STANTON’S SPOTLIGHT – Middle School Show Choir Wednesday, December 30, 2015
recommended by Rachel Steele and Jen Sper, School Choral Specialists
Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of choir directors quite like the words “middle school show choir.” It’s a great recruiting ensemble that builds your program, but it can be very difficult to find appropriate literature. You want the kids to enjoy their music, but you don’t want it to be all current pop or “bubblegum” with no substance. You want to do some partner dancing, but you don’t want it to be too “touchy-feely” at this age. You don’t want the boys to constantly have to sing about lovey-dovey stuff, but the girls just eat that up. What’s a choral director to do?!?
May we recommend “Singin’ In the Rain“? This classic tune from the Gene Kelly movie musical of the same name is arranged here for choir by Mac Huff. It’s perfect for middle school show choir! Here are some reasons why:
- It’s got a happy, positive theme (“I’m singin’ in the rain, just singin’ in the rain. What a glorious feelin’, I’m happy again. I’m laughin’ at clouds so dark up above, the sun’s in my heart and I’m ready for love.”) that isn’t overly focused on couples and relationships. Plus, you never have to worry if the lyrics are school-appropriate!
- Speaking of not being overly focused on couples, it IS the perfect opportunity for your first partner dance. Don’t have enough guys? That’s ok, pairing up girls with each other can be lots of fun on this song too. And if you break out the umbrellas, you can skip the hand holding!
- When it comes to giving your boys a strong dancing role model, you can’t do better than Gene Kelly! There’s lots of great moves that you can easily lift from the original.
- The phrases in this arrangement are VERY short, giving students lots of opportunities to breathe without destroying the melodic line.
- This particular arrangement comes in both a 2-part and SAB voicing. If you’re group has the balance, numbers, range and skill to do the SAB, that’s wonderful! If you’re just starting out or have a small and inexperienced group, the 2-Part can be easily adjusted for boys with changing voice. It has many unison passages as well, which can be opportunities for solos, small groups or more complex choreography.
For other great pieces for your middle school students give us a call at 1-800-42-MUSIC ext 1 or come on in and visit us!
About the Authors:
Rachel Steele has been at Stanton’s since 2013. She previously taught middle school and high school band and choir for 13 years, and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education from The Ohio State University. Currently a member of the Heisey Wind Ensemble and a musician at Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pickerington OH), Rachel also enjoys reading, sewing, baking and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
A former middle school and high school choral director, Jen Sper holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
