News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Santana Guitar Anthology 31 January, 2018

00173534-wlCarlos Santana was influenced as a youngster by the music of Ritchie Valens, B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, and John Lee Hooker. He began playing guitar at a young age, and started playing in some of the bands that played along the “Tijuana Strip.” Eventually he started his own band, and by 1969 he had a contract with Columbia Records. From 1973 to 2003, Carlos Santana was nominated for 14 various awards, ten of which he won.

The Santana Guitar Anthology includes 21 of Santana’s most iconic songs in “Guitar Recorded Versions,” which are authentic note-for-note transcriptions written directly from artist recordings. A few of the songs included are “Black Magic Woman,” “Victory is Won,” and “Maria Maria.” This is a great collection for guitarists who love Latin guitar style and the music of Santana.

For more information about this collection, call 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

VOCALIZE: Canon Collection 29 January, 2018

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

Vocalize Canon CollectionThe Vocalize! Canon Collection is ideal for warming up, sight-singing, technique-building, and more! From traditional and familiar to original and unexpected, each of the tuneful melodies easily stacks into two, three, or more layers. Enhanced CD includes accompaniment tracks and printable PDFs.

We like this collection not only because of the variety of canons it provides, but also because with each canon comes suggested exercises from the Vocalize! book that pair well, provided a well-rounded warm-up experience.

Have questions about this and other warm-up resources? Check out our website at www.stantons.com, email us at choral@stantons.com, or call us at 1.800.42.MUSIC ext. 1. We’re happy to help!

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 professional choral singer, and spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.

Organ and Piano Duets for Lent & Easter 26 January, 2018

702081recommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Keyboard Music Specialists

The Wondrous Cross is a collection of organ/piano duets masterfully arranged by Terry Osman, an accomplished keyboardist and arranger. There are eight duets in all, which include a contemplative setting of “In the Hour of Trial” and a celebratory setting of “Welcome, Happy Morning!” These duets are ideal for use in services leading up to Easter, including Passion Sunday. If your church is fortunate enough to have a piano and an organ which can be played together and if your church has two able players, you are indeed blessed. This collection will be a welcome addition to your music library!

For more information about organ/piano duets for church, call us at 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Teach Yourself Blues & Boogie Piano 24 January, 2018

00248990-wlFrom author, composer and teacher Michael Tarro comes the new resource Teach Yourself To Play Blues & Boogie Piano. If you are a pianist who has already developed some ability on your instrument and have an interest in learning about blues and boogie woogie, this book is tailor-made for you! Jazz and swing are also discussed. You’ll focus on many aspects of these styles, proceeding slowly at first, then progressing more quickly after the fundamentals have been introduced. Most of the songs and arrangements are at the intermediate level. The online audio features demo tracks, as well as stylistic backing tracks – with bass and drums only – so you can play along as the soloist! Topics covered include: 12-bar blues; left-hand bass patterns; right-hand licks; turnarounds & endings; swing & dotted rhythms; improvisation; and much more!

For more information about this, or other how-to-play books, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

POP & MOVIES for Orchestra 22 January, 2018

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

String Teachers! Plan ahead for your Spring Pops Concerts with your Middle School and High School String Orchestras. Here are this year’s winning arrangements.

Grade 2/3 Pop and Rock
leon-520483Bohemian Rhapsody arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2/3
The rock anthem from Queen, now for first and second year players.

Cake by the Ocean arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 2.5
Beach party song from the current band DNCE.

80s Soundtrax arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 2.5
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Words Get in the Way, If I Could Turn Back Time.

Go Big or Go Home arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 2.5
alfred-513595Top 20 hit from American Authors featured in 2016 NBA Playoff Finals promos.

Hey Jude arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2/3
Instantly engaging Beatles anthem in an easy version.

Surfin’ U.S.A. arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2
Beach Boys surf music from the 1960s. Essential Elements Book 2 correlation.

Twist and Shout arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2/3
Vintage Isley Brothers/Beatles Rock-n-Roll that appeals to all audiences.

alfred-45843-fWork from Home arr. Michael Story, Grade 2
Infectious pop tune from the all-girl band Fifth Harmony hit big in 2016.

Grade 3/4 Pop and Rock
Brandenburg arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
From the pop violin/viola hip-hop duo, Black Violin.

