News & Views Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Choosing music for your large group program can really keep a director up at night.  There are so many elements that you want to include in your program: varying tempi, foreign language, sacred, secular, accompanied, a cappella, differing time periods, world music,  and selections that show your group can sing in diverse styles.  Check out the selections below to help you on your way to a diverse and educational program!

All the Pretty Little Horses by Andy Beck

(English, secular,  American Folk Song, swing/jazz waltz, MM 152,)

This innovative arrangement presents the well-known American folk song with a jazzy twist. Unexpected, but highly creative, it’s something truly different for concert or jazz groups.

El Capotin arr. Lois Fiftal and Greg Gilpin(Spanish, secular, Puerto Rican Folk Song, MM 198, 3/4 time )

This Puerto Rican folk song has been arranged as a lively partner song using an original melody and both English and Spanish text. Combined with the festive piano accompaniment and shakers for all to play, this spirited choral is a multicultural gem.

For Everything There Is a Season by Jay Althouse (English, sacred, contemporary composer, 4/4 time, MM 84)

This contemporary setting based on this timeless and poignant text deserves a place in your upcoming contest program. Superb choral literature, guaranteed to touch all who hear it.

Kalinka arr. Audrey Snyder  (Russian/English, secular,  folk song, 2/4 time, spirited w/ many tempo changes)

Ruins at Tulum, Mexico

Beginning band is such a great time for students as they try new things and learn new skills.  The music that you program can really make a difference in helping them learn and grow, setting them up for success, and, hopefully, capture their imagination.  For these reasons, Stanton’s band staff takes pride and thoughtful consideration in the pieces that we recommend for beginning and developing band each year, and creates our own descriptions for those titles.  Besides, students are encouraged and feel like they’re making progress by “graduating” to real sheet music instead of performing from their band book, so why not program for your first-year players the way you would for your best junior high or high school band.

Our Staff Selections for beginning band this year include 2 concert openers, a number of different styles, 2 programmatic pieces, and a setting of a familiar sea shanty.  Educationally the ranges are fairly contained, of course, and there are opportunities to teach and reinforce basic diatonic scale patterns, basic 8^th note rhythms, articulation, dynamics, and theme and variations.  These pieces also feature colorful percussion, and, most importantly, are interesting music that is fun to play!

For more exciting beginning band selections that have the recommendation of our band staff click here, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Anthem of an Era
Tyler S. Grant
Grade 1.5
Celebratory concert openers at this level are few and far between. Tyler S. Grant gives us a work that is majestic with driving rhythms and contrasting lyrical passages. Conservative ranges and basic 8th note rhythms inspire confidence and set your ensemble up for success, while its bold sound is sure to impress!

House of Lords
Mekel Rogers
Grade 1
Perfect as an opener with its fanfare style, the majestic, regal quality of this piece accurately depicts the English style of its namesake. Basic diatonic scale patterns will begin developing articulation and fingering technique, and although most of its musical components are basic, the quality of stylistic writing is impressive.

The Ruins of Tulum
Jack Wilds
Grade 1
Intense and dissonant, both your winds and percussionists will have plenty of fun with this ancient sounding work about a Mayan city at the height of its power! In addition to claves, triangle, and marimba, driving drums set a primitive tone, while your winds address changes in articulation, and strong dynamic contrasts.

Sea Shanty Variations
Timothy Loest
Grade 0.5
Pirate themed works are always popular, and Sea Shanty Variations is based on the familiar sea shanty Drunken Sailor. Perfect for addressing 8th notes, independence in the low brass, and theme with variations in style and tempo, your students will love this arrangement!

Tambora!
William Owens
Grade 0.5
Colorful percussion and powerful wind writing bring this depiction of the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia to life. Your audience will be surprised by a programmatic work of this quality from a beginner group that features basic 8th notes and only the first six pitches, and your students will have fun with the clapping and foot stomping!

Church Choir Warm-Ups by Janet Day is a valuable resource essential for every church choir director. These warm-ups and activities will help prepare voices, bodies and spirits to share the Word through song. The opening prayers and meditations will help center your rehearsals. The vocal exercises will guide singers to produce a free and open tone, develop clean articulation and diction, improve resonance and intonation – all while singing inspirational words and passages. The group activities will develop a camaraderie that every church choir should know. The enclosed enhanced audio CD provides a demonstration recording of each vocal exercise to use with full choir, small group or individual practice, plus printable, reproducible, projectable PDFs of each singer exercise. Use these meaningful exercises, prayers and activities to enhance your music ministry at any level.

