News & Views Thursday, May 17, 2012

Do you ever need sheet music in a big hurry?  Check out Stanton’s Digital Delivery to browse our digital sheet music library. There are pop songs, Broadway songs, sacred songs, guitar tabs, and much more!

You’ll need to download a free Scorch program that allows you to see the first page of each song you look up, and it allows you to print on your own printer.  Many songs can also be transposed to whatever key you need! Just pay with a credit card, download and print.

This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Happy browsing!

Copyright law and its implications affect musicians and educators every day, yet most of us have little to no understanding of it.  Whether majoring in performance or education, undergraduate courses of study rarely present an introduction to the subject, let alone offer any courses that study it in detail.  It is challenging to know what is permissible under the law, and what exactly is allowed under the doctrine of ‘fair use.’  Violations of copyright occur frequently in our schools mostly due to the lack of education on the subject, and, like it or not, use in an educational setting alone does not necessarily constitute compliance with the ‘fair use’ provision of the law.  With increased scrutiny and debate over copyright infringement on the internet, the staff at Stanton’s would like to recommend the following resources to shed light on the subject for musicians and educators alike.  They are presented in order of increasing detail, and we highly recommend The Teacher’s Guide to Music, Media, and Copyright Law for music educators.  In addition, YouTube in Music Education is a great resource for those looking to use this technology to enhance their programs, but have concerns about how to do so appropriately.

Music Copyright Basics – Joel Leach
What is copyright?  This seemingly simple question often causes confusion with its complex answers.  In Music Copyright Basics, professor and expert copyright witness Joel Leach answers frequent questions in a straightforward, easy-to-use format.  Whether you are searching for a simple answer to a common question or want a general knowledge of the copyright procedure, this book will quickly provide you with the information you want.  Music Copyright Basics features: a convenient question-and-answer format; easy-to-understand answers to all your copyright questions; coverage of copyright basics, copyright submission process, copyright ownership, copyright and earnings potential, and international copyright; and a compact, portable design that keeps information easily at hand. (2003)

The Teacher’s Guide to Music, Media, and Copyright Law – James Frankel
The easy-to-understand guide for teachers using copyrighted music and media in the classroom.  In this era of unprecedented access to information, teachers have a wealth of readily available resources for lesson planning, but determining what you can and can’t use legally in the classroom is a difficult task.  Written by a 15-year veteran of the New Jerseypublic schools, The Teacher’s Guide to Music, Media, and Copyright Law helps explain just how information, images, video, and music can be incorporated into any kind of lesson plan without running afoul of copyright laws.  This resource includes: what resources you can use without obtaining permission, how to obtain and license the works you need permission to use, how to check the copyright status of any media item, and how to apply copyright legality examples to real classroom situations. (2009)

Music Copyright Law – Moser & Slay
Music Copyright Law will help you gain an in-depth understanding of a topic that is vital to the success of anyone in or entering the music industry.  From songwriters and performers to managers, producers, and agents, everyone is affected by the issues covered in this book.  Avoiding the technical jargon and “legalese” that bogs down other books on the subject, this book explores the world of copyright law and homes in on how it applies to music.  It begins by building a foundational knowledge of the fundamentals of copyright law – what it protects, the benefits of registering a copyright, and what to do when copyright has been infringed.  Once the fundamentals are established, coverage expands to include controversies involving copyright and music in the digital age and the debates over online music.  Packed with practical examples that bring complex concepts to life, this book is a must-have for any professional in or entering the music business. (2012)

We’re always talking about our knowledgeable staff—you’ll find that very phrase on much of our printed advertising, as well as on our website. Stanton’s sales staff is separated into departments to ensure that each staff member is well informed about a specific area of the wide variety of music that we carry. So when you call and ask about music for trumpet, you’ll be speaking with someone who has first-hand knowledge of repertoire, not just a phone operator with no musical experience. Here’s what you’ll find in each department:

CHORAL DEPARTMENT (ex. 1)
Church Choral Music
School Choral Music
Elementary Classroom Music
Classical Solo Vocal
Handbell

BAND DEPARTMENT (ex. 2)
Concert Band
Marching Band
Jazz Ensemble
Orchestra
Solos for all concert instruments
Instrumental Method Books
Music Software/Technology

POP/KEYBOARD (ex. 3)
Sacred & Secular Piano
Organ
Piano Method Books
Popular/Broadway Solo Vocal
Contemporary Christian Vocal
Guitar Solos and Methods
Music for Folk Instruments

BILLING AND ACCOUNTS (ex. 4)

You can direct emails to the exact department you need by clicking the links above, or press the appropriate extension when you call 1-800-42-MUSIC (1-800-426-8742). If you’re unsure of which department to choose, we’re always happy to direct you to whoever can best address your needs; press “0″ to have your call directed, or send a general email. At Stanton’s, it is important to us that you receive the most educated answers to your questions and the finest music recommendations.

