News & Views Monday, March 18, 2024

Fun POPS for Spring Friday, March 17, 2017

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

If you’re planning a concert of popular music with your choir this spring, we’ve got some great recommendations for you! Lighter repertoire is a fun option for end-of-year concerts, but don’t forget to find some good musical challenges for your students as well – you want to showcase all the progress they’ve made throughout the school year!

FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS
leon-510793Sun Is Gonna Shine (from “Bright Star”) arr. Ed Lojeski
From the Americana-infused score of “Bright Star,” Broadway musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, this cheerful bluegrass number will be a light-hearted celebration of harmony and joy, filled with warm vocals and toe-tapping rhythms.

Never My Love arr. Greg Gilpin
One of the most-played songs of all-time on radio and television! Introduce singers to the whispery harmonies of 1960s California pop. Accessible choral writing that is expressive and musically satisfying!

You Make My Dreams arr. Mark Brymer
The American pop duo Hall & Oates has had tremendous success over the years and their songs remain popular through the present. This 1981 pop hit has an infectious hook that will energize your pop/show program!

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS
leon-504135Let the River Run arr. Mac Huff
Now available in an accessible Discovery edition, this multi-award winning song by Carly Simon featured in the 1988 film “Working Girl” will be a fantastic and uplifting addition to any concert.

I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll Medley arr. Greg Gilpin
This medley is a wonderful way to teach American classic rock ‘n’ roll songs, add some edge and theme to your concert, and entertain your audiences – who just might sing along! Easy to learn and perform, the medley includes I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rock Around the Clock, and Old Time Rock and Roll.

The Jungle Book (Choral Highlights) arr. Roger Emerson
The 2016 live action remake of “The Jungle Book” is was described as “stunning” and “beautiful,” with a fabulous score and fun covers of the classic Sherman & Sherman songs from the original. A great 6-minute mini-medley for younger choirs, it includes The Bare Necessities, I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song), Trust In Me (The Python’s Song).

FOR WOMEN’S CHOIRS
leon-510644Candle on the Water arr. Mac Huff
This classic song from Disney’s 2016 live action and CGI remake of “Pete’s Dragon” offers a sweet and nostalgic message that will resonate with choirs of all ages, especially for graduation and other tributes. A perfect selection for concert, pop and show choirs!

Out Here On My Own arr. Mac Huff
This ballad from the 1980 musical film “Fame” remains a powerful statement for young artists to follow their dreams and pursue their passion! This setting is an ideal closer for pop, show and concert choirs.

FOR MEN’S CHOIRS
leon-504133Learning to Love Again arr. Jacob Narverud
Nashville artist Matt Kearney’s song of introspection and searching offers many rewards for young singers. This acoustic setting provides a wonderful opportunity for your men’s choir to develop expression and connect with their audience.

Stand By Me arr. Roger Emerson
Perfect for your guys! TB choirs will love singing this pop classic originally recorded by Ben E. King in 1961. Great lyrics, great hook, and a great message, well-crafted for changing voices!

For more suggestions, click here to view our complete School Choral promotion for Spring 2017, or contact us. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
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.

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.


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