For more resources for your music ministry, contact Stanton’s Sheet Music at 1.800.426.8742.

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to announce our 21st annual Excellence in Choral Literature Clinic on Saturday, August 23, 2014!

This session is designed to help you select concert and contest literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and men’s choirs at all levels of difficulty. Registration fee includes a complimentary packet of over 30 titles. Come join us to discover beautiful music and share ideas with colleagues and friends! For more information, please contact us by email, or call us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Solo and section features with band accompaniment are very specialized programming choices, and, therefore, do not receive a lot of attention or fanfare.  Even so, we do receive phone calls asking what is available to feature a specific instrument or section.  2013-14 is a particularly full year with a half-dozen each of NEW solo and section features, so we decided to highlight them to make your spring programming a little easier.  If these are not exactly what you’re looking for, or if you want to feature an instrument/section that is not listed here, head on over to our concert band page, and click on the Solo, Section, & Ensemble Features link to view complete listings by instrument/section, and continue to shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Solo Features with Band
Luisa di Montfort Finale
Clarinet Feature
Michael Bergson/arr. Andrew Glover
Barnhouse Spotlight Series
Grade 3                        $68.00

Sonata, Op. 29
Alto Saxophone Feature
Robert Muczynski/arr. Anthony LaBounty
G. Schirmer
Grade 5                        $95.00

Soaring
Trumpet Feature
Sean O’Loughlin
Concert Performance Series
Grade 3                        $90.00

Divertimento for Tuba and Band
Tuba Feature
David Bobrowitz
Daehn Publications
Solo Grade 4; Band Grade 3       $80.00

Field Ayres
Snare Drum Feature
arr. Douglas Richard/Eric Sheffler
Alfred Concert Band
Grade 4                        $80.00

Classical Gas
Mallet Percussion or Guitar
Mason Williams/arr. Ralph Ford
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 3                        $70.00

Section Features with Band
Buglers Rule
Trumpet Section Feature
Joseph Compello
Premiere Performance Series
Grade 0.5          $45.00

A Saint-sational Trio
Trumpet Trio Feature
arr. Michael Story
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 3                        $65.00

Teddy Trombone
Trombone Section Feature
Henry Fillmore/arr. Robert E. Foster
Authentic Fillmore Edition
Grade 4                        $80.00

Slim Trombone
Trombone Section Feature
Henry Fillmore/arr. Nicholas J. Contorno
Daehn Publications
Grade 3                        $72.00

Clamor, Clang, Clap & Clatter
Percussion Section Feature
David Shaffer
Rising Band Green
Grade 1.5          $46.00

Drummers’ Delight
Percussion Section Feature
Henry Mancini/arr. Robert Longfield
Discovery Plus Series
Grade 2                        $45.00

As the Lenten season continues and Easter gets closer and closer, Stanton’s Sheet Music invites you to make sure you’re ready for the next church season with our August Sacred Choral Reading Session!

Stanton’s is pleased to welcome Larry Shackley as our clinician for the August Church Choral Music reading session! Larry is a full-time composer and music editor from Columbia, SC.  From 1995-2007, he taught and directed the music program at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. Prior to that, he worked for several years at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, creating original music and producing radio programs for the Moody Broadcasting Network. He also served as staff keyboardist for ten years at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL. Larry’s published music includes over 200 choral pieces, seven cantatas, and 400 keyboard arrangements, as well as vocal and instrumental collections and numerous orchestrations. He has received writing awards from ASCAP every year since 1998, and has fulfilled commissions from schools, churches, and community choirs across America.

Your registration includes a packet of over 35 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. We look forward to seeing you on August 9th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.

Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday 8/9/2014, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Battelle Fine Arts Center, Otterbein University
195 West Park St., Westerville OH 43081
Cost: $20.00 (There is no pre-registration; you may register the day of the clinic beginning at 8:30.)
email our choral department for more details

Sacred Piano Reading Session
also featuring Larry Shackley
Saturday 8/9/2014, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music
330 South 4th St., Columbus OH 43215
Cost: Free!
email our keyboard department for more details

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Contemporary a cappella music gets more and more popular every year!  Here are the newest releases in the Contemporary A Cappella series, from master arranger Deke Sharon:

As performed by NBC’s “The Sing Off” Season Two Winners Committed on their eponymous debut album, the uplifting Stevie Wonder classic As combines both rich close harmony and interwoven polyrhythmic counterpoint, making it an impressive showstopper for an advanced group. Vocal percussion optional.