Handclap arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
Highest charting song from American indie pop band, Fitz and the Tantrums.

leon-520479Last Train to Clarksville arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
Enduring favorite from the Monkees with a country fiddle twist.

Seven Nation Army arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
White Stripes riff rock considered by many to be one of the greatest song of the 2000s.

Shape of You arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
Dance hall-inspired #1 pop song from Ed Sheeran is the most-streamed song on Spotify.

Victorious arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
Uplifting anthem with a driving pulse from pop group, Panic! At the Disco.

Grade 3/4 Broadway and Movie
Citleon-518059y of Stars arr. Jim Kazik, Grade 3/4
Multiple award-winning song from the movie musical, La La Land.

Evermore arr. James Kazik, Grade 3/4
From the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as sung by Josh Grobin.

Selections from Fantastic Beasts arr. Bob Phillips, Grade 3
Two selections from the latest J.K Rowling movie adventure.

How Does a Moment Last Forever arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 3/4
From the live-action film of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as sung by Celine Dion.

Kingdom Dance arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 3/4
From the Disney animated film, Tangled, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Rapunzel.

leon-518058Music from La La Land arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 3/4
Mia & Sebastian’s Theme, Another Day of Sun, Audition (The Fools Who Dream), City of Stars.

Highlights from Moana arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
How Far I’ll Go, We Know the Way, Where You Are, and You’re Welcome.

My Shot (from Hamilton) arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3/4
Standout song from the hip-hop Broadway smash, Hamilton, with optional vocal.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3
arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 4
He’s Here for Us, Jyn Erso & Hope Suite, Rogue One, Imperial Suite, Your Father Would Be Proud.

leon-520484Music from Sing arr. James Kazik, Grade 3/4
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, Ariana Grande & Stevie’s Faith.

Find more orchestra pops on our website, or contact us for more details! 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.

Middle School Show Choir 19 January, 2018

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

Looking for something your middle school showchoir students will love? Check out these three upbeat numbers to add to your young singers’ concert!

Mister Zombie's Jazz Club.jpgMister Zombie’s Jazz Club by Mark Cabaniss/arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
Loaded with “scary” fun, Mister Zombie’s Jazz Club is a novelty piece that offers the opportunity to introduce jazz, swing, and the concept of scat singing to developing singers. In addition to these musical opportunities, its message is one of cooperation and acceptance. While the string bass is optional, it will add even more “cool” to the performance.

You're My Best Friend.gif

You’re My Best Friend arr. Paul Langford
The British rock band Queen made this a hit and the song has had a long life being used in movies, television shows and commercials. This arrangement taps into that popularity and makes for a lively selection for both concert and show choirs and is a great selection for graduation.

Get Back Up Again

Get Back Up Again arr. Mac Huff
From the incredible soundtrack from the animated comedy “Trolls,” this song recorded by Anna Kendrick is a relentlessly cheerful manifesto for overcoming life’s obstacles. Fun and energetic, your singers will bring a blast of fabulous to your concert!

For more information about these and other middle school choral recommendations, visit our website at http://www.stantons.com, email us at choral@stantons.com, or call us at 1.800.42.MUSIC ext.1.

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.

Ken’s 10: New Marches for Band 17 January, 2018

by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –

With adjudication season just around the corner, January is the perfect time to preview and select marches.  With that in mind I’m excited to share my favorites for this school year, but first a confession – I don’t have 10 new marches for this list.  My choices for the very best new arrangements consist of the new titles that I scored a 9 or 10 out of 10.  The problem – I only have 7 new marches that scored a 9 or 10 combined.  I thought about filling the last 3 spots by dipping in to my 8’s (after all, you can’t have a list of 10 comprised of only 7 – how ‘bout those math skills!), but I have 14 of those.  With no good way to narrow that group to 3, I decided to round out the list with 3 of my very favorite marches from last year.    There are a lot of composers, styles, and difficulties, including some originals, so there is something for everyone and they’re all good!  I hope you find something you and your kids enjoy, and hopefully the adjudicators will too!

