News & Views Tuesday, September 10, 2024

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

Spooky Scary Skeletons arr. Roger Emerson, 2-part treble with piano and optional rhythm
Here’s a not-too-spooky novelty, perfect for Halloween! Its ease in learning, combined with its fun quirkiness, will make this a winner for your early fall concerts. Trick or treat!

Dolly Waits by Ryan Main, SATB with piano
A bone-chilling waltz that will leave audiences looking over their shoulder… Singers will love the opportunity to lean into the eerie world of Dolly in this achievable and darkly entertaining work!

The Broomstick Flew All Around by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano
Mark Burrows’ creative spark is on full display in this Halloween adaptation of “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” A cumulative song, each verse incorporates a new element to the text such a witch, hats, cats, and rats each with an associated sound effect!

Haunted Houses by Clark William Lawlor, SATB with piano
Elevate your next spooky concert experience with this instant classic! This original work for choir seamlessly transitions from musically creeping through the shadows to embarking on a quasi-ragtime adventure through Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Haunted Houses.” Don’t miss out on this spine-chilling musical journey!

Two for Halloween arr. Mark Weston, 2-part with piano
It’s a spooky twist on a couple of classical themes! Complete with swooping bats, snarling cats, and all kinds of ghostly imagery, this duo can be sung together or separately for any fall or Halloween performance. Listen for the screeching owl hiding within the spine-tingling SoundTrax accompaniment. Includes “When Halloween Returns (In the Hall of the Mountain King)” and “It Must Be Halloween (Toccata in D Minor and The Erl King).”

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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.

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

When I Sing by Tom Shelton, Unison with piano and optional glockenspiel
This enchanting choral invites singers to embrace the joy of music and the power of their own voice. A welcome addition to the repertoire for young and developing choirs, this work is full of dynamic contrasts and features accessible choral textures, opportunities for a soloist, as well as an optional descant and part for optional glockenspiel. Highly recommended!

Fall Leaves by Penny Rodriguez, 2-part with piano
This playful piece is perfect for the beginning of the school year. Charming lyrics, penned by a 7-year-old student, capture the joy of autumn. A unison verse swirls into simple call-and-response punctuated by a bridge in beginning 2-part harmony. A cheerful key change tosses the leaves higher into the air before tapering to a quiet “I love fall leaves” ending.

Every Heart Sings a Song by Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song.” These words by Plato serve as the inspiration for this engaging piece for young and developing choirs. Light and bright, with a creative bouncy accompaniment, parts for shaker, guiro, and low drum, and easily learned vocal lines all combine to create a creative programming gem.

I Met a Bird by Jim Papoulis, Unison/2-part with piano & percussion
Nature not only inspires us but encourages us in this groovy tune. Plaintive text, directly from the imaginations of kids, is partnered with laid-back piano and drum parts in this cheerful and conversational work aimed at empowering the youthful nature inside of us. “Just spread your wings and believe it!”

Try, Try Again by Rollo Dilworth, 2-part with piano
It’s a famous saying that bears repeating: “If at first you don’t succeed…” Rollo Dilworth and many of his contemporaries find it important that many young people hear the kinds of platitudes that lift up, without disregarding the difficulties that life presents.

If I Were a Fish arr. Roger Emerson, Unison/2-part with piano
Bullying online – it’s a heartbreaking fact that most young people have to deal with (sometimes on a daily basis), and this song just posits, “what if we don’t need this anymore”? Why can’t we just accept others for who they really, truly are – and why can’t we just say it in a super-cute and indie folk rock kind of way View / Leave comments

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

From the many new releases for band (just over 500 titles in 2024!), we typically select around 80 that stand out as the best-of-the-best. Within those are titles that stand out even more. These are my personal favorites for beginning and developing band this year. They include programmatic settings, jazz and internationally inspired styles, brilliant harmonies, and are just plan fun to play and listen to. I hope you and your students enjoy them as much as I do! Happy programming! – Ken

Across the Alaskan Snow by JaRod Hall, Grade 2.5-3
Unleash the spirit of adventure with music inspired by the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This stirring musical journey will transport audiences across icy plains and beneath dazzling sunsets, leaving them with a deep appreciation for the relentless pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.

