News & Views Saturday, April 27, 2024

Music, Lead the Way! And More for Middle School Tenor/Bass Monday, March 18, 2024

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

Music, Lead the Way! by Laura Farnell, T(T)B with piano and optional tambourine
Farnell draws her inspiration for this gospel-style composition from the work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him, who worked to break down the barriers of racial and social discrimination. A gripping Van Dyke text delivers the powerful message: when we choose love and sing together in community, surely “peace and love will conquer hate and strife.”

Dover Beach (Tales from the North) by Meredith Tompkins & Ashley Dame, TB with piano
Originally conceived for unchanged tenor voices, this TB voicing of “Dover Beach” contains rolling and weaving melodies within the framework of an undulating piano accompaniment. Energetic and musically charged, the driving melodic passages will challenge performers to be their very best!

Black Riders Came from the Sea by Paul David Thomas, TB with piano and tenor drum
Beginning with an ominous ostinato from the choir, this piece sets Stephen Crane’s short but vivid poem describing the invasion of a fast-approaching enemy army. Perfect for the developing Tenor-Bass choir or small ensemble.

Put a Little Love in Your Heart (with Love Train) arr. Greg Gilpin, TTB with piano
From the moment you hear the vocal and rhythmic opening, you know you have a winning arrangement from Greg Gilpin for your concert or show choir. Now available for SSA and TTB voices, the driving energy and pop sound create an easy to learn and performed arrangement for everyone. Add some choreography for a showstopping opening or closing number.

Home on the Range arr. Jerry Estes, T(T)B with piano (opt. a cappella)
This endearing arrangement of a favorite American Cowboy song is a welcome addition to repertoire for tenor/bass choirs. With limited ranges, accessible choral writing, and the option to perform a cappella or accompanied, the flexibility of this selection makes it very easy to teach and very rewarding to perform.

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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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