News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

NEW for Vocal Jazz Ensembles 30 December, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Teaching vocal jazz, either as its own ensemble or as a supplement to a concert choir environment, provides great potential to choral programs. Through jazz repertoire, singers are given a unique opportunity to sharpen musical skills including intonation, sight-reading, and ensemble development. Here are a few new publications for ensembles at varying difficulty levels to get you started:

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square arr. Kirby Shaw
For over seven decades, this song, written during World War II has held an emotional connection with music-lovers for its nostalgic longing for happier times. This a cappella setting offers an accessible option to vocal jazz and concert choirs and opportunities for building style and technique.

Old Devil Moon arr. Mac Huff
Now available for mixed choirs, this popular standard from “Finian’s Rainbow” really swings, making it a great showcase for jazz, show and concert 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.

Blue Skies arr. Mark Hayes
Irving Berlin’s much-recorded song from 1926 takes a sultry and sophisticated turn with this dynamic, jazzy arrangement that includes optional rhythm, flugelhorn and flute. The song is a symbol of cheer of being in love. “Blue days, all of them gone. Nothing but blue skies from now on.” An American Songbook treasure.

Two great resources to explore are The Vocal Jazz Ensemble by Paris Rutherford and The Complete Guide to Teaching Vocal Jazz by Steve Zegree. Contact us for personalized sheet music recommendations for your ensemble, or visit us online at stantons.com!

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.


American Folk Songs for Choir 28 December, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

As both a choral director and choral singer, folk songs frequently end up being my favorite pieces on a concert program; singing them is like experiencing a little piece of the culture from which they come. Because so many folk songs have been passed through generations by rote, they often have simple, singable melodies and a timelessness that resonates with both the performers and the audience. The three American folk songs we selected to share with you all have those traits, and we feel that they would work well in both concert and contest settings.

bright-morning-stars-are-risingBright Morning Stars Are Rising arr. Audrey Snyder
This sweet melody is showcased here with straightforward, quality three part treble writing, and the opening and closing of the piece provide opportunities to showcase a set of soloists or a small soli group if you choose. The long notes and ties over the bar provide great opportunities to teach phrasing and vowel matching, and although the harmonic writing is quality, there are also unison moments to both latch onto and teach unison tuning. The accompaniment options are flexible (and each of the options works well), so you have the options of performing the piece a cappella, with piano accompaniment, or with guitar accompaniment. If you have a student who plays guitar, this could be a great way to showcase his or her skill.

nine-hundred-milesNine Hundred Miles arr. Roger Emerson
This is one of my favorite folk melodies. In this arrangement, I like that every voice part gets the melody at some point throughout the piece, and, like Bright Morning Stars, the accompaniment works well for both piano and guitar, allowing you flexibility in your programming. The majority of the piece dances around a minor tonality (which students often gravitate toward and enjoy singing), and the pitches are diatonic, making solfege and number work with this piece accessible. The optional cello part adds some extra character and color, and would be a nice way to showcase a student cellist.

red-river-valleyRed River Valley arr. Roger Emerson
The minor setting of this folk song reflects the sadness in the text that depicts a friendship that is destined to be apart. The three part writing is straightforward and well-written, and, from a teaching perspective, this piece provides an excellent introduction to cut time and accessible, diatonic pitches for sight-reading exercises. My favorite part of the piece, though, is the a cappella section in the center; it’s accessible but powerful, and I think students will feel powerful singing it.

If you have any questions about these or other octavo recommendations, feel free to contact us for this and any other sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Alissa Ruth began working at Stanton’s in the summer of 2016. She is a former middle and high school choir director and holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from Capital University. She is an active choral singer in the Columbus area, and spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.

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.


Auld Lang Syne 26 December, 2016

If someone says the words “Auld Lang Syne,” can you spell it right? If someone asks, “What does  that 00353010mean, anyway?” can you tell them? Well, the words are translated from Scottish, and literally mean, “times gone by.” It’s about remembering old friends. “We’ll take a cup of kindness yet for “times gone by.”

So, as we sing that song this New Year’s Eve, let’s remember friends and family from “auld lang syne.” And yes, Stanton’s has the music for it – you can even find it on our Digital Delivery website to download immediately! 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!

