News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Sight Reading Success 30 September, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

In my work with local choir directors here in Ohio, and even across the country, one of the most common inquiries I receive is for “more 4-part sight reading exercises!!” Preparing for the sight reading portion of adjudicated choral events can be stressful for a lot of teachers, and many of the popular sight reading methods only include unison melodies.

I was excited when “Sight Reading Success” by Stan McGill came across my desk, because I knew it would be perfect for these teachers! This resource is designed to help secondary choir students improve their music literacy skills. With 180 (!!) SATB exercises divided into 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 measure sets, even beginning groups can develop advanced skills over a relatively short period of time. The exercises are included in the book and as a free download for projecting to a screen or distributing to students via print or tablet.

For more sight reading resources and recommendations, visit our website or contact us! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she 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.


Is It Halloween, Already????? 29 September, 2016

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recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

No, it isn’t Halloween, already. It’s just that we musicians need to start practicing before a holiday occurs, so we have to start earlier than everyone else! For music teachers, it’s time to start students on their Halloween recital pieces. Stanton’s has Halloween piano pieces at every level, from primer to advanced. Many pieces are available as single title sheets, while some are found in collections. Keep in mind that many advanced classical pieces for piano that we traditionally associate  with Halloween can be played throughout the year, including “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Dukas, used in Disney’s”Fantasia,” and “Funeral March of a Marionette” by Charles Gounod.

For more information about this holiday music, 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!

About the Author:

Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.


NEW: Bastien’s New Traditions, All In One Piano Course 28 September, 2016

WP450Jane Bastien and her two daughters, Lisa and Lori, have written a new piano method called “New Traditions.” Written for today’s busy students, this course includes everything in one book: lessons, theory, technique and performance. So far, this series goes up to a Level 2A. The pages in each book are fully integrated for a streamlined, comprehensive, easy-to-use approach.

New with this series is IPS: Interactive Practice Studio. Each book you purchase includes a user license code inside the front cover. This gives the student computer access to recordings of the solos, duet parts for some pieces, a media downloader to download recordings for offline use, a “personal studio”that lets the student record the pieces played that can be emailed to friends, and more! There is plenty of easy piano sheet music to get started with!

For more information, 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!


Traditions & Fun: Great New Christmas Arrangements for Young Band 27 September, 2016

by Ken Tilger – Band Education Specialist –

Each year in previewing the new band releases, we keep an ear out for the best new arrangements for Christmas and winter season programming.  As always, we have chosen a number of fun, high quality (and some of my personal favorite!) titles for young band this year.  There’s something for everyone – traditional carols, popular Christmas songs that have become standards, and two unique takes on the season that will be a blast for your students!

The Traditional
While we often get tired of the same old titles at Christmas time, let’s face it – they are what our audience wants to hear.  You can never go wrong with wonderfully arranged versions of traditional Christmas carols, and if they’re done right new light can often be shed on old favorites.

Come, Rejoice!
arr. Scott Watson
Alfred Debut Series
Grade 1                                    $48.00
Majestic and celebratory, Come, Rejoice! is a fanfare based on Adeste Fidelis.  Very accessible to young bands, this arrangement is in Bb with fairly limited range, mostly quarter note based rhythms (some 8ths), and a moderate tempo.  There is plenty of opportunity to develop a big, full sound and the style is set by the numerous accents throughout the piece.  While the work is based on a familiar carol, your audience will enjoy that the tune is prominently featured throughout.

Midnight Carols
arr. Jerry Davis
Belwin Young Band
Grade 2                                    $62.00
Midnight Carols combines two beloved Christmas carols (What Child is This?; It Came Upon the Midnight Clear) in a charming 3/4 setting for developing band.  While rhythms are no more technical than 8th notes and both settings are fairly straight-forward, challenges will be presented by the numerous accidentals throughout, and the seamless weaving of an 8th note accompaniment line on the second number.  The percussion writing enhances each setting, and intro and transition material centers around quarter note rhythms and the key change from Eb to Bb.

The Popular Standards
Some popular Christmas songs are so good and beloved that they have added themselves right alongside traditional carols.  This year features young band arrangements of two of my all-time favorites in tasteful arrangements that are sure to be a hit with your audience!

