News & Views Friday, January 17, 2025

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

A Little Orpheus Swing by Michele Fernández, Grade 2
This swing chart features an abundance of great ensemble work with solos spots for several members of the band. A perfect choice for grade 2.

Meet Me at the Taqueria by Doug Beach & George Shutack, Grade 2
A driving Latin feel is the foundation of this chart. With a strong melody, solid voicings and an open solo section, this piece will be not only a great concert choice, but also a wonderful vehicle for teaching young players this important style.

Circus Song by George Shutack, Grade 3
With a floating 3/4 feel as a foundation, the strong melody couples perfectly with the solid ensemble writing to create an abundance of teaching opportunities. A perfect change up for any program or festival.

Bring It On by Doug Beach, Grade 4
“Bring It On” is a straight-ahead swinger that burns from the opening notes to the final chord. With a strong melody, a sizzling unison ensemble line and lots of full ensemble, this one will have the audience asking for more. And there’s plenty of room to feature your soloists as well. A must have chart for any library.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!

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

The Dawn’s Awake by Nancy Hill Cobb, TTBB with piano
An exciting, rhythmic new concert opener for Tenor-Bass choirs with piano. With a fiery, optimistic text, this fanfare-like piece begins with stately unison lines, growing steadily to two parts, then three, then four, for a bright and bold conclusion.

Bring Me Back to My Heart by Jim Papoulis, T(T)B with piano and percussion
Like a sea shanty, “Bring My Back to My Heart” spirits along in a rollicking 6/8, waxing poetic about finding grace in one’s own self. When we are searching for meaning – come back home to your own heart.

Santiana arr. Sean Barnette, TTBB a cappella with percussion
“Santiana” is a sea shanty dating back to the 1850s, and is most likely inspired by the events of the Mexican-American War. The shanty gained a newfound popularity recently with a rise in sea shanties on social media. This awesome new Tenor-Bass choir arrangement contains an opening duet and is accompanied by rocking percussion (Timbales and Congas). Sung in both English and French, an IPA pronunciation guide is included in the score. Great fun for any concert or honor choir festival!

Dance! by Robert T. Gibson, TTB a cappella with body percussion/step routine
An outside-the-box rhythmic explosion that culminates with a notated step routine! Lyrics encourage listeners to “dance to the rhythm of your own drum,” embracing individuality and celebrating differences. Vocal percussion and satisfying parallel harmonies all add to the soul of this piece. Step instructions are included in the octavo, and an instructional video by the composer is available.

The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan/arr. Adam Podd, TTBB with piano
Now available for tenor/bass voices. This re-imagined interpretation of the classic Bob Dylan song is perfect for any concert with a social justice theme. The re-harmonization and contrasting musical style will bring a new attention and poignancy to these well-known words.

Measure Me, Sky! by Jonathan Reid, TTBB with piano
Floating melodic lines and resonant harmonies combine, lending an ethereal quality to this artistic piece that allows the imagination to soar. Leonora Speyer’s evocative text explores our relationship to the universe, and the musical setting provides delicious cluster harmonies supported by undulating triplets in the piano accompaniment to create a sense of motion and mystique.

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.

recommended by Caryn G., Sacred Piano Music Specialist

Service Starters: A Worship Resource for Congregational Music-Making arr. Lloyd Larson
Start your worship service in a distinct and creative fashion with this unique resource by longtime church musician Lloyd Larson. These hymn settings enable collaboration between the pianist, scripture reader, vocal soloist, and/or instrumentalist, all while promoting congregational singing. With standard chorale harmonizations for the initial verses and inspiring key changes leading to a freely harmonized final stanza, this resource adds depth to your worship experience.

Titles include: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “When Morning Gilds the Skies,” “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “O Worship the King,” “Near to the Heart of God,” and “Be Thou My Vision.”

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About the Author:
Caryn G. is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran College (Washington state). She has over 24 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments, specializing in sacred piano music. She is a church pianist/accompanist and has enjoyed being a piano teacher and singing in many choirs over the years. When not working at Stanton’s or at church, she loves spending time with family members and friends, traveling and exploring, watching movies, reading, bike riding and most recently trying to better her culinary knowledge and be a little more artsy by painting rocks and water coloring.

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

When You Wish Upon a Star arr. Chuck Israels, Grade 3-4
Using a comfortable moderate swing style, this masterful setting opens with the full ensemble then giving way to solo space for tenor sax. A key change announces the entrance of the vocalist who takes us the rest of the way out. Tender and very effective! Key of C.