 

 


African-American Organ Music 23 December, 2016

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

african-american-organ-anthologies

We are excited to recommend the seven volumes of African American Organ Music Anthologies from MorningStar Publishing. Each volume includes five selections that span mid to late 20th century, and each piece was written by a prominent black composer. Adolphus Hailstork, Ulysses Kay, Mark Fax, and many more have selections in these volumes, and several represented composers were recipients of prestigious composition awards. These compositions range from hymn tunes and sprituals to original compositions, and are delightful options for your recital or church service!

 

This series presents the perfect opportunity to expand your repertoire! For more information and other recommendations, contact 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.


Christmas Gifts for Musicians 21 December, 2016

It’s December 21 and… you are still looking for Christmas gifts, you say?

Stantocello-ornamentn’s can help you out! We have a large selection of gift options for your musician friends and relatives, so feel free to browse through our store in person or online!

17-1180-catalog_imageWe carry gift items that range from office supplies, to higher-end handbags and totes, to Christmas tree ornaments, to jewelry, and apparel. Looking for something for everyday use around the house? Check out our
selection of coffee mugs and household items!

Still not sure what your Secret Santa will like? We also offer gift certificates that you can purchase and print right from home so that your loved one can choose exactly what they would like from the store.

Call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, stantons.com to see what we offer. Shop Stanton’s for all your music needs!


Introduction to Art Song 19 December, 2016

recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal Music Specialist

Joan Frey Boytim’s “Introduction to Art Song” series is intended for any beginning classical singer, teenager through adult. It includes successful, well-liked songs in English which are not particularly difficult, ideal for Middle School and High School singers and above. A teacher browsing through the collections will find many familiar songs, but often in alternate keys from what has been previously published. Songs from American and British composers appear which are not included in previous collections, and no sacred songs, Christmas songs, or spirituals have been included, making these collections practical for use in beginning voice classes. Vocal ranges are moderate and accompaniments are not extremely difficult.

Available for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto, Tenor, and Baritone/Bass, this series completes Boytim’s course of study for vocal students:

Find more vocal repertoire on our website, and contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
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.


Elementary Musicals: ON SAFARI 16 December, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialist

Ready to start planning your elementary spring musical? This year, we have something for everyone! Check out these new musicals that will motivate and excite both you and your students!

Wright! (Celebrate the Beginning of Flight) by John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
Suggested for Grades 4-8
Performance time: about 35 minutes
The epic story of the Wright Brothers and their flying machine comes to life in modern day rap, song and narration. Your cast and crew are going to love the cutting edge feel to this hip-hop style musical about two of America’s true heroic figures that will speak to cast and audience for today. Told by a group of intrepid reporters who are tailing the inventors, we discover that, as incredible as Orville and Wilbur’s feat of inventing the first successful airplane was, the real lesson may well be the example they demonstrated by building their future and dreams on higher ground, and setting their sights up and not down. Right? Wright!

Jukebox Time Machine by Andy Beck & Brian Fisher
Suggested for Grades 3-8
Performance time: about 40 minutes
You’ve never seen anything like our amazing jukebox time machine! Just insert a quarter to travel to a past decade where Roxie, the time machine tour guide, will share a few nostalgic fun facts before dropping the needle on some of the greatest pop hits of all time. Feature up to 32 speakers on the minimal-rehearsal required script, while all the kids sing and dance along to iconic songs from the 1930s to the 2000s! Complete choreography included.

On Safari by Lynn Zettlemoyer
Suggested for Grades 2-5
Performance time: about 35 minutes
Let’s go on a safari with Ward and Lilly, Didi, Daniel, Melissa, Wally and a host of safari guides! Through song and dialogue, we’ll learn about the exciting African Savannah wildlife of lions, giraffes, geckos, bushbabies, servals, weaverbirds, crocodiles and elephants! Either as a staged performance with characters or simplified speaker parts for a revue-style presentation, this well crafted mini-musical will create a smart and fun-filled learning experience for students and audiences.