The Christmas Song
arr. Johnnie Vinson
Hal Leonard Discovery
Grade 1.5                     $45.00
You just can’t go wrong with a straight-forward setting of this popular Christmas standard.  Johnnie Vinson sets the tune in a ballad style against a soft rock beat.  All the 8th note melody lines are present from the original, and its stocking is stuffed with chromatic passages and harmonies making for a lush, warm, and sophisticated setting worthy of the original.  This is the perfect gift for your audience this year.

Merry Christmas, Darling
arr. Michael Brown
Hal Leonard Discovery Plus
Grade 2                                    $50.00
Beautiful and straight ahead, Michael Brown does a wonderful job of maintaining the rhythms, harmonies, and pleasant, easy listening quality of this holiday favorite by The Carpenters.  Sometimes all an arranger needs to do is orchestrate a tune to fit the ensemble it’s being arranged for, no more, no less, and Brown comes through.  A perfect addition to your holiday library that is sure to stand the test of time!

The Fun!
”And now for something completely different.”  While they won’t play to every audience, these unique pieces incorporate pirates (!) and the recent popularity of the folkloric (and dark & twisted) Krampus for some fun playing and interesting programming.

A Christmas Tale: Beware the Krampus
Randall D. Standridge
Alfred Young Symphonic
Grade 2.5                     $58.00
Creepy, awesome, and very challenging!  Setting a narrated original poem by the composer based on the European tradition of the Krampus (St. Nick counterpart who doles out punishment to bad boys and girls on Christmas Eve), numerous settings and advancing musical concepts are used to combine distorted versions of The Ukrainian Bell Carol, Up on the Housetop, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and other holiday favorites into an alternative holiday tour-de-force!  Great for advanced junior high bands or for high school groups as an alternative to The Nightmare Before Christmas!

A Swashbuckling Christmas
arr. Jack Wilds
FJH Developing Band
Grade 1.5                     $50.00
Looking for something unique for your holiday concert?  Setting familiar Christmas songs & carols in a medley with familiar sea chanteys makes for quite the holiday adventure.  Including What Would You Do, We Three Kings, Blow the Man Down, and more, A Swashbuckling Christmas is fun and full of musical challenges – changes in tempo, style, and meter.  Sure to be fun for your students and provide a creative moment of levity for your audience.

For more Christmas and winter ideas, check out the Christmas & Winter Holiday category on our concert band page.

About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004.  Besides music, he geeks out on comic books, amusement parks, and all things Pittsburgh.  He also plays saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.  You should check out their album Walk On Out the Door available on iTunes and Amazon.


Complete Works for Piano: ERIK SATIE 26 September, 2016

50600628recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

The three volumes of “Complete Works for Piano” by Erik Satie, stacked on top of each other, measure one and a half inches, which is more music than I realized he wrote! Salabert is the publisher, and the editor is Robert Orledge, who has carefully researched the various sources of Satie’s piano compositions, has painstakingly edited them, and has written a commentary for each piece. Anything you want to know about Erik Satie and his music is included in these three volumes. There are new pieces to explore, and old favorites to revisit.

For more information, 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!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.


“I’d Like to Fly!” 23 September, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

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:

The Bumblebee by Sally K. Albrecht
A true charmer! The original text cleverly hovers along the pitches of the major scale, and a slower middle section (in the parallel minor) provides a perfect opportunity to discover and discuss tempo and tonality.

Crawdad Song arr. John Leavitt
Accessible voice parts coupled with hand claps and toe taps help create this lively, energized arrangement of the American folk song favorite. Leavitt employs call and response phrases with contrary motion along with terraced dynamics to provide interesting variety in vocal textures. Enhance the fun piano accompaniment by including the xylophone and string bass parts.

Dors, dors, petit bebe arr. Cristi Cary Miller
This gentle lullaby offers a wonderful opportunity to build tone quality and phrasing in a well-crafted setting for young treble singers. The easily learned Cajun French sings “listen to the river” while the undulating piano accompaniment evokes the sound of the river beneath the rocking vocal line.