The Beatles greatest modern folk song Blackbird is finally available for SSA groups, with the melody moving between vocal parts and interspersed elements of counterpoint and 3-part harmony.

As performed by Men of Note on The Sing Off Christmas album “Harmonies for the
Holidays,” The First Noel features a soothing tapestry of diatonic arpeggiations and melodic lines, giving the song a smooth contemporary a cappella feel that will sit comfortably alongside more traditional carols in your holiday program.

One of rock’s most iconic women’s songs (from Carole King’s “Tapestry”), this pulsing, rhythmic arrangement of I Feel the Earth Move incorporates elements of doo-wop and contemporary a cappella beneath a barn-burning solo. Vocal or other percussion optional.

In the tradition of the Singers Unlimited, Real Group and Take 6, this dense 6-part arrangement of the George Shearing classic Lullaby of Birdland is a perfect showcase for an experienced vocal jazz ensemble. Starts as a lullaby, then shifts into a deep jazz swing.

Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s anthem to living on the road, Travelin’ Band is a ripping and
rocking 4-part male arrangement in the collegiate a cappella style, without a solo line (melody in different vocal parts for different verses). A perfect high energy show opener, closer or encore for your male group.

John Mayer’s groovy, soulful anthem Waiting on the World to Change is arranged in full, 5-part a cappella harmony with solo (duet on the choruses). The light reggae groove is woven among pop harmonies above a playful bass line. Vocal percussion optional.

And if you’re interested in arranging songs yourself for your a cappella group, check out “A Cappella Arranging” by Deke Sharon and Dylan Bell. This book is the long-awaited definitive work on the subject. The tone of the book is instructive and informative, yet conversational: it is intended to stand alongside any academic publication while remaining interesting and fun!

Check out the Stanton’s Sheet Music website for more titles in the Contemporary A Cappella series, and contact us for further repertoire suggestions!

“Hi.  Do you have any new patriotic/novelty/solo feature/fun arrangements for concert band?”

We get this type of question regularly, and not only are there new arrangements in each of these categories this year, our band staff likes them enough to include them in our Staff Selections and feature them here!  Each one fills a specific programming need, and is perfectly suited for spring high school programming or summer community bands.

Although there are plenty of patriotic arrangements available, occasionally it is nice to pay tribute to our nation with a stirring original concert work instead of the usual patriotic fare.  Brian Balmages’ Always United, Forever Strong does just that, and will add some variety to the patriotic selections in your library.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted novelty or encore number, you can’t go wrong with Curtain Call by John Wasson, composed for the Dallas Brass.  It features every section of your band, and is a programming throwback – a fun finale or encore number perfect for concerts “on the green”, or as a lesson in American wind band history for you high school group!

Divertimento for Tuba and Band is easily the best solo feature we’ve heard in a long time.  Its three contrasting movements highlight the flexibility of the instrument, and while sincere in its musicality and presentation, it never takes itself too seriously.  It’s enjoyable listening from beginning to end and a worthwhile showcase for your finest tubist.

Lastly, the aptly titled Fusion Generator by Ryan Fraley is just that.  The arrangers at FJH always capture the character of the style they’re going for perfectly, and this rock fusion chart just grooves and features an improvised solo section.  Great as a programming alternative!

Always United, Forever Strong
Brian Balmages
Patriotic – Grade 4
This dynamic concert opener reflects on the power of a community coming together to be greater than the sum of its individual members. A single note fanfare progressively builds and blossoms into a massive declaration of power and might. Glorious and resolute, this is a perfect programming alternative to the standard patriotic fare.

Curtain Call
John Wasson
Encore/Novelty – Grade 3
Originally composed for the Dallas Brass as part of a collection entitled Brass Grooves, this celebratory work really comes to life in this sparkling setting that features every section of the band. Conceived as a tribute to all the great finales and encores, it’s a flashy, energetic flag-waver sure to end your concert with pizzazz.

Divertimento for Tuba and Band
David Bobrowitz
Solo Feature – Grade 3; Solo Grade 4
This three-movement solo feature for tuba entertainingly showcases the many qualities of the instrument– flashy, whimsical, tender, and sometimes in-your-face! Each movement is a delightful stylistic gem in its own right (Kinetic Energy, Lullaby, and March) and all are a unique departure from the standard “solo feature” dryness.