Johnny Appleseed by Jill & Michael Gallina
Suggested for Grades 3-8
Performance time: about 35 minutes
Johnny Appleseed, one of American folklore’s most colorful characters, comes to life in this lively, six song mini-musical. Johnny’s extraordinary life and love for all living things is told as a modern day Grandpa reads a bedtime story to his grandchildren. The action moves from present to past and the audience learns of Johnny’s boyhood dream to cross the wilderness and then follow him as he plants apple seeds throughout the land. Johnny Appleseed’s sincere appreciation of nature and his thoughtful consideration of others serve as the underlying theme for this musical play and a wonderful teaching tool and example for young people as well as audiences of all ages.

Panda and the Moon by Erik Whitehill
Suggested for Grades K-2
Performance time: about 25 minutes
Flexible enough to incorporate one class or an entire grade, Erik Whitehill’s brilliantly orchestrated original musical offers a one-of-a-kind experience for elementary students. Join Panda and his good friend Moon as they explore the Happy Valley Zoo and learn valuable life lessons along the way. Demonstration recordings, accompaniment tracks, and reproducible resources, including lyric sheets, scripts, PowerPoints, and instrumental parts, can be found on the included CD.

You can find more options on our website, or contact us for more personalized recommendations. 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.


Organ Music for Epiphany 14 December, 2016

While we get four Sundays for Advent, we only get one Sunday for Epiphany. What shall we play?  10-207

Music with Minimal Pedal: Advent and Epiphany is one collection that offers pieces for both Advent and Epiphany. The three Epiphany pieces are “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright,” both arranged by Michael Burkhardt, and “We Three Kings” arranged by Kristina Langlois.

Festive Hymn Settings, arranged by Michael Burkhardt, includes selections for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. The Epiphany hymns are “As With Gladness Men of Old,” and “The First Nowell.” This collection features reproducible congregation pages for the congregation to sing 10-178along with some hymns.

Have a look at these two collections – many organists like Michael Burkhardt’s work, and Kristina Langlois is becoming well-known as an arranger. For more information about these collections or other organ sheet music collections, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, stantons.com!


Sing and Celebrate! 12 December, 2016

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

The popular “Sing and Celebrate!” series provides everything you need for developing younger elementary choirs in your church! Designed for grades K-4, each volume contains a variety of general and seasonal songs for use throughout the church year. Packed with lesson plans, teaching resources, and rehearsal planning ideas, these collections give you all the tools necessary for building a successful, engaging choir program in one value-packed Book/CD! The enhanced StudioTrax CD features accompaniment and performance tracks, along with reproducible singers’ pages, supplemental teaching resources, and colorful PDF song charts for projection options! Songs, both familiar and new, along with fun, creative teaching plans will nurture the musical and spiritual growth of your singers to last a lifetime.

New this year:
Sing and Celebrate 5! by Joseph M. Martin, Ruth Elaine Schram, John R. Paradowski, Michael Bedford, and Jeff Reeves
Songs include: “Jesus In the Morning” (General), “This Little Light of Mine” (General), “Loving My Neighbor” (General), “Give Thanks” (Thanksgiving), “Rejoice! Rejoice!” (Advent), “Angels Sing Tonight” (Christmas), “Run, Shepherds, Run!” (Christmas), “Palms of Praise” (Palm Sunday), “An Easter Carol” (Easter), “Thank You for Family” (Mother’s Day/Father’s Day/Family).

And don’t miss the original “Sing and Celebrate,” and the subsequent volumes (Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4). Contact us for more recommendations for your children’s choirs, and remember to 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.


“Sing to Me” by Laura Farnell 09 December, 2016

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

You can always count on Laura Farnell to write excellent music for middle school singers – she innately understands their strengths and their weaknesses, and knows how to make them successful musicians! I was pleased to accompany the premiere performance of “Sing to Me” with the Ohio Music Education Association District X Junior High Honor Choir in November of 2015, under the direction of Loren Veigel. The students were SO EXCITED to be premiering the work, and about having a commissioned piece written “just for them!”

Sing to Me by Laura Farnell
Younger and developing mixed choirs will shine in this lyrical and expressive setting. Rubato phrases gently unfold over an accompaniment that is profound in its simplicity. Well-crafted part-writing will help build performance skills!