Things have finally calmed down from the long marching band season, your concert band is beginning to lose its ‘outdoor sound', and your holiday program is starting to come together, BUT basketball season is right around the corner.  Never fear, the band staff at Stanton's has what you need for a successful pep band season from collections of complete song arrangements perfect for quarter breaks and halftime (Stanton's recommends Classic Rock Hits, Jock Jams Super Book, Stadium Hit Mix, and The Ultimate Collection) to groups of cheers and ‘shorties' ideal for timeouts.  Visit our marching band webpage for more ideas, and order online or give us a call: 1-800-426-8742!

What song hit both #3 on the rock charts and #1 on the country charts and featured the violin, of all instruments.  The year was 1979, and the group was The Charlie Daniels Band.  Yes – it was “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won the group a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance that year.  We were all saddened to hear that one of the co-writers of that song, and the keyboardists for the band for 40 years, Joel “Taz” Gregorio, was killed in a car accident in October, 2011 on the way to meet the band’s tour bus for an upcoming performance.  Perhaps a special tribute is in order!

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has been a frequently requested song at Stanton’s.  The story line, which is more spoken than sung, involves a challenge by the Devil to a fiddle playing contest with a young man named Johnny.  If Johnny wins, he gets a fiddle of solid gold.  If he loses, the Devil gets his soul.  After each of them plays, it is obvious that Johnny is the better fiddler and wins the golden fiddle – ’cause he’s “the best that’s ever been!”

There are three sheet music formats in which this song is currently available.  There is a Piano/Vocal Sheet that comes with a pull-out violin part.  It is also available in a Marching Band edition arranged by Michael Brown that features the mallet percussion on the “fiddle” solos.  There is also a Concert Band edition arranged by Michael Brown that features a soloist on the “fiddle” parts (solo parts included for flute, violin, clarinet, alto saxophone or mallet percussion) as well as an optional narrator to tell the story.  All have been best sellers for years.

So why not pay tribute to one of the writers of this famous tune and get your copy of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in whichever format suits your situation.  Then you can do your part to become the “best that’s ever been!”

Wednesday evening, June 15th, band directors attending The Complete Band Director Workshop at Capital University were treated to the sheet music equivalent of amusement park exclusive ride time. Snacks and beverages were provided and attendees had the opportunity to shop for new music for their band programs (including the latest new issues), draw on the expertise and insight of Stanton’s instrumental staff, and share stories, ideas and comraderie. This annual after-hours event is a workshop highlight for both the directors and the Stanton’s staff.

Other workshop features include working with workshop director and clinician James Swearingen, guest clinicians Ralph Ford and Tim Lautzenheiser, performances by featured school band programs, and the new music reading sessions – marching band with Stanton’s Kent White and jazz band with Stanton’s Ben Huntoon. Truly comprehensive in addressing all aspects of the band program – marching band, concert band and jazz band, teaching techniques and insights, as well as sessions on specific topics – The Complete Band Director Workshop provides a fun, practical professional development opportunity. For more information, click here.

Stanton’s is pleased to announce that recordings for the 2011 new marching band titles from Hal Leonard and Arrangers’ Publishing are now available at Stanton’s Listening Library.

Offerings from Hal Leonard this year include recent hits from Glee (Jump – Van Halen, The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats, and Dream On – Aerosmith), compete shows including Coldplay, Henry Mancini, and Jersey Boys, as well as additional selections from The Beatles (Get Back, Paperback Writer, Let It Be) and Journey (Open Arms, Any Way You Want It/Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ mash-up).

From Arrangers’ Publishing we have two complete shows:  A Touch of Buble, and The Sound of Music, as well as more smokin’ arrangements of current pop titles including Born This Way by Lady Gaga, We R Who We R and Your Love is My Drug by Ke$ha, and All American Nightmare by alternative rock band Hinder.  Cee Lo Green‘s Forget You was nominated for both “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year” honors at this year’s Grammy Awards – the Stanton’s staff feels that it will win “Marching Band Tune of the Year”!  Rounding out the Arrangers’ set is a perfect stands selection – Twisted Sister‘s We’re Not Gonna Take It.

Visit the marching band Show Planning pages at Stantons.com and Stanton’s Listening Library to get a jump on your planning and ordering for the 2011 marching season, and use the following links if you missed our Alfred & Matrix/Jalen marching band preview and to follow Stanton’s marching band news.

We know it’s only April, but Stanton’s customers, as well as music publishers, are already planning for marching band 2011. Â Visits to the marching band areas of Stantons.com and our listening library have been high, and numerous orders and phone inquiries have already been placed.

For those who have been busy, and for those of you just getting around to thinking about next year, Stanton’s is pleased to announce that recordings of the NEW 2011 marching band titles from Alfred and Matrix/Jalen are available for preview via Stanton’s Listening Library!

Be sure to check out Alfred‘s World of Warcraft and American Idiot (the musical by Green Day) complete halftime shows, as well as some great stands additions by Led Zeppelin (Kashmir; Black Dog), KISS (Detroit Rock City; Shout It Out Loud), and 80′s hits Bang the Drum All Day, Simply Irresistible, and The Power of Love.