Fusion Generator
Ryan Fraley
Fusion Rock – Grade 3.5
This fusion rock chart features rhythm section and can also showcase electric guitar. A great way to add a pop element to your program, this piece is also an ideal vehicle to feature your alto or tenor sax player in an improvised solo section. Memorable melodies and a groovin’ bass line will leave a lasting impression on both students and audience.

Featuring talented clinicians from major publishers, Stanton’s summer choral clinics are a fantastic way to jump-start your school year! We always look forward to visiting with our regular customers, matching up faces with names of new attendees, and meeting teachers new to Stanton’s from across the country.

Mark your calendar for these dates:

	Elementary General Music Clinic Wednesday July 30, 2014 Clinician: Sharon Burch
	The John Jacobson Workshop Thursday July 31, 2014 Clinicians: John Jacobson & Audrey Snyder
	The Joy of Singing Friday August 1, 2014 Clinicians: Roger Emerson, Mac Huff, John Jacobson & Audrey Snyder
	Stanton’s Super Session Saturday August 2, 2014 Clinicians: Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin & Jen Sper

Also in August 2014:

	Sacred Choral Reading Session Saturday August 10, 2013 Clinician: Larry Shackley (no pre-registration for this session)
	Excellence in Choral Literature Saturday August 23, 2014 Clinician: James Gallagher

Registration will open in March. For more detailed information regarding any of these clinics, contact the choral department at 1-800-426-8742, extension 1. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Involve your youngest singers in worship this spring with one of these great anthems for children’s choirs!

All Things Bright and Beautiful arr. Anna Laura Page
This delightful setting of the cherished hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful” makes a splendid selection for older elementary choirs or any choir of unison or 2-part voices. After singing the familiar ROYAL OAK tune on stanza 1, a new melody spotlights stanza 2. The two melodies join together on stanza 3 in traditional partner-song fashion before concluding with a final restatement of the timeless refrain. Optional flute and finger cymbals sweetly compliment the piano accompaniment during the song’s introduction, interludes, and conclusion.

Glory to the Risen Lord by Mark Patterson
Celebrating the triumphant news of Christ’s resurrection, this jubilant anthem calls “Easter people” to sound the news that Jesus is alive! A recurring refrain of “alleluias” follows each verse and also provides an optional descant as the song nears its conclusion. A simple part for 3 optional handbells heightens the sense of exuberance.

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna arr. Michael Bedford
This arrangement of the stately ELLACOMBE tune brings regal sophistication to any festive Palm Sunday celebration. Organ and trumpet enhance the spirit of celebration as unison or 2-part voices herald Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. In the final stanza, a resounding vocal descant along with optional congregational singing further magnifies the passionate praises of the crowd.

Little Innocent Lamb arr. Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin’s incredibly fun vocal part-writing and unique accompaniment style suit this setting of “Little Innocent Lamb” wonderfully! Your choristers will love singing this upbeat setting of the traditional spiritual. Can be performed as a unison or a two-part piece.

My Mother’s Love by Tom Shelton
This lovely piece for a combination of children and their mothers will immediately draw tears on Mother’s Day/Festival of the Christian Home. The text alone is quite touching. Easily put together on limited rehearsal, this is another great installment in the Accent on Young Voices Series edited by Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White.

The Big Fish by Ken Medema
Here’s the story of Jonah as only the creative minds of Grace Hawthorne and Ken Medema can present! With a jazz “film noir” touch, this 20-minute reproducible musical for young voices is easy to prepare and present…while also being uncommonly creative. Hop aboard “the big fish” for an unforgettable ride!

Want more suggestions from Stanton’s?  Contact our Choral Department at 1.800.426.8742!  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Are your ringers ready for a new challenge during the Lenten season?  Try one of these excellent selections for Lent and Easter, recommended by Stanton’s Handbell Music specialist:

Enhance your Palm Sunday service with this bold and stately arrangement of All Glory, Laud and Honor. The inclusion of an optional solo trumpet will add excitement to your celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

In How Hast Thou Offended, Ron Mallory has given us this wonderful arrangement incorporating two great tunes for Easter. Use of the LV technique will offer a great challenge for your Level 1 ensembles.

