News & Views Thursday, May 09, 2024

Make a Little Music! New for Beginning Choir Friday, September 08, 2023

recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists

Make a Little Music by Andy Beck, 2-part with piano
“Clap your hands like a rolling river. Stomp your feet like the mighty sea.” Here’s a rockin’ barn burner that pulls out all of the stops! Gospel-style harmonies, a body percussion breakdown, more than one upward modulation, a layered vocal stack, and a “happy day” descant are sure to bring your audience to their feet. Don’t miss the free ChoreoTrax video for easy-to-teach staging.

Crossing the U.S.A. arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano
All aboard! Don’t miss this action-packed 2.5-minute American folk medley of four familiar favorites. Kid-friendly voice parts, a bouncy supportive accompaniment, and an irresistible train ride theme create the ultimate journey from east to west! Don’t leave the station without a whistle and some costume conductor hats. Fun! Titles include: “Going to Boston,” “Red River Valley,” “Rocky Mountain,” and “Sweet Betsy from Pike.”

Make a Difference by Audrey Snyder, 2-part with piano
This happy, up tempo concert song brims with confidence and aspiration. “I’m gonna make a difference in this world” is the positive message found in this easy-to-learn piece especially suited to middle school and upper elementary choirs.

Thousands and Millions of Stars by Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano and optional flute
Rich with wonder and replete with expressive, sensitive writing, this setting of a distinctive text by Robert Louis Stevenson is a superb choice for younger and developing choirs. Featuring word painting, rich harmonies, and musical star motifs, this is an ideal choice for concert or festival use.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.

Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.

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