. The first book, level 1A, starts with note and rhythm reading. There is a theory book to accompany the lesson book; it reinforces the note reading and rhythm skills. This course progresses to a level six, introducing interval reading and chords, swing rhythms and syncopation as it progresses. There is a Christmas piano solo book on each level of study, from level 3 through 6, there is a  Masterworks collection , and a Pop and Movie Hits on each level.  There are plenty of fun things to play!

For more information about our piano teaching methods or other fun-to-play collections, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Still Need Some New Stands Cheers? 05 September, 2013

Are you still looking for some new stands cheers for football and basketball season?  The band staff at Stanton’s is happy to suggest these two relatively new collections that are in-stock and ready to ship!

Stadium Jams, Volume 8 – Michael Jackson
arr. Jay Bocook             $55.00
This latest addition to the Stadium Jams series features four HUGE hits by Michael JacksonThriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, and Bad.

30 Second Blasters
arr. Jay Dawson & Jim Reed     $60.00
Perfect for the stands, this collection features recent R&B hits in time-out length arrangements.  Includes:  Turn Me On (David Guetta), Super Bass (Nicki Minaj), Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) (Beyonce) and More (Usher).

For more great stands collections, check out the Cheers/Fight Songs/Time Outs and Pep Band Books categories on our Marching Band webpage.

Now Available from Lip-Slur World Headquarters! 04 September, 2013

Modern Flexibilities for Brass
Scott Belck
Meredith Music Publications
$14.99

Have you been following the Lip-Slur World Headquarters Facebook page?  If so, you need to buy this book!

This is the COMPLETE first collection of Scott Belck‘s unique lip-slur exercises.

This is not your grandfather’s lip slur book! It is an innovative method incorporating an entirely new vocabulary of harmonically rich and rhythmically varied exercises; challenging, fun and interesting to practice. As a professional trumpeter, lead player, jazz artist, soloist, chamber player, educator and composer, Belck combines a unique writing style, challenging musicians to think and practice creatively.  A must-have for players of all levels, Modern Flexibilities is quickly becoming a staple of advanced and professional players’ libraries, and required study of many college and university trumpet studios.

Although designed as a unique approach to lip-slurring for trumpet and other brass, the fingering combinations and interval sequences make interesting studies for saxophone and other woodwinds.  Stanton’s has already filled many orders from trumpeters around the country, even receiving an order from jazz legend Bobby Shew!

If this book isn’t in your library, what are you waiting for?  Order yours today, and hit the shed!

New for Men’s & Women’s Choirs for Fall 2013 03 September, 2013

As you prepare for your first concert of the school year, Stanton’s Sheet Music suggests that you consider one of these outstanding selections for your women’s or men’s choir:

Have You Seen the Beauty This Day? by Russell Robinson
The canonic nature of this piece makes it rather easy to pull together. So, if you are looking for a last minute opening for a fall concert – this is it! The piece is scored for SSA voices with piano, and is also available SAB.

Simply SSA by Laura Farnell
Here is a collection you will return to again and again! The four short songs for beginning and developing SSA choirs provide many options for developing tone quality and performance skills along with good part-writing and appealing subject matter. Songs may be sung a cappella or accompanied, making this especially good for contest programming. Songs include: “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin’,” “The Secret,” “I Know Where I’m Goin’,” “French Dancing Song (Sur le pont d’Avignon).”

A Pebble in the Water by Victor C. Johnson
Soaring melodic lines, a rippling accompaniment, and a poignant text by American poet James W. Foley combine to create a superb work to showcase treble voices. “Drop a word of cheer…And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.”

The Gallant Knight by Mark Patterson
Based on the solo of the same name found in the BriLee vocal collection “Tales of Land and Sea,” this highly energetic piece will be a favorite with developing tenor-bass choirs everywhere. Written with contained ranges and the adolescent changing voice in mind, boys will sing with confidence in rehearsal and performance.

The Pirate King arr. Emily Crocker
Your singers will have a rollicking good time living the pirate life with this setting of the famous song from Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” and the over-the-top satire! Get your audience into the act by inviting them to shout “Aarrrr!” on cue!

We Shall Not Sleep by Laura Farnell
Based on the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt Col John McCrae, this piece will be a moving concert moment for T(T)B or C(C)B choirs. Optional oboe, violin or C-instrument.

For more suggestions, check out our video below, click here to view our complete School Choral promotion for Fall 2013, or contact us!

Click here to watch video

Labor Day! 02 September, 2013

Labor Day – the unofficial “end of Summer!” Stanton’s is closed today, as our staff is out living up the last of the warm weather, and getting ready to embrace the cooler Autumn temperatures.

You can still browse/shop online, or download and print music instantly from Digital Delivery. Stanton’s will be open again tomorrow for all your sheet music needs!