Guaranteed to be a highlight during any service on Easter morning, this vibrant Linker/McFadden arrangement of Lift High the Cross for handbells and organ includes optional parts for handchimes, Bb or C trumpet, congregation and optional choir to allow everyone to join in the celebration of faith. A timeless selection to be used for years to come!

Written for 5, 6 or 7 ringers, this contemplative treatment of the beloved hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is the newest offering in Chorister’s Guild’s “Ring More With Less” series. The use of handchimes and various handbell techniques will add color to this prayerful and thoughtful rendition. Suggested assignments for 5, 6, or 7 ringers are provided.

Jason Krug offers a lively and majestic new arrangement of Christ the Lord Is Risen Today with just enough pomp and circumstance to create a perfect opener for your Easter service!

The majestic tune Thine Be the Glory, composed by G.F. Handel, has been skillfully arranged for your handbell ensembles. Bright and uplifting, your choir will enjoy the use of echo, LV, and mallets.

The unbridled joy of Easter morning is brilliantly reflected in Easter Bells, an ingenious pairing of LASST UNS ERFREUEN (“All Creatures of Our God and King”) and EASTER HYMN (“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”). Arranger Michael Ryan has made this accessible and exciting for all 2-3 octave choirs.

An exciting title to feature your handbell choir on Easter morning! The beloved hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today is presented simply, enhanced by malleted bells before developing into variations where each one is more stunning than the last. A martellato section heralds the return to the original theme before building to a dramatic conclusion. Use the optional handchime parts to add even more interest to this celebration of faith.

For more great recommendations, contact us at 1.800.426.8742.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Involving young musicians in an elementary school choir is a great way to encourage budding musicianship and beginning ensemble skills.  These octavos are perfect for students in grades 3-6, and will showcase your music program in the best possible way this spring!

To work on unison singing and blend, The Wind is an excellent choice.  This charming setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’s children’s poem is laden with opportunities to teach comprehensive musicianship to young singers. Written in ranges which enforce proper singing technique, this song is perfect for developing singers.

Lend a Latin flair to your concert with Yo Vivo Cantando! (I Live to Sing!), an exuberant original piece about the joys of singing. The title phrase is the only Spanish text. The combination of catchy melodies that are easy to learn, lively rhythms, and a limited range result in a terrific opener that also fills a multicultural slot on your program.

Another fun novelty feature is Splish Splash, Bobby Darin’s hit from the ’50s. Set as an easy-to-assemble partner song, this octavo comes complete with suggestions for bath brush choreography!

A beautiful melody from County Donegal in Ireland and early 20th century lyrics provides a lovely showcase for more experienced treble choirs in Gartan Mother’s Lullaby. With interesting mixed meter piano interludes, each verse is set beautifully for young voices and includes references to several Gaelic mythological creatures.

I Let Her Go-Go is a cheerful Caribbean circle game from Trinidad and Tobago arranged for young voices and piano or classroom instruments. The octavo includes directions for playing the game and the setting will nicely complement Kodaly and Orff curricula as well as being an excellent addition to children’s choral repertoire.

Encourage lyrical, legato singing with I Love the Rain.  The expressive text and melody of this original work create a stunning performance piece that includes rain sticks. The piano accompaniment gently supports the vocal lines and simple harmonies that sing of “droplets on the roof” and “rivers running down my window pane.”

The inspiring and uplifting choral Imagine a World paints a picture of a world “…that knows no hunger, where none live in fear.” An important message to impart upon our children, with sensible vocal parts designed for success. “Imagine and believe!”

The endearing song Happiness from the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will delight your audiences with its adorable lyric and sweet melody. Set for 2-part voices with a tender and supportive piano accompaniment, Happiness will be a programming gem for your concert or festival.

For more programming suggestions for your elementary choir, please contact us.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

In case you missed our post when these were first released back in the fall (or in case you completely forgot about them), we’ve decided to re-post this feature on the new Accent on Performance concert collections from Alfred Publishing.  Beginning and middle school band directors will want to take note as these make programming easy for first and second year players.

Concert collections are a great way to add a lot of titles to your library, and get some real bang for your budget buck.  This past fall, Alfred Publishing released a whole new series of concert collections called Accent on Performance collecting the beginning band arrangements from the Accent on Achievement band series written and arranged by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams.  The series are collected by style and theme, (Concert Favorites Collection, Light Concert Collection, March Collection, and Classical Collection), each featuring 22 titles – now that’s some bang for your buck!  Being correlated with the Accent on Achievement band method, the arrangements are fun and educationally sound, and range in difficulty from grade 0.5-1.5.  Click on each series below to see the instrumentation, and visit Stanton’s Concert Band page to find more fantastic concert collections!