I’d Like to Fly by David Waggoner
A beautiful metaphor associating flying and soaring to finding one’s own discovery and destiny in life is sung here in this original work for 2-part voices. Contemporary motifs are played in the piano accompaniment, supporting melody and harmony that could be found on the Broadway stage. A stunning performance piece for young voices.

I’ve Been Working on the Wabash Cannonball arr. Cristi Cary Miller
These two famous train songs are arranged for young singers in a creative way that includes sound effects, layered rhythm speech and much more! A great choreography showcase, it is a wonderful concert finale!

Rainsong by Mary Lynn Lightfoot
Lightfoot’s whimsical and energetic original is a creative programming delight! Throughout the piece, both piano and voices emulate the gentle and playful rhythms of falling rain, and the ending unfolds with a fun, syncopated tap, tap, tapping of the rain upon the window pane. Limited ranges and lots of dynamic interest make this a great choice for developing choirs.

‘Tain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It) arr. Rosana Eckert
Here is a song written in the big band era, first sung by jazz vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald, in 1939 and ideal for introducing beginning and developing groups to swing style. In the Discovery Series, it’s perfect for building jazz diction and rhythmic skills.

For more exciting elementary choral resources, please contact us, and remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she 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.


Shepherds, Tell the News! 21 September, 2016

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Specialists

Prepare for Christmas with your church choir with one of these outstanding anthems, carefully selected by our experienced Sacred Choral Music staff:

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne arr. Craig Courtney
This beautiful arrangement of the classic carol begins and ends with delicate simplicity building in between with a dynamic statement of the powerful third and fourth verses, including strategic a cappella sections. The truth of this wonderful anthem is worth singing about all year long. Don’t save it for Christmas!

March of the Wise Men arr. Phillip Keveren
The classic “As With Gladness Men of Old” has been set with great care and creativity to Bizet’s “March of the Kings” tune, resulting in an anthem filled with energy and pure fun. “We Three Kings” is also beautifully incorporated. Jubilant!

Lift Up Your Heads arr. Larry Shackley
Flexibly voiced and filled with lively call and response, Larry Shackley’s delightfully festive setting of PUER NOBIS is a quickly prepared selection perfect for the Advent season. “Lift up your heads, you mighty gates; the King of kings is drawing near.”

Behold the King of Glory by Mary McDonald
The richness of Christmas is seasoned with the Easter message in this reverent, powerful song. Gently contemporary and triumphant, this offering is inspirational and moving. It’s easily prepared and presented, yet deeply effective.

Sweet Little Jesus Boy arr. Molly Ijames
Lush sonorities abound in Molly Ijames’s inspiring setting of the Christmas classic. A lovely blending of solo and choir combined with an elegant piano accompaniment will distinguish this setting for years to come.

Mary Had a Baby arr. Lloyd Larson
As arranged by Lloyd Larson, this blues-gospel rendition based on the traditional Christmas spiritual is richly soulful and power-packed. The addition of the Adeste Fideles “O come, let us adore him,” enhances the drama while the dynamic rhythm parts heighten the impact of the retelling of King Jesus’ birth in a manger.

This Holy Night by Mary McDonald
Mary McDonald and Rose Aspinall team up for this sensational Christmas Eve selection which is part love song, part lullaby, part ballad. God made a promise that he would make a way, and this quiet example of trust still speaks to us today “on this quiet, silent night.”

Shepherds, Tell the News by Lee Dengler
Warm, joyful, and inviting…this new anthem offers your choir a creative means to proclaim the Christmas message with energy and celebration. After the statement of the main theme and chorus, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” is creatively woven with original theme, adding an extra moment of unbridled joy.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2016, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


The Noel Critter Motel 19 September, 2016

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Specialists

The Noel Critter Motel by Mark Cabaniss & Ruth Elaine Schram
It’s not just another day at the Tiny Bit of Heaven Motel in Bethlehem (actually a stable behind a small Inn) which is run completely by animals. Annie Lamb is a reporter for The Bethlehem Chronicle and snooping around for clues regarding Caesar’s Census. However she – along with the others – is about to have a life-changing night. Major Moo runs a tip-top motel, accompanied by Miss Dovie (Front Desk Clerk), Ladybug Lacey (maid) and Cecil R. Caterpillar (bellhop). The Innkeeper is the only human that ever comes in among the animal visitors, but rumor has it he’s bringing a human couple in to stay the night and the animals are afraid they’ll ruin everything! But they all eventually learn a certain “Stranger on the straw” came to earth to change the world, and that even people and things we don’t understand can sometimes be miracles in disguise.