American Legion
Charles Parker/arr. Andrew Glover – Grade 2
Here’s a classic American march that is perfect for any type of performance! Limited ranges and technical demands make it ideal for middle school and smaller, less experienced high school bands, while cut-time and standard march style and rhythms make it perfect for the classroom. The first half features solid interplay between melody and countermelody instruments, the trio features a solid melody in the middle voices ornamented by upper woodwinds, and a powerful, “shout” finish gives the whole band a chance to shine.  A surefire audience pleaser!

The American Red Cross March
Louis Panella/arr. David Butler – Grade 3
A stellar example of the American march tradition, this work by Louis Panella was composed to honor the fine humanitarian work of the Red Cross during World War I.  It has that classic fight song type sound, and the 8th note and dotted rhythms in cut-time make it perfect for advancing bands.

The Boom-Boom Galop
Randall D. Standridge – Grade 2.5
A humorous circus-style galop with a Germanic sound, this invigorating march takes adrenaline to a whole new level! Contrasting sections punctuated by the humorous “boom-boom” exclamations of the bass drum make for a fun-to-play, seat-of-your-pants experience that is a blast!  Careful with that tempo!

Generosity
Matthew N. Putnam – Grade 2
Very accessible.  In 2/4 with easy note values, basic 8th note rhythms, and keys of Bb & Eb, Generosity is an original march in standard form written with developing players in mind. It is reminiscent of the marches of Bennett and King with tuneful melodies, interesting harmonies, and a classic sound.  A few chromatic twists are thrown in to make it more exciting, and mixed articulations add maturity. Mathew Putnam has written a perfect vehicle to teach march style and form to developing players.

Honor Guard March
Claude T. Smith – Grade 3.5
Traditional in all the best ways!  Previously unpublished, Honor Guard March was composed by Claude T. Smith in 1959 while he was teaching in Cozad, NE. Premiered in 1961and written in traditional form, this march contains a contemporary flair and sound that is unique to Smith’s distinctive style, and features an unusual meter shift from 6/8 to cut-time at the trio.  A wonderful addition to your school band library!

Marzo Zingaro
Randall D. Standridge – Grade 1.5
Another work of unique style, Marzo Zingaro seeks to portray the image of a lone wanderer, happily marching across the Italian countryside.  It succeeds. The first strain portrays a more daring mood, while the trio and finale portray a happier style while dynamic contrasts and articulation set the style.  Translated as March of the Gypsy, what more needs to be said?

Power
Harold Bennett/arr. Larry Clark – Grade 2
One of Harold Bennett’s lesser-known marches, Power is in 6/8 and standard march form.  Great for teaching basic 6/8 rhythms, this classic from the original Bennett Band Book is one of his few marches that contains a “break strain.”  Bennett marches are always a sure bet, and Power allows you to add a solid 6/8 march to your library.

Rounding Out the 10 – 3 Favorites from 2016-17
Frederick’s Black Devils
Paul Murtha – Grade 4
During World War II, Winston Churchill initiated the formation of Special Force Commando Units that would prove so effective as to change the course of the war. The First Special Service Force, led by their intrepid Colonel, Robert T. Frederick, was perhaps the most famous of these units. Due to their ferocious nature and blackened faces for night raids, the Germans gave them the nickname The Black Devils. In 2015 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the U.S. government can bestow. Frederick’s Black Devils is a stirring concert march with hints of British flair that pays tribute to this legendary unit.

Mad Dash (Galop)
Timothy Loest – Grade 2
Mad Dash is an exciting, original galop or circus march for young bands.  Traditionally circus marches incorporated as many musical acrobatics as the acts themselves, and true to form this is a great vehicle for developing technique, articulation, and style while following standard form.  Accidentals and dynamic contrasts abound, it includes a key change on the trio (Bb to Eb) and a full-blown shout to the end.  The tempo marking throws down the (cautionary) challenge:  “As fast as possible, but not any faster!” (144+ bpm)

Normal
Harold Bennett/arr. Larry Clark – Grade 2
Every developing band should have at least a couple of Bennett marches in their library.  Perfectly written and designed for developing bands, they feature all the hallmarks of standard march form and style.  Normal is unique in that it is one of only a few Bennett marches to include a break strain – great for preparing students for Sousa and other march masters.  It also addresses cut-time, basic 16th note patterns, features lovely melodies and countermelodies, some chromatic accidentals, and the break strain provides bold contrast to the soft, lyrical trio section.