Accent on Performance: Concert Favorites Collection

Attack of the Cyclops, Aurora, Bryce Canyon Overture, Cardiff Castle, Cedar Canyon Roundup, Centurian, Dragons of the Ancient Court, Festival of the Gladiators, Knights Kingdom, Lone Star Trail, Northern Lights, One Hit Wonders, Pacific View Overture, Primordium, Procession of the Cyborgs, Rimrock Overture, Temple of Sinawava, The Lost Kingdom, The Might of Hercules, Two Modal Episodes, Windstorm, Windstar Overture

Accent on Performance: Light Concert Collection

African Marching Song, African Spirit Dance, Camino Real, Canciones Mexicanas, Echoes of Santa Fe, Legend of the Alhambra, Mary Ann, More Cowbell, Mountain Songs, Mucho Mariachi, No Drummer Left Behind, Pico Rivera, River Trilogy, Rockin’ Candy Mountain, Rockin’ La Bamba, Sailor’s Holiday, Skye Boat Song, Stand Up and Swing, Synco Rock, Trumpets of Seville, Two Chinese Folk Songs, Viva Mariachi

Accent on Performance: March Collection

Battle Creek March, Cold Brook March, Early Bird March, Fanfare for Freedom, Honor Roll March, March for Megan, March for Patriots Day, March Royale, March Saranac, March Supreme, March Zuma, Marching Marines, Maritime March, New Orleans Strut, Pirates Cave, Seaway Festival March, The Magnificent Five, Thunder Bay March, Trumpets Up Front, Twin Cities March, Two Bridges March, Wingate March

Accent on Performance: Classical Collection

A Mozart Mix, A Night at the Opera, Allegro from Water Music, An Afternoon at the Ballet, An Evening with the Masters, Ave Verum Corpus, Bach March and Musette, Best of Beethoven, Can-Can, Classic March Duo, Elizabethan Dances, Finale from Brahms #1, Joyful, Joyful, Mozart Minuet and Rondo, Mozart Serenade and Dance, Night at the Pops, Renaissance Dances, Saturday at the Symphony, St. Anthony Chorale, Surprise Symphony Variations, The Big Three, Two Greig Sketches

It may still be cold and snowy outside, but it’s certainly not too early to be planning your choral anthems for this spring!  Stanton’s Sacred Choral Music staff has carefully chosen these pieces to be appropriate for a variety of worship styles and services throughout the coming months.

For the Lenten season and Holy Week, Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross is an excellent choice.  Mary McDonald takes this classic lyric and creates a memorable original melody, in which she incorporates a cameo appearance of the familiar hymn tune. Rich sonorities and great choral moments blend with a signature piano accompaniment to produce the perfect devotional anthem. In another option, worshippers will be thrilled by Craig Courtney’s stunning arrangement of the classic hymn Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle. Its intensity builds persistently to the final declaration: “Tell how Christ, the world’s Redeemer as a victim won the day.”

Howard Helvey’s exquisitely crafted arrangement of Ride On, King Jesus provides a wonderful teaching tool for your choir and crowning jewel for any Palm Sunday service. Dynamic contrast, distribution of the melody throughout all sections of the choir, richly layered part writing and creative use of syncopation are just a few of the features that make this a cappella arrangement so special.

The Day of Resurrection features a brilliant instrumental fanfare and opening chorus to announce our Savior’s triumph over the grave. After a wonderful passage for choir and congregation, the fanfare returns for a victorious finish! The versatility of this arrangement allows the accompaniment to be tailored for use with small or large choirs. Another choice is Mack Wilberg’s Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise, a grand and exultant arrangement of the hymn tune LLANFAIR. The melody is treated in several ways, including a four-part unaccompanied verse and a jubilant descant; the accompaniment adds further triumphant color and scalic flourishes.

For other Sundays this spring, try Lloyd Larson’s The Bible Tells Me So. Opening with a simple child’s solo (that may also be sung by female voices), this charming anthem moves into a light jazz style with clean vocal lines and a whimsical piano accompaniment, creating a sure favorite for singers and congregation alike! Other excellent options include How Marvelous, How Wonderful (a soaring new melody for the standard “I stand amazed in the presence…” text), Write Your Blessed Name (a classic choral by K. Lee Scott) and Spirit Come Down (a lively retelling of the Pentecost story by Mark Hayes).