Autumn Leaves arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3-4
This standard tune from 1945 has consistently remained a favorite with jazz musicians. Featuring a timeless melody, beautifully scored background parts, and a medium swing style, this standout chart for vocal soloist belongs in every library. Key C minor.

You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To arr. Scott Ragsdale, Grade 3.5
A superb vocal chart with big band on a great jazz standard. The cut-time tempo is around 92 BPM. The vocal range is from G below middle C to third space C, plus there’s some unison scat with the saxes, too. Lead trumpet range is to written A above the staff. An exciting and very effective chart for your featured vocalist. Key of E minor.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love arr. Roger Holmes, Grade 3-4
Recorded by Queen in 1979, this iconic hit adapts beautifully for vocal soloist with jazz ensemble with its rollicking shuffle style and infectious simplicity and charm. Definitely a “feel good” tune!

The Girl from Ipanema arr. Roger Holmes, Grade 3.5
Made famous by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz, this laid back Latin favorite features a great groove and tasty ensemble writing to back your singer, either male or female.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!

Plan to attend Stanton’s Sacred Choral Clinic on Saturday, January 11th 2025, and you’ll be fully prepared for the next “holiday season.”

SACRED CHORAL READING SESSION
Saturday January 11th, 2025
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Stanton’s Sheet Music
James E. Strouse Workshop Hall
330 S Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Cost: $25.00 (there is no pre-registration for this session; you may register the day of the clinic beginning at 8:30)
email our Choral Department for more details

We will be featuring the best new choral publications for Spring, Lent, Easter, and beyond, as chosen by Stanton’s experienced Sacred Choral Music Specialists.

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 Jennifer Fry and president emeritus Jim Strouse. Please feel free to contact Stanton’s at 1-800-42-MUSIC and speak with a Choral Music Specialist for the details of the event. We look forward to seeing you on January 11th for a wonderful morning of singing!

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

for MIXED CHOIRS
Arise, My Love by Stephen Dombek, SATB divisi a cappella
“Arise my love, my fair one, and come away!” A great way to sing in the spring season, and an ideal contest piece for high school concert choirs, select ensembles, and college/university choirs. SATB divisi, a cappella, with a flowing melody that is passed from section to section throughout.

Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus by Tine Bec, SATB a cappella
Experience the brilliance of Slovenian composer Tine Bec’s “Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus,” an exceptional choice for your high school or festival chorus. This masterfully crafted piece revitalizes ancient text with distinctive harmonic progressions, rhythmic claps, stomps, and a captivating finale, making it an ideal concert opener. Your students will adore learning and performing this piece, designed to be highly accessible and engaging, ensuring a memorable musical journey.

Plaudite (Plaudite Omnis Terra) by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Victor Johnson delivers the ultimate festival opener with this joyful mixed-meter selection meaning “clap your hands, all the earth.” A strong minor-key motive, harmonized in sturdy open fifths, is punctuated by rhythmic handclaps. A contrasting section quiets the middle before a brief accelerando builds back to the triumphant return of opening material. Prominent dynamics and captivating rhythms create excitement.

The Starry Night by Ruth Morris Gray, SATB with piano
“The Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh is the composer’s inspiration for this choral, which is filled imagery from the painting. The text is created from a quote by Van Gogh, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainly, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” The composer has included discussion points about the painting and choral that can be used in rehearsal or classroom. Incredible teaching opportunities abound!

for TREBLE CHOIRS
Ave Maris Stella by Eva Ugalde, SSAA a cappella
While the Ave Maris Stella text has been set for choirs in many ways, Eva Ugalde’s unique compositional voice shines through here. Highly melodic, lovely part-writing, and a joyful spirit come through in this setting. A fantastic and energetic selection for treble choirs.

Alleluia by Bryan Sharpe, SSAA a cappella
The ancient joy-filled word ‘Alleluia’ is paired with contemporary harmony and gently syncopated rhythms. Independent parts weave in and out to create a brilliant musical tapestry, and subtle variations of dynamics and tempi add to the overall fabric. For Christmas or general use, concert or contest, this work will admirably showcase the abilities of mature ensembles.