For more recommendations for Christmas musicals for your children’s choir, please contact us. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


The Lang Lang Piano Method 16 September, 2016

12-0571539114Lang Lang is one of the most famous pianists of our time. His enthusiasm for playing, and his love for the piano are unmistakable. In China, “the Lang Lang effect” has encouraged over forty million children to learn to play the piano.

The Lang Lang Piano Method is new to the market. This series includes five books on progressive levels, beginning on a primer level. This new piano method is as enthusiastic as Lang Lang. If you watch the YouTube videos, you can see him smiling and listening to the orchestra playing along with him! If you have children or students who are excited about the piano, Lang Lang is a great role model, and this method is a great way to encourage their interest in the piano – check it out!

For more information, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or check out our website, http://www.stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Song Collections for the Elementary Music Room 15 September, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist

For elementary music teachers, building a library of song collections for your classroom provides a wealth of quick and easy lessons and activities for your students! Here are some of our favorite new collections this year:

Ready Set Sing! by Cristi Cary Miller & Elizabeth Shier
From the first day of school to the last, this multi-media song collection is filled with music fun for your little ones! Play a name game, make new friends, move and freeze with the Spider Dance, echo rhythm patterns with Turkey Tom, scat sing with call and response, and much more! The all-in-one format features:
• creative, new lyrics set to familiar tunes for quick learning
• full color projectable song charts with lyrics and embedded audio for instant sound with a single click
• activity visuals to reinforce steady beat, rhythm reading, fast/slow, loud/soft, solfege patterson (so la mi re do)
• reproducible melody sheets for young readers
• quality lessons plans that feature separate teaching sequences for Kindergarten, 1st Graders and 2nd Graders
The projectable song charts and activity visuals are included via digital download access and viewed in your browser, so there is no need for special software. Just download the files onto your computer and you’re ready to go! Performance and accompaniment audio recordings are also available in a separate folder via download for performance options. Songs include: Do You Know My Friends at School?, When We’re in School, The Spider Song, Turkey Tom, Hurry Hurry Christmas Day, On a Wintry Day, Down at the Station, J-A-Z-Z It’s for Me!, Instruments Are Fun, Spring Is Finally Here, If You’re Happy Summer’s Comin’, Hit the Beach. Suggested for grades K-2.

A Hip Hop, a Skip and a Jump! by Jill & Michael Gallina
Movement and music provide an excellent instructional format for teaching a broad range of musical and developmental skills. This energetic collection of 10 engaging songs will help teach the emerging young musician and provide growth to all students in a wide range of areas existing across the entire curriculum. Active listening, auditory memory and discrimination, gross motor skills, and body awareness are all a part of the participatory songs designed with melodies and lyrics that give directives while listening. Rhythmic vocal speech adds a terrific learning experience and the comfortable vocal range allows for singing and performance as well. Piano/vocal arrangements are included, along with digital access to performance/accompaniment audio recordings and PDFs of singer parts. Plant and nurture the seeds of learning with these imaginative original songs. Songs include: Do the Funky Thing, Hip Hop Hippity Hop, Ice Skating, Imagine That!, Jumping Beans, Can’t Sit Still, Do What I Do, Soar High, Skippity Dee Skippity Doo, and Settle Down Song. Suggested for grades K-3.

Songs for You the Whole Year Through by Lois Fiftal
This dynamic collection is packed with songs and activities in celebration of familiar holidays throughout the school year. Games, movement ideas, instrumental parts and interdisciplinary concepts are given to enhance your students’ musical learning. Each song can be used individually to extend your concert repertoire or together as a revue, showcasing all your students have learned. Performance/Accompaniment audio recordings and singer PDFs are available via digital download. 12 songs include: Back to School, I’ll Take Five, Poor Clifford Skeleton, Thanksgiving Day Is Coming Soon, A Month Full of Holidays!, Let’s Build a Snowman, Won’t You Be My Valentine?, Pizza Pie for Breakfast, Baseball Hero!, Get Ready for Summertime Fun! Suggested for grades K-3.

