News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

“The World for Christmas” Friday, October 27, 2017

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

Ready to program your upcoming holiday concert? Maybe you need just ONE MORE perfect piece to round out your winter programming. Let Stanton’s help! Here are some of the best new releases for school choirs this season, in many different styles and varying levels of difficulty:

FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS
chorgd-cge163-fDing! Dong! Merrily On High arr. Mark Burrows
The joyful, rhythmic feel of this vibrant arrangement of the 16th century French tune features the clever use of ding, dong, merrily motives which are playfully sprinkled through the piece in all parts. A slightly slower, legato middle section provides a unique and interesting contrast. Whether it’s performed as an opener, closer, or encore, your singers and audiences will enjoy this fresh setting that joyfully conveys the vitality and anticipation of the season.

Patapan Fantasia arr. Audrey Snyder
This whirlwind setting of the dance-like French carol will fill your performance venue with a spirit of joy and jubilation! Ideal for madrigal groups, pop/jazz groups and concert choirs, your singers will welcome the challenge! With piano or opt. a cappella.

leon-510491Season of Light by Jacob Narverud
Written to invoke the feeling of a simple, old-fashioned holiday carol or hymn. This brief, two-verse tune invites all people to bring to mind thoughts and remembrances of the season and to reflect on this meaningful time of year.

Zumba, Zumba arr. Mark Burrows
What a find! This traditional Spanish Christmas carol works so well with a cappella voices. Finger cymbals, tambourine, and bongos add a zesty accompaniment to the exuberant yet sensible, rhythmic yet readable voice parts. A standout selection and a refreshing change of pace for holiday performances!

Swingin’ Saint Nick! arr. Greg Gilpin
Sweet harmonies and syncopated swing rhythms make for a fantastically fun arrangement of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” that is equally appropriate for jazz, show, and concert groups. The optional SoundPax or SoundTrax CD will bring a 40s feel to your holiday performance. Perfect with choreography, Santa hats, and smiles!

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS
leon-511757Winter Sky by Eric Tsavdar/arr. Roger Emerson
Imagine yourself a star in the winter sky! This gentle pop-style piece draws on imagery of the December night with the constellations above and the snow-covered ground below. A wonderful selection for younger choirs’ winter programming!

On This Winter Night arr. Becki Slagle Mayo
Opening in unison and developing with more independent choral parts and enhanced by optional percussion, this creative, forward-moving setting of the traditional Russian folk song “Minka” is perfect for middle school choirs. An effective and entertaining school-friendly Christmas selection!

Wenceslas Canon arr. Andy Beck
Words from the English carol, “Good King Wenceslas” are set to the melody of “Hey, Ho, Nobody Home.” Canonic writing ensures success, and the stately walking tempo suggests a processional. A light percussion accompaniment (including handbells or Orff instruments) adds a Renaissance feel. Ideal for developing choirs!

FOR WOMEN’S CHOIRS
gia-wrg1028-fThe World for Christmas by Anders Edenroth
This unique work for the Christmas season expresses concern for the future of our planet through the voice of a child. A beautiful SSAA version of this best-selling song from The Real Group.

Longing for Spring by Ruth Elaine Schram
Superb writing for women’s voices will bring out the best from your singers with lovely musical lines that support an introspective, allegorical text about the hope and promise the change of seasons brings to our lives. “A tiny bloom is hidden deep beneath the snow … but within its stem is the need to grow … and the freedom that its blossoming will bring.”

FOR MEN’S CHOIRS
We Wish You a Merry Christmas arr. Kirby Shaw
This joyful a cappella arrangement is set in a two-beat style that will be a total blast to rehearse and perform. Easily learned, it will be a great addition to holiday concerts, caroling and community performances.

Find more holiday selections for choirs on our website, check out our Virtual Workshop, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742 for personalized recommendations for your ensemble. 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.


< Previous|Next >