Offerings from Matrix/Jalen include Guns ‘N Roses‘ rock hit-turned-stadium anthem Welcome to the Jungle; Top 40 hits Semi-Charmed Life (Third Eye Blind), Let’s Dance (David Bowie), I’m Too Sexy (Right Said Fred), and Some Kind of Wonderful (Grand Funk Railroad/Huey Lewis and The News); additions to the Crowd Teasers and Pep Grooves series’, as well as new percussion cadences and cheers.

Use our show planning and complete show artist/theme categories to plan for this fall, be on the lookout for Stanton’s 2011 Show Planning Guide, and stay tuned:  recordings of NEW marching band titles from Hal Leonard and Arrangers’ Publishing are on the way!

After our trips to Rochester, Grand Rapids and Cincinnati, Stanton’s has one more stop on our convention circuit – next week we’ll be heading to Louisville for the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference!

In Louisville, you’ll find us in the exhibition hall under the big, blue Stanton’s balloon. Stop by for all your music needs, or to give us a good restaurant recommendation! Contact us this week if you have any special requests for the music we’ll choose to fill our large booth.

Stanton's Sheet Music is heading to the Michigan Music Conference today. Stanton’s attended this conference for the first time last year, in 2010, and we’ve been anxious to return! We have been so pleased to help music educators in the state of Michigan, and always enjoy meeting those customers face-to-face. We'll be bringing a full selection of sheet music for Solo & Ensemble, Choral, Elementary Music, Concert Band, Jazz and Orchestra, along with some of the newest publications for music educators and college music majors. You shouldn't have trouble finding us-we'll be under the big blue Stanton's balloon flying in the exhibition hall!

Stanton’s Sheet Music woke up in Rochester, NY this morning for the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference. We’ve loaded up our “Sheet Music Specialists,” along with some of the best materials for band, choir, classroom music, orchestra and more, and brought it directly to our many New York devotees.

If you’re at the convention today–please stop by our booth and say “hello.” You’ll find us under the big blue Stanton’s balloon in the exhibit hall!

That’s right, free WIFI for Stanton’s Sheet Music customers! Bring your wireless device right into the store and log on. You’re thinking, “that’s all well and good but now what?” Well, here’s the really cool thing! We’re very proud of the vast quantity of sound files (36,297 at last count) in our listening library. Our customers can now shop anywhere in the store and listen to the musical arrangement they happen to be looking at! Plug your earbuds into your iPhone, iPad or Android, log on to the free WIFI and you’re good to go! No more waiting in line to use the CD player, cassette tape player or the turntable (turntable - what the heck is a turntable!!!).

Stanton’s Sheet Music… always on the cutting edge!

Hang on Sloopy, a favorite song among Buckeye fans, was written by Wes Farrell and Bert Russell. The McCoys originally performed the song  and it  hit #1 on the charts in October of 1965.  The song is named for Dorothy Sloop, an entertainer in her own right.  Several bands have played this song over the years. It was first played by the OSU marching band on October 9, 1965 during a home game against Illinois. John Tatgenhorst–a band member–arranged the song for the band and convinced the director to play it.  It became such a favorite that it is played before the 4th quarter of every game.

Hang on Sloopy is included in a the “Songs of the 60′s” collection from Hal Leonard,  and is also available for digital download as a single. A recording of the OSU marching band playing Hang on Sloopy  is available from Stanton’s on three different CD’s:  “Buckeye Brass,” “I Wanna Go Back,” and “Pride of the Buckeyes.”

The “Incomparable Script Ohio” is performed to the French military march, Le Regiment. It began as a French poem called “Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuse”  written by Paul Cezano in 1867. In 1871, composer Jean Robert Planquette composed a melody to go with the poem, and it  became a favorite in France. In 1879, Joseph Francois Rauski arranged the song for military band.

The first “Script Ohio” was performed in 1936 when OSU beat Indiana 7-0. Professor Eugene Weigel (after whom Weigle Hall is named), was the director for OSU’s marching band from 1929 to 1939.  He had played in a Navy band during WW I, and was likely familiar with Le Regiment from playing with that band.  The song had been played by the concert band at OSU, then was used for the marching band.

The sheet music for Le Regiment is permanently out of print; however, sound recordings are available on at least three CD’s:  “Buckeye Brass,” ”Pride of the Buckeyes, Vol 2,” and “I Wanna Go Back.” Each of these CDs also features many other OSU marching band favorites!

To help celebrate the series premire of “Hawaii Five-O,” CBS is sponsoring “Marching Band Mania,” a competition for collegiate marching bands. Stanton’s was thrilled to learn that one of the entrants is from Central Ohio–the Otterbein University Cardinal Marching Band has put together a fantastic rendition of the “Hawaii Five-O” theme song!

The winning marching band is awarded $25,000 for their program, so help Stanton’s support them by casting your vote daily!