About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004.  His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies.  Besides music, he geeks out on amusement parks, hockey (Are 4 hockey podcasts too many?), and all things Pittsburgh.  He spends his free time being Dad to 2 young children and playing saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.

Church Cantatas for Lent & Easter 2018 15 January, 2018

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

lorenz-521164Hallelujah! What a Savior! (The Crucified and Risen Christ) by Lloyd Larson, Faye Lopez, R. Kevin Boesiger, Larry Shackley, Molly Ijames, Mark Hayes & Pepper Choplin
Bring the Passion Story and its impact to life through moving music and Pamela Stewart’s compelling narrative: from the euphoria surrounding Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the desolation of the lonely Garden as He fully embraced God’s plan and ensuing death; from the genuine love conveyed to His faithful followers in the Upper Room to the loneliness experienced in His final hours as those same followers rejected and abandoned Him; from the anger that filled the hearts of those who now called for His crucifixion to the tender resignation of a Roman soldier that this indeed was the Son of God; from utter despair as He died on a cross to triumphant joy as Christ’s followers began to realize that His prophetic words had become reality. All of this and so much more happened within a single week! Combining the compositional talents of Lloyd Larson, Faye López, R. Kevin Boesiger, Larry Shackley, Molly Ijames, Mark Hayes, and Pepper Choplin, this inspiring cantata provides an unforgettable worship experience. It can be used in segments for use throughout Lent or Holy Week or performed in its entirety. With options for choir and piano alone or the addition of either a live orchestra or the accompaniment tracks (available separately), “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” is a powerful resource for choirs large or small.

For more recommendations for your church choir during the upcoming Lenten and Easter season, please call 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.

Suggestions for Choral Adjudications 2018 12 January, 2018

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

The beginning of 2018 is a perfect opportunity to look back at what your students have learned so far this school year, and to look forward to the new and exciting musical challenges you will present to them in the coming months. As you prepare for your upcoming concerts, festivals, or adjudicated events, we recommend these repertoire choices, carefully chosen from many new and recent publications as the “best of the best!”

for SATB Ensembles
gia-ww1623-fHaec Est Dies by Jacob Handl/arr. Philip Brown
A nice edition of a lesser-known work of the 16th century. “Haec Est Dies” is written for two SATB choirs, but the vocal writing is simple enough to work for younger high school choirs who are ready for the challenge.

Let All the World in Every Corner Sing by Ryan Murphy
A dynamic and bombastic setting of this well-loved text. The piano accompaniment is exciting and supportive, and the vocal writing is straightforward, making this a great selection for honor choirs and festivals.

As the Rain Hides the Stars by Elaine Hagenberg
Scored for SATB divisi chorus with piano, this exquisite setting of the traditional Gaelic Prayer, vividly presents the initial image of longing and unrest to the ultimate resolution of assurance that “Though I may stumble in my going, You do not fall.”

alfred-513845I Can See the River Jordan by Jay Althouse
This sturdy original is composed in the style of a traditional spiritual. A symbolic text leads to crossing metaphoric River Jordan as the music recalls songs from early America. Opens with brief solos, builds to a hand clapping almost a cappella bridge, and concludes only after full choral harmonies fade and voices unite on a single pitch.

for Women’s Ensembles
Veni Sancte Spiritus by W.A. Mozart/arr. Victor C. Johnson
This time-honored choral classic from the pen of a very young Mozart is now available in a fresh, new, authentic, and complete arrangement for women’s choir. Carefully crafted vocal lines combine with a vibrant, yet highly playable piano part and much rejoicing to brighten the spirit and gladden the heart!

Jubilate Deo by Johan Helmich Roman/arr. John Leavitt
This selection by Baroque composer Johan Helmich Roman, adapted in this edition for treble voices, is recommended for festival and contest programming for choirs in middle school and high school, as well as community children’s choirs. An excellent choice for developing important performance techniques in music of the era.

lorenz-sbmp1435-fCantate Domino by Charlotte Botha
Through a juxtaposition of texture, dynamics and tempo, the composer has created a dramatic song of praise which serves well as an opener or closer. The vocal parts are woven together with percussion, claps and stomps to illuminate the message of the “new song” as dictated by the Latin text.