Afro Blue by Mongo Santamaria/arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2
Composed in 1959 by Mongo Santamaria, “Afro Blue” became one of the earliest jazz standards written in an Afro-Cuban style. This creative setting for concert band utilizes the African bembé rhythm, along with characteristic melodies and harmonies alternating between various sections of the band. It is a great vehicle for engaging your percussion section while introducing your students to an important and appealing musical genre.

And the Lions Roared by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 1.5
Carol Brittin Chambers opens with a roar (literally) in this new work for developing band. Fun, fast, and full of great teaching opportunities, And the Lions Roared will be a hit with both your musicians and audiences, but especially your percussion section!

Champions Victorious by William Owens, Grade 2
Optimism and excitement are used to great effect in this thrilling concert opener by William Owens! “Champions Victorious” encourages players and audiences to know that anything is possible. Mr. Owens’ masterful use of careful orchestration, memorable melodies, and engaging percussion writing combine to create a work that will challenge and delight your students! A perfect selection to bring out the best in your ensemble for your next concert or festival performance!

Jingle Jam arr. Evan VanDoran, Grade 2
If you want to get your audience clapping along, look no further! “Jingle Jam” is a feel-good holiday celebration that features many of your favorite classics, including “Up on the Housetop,” “Deck the Halls,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “O Tannenbaum,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and of course, “Jingle Bells!” A host of percussion instruments ensures everyone feels the groove and prepares them to embrace the spirit of the season! “Jingle Jam” is the perfect way to conclude your holiday concert!

A Song of Courage by William Owens, Grade 1
Combining the folk song “Arirang” with original material, this thoughtful work contrasts calm passages with bold statements. It is a spectacular and highly achievable work that offers a message of courage in the face of hardship.

Pranks of the Pesky Poltergeist by Timothy Loest, Grade 1
Experience the paranormal in this spine-tingling work, complete with spooky sound effects. Unexplained noises interrupt frightful melodies, including a snippet from Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain.” This one will be the hit of your fall or spring concert.

Mariachi Suite by Jorge L. Vargas, Grade 2
Explore the wonderful traditions of Mariachi with this wonderful new suite by Jorge Vargas! The work starts with an exciting Ranchero, before slowing the pace into a beautiful Bolero. A lively Son Jalisciense rounds out this collection of dances by a master composer of music for young band. Syncopated rhythms, intricate articulations, and melodic moments for all players make this an excellent choice for education and entertainment. Sure to be a favorite of performers and audiences alike!

Ripple Effect by Jack Wilds, Grade 1.5-2
An exciting opener brimming with energy. Written to honor a teacher’s legacy, the piece uses colorful orchestration, active percussion writing, and creative motivic development to portray the endless ripple effect generated by a single master teacher.

The Skeleton Crawl by Jason K. Nitsch, Grade 2
Add a touch of both creepy and cool to your next concert. Reminiscent of New Orleans jazz, this catchy piece for young band is a superb introduction to jazz for your developing musicians. A grooving bass line and vocalizations from the winds add to the fun! An excellent choice for your next concert, Halloween performance, or pop celebration.

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About the Author:
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.

recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist

Moroccan Nights by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3.5
This piece brings to mind a fun and exciting walk down a city street. Music comes in and out in various styles all joyous and exhilarating. A fun work for musicians and audiences alike, this one is sure to be a hit at your next concert!

Emerald Spring arr. Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5
“Emerald Spring” is perfect for a spring concert. Opening with a melodic air and finishing with a rollicking jig, students and audiences will enjoy the variety offered here. Students have the opportunity to work on lush harmonies and vibrato in the slower section and then explore 6/8 in the jig section of the piece.

Alpine Glory by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1
Capturing the picturesque beauty of the Swiss Alps, this lush, beautiful piece will help your young players develop a mature sound. With lots of opportunities to practice legato bowing and perhaps some early vibrato, cultivate a rich and warm sound with a piece that gives every player a moment to shine!

The Jolly Roger by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5
Argh! Walk the plank with this adventurous new work for the String Orchestra. Erica Donahoe takes us on a sea-faring adventure with great opportunities for each section to shine. This is a winner!

Pine Tree Polka by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2
This clever work uses Christmas carols as the motivic verve for this new arrangement by Erica Donahoe. Pocketed around the original Polka, carols peak out from behind the pine branches like ornaments. Your musicians and audiences will have a lot of fun with this one!

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About the Author:
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!