Did you miss out on our Sacred Choral Music Reading Session?  Never fear!  If you’re interested in receiving a packet from this year’s clinic (including these and many more selections for spring worship), please contact us!  You can also click here to view our entire Sacred Choral promotion for Spring 2014, or visit our Virtual Workshop.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Stanton’s Sheet Music suggests that you make your students the stars this spring with some of these great popular music choices for women’s and men’s choirs.  Whether you’re looking for current pop, an inspirational ballad or a fun novelty number, we’ll help you find the perfect choice for your ensemble!

Now available for choral groups, here is MTV’s Song of the Year for 2012! Call Me Maybe by singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen is infectious, upbeat and fun.

The gospel-style showstopper Here’s Where I Stand from the movie musical “Camp” builds from a soulful opening to a powerful final chorus. Featuring a strong soloist and a self-affirming message, this arrangement would be stirring as a concert or graduation finale.

The Rodgers and Hart classic My Romance is arranged by Greg Jasperse with a rolling rhythmic feel, creating a contemporary sound for this timeless song. Easy jazz harmonies infuse the vocal lines and the ballad performs well with either piano alone or the full rhythm accompaniment.

First introduced in the Broadway musical “Lady Be Good,” the Gershwin hit Fascinating Rhythm has been covered by Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein, The Four Tops, and many more. Mark Hayes’ exciting arrangement effectively includes everything from Latin rhythm to swing!

It Only Takes a Moment is a beautiful song from “Hello Dolly!,” and this lush a cappella ballad setting truly does it justice.  With heartfelt lyrics, rubato phrases, and rich choral harmonies, this will be a wonderful feature for jazz, pop and concert choirs.

From Michael Jackson’s 1987 album “Bad” and featured on almost all of his concert tours, the funk-inspired hit The Way You Make Me Feel will make a great feature for guys’ groups with its steady shuffle and R&B style vocals.

For more suggestions, check out our video below, click here to view our complete School Choral promotion for Spring 2014, or contact us!  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Click here to watch video

Aside from filling a unique role in your concert programming, programmatic works for band can be great for musical growth and development, fun and motivating for students, and provide points of imaginative thematic and sonic interest for your audience.  They also draw from a wide range of inspiration – from the literary (Call of the Wild) to the magical (Hocus Pocus), the mythical (The Phantom Herd Across the Western Sky) to the historical (The Ides of March; Voyage to the Edge of the World), fostering imagination and creativity within your students, and creating great cross-curricular connections.  Whatever your interest in programming any of these titles, our band staff enthusiastically recommends them for their musical and music teaching qualities alone.

Call of the Wild
Brian Balmages
Grade 3
Based on the novel by Jack London, this powerful work depicts a heroic dog’s struggle as he progressively moves from domesticated animal to a creature of the wild.  The powerful opening fanfare over dissonant woodwind trills moves into a fast-paced section as Buck has his brutal introduction into primitive law. The music becomes angrier as dramatic battles occur along with long journeys without adequate food and water. Eventually the music becomes heroic and resolute as Buck finally completes his transformation, returning to the wild.

Hocus Pocus
James Syler
Grade 3.5
Mischief and fun abound in this magical work that evokes images of some of our favorite young wizards, including the sorcerer’s apprentice. A mystical opening features flute and percussion before moving into a tarantella, a fast dance in 6/8 that almost has a delirious character to it. Themes collide, intensity rises, and pulse quickens as the music moves forward at a feverish rate. Let the magic begin!

The Ides of March
Sean O’Loughlin
Grade 3
Pulse-pounding and haunting, this dramatic composition celebrates the composer’s love of modern film music and displays an intriguing economy of musical material while remaining wonderfully melodic and elegant.

The Phantom Herd Across the Western Sky
Robert W. Smith
Grade 3
An exciting and intriguing work based on the legend of Texas ghost riders and a ghost herd as they embark on a dark and mysterious journey through the night.

Voyage to the Edge of the World
Larry Neeck
Grade 3
The global voyages of the great explorers are portrayed in this bold, adventurous overture.  Driving, themes depict tension and uncertainty, while subtler lyric melodies portray the wonders of the new world.