Find more quality options for middle school choirs in the Stanton’s Signature Selections area of our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations. 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.


Classic Repertoire for More Advanced String Orchestra 08 December, 2016

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

The cream-of-the-crop of this year’s Baroque, Classical and Romantic pieces in outstanding educational arrangements.

Concerto in D for Strings by Telemann/arr. Steven Frackenpohl, Grade 3
Telemann can always provide concert sparkle as his music falls in the cusp between Baroque and Classical. Everyone has active parts: the higher parts have more flash, while the lower parts ground the piece with rolling basso continuo. There is chromaticism, on-the-string 16ths and rhythmic drive – just what you want from Telemann.

Allegro Spiritoso (from Divertimento #8, K213) by W.A. Mozart/arr. Marcia Stockton, Grade 3
A natural piece for string orchestra, this effervescent movement from Divertimento #8, K213, originally for wind sextet, will keep everyone spiritedly on their toes. With its Classical style, chromaticism and 16th note pickups, it is marvelous Mozart all the way!

Lady Radnor’s Suite: Slow Minuet by Sir Hubert Parry/arr. Robert Sieving, Grade 3
Sir Hubert Parry was influenced by Wagner, Brahms and Mendelssohn and passed on his passion to students such as Holst, Vaughan Williams & Frank Bridge. This movement would be excellent for smaller chamber groups where you can polish a sense of ensemble, concentrate on color, timbre and balance and encourage an artfully elegant, mature sound.

Symphony #104 Finale by F.J. Haydn/arr. Todd Parrish, Grade 3.5
The sparkle of this masterwork is undeniable. This exuberant finale, masterfully arranged, is Haydn at his best. As is typical of Haydn, the melody is in the upper strings and the harmony in the lower, but it is still an excellence teaching piece for everyone on the classical style, bow technique, shifting and dynamics.

Presto (from Symphony #1) by F.J. Haydn/arr. Robert D. McCashin, Grade 4
This spirited opening movement of Haydn’s First Symphony would actually make a fantastic closer for any high school performance! It demonstrates his substantial range of invention, organization of thought, musical ideas, and inventive compositional prowess at a young age. The movement is full of rhythmic and harmonic surprises and though the violins get the melodic action, the other parts drive it, so everyone is kept plenty busy. Use it to teach 16th note scales, dynamic extremes and accidentals on G#, D# and A#.

Intermezzo (from Carmen) by Georges Bizet/arr. John Caponegro, Grade 4
To provide an “ahh” factor to any high school concert, choose this glorious, flowing operatic gem from a master of melody. Incorporating triplets, grace notes, shifting and plenty of rubato, your basses will solidly anchor it while everyone else glimmers.

You can find more orchestra classics on our website, or contact us for recommendations especially for your ensemble. 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.


Join us at The Midwest Clinic! 08 December, 2016

midwest-clinic-mastheadby Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –

Stanton’s Sheet Music is excited to be exhibiting at The Midwest Clinic for our third consecutive year on December 14-16, 2016!

Join band specialists Kent White, Ken Tilger, and Kris Lehman, “The Jazz Guy” Ben Huntoon, as well as technology guru/computer ninja David Ginter and Stanton’s Sheet Music President Eric Strouse at McCormick Place, Booth #1227. Browse and shop hundreds of titles for wind band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, and solo & ensemble, gift items, and more while taking advantage of their combined 100+ years of sheet music expertise. Trivia and useless knowledge provided free of charge!

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

The Lowdown
The Midwest Clinic
December 14-16, 2016
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

Booth #1227

Exhibit Hall Hours:
Wednesday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

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, hockey, and all things Pittsburgh.  He’s excited to get NHLTV for Christmas so he can watch the Penguins – Let’s Go Pens!


Sacred Choral Clinic in ONE MONTH 07 December, 2016

Lullington_Church_with_spring_flowers_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1103346With Christmas around the corner it seems strange to think that it’s almost time to purchase music for Lent and Easter! Plan to attend Stanton’s Sacred Choral Clinic on Saturday, January 7th 2017, and you’ll be fully prepared for the next “holiday season.”