All About Music Songs! by Mark Burrows
What’s the best way to learn concepts? … Through experience! How about a great way to memorize facts? … By singing! This ingenious collection demonstrates fundamental musical concepts while clever lyrics define them. Dynamics, articulations, tempo markings, treble and bass clefs note names, rests, fermatas, and more; it’s all about music! Mark includes creative lessons (often games) and suggests related listening (usually masterworks) for every song in the book. So fun, kids won’t realize they’re learning. So fundamental, curriculum planning is a cinch!

You can find more song collections for the elementary music classroom on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she 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.


“What Sweeter Music” 14 September, 2016

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Specialists

Presenting a cantata with your church choir is a wonderful way to prepare your congregation to celebrate the birth of Christ. Stanton’s Sacred Choral Music staff highly recommends these cantatas for the Christmas season:

Morning Star by Lloyd Larson
The Christmas story is one of hope. It is a message for each of us at any stage of life’s journey reminding us that in our own dark nights Christ, the Light of the world, has come. This versatile musical is designed to be a worship celebration for choir, two narrators, and congregation. The blending of new and familiar Christmas melodies ensures a meaningful experience. The varied accompaniment options – from piano only to full orchestra – as well as the availability in both SATB or SAB versions enables this cantata to work for choirs large and small. This inspiring work can be presented in shorter segments through the Sundays of Advent or in a single 30-minute Christmas worship experience.

What Sweeter Music by John Leavitt
Capturing the varied moods and colors of the Christmas season, this extended work is delightfully written and highly singable, with a selection of carols that is pure Christmas joy. Ideal for both Christmas concerts and worship, it includes: Sing Noel, Alleluia!; The Angel Gabriel, He Is Born; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; People, Look East; Resonet In Laudibus; Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day; We Three Kings of Orient Are; What Sweeter Music.

Joy! (A Gospel Christmas Celebration) by Joel Raney
Telling the Christmas story through six dynamic choral settings, Joel Raney brings his masterful ability to compose new and creative rhythms that showcase his grasp of the gospel style to this impactful presentation for SATB choirs. Christmas carols like you’ve never heard before, all performed with an interspersing of scripture readings on the theme of “Joy.” Accompaniment can be provided by just piano or Ed Hogan’s lively orchestration or a smaller set of rhythm parts. Performance time is 25 minutes making this ideal for fitting into a Christmas worship service or as a separate musical program.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2016, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


The Stanton’s Difference: Make It A Road Trip!! 12 September, 2016

At Stanton’s, we know you have many choices when it comes to purchasing sheet music. Over the next few weeks, we want to take the opportunity to highlight just a few of the many reasons why Stanton’s is the best place to buy music for your school, church, private studio or personal use!

Places where you can browse and buy A LOT of sheet music are hard to come by. It’s amazing how many times we hear, “It’s so nice to be able to look at music before you buy it,” and “I live in                                              , and there is nowhere like this to buy music.” This last statement includes cities like New York and Los Angeles, and has been made by some of the touring Broadway Across America musicians who come through Columbus. If you live within driving distance of Columbus, and you’re wondering if a trip to Stanton’s is worth it the answer is “absolutely!”

Who doesn’t love a road trip? We’re not as far away as you might think. Columbus is only a 2 hour drive from Cleveland and Cincinnati, and 3 hours from Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Lexington and some of the farther reaches of Ohio. Besides, Stanton’s Sheet Music is in a former A&P grocery store (complete with cupola) that has hundreds of thousands of sheet music titles in stock!

While you’re here, you are welcome to look through and compare all of the music that’s on hand. You can pull up a chair at our listening station or use the Stanton’s app on your smart phone to scan titles and listen to them throughout the store. If it’s your first time at Stanton’s, let us know – we’ll give you a tour! Did we mention that you can also take advantage of our knowledgeable staff, too?