Goin’ Home on a Cloud arr. Cristi Cary Miller
Opening expressively with a solo, this spiritual favorite moves then forward into a brisk tempo that will showcase developing SSA choirs with style! Well-written vocal parts and a supportive accompaniment make this appealing for middle through high school treble choirs.

for Men’s Ensembles
Three Polish War Songs arr. Derek Myler
A set of Polish military songs collected by the composer while he lived in Poland for two years among families affected still by the tragedies of war. Expertly arranged for men’s chorus, these songs offer a look into a less-familiar world and bring a sentiment of hope.

cfn-cm9488-fMairi’s Wedding arr. Drew Collins
This delightful reel, traditionally sung and played at Scottish weddings, is toe-tappin’ fun! From the opening unison statement until the final chord, men’s ensembles can explore drama and healthy singing.

Rain Music by Victor C. Johnson
“On the dusty earthdrum beats the falling rain. Now a whispered murmer, now a louder strain.” This forward-moving, rhythmically-driven music enhances the dramatic, image-laden text of Kentucky-born poet and playwright Joseph S. Cotter, Jr. Effective unison, two-, three-, and four-part writing throughout and optional parts for rain stick and djembes heighten the musical effect.

Across the Western Ocean arr. Jerry Estes
This sea chanty, from the mid-1800s, is inspired by the Irish immigrants escaping the great potato famine of their home country. Driven by a half note pulse, this piece has many ballad-like qualities with an accompaniment that propels the piece forward. It makes a wonderful selection for developing male voices teaching energetic 3-part singing.

Click here for all of our suggestions for select pieces for adjudicated events – while we have specifically geared these selections to be appropriate for Ohio Music Education Association events, this quality repertoire is sure to be successful on any spring concert or other event as well! For even more recommendations, please contact us – and remember, 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.


Community Band Spotlight: New & Unique Marches 11 January, 2018

by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –

This post is part of a series highlighting music for community bands.

Marches are a staple of community band repertoire, whether standard concert marches, galops, or star-spangled patriotic warhorses.  While we always keep an ear out for great new arrangements of tried-and-true staples and lesser-known marches by masters like King, Sousa, etc, we like to pay attention to interesting, outside-the-box compositions as well.  The three new titles below are of this sort, intended to add unique, quirky variety to your programming including a Civil War era tune, one from a Sousa opera (yes, he composed more than marches), and a tribute to “man’s best friend.”

Fireman’s Quickstep
arr. Michael Brown
Hal Leonard 1st Brigade Band
Grade 3.5                     $60.00
Although titled as a “quickstep” march, this appealing number from the Civil War era features a moderate tempo and distinctively spirited military style. Scored with plenty of variety in textures and dynamics, this is a wonderfully unique introduction to our musical heritage and critical period in our nation’s history.

The Loyal Legion
John Phillip Sousa
arr. Loras John Schissel
LudwigMasters Heritage of the Concert Band
Grade 3                                    $60.00
A great and very playable march by John Philip Sousa, The Loyal Legion was originally an entry march for his opera, The Queen of Hearts. Now available in a superb edition by Sousa scholar Loras John Schissel and exclusively endorsed by John Philip Sousa IV.

Service Dogs
J.c. Sherman
LudwigMasters Concert Band
Grade 3.5                     $50.00
A refreshing and spirited new march from a young composer, Service Dogs honors the service of man’s best friend. The work is a wonderful tool for teaching both compound meter and march style with first-rate melodies.

About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004.  His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies.  Besides music, he geeks out on amusement parks, hockey (especially the Pittsburgh Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.  He spends his free time being Dad to 2 young children and playing saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.


New “Classical” Music for Piano 10 January, 2018

49045645Modern Piano is a collection of 90 easy to intermediate 20th and 21st century pieces written in a great variety of styles. This is a fun collection for those who enjoy playing recently composed music, or for those who wish to do so. There are pieces in jazz style, blues, new age, pop, and more.

Classic repertoire such as Debussy’s “Le Petite Negre” and three pieces by Erik Satie are included, and there are also many pieces written by composers who penned them in 2017! Composers from around the world are represented: American Gregory Yasinitzhy wrote “Latin Blue;” German composer Barbara Heller wrote “Musical Resolution;” Russian Alexander Gretchaninoff wrote “Out for a Walk;” and English composer Cyril Scott wrote “The Elephant.” The player can go on a European/American tour just with the music in this collection! Many pieces are only one or two pages long, so it doesn’t take too long to accomplish each one. Treat yourself to a new musical experience!