Arirang (Mother of Mine) by Byunghee Oh, SSA with piano
This Korean homage to mothers is both captivating and poignant. SSA, with a flowing piano accompaniment that supports the voices throughout. Treble choirs of all ages will love singing this gorgeous piece, which ends with the most powerful and important phrase “I love you.” The Korean text is written in a transliteration that makes it accessible to all treble choirs.

Carrickfergus arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SSA with piano and optional flute
Capture the rich tapestry of Irish culture with this enchanting arrangement of the beloved folk ballad. Embodying the essence of Ireland’s musical heritage, this sensitive setting will transport singers and audiences to the shores of Carrickfergus with its haunting melody and warm harmonies. From the subtle lilt of the verses to the gently flowing accompaniment and flute obbligato, each note resonates with the beauty and charm of the Irish landscape.

for TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
Will There Really Be a Morning? by Patrick Vu, TTBB a cappella
A well-loved Emily Dickinson poem is skillfully set in this a cappella setting for tenor/bass voices. Harmonies blend seamlessly, creating the perfect underscore for this classic and meaningful text.

A Traveler’s Heart by Christi Jones, TTB with piano
The majesty and grandeur of nature not only has the ability to heal, but also to create a blank canvas for artistic expression and heartfelt emotion. Jones captures those moments of encounter with creation that can take your breath away and simultaneously propel you forward into song.

Bound for the Promised Land arr. Douglas E. Wagner, TBB with piano and optional snare drum
This hearty and rugged setting of the American tune “Bound for the Promised Land” features comfortable vocal ranges and a driving snare drum, evoking an early American march-like feel. The piece includes unison sections that transition into accessible harmonies, making them easy to learn and intuitive for performers. Perfect for your high school TB ensembles!

Au Pas Camarades (Song of the Onion) arr. Emily Crocker, TB with piano
The French love their onions as you can hear in this French marching song from the 1800s. The verses tell the story (in compound meter) and the refrain helps the marchers stay in step (in duple meter). Impressive sounding and easily learned!

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.

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

Teaching Music in a New Age: Our Time Is Now! by Milton Allen
A post-pandemic teaching environment, a new generation of students, stress, depression, anxiety and fear, and a world of pressures and still we’re supposed to teach and make beautiful music. But in all the discussion, programs, and plans, what happened to those who stand in front of the students: US? And does music even matter? It does. Most importantly, so do YOU. Through a combination of stories, parables, and research, Dr. Milt Allen weaves a Zen-like tapestry that covers a broad range of subjects, yet all coming back to those who stand in front. Whether you need to rethink, renew, recover, or rediscover, there’s sure to be something for you in this incredible journey into what really matters.

Topics include:
• Dealing with fear and anxiety
• How little things can pull the rug out from under big things
• Understanding generational demographics for better teaching
• Brain development, adolescence, music, and your students
• Getting rid of “excellence”
• Performance-based philosophies versus participatory ones
• Taking chances
• Being selfish and self-preservation
• Graduate study
• Persistence
• Handling challenges
• Plus mountains, bicycles, stuffed bears, cancer, Jeff Coffin, ANTs, hamster tales, and more

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.

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Argonautica by Vince Gassi, Grade 1.5
Drawing inspiration from the epic quest of Jason and the Argonauts, this work transports you to an ancient epoch with seafaring themes, energetic rhythms, and bold harmonies.

The Count of Monte Cristo by C.J. Kemp, Grade 3.5
This tone poem is based on the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a cool headed and charismatic billionaire out for revenge. Mysterious muted brass chords tinged with percussion serve as a prelude to the Count’s swaggering bongo-infused theme.

Giant Slayer by Christina Huss, Grade 1
Christina Huss has very shortly proven that she knows how to get young musicians excited to play! “Giant Slayer” has everything you need for a successful first outing, and as a band director that is the peak of value! A fun tune with lots of excitement, wrapping in an accessible one-octave range makes “Giant Slayer” a must-have for your program this season!

Legend of the Honjo by Christina Huss, Grade 3
This moving new work from Christina Huss is a thought-provoking experience for the developing musician. A beautifully lyrical work with a heart-stopping climax makes this a sure-fire hit on any concert program.

Under the Ice by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 2
What lurking beneath the frozen surface!? Only one way to find out. This work is a thrilling programmatic adventure of monster & myth! Beginning with a mysterious introduction to the timid tundra, the music depicts shadows beneath the ice surface. The audience will feel the ice break beneath their feet, followed by an adrenaline-filled chase scene to outrun the monster’s attack. Programmatic writing at its finest!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!