Bring your entire music department! Do you have an upcoming professional development day this fall? We’d love to see your WHOLE music department here in the store! Let us know you’re coming, and we’ll be happy to set aside a table for your group, and we can even start pulling some repertoire suggestions for you to peruse while you’re here.

Need to grab lunch, or staying in town for dinner? In addition to sheet music suggestions, our staff can recommend plenty of great, non-chain places to grab a bite. Within walking distance are Dirty Frank’s, Little Palace, Katzinger’s Delicatessen, and Indian Oven, as well as Mikey’s Late Night Slice and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at the Columbus Commons (and you’ve got to try Jeni’s!). Also nearby are plenty of restaurants in German Village, on Gay Street, and in the Short North and Arena Districts.

Have we given you enough reasons to come to Columbus and visit us? We look forward to seeing you soon!

Click here for more information on the STANTON’S DIFFERENCE!


New Church Anthems for Fall 2016 09 September, 2016

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Specialists

As 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:

And the Father Will Dance by Mark Hayes
With text from the book of Zephaniah and the Psalms, Mark Hayes has created a timeless work already performed by thousands of choirs around the world. The pianistic accompaniment has proved to work well on the organ, also.

Seek the Lord by John Carter
This classic Hope anthem by John Carter is based on the familiar verse from Isaiah 55, “seek the Lord while he may be found, cll upon him while he is near.” A proven winner for church choirs, this all-time best-seller is now available for SAB choirs with an optional C instrument part included.

Hymn of Thanksgiving by Douglas E. Wagner
Douglas Wagner has taken the familiar ST DENIO hymn tune and created an accessible setting of this Cliffor Baz text for use at Thanksgiving. This festive anthem, with its inclusion of optional Brass and Timpani, is a bold yet highly accessible declaration of thanks to God.

Lord, Your Church Are We arr. Mary McDonald
“Lord, Your church are we; redeemed, Your own to be.” Full of thoughtful text and vivid scriptural images, Mary McDonald’s flowing setting of the early American folk tune PROSPECT is an ardent call to discipleship.

Celebrate the Day by Pepper Choplin
This festival anthem explodes with exuberant calls to celebrate alternating with time for contemplation and praise. The celebration is enhanced with the use of 2 trumpets, horn, 2 trombones and timpani.

For the Beauty of the Earth arr. Mark Hayes
A stately fanfare opens this masterful setting that reflects on the wonders of God’s creation. The subsequent section is much quieter, but the fullness of sound quickly returns as the congregation is invited to join in, leading to a vigorous and fulfilling finale.

We See Christ by Joel Raney
Based on Matthew 25, this original anthem by Joel Raney is ideal for themes on social justice, ministry, and mission. It opens with an optional reading of the scripture which then flows perfectly into the anthem proclaiming the powerful message: “When we look at the needy, we see Christ. We are yours, Lord, make us your instruments of peace, bringing hope when all seems hopeless, filling darkness with light.”

Come Home by Craig Courtney
This beautiful setting of the familiar SOFTLY AND TENDERLY is full of rich, pleading solo melody supported by warm, stirring choral development. Scored for SATB choir and piano with full score and parts for small string ensemble and oboe available for purchase. Perfect for All Saints, communion or memorial.

For more quality suggestions for your church choir, click here to view our complete Sacred Choral promotion for Fall 2016, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


Easy Classics for Orchestra 07 September, 2016

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Introduce your younger groups to a variety of excellent serious literature for string orchestra – here are some of the best for this year!

Medieval Dance by Thibaut deBlason/arr. Michael Story, Grade 0.5
Offering a surprisingly mature sound for very beginners, this super simple, secular sample of mixolydian modal music circa 1200 AD will help teach simple rhythms in 3/4, bow lifts and the 1st/2nd ending concept. Add tambourine and triangle for authenticity.

Theme and Variations from the “Trout” Quintet by Franz Schubert/arr. Andrew Dabczynski, Grade 1.5
Introduce Schubert’s glorious melody as everyone gets to play the famous theme – even basses! There are scattered solos for principal players too. Concentrate on dynamics and keeping pizzicato steady while teaching detaché & brushed strokes to your young players.