SACRED CHORAL READING SESSION

Saturday January 7th, 2017

9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We will be featuring the best new choral publications for Lent, Easter and beyond, as chosen by Stanton’s sacred choral staff. This January’s clinic will be held at Livingston United Methodist Church, just a few blocks from our store in downtown Columbus!

Attending this clinic is a fantastic way for you to choose new church anthems for your choir by hearing the music read live. This January’s clinicians will be Stanton’s own Judy Henry and president emeritus Jim Strouse. Please feel free to contact Stanton’s at 1-800-42-MUSIC and speak with a choral staff member for the details of the event. We look forward to seeing you at 8:30 on January 7th for registration, coffee and doughnuts followed by a wonderful morning of singing!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


In Pursuit of Adventure: Exciting New Pieces for Band 06 December, 2016

by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –

In pursuit of adventurous (and quality) programming, I’m thrilled to share these exciting new pieces for concert band.  Of course, they’re favorites of ours, but more importantly, they pass the “smell test” – they musically live up to their title and/or theme.  From fairy tale and mythological fantasy to thrill-seeking excitement (and a little history!) there is plenty of variety to choose from, and they are guaranteed to be awesomely fun to play!  Enjoy!

Pursuit of the Centaur
Robert Sheldon
Alfred Young Symphonic
Grade 2.5         $55.00
The name says it all!  Pursuit of the Centaur is full of mythological excitement and adventure (and 16th note runs, triplet rhythms, and horn rips!!); a film score in search of a movie.  Bold harmonies, accented and marcato rhythms, harmonized melody lines, staggered rhythmic motion, and a full battery of percussion propel the pursuit ever forward.  The key change puts it over the top (if that’s even possible).  Your students will absolutely love this work, and your audience will be enthralled.

Skydive
Chris M. Bernotas
Alfred Young Symphonic
Grade 3                        $58.00
This piece starts with immediate exhilaration and velocity, and is full of energy, with uplifting syncopated rhythms and strong melodic lines that will engage both the students and audience. The legato section is representative of the time when a skydiver enjoys the beauty of the scenery. The energy and thrill come back and drive to the end with non-stop excitement.

Stanton’s also recommends:
For Young Band:
Capturing the Blue Riband, Stormchasing, Wild West Saga
For High School: The Dragon Prince, Great Wall (The Legend of Qi Jiguang)

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, hockey, and all things Pittsburgh.  He’s excited to get NHLTV for Christmas so he can watch the Penguins – Let’s Go Pens!


Chanukah! 05 December, 2016

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recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Chanukah is just about three weeks away! Are you ready?

For beginning piano players, we have a book of seven Chanukah songs at a level two, “Festive Chanukah Songs.” Your youngster could play a different song each night! We also have a book of Chanukah songs, “The Complete Chanukah Songbook.” This collection of sheet music includes nearly one hundred songs for the season, from Jewish folk songs to more modern compositions by some of today’s songwriters. Certain questions concerning Chanukah are answered, too: Why do we eat latkes? Where did the dreidl come from? This book is one that may take up residence in the piano bench, ready to hand for the season.

Call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, http://www.stantons.com to learn more. 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.


Composer Profile: Stacey V. Gibbs 02 December, 2016

by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Following in the steps of William Dawson, Jester Hairston, and Moses Hogan, the arrangements of Stacey V. Gibbs bring new life to the spiritual repertoire. His rhythmic voice is particularly fascinating, providing an authentic sense of energy and motion to each arrangement.

Highly acclaimed for his expertise in bringing new vitality and excitement to these beloved pieces, Stacey’s work has reached a wide range of choirs both internationally and in the U.S., where they have been featured in numerous festivals, celebrations, and competitions as well as at ACDA regional and national conferences. Stacey resides in Detroit, Michigan, and has worked in management for over 18 years.

The music of Stacey V. Gibbs is available through Stanton’s from many different publishers, including Santa Barbara, Colla Voce, Alliance, Walton Music and Hal Leonard.

Stanton’s Recommends: Way Over in Beulah Lan’, Dere’s No Hidin’ Place Down Here, Live a HumbleRide the Chariot, Witness

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.