For more information about this volume, call us at 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Church Reading Session Coming THIS SATURDAY! 08 January, 2018

Lullington_Church_with_spring_flowers_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1103346Attend Stanton’s Sacred Choral Reading Session this Saturday, January 13th 2018, and you’ll be fully prepared for the remainder of your church choir season. 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!

SACRED CHORAL READING SESSION
Saturday January 13th, 2018
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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 13th for registration, coffee and doughnuts followed by a wonderful morning of singing!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Expressive Programmatic Pieces for Strings – Grade 2-3 05 January, 2018

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Have you been working on vibrato and stressing balance and blend with your string orchestra? Be sure to check out these expressive options! Students tend to like “up-and-at ‘em” pieces, but there is a lot to be said for learning slow, expressive musical literature. It develops maturity of sound and musicality, provides good contrast for concert and adjudication programs, and offers a kind of emotional feeling that string instruments can conjure up better than any other. Don’t miss these “feel good” winners.

grandm-gmmor180-fNebula by David Bobrowitz, Grade 2
Teaching moments abound as you capture the beauty and mystery of an interstellar cloud. Reinforce the concept of triplets and 2 against 3, get your students comfortable with sixteenth notes and introduce them to the one measure of 5/4 time. Everyone has active and essential parts, so they will enjoy working on this excellent contrast to more uptempo repertoire.

A Song for Friends by Larry Daehn/arr. Kyoto Sila, Grade 2.5
If your strength is in your upper strings, let them shine on this exquisite tribute to friendship. Perfect for practicing newly-learned vibrato, it will also reinforce smooth bowing, blending the ensemble and the best way to dove-tail the melody between sections. The lovely melody, uncomplicated rhythms and smooth harmonies will provide a great “Aaah” factor to any concert. Have your high school do it in the fall and middle school do it in the spring!

grandm-gmmor177-fCity Awakens, City Sleeps by David Bobrowitz, Grade 3
In an interesting reversal of the fast-slow-fast compositional stereotype, Bobrowitz goes slow-fast-slow in this depiction of a city coming to life in the morning, bustling through the day and closing down at night. He includes various bowing styles, including slurs ending in staccato, a left hand stretch from Eb to F# in most parts and an accelerando for a good “watch the conductor” lesson. There are short bass and cello solos and action for everyone as they perfect this example of programmaticism at its cinematic finest.

Contact us for more programming ideas for strings, and 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.


Women On Broadway 03 January, 2018

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

Explore exciting music from the Broadway stage with your SSA ensembles this spring – your audience will be entertained, and you can work on valuable performance and dramatic skills with your singers. Here are some fun new options!

leon-513965Morning Person (from Shrek) arr. Cristi Cary Miller
Princess Fiona sings this song as she wakes to greet the dawning of a new day after spending the night as an ogre. Your SSA groups will enjoy stretching their dramatic skills with this humorous selection.

Waitress (Choral Highlights) arr. Greg Gilpin
Described as “Sweet, sassy, passionate and delightful” and “Cooked to perfection,” this musical with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, and a book by Jessie Nelson was one of the successes of the 2016 Broadway season. This 5-minute SSA medley will be a fantastic showcase for women’s choirs and includes: “Everything Changes,” “Opening Up,” “She Used To Be Mine.”

Also available separately: “Opening Up” arr. Mac Huff, and “What Baking Can Do” arr. Mark Brymer.

alfred-514559Everywhere That You Are (from James and the Giant Peach) arr. Andy Beck
From the stage adaptation of the book by Roald Dahl, this sensitive ballad tackles the tough topic of loss in a warm and reassuring way. A gently lilting piano accompaniment supports the tender melody, harmonized beautifully in the supporting voices.

Raise Your Voice (from Sister Act) arr. Roger Emerson
First rule of singing? Get the rafters ringing! This is the message of this uplifting ensemble number from the Broadway musical adaptation of the movie “Sister Act.” A fantastic selection for pop and concert choirs, this one will bring down the house!

Find more Broadway options on our website, or contact us for more ideas – we love brainstorming repertoire ideas with you! And remember, 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.