French Dance (Jouissance vous donnerai) arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
A Renaissance dance (jouissance) where the dancers’ feet stay on the ground, this concert/contest piece in E natural minor with modal harmonies and optional percussion will help train the ears and teach double upbows plus two note slurs followed by two separate notes.

A Nordic Lullaby by Edvard Grieg/arr. Pierre LaPlante, Grade 2.5
Celebrate Grieg’s true genius with this stunning transcription of his “Lyric Piece Op 68, #5.” The melodies & harmonies generously intertwine among the sections of the orchestra as you stress musicality and expression with delicate harmony and accidental Bb and F.

Canarios (from Suite Española) by Gaspar Sanz/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2.5
Enjoy this vigorous but flowing movement from “Suite Española,” which juxtaposes 6/8 & 3/4. Written for guitar in 1674, it will allow your students to feel the difference between the time signatures and keep an eye out for accidentals. In emulating the guitar style, upper strings carry the melody, while the lower strings keep the harmonic and rhythmic flow going. Classic, but different!

You can find more classical options for developing strings on our website, or contact us for even more ideas! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Dan C. has worked at Stanton’s since 1979, primarily with orchestra music and print promotions. A “working” musician, he’s a classical cellist, a rock & jazz bassist and a folk & country guitarist/singer. His free time is spent with family or reading, gardening, cycling and working puzzles. His series of musical puzzles (RP3 Rebus Puzzle Picture People) can be found on the Stanton’s Facebook page each Sunday. He also has a reputation as a pretty good joke teller. Seriously.


Take a Trip to “Jingle Bell Hill!” 05 September, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialist

Are you looking for a new Christmas musical to perform with your students this year? Presenting musicals and programs is a great way to provide performance opportunities for young singers, and to teach valuable performance skills. Try one of these brand publications with your students!

The Lights of Jingle Bell Hill by John Jacobson & Mac Huff
Suggested for Grades 4-8
Performance time: about 35 minutes
Join in the tale of the annual holiday contest, and the frustrated residents of Jingle Bell Hill who, despite their best efforts, never win. Larry, the frightening tenant who lives in the one dark house on the corner, refuses to participate in the decorating efforts. Throughout the course of this hilarious and heart-warming musical, the townspeople discover the real reason for Larry’s reluctance to get into the holiday spirit.

Freeze Frame! by Sally K. Albrecht & Jay Althouse
Suggested for Grades 2-6
Performance time: about 20 minutes
Freeze Frame!, the hottest new TV game show, is on the air, featuring a fast and frantic “Freeze Team” of performers who spin their way into positions portraying favorite wintertime activities. Our host, Chris Coldplay, keeps things moving as a quartet of celebrities tries to guess the action being shown on stage. Complete choreography included.

Elflandia by John Jacobson & John Higgins
Suggested for Grades K-3
Performance time: about 25 minutes
Welcome to Elflandia – the land of Santa’s elves – busy making toys and getting ready for Santa’s yearly trip round the world to bring presents to all the deserving humans on the planet. But wait! Do human beings really exist? The reports the elves have heard are not very encouraging. Many are grumpy and stressed at holiday time, others are downright sour when they wake up from a nap, and some are just big and loud and hairy! Discover what the elves learn about humans when Santa shows up with a real living sample! The ensuing effort to get Elfie Selfies with as many humans as possible makes for a rousing closing to the musical!

For more elementary program suggestions, click here to visit our website or contact us at 1.800.42.MUSIC. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she 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.


Reformation Sunday – October 30, 2016 02 September, 2016

GetImage.ashxrecommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Keyboard Specialists

It isn’t easy to find music for Reformation Sunday, so when “To God Alone Be the Glory – A Reformation Celebration for Piano Solo,” a collection arranged by Stephen Nielson, was released we paid attention! This is a collection of ten advanced level piano solos, each hymn expressing one or more of the five “solas,” a Latin term meaning “only.” These pieces may be for general use, also.

Stephen Nielson has long been known as half of the famous piano duo team, “Nielson and Young,” and is widely regarded as one of the distinctive artists of our time.

For more information about this collection or other sacred piano collections, 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.