News & Views Monday, October 07, 2024

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

On This Winter Night arr. Greg Gilpin, SATB with piano
What a surprising idea using the Pierpont melody of “Jingle Bells” to create a beautifully warm setting for winter concerts. The text describes a scene of nature sleeping and dreaming beneath a blanket of snow set to simple yet rich harmonies with a touch of “sleep in heavenly peace” near the end. Exquisite.

Something Told the Wild Geese by Douglas E. Wagner, SATB with piano and optional cello
This sensitive setting of the popular text by Rachel Field transports singers and listeners alike into a realm of serene beauty and introspection. This evocative composition features lush harmonies and expressive vocal lines that are complemented by an artistic piano accompaniment. The addition of the optional cello adds to the haunting mood of this work, inviting you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of sound.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Tim Cahalan & Alex Berko, SSA with piano
Robert Frost’s well-known poem is set as an accessible lyrical piece for treble choirs. A sweeping piano accompaniment, legato vocal lines, and chilling harmonies make this the perfect selection for school and community winter concerts.

Candleglow by Emily Crocker, SATB with piano
This tender selection paints a picture of flickering candles on a cold winter’s night. The harmonies and scenes of this reflective original evoke the celebration of Hanukah, making it ideal for school and community performances.

A Festive Christmas Trilogy arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano and optional brass & percussion
The first 45 seconds provide a collage overview of what’s to come, as arranger Mark Hayes sets the stage for this magnificent four-minute Christmas fanfare. Enjoy the glorious strains of “Ding Dong! Merrily on High,” the cheerful fa-la-la’s of “Deck the Hall,” and a rollicking rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Then just before the big finish, singers recap all three for an impressive finale! Assemble brass and percussion to perform with the superb SoundPax.

Light One Candle arr. Jack Zaino, SATB with piano
This enduring Hanukkah song by folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary urges us to uphold the legacies of those who fought for freedom by promoting social justice. Jack’s contemporary arrangement is tastefully updated in three accessible voicings. Perform with piano alone, the folk-inspired SoundTrax, or invite a guitarist to strum along. “Light one candle to bind us together with peace as the song in our hearts.”

Sweet Silent Night by Andy Beck, SATB with piano
Paint a peaceful winter scene with the tender vocal lines and ethereal piano accompaniment of this striking original. A gentle ode to heavenly stars and falling snow, it is appropriate for any winter concert and features the kind of harmony you love to teach and sing. As a special touch, perform the final verse a cappella to heighten the quiet wonder. “Hearts take hold, dreams take flight, on this sweet silent night.”

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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 Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist

Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more.

The Golden Gateway by Brian Balmages, Grade 3.5
Celebrate music and its ability to connect with communities around us! This joyful work by Brian Balmages is a powerful reminder of the many ways music inspires and invigorates. Beginning with a beautiful, heartfelt introduction, “The Golden Gateway” soon takes off in exuberant twists and turns before coming to a heroic conclusion.

Radiant Joy by Brian Balmages, Grade 4
A musical celebration of the human spirit, “Radiant Joy” is uplifting from the very first note. Brian Balmages includes subtle elements of fiddle music throughout as the work develops, moving through various styles with several twists and turns along the way. Inspiring!

Into the Shadows by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5
Journey into a place where shapes constantly shift as the light moves, and nothing is quite as it seems. While very approachable for intermediate orchestras, “Into the Shadows” pushes harmonic boundaries and colors, ushering in a new realm of sonic possibilities. Creative, eerie, and exciting, this is Brian Balmages as you have never heard him!

Five Note Fiddler by Brian Balmages, Grade 0.5
Based entirely on just five notes (D through A), “Five Note Fiddler” is an ideal way to reinforce the D tetrachord while having a ton of fun in a fiddle-inspired setting. Brian Balmages playfully weaves the melody throughout the ensemble as the music unfolds. Surprisingly sophisticated in sound, yet highly approachable!

Dragon Pearl by Brian Balmages, Grade 1.5
Journey to a fantastical world where dragons defend a flaming pearl, representing everything from wisdom and power to prosperity and immortality. “Dragon Pearl” includes a stunning opening that reflects the gorgeous surface of the pearl. Soon after, the battle begins, highlighted by powerful rhythms, heavy accents, and aggressive harmonies. Incredibly playable yet stunning to hear, this work by Brian Balmages is sure to captivate students and audiences!

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About the Authors:
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 Choral Playbook: Warm-Ups, Rounds, Rehearsal Strategies, and More to Spark Joy and Connection by Anna Wentlent
Place student joy at the center of your curriculum with this practical resource for singers of all ages. With over 80 exercises that teach ensemble skills in an informal, playful manner, this thoughtful collection is filled with opportunities for movement, connection, student agency, and more. Includes physical and vocal warm-ups, solfège patterns, rounds, silly songs, and choir games, as well as effective rehearsal strategies to keep your singers active and engaged.

Sound Patterns for Mixed Voices by Emily Crocker
Designed for SAB mixed voice choirs, “Sound Patterns for Mixed Voices” teaches sight reading skills quickly while singing “real music” from day one. This step-by-step method includes age and range appropriate songs with lyrics, dynamics, and accompaniment, along with preparatory exercises that are interesting, authentic, and flexible. This resource may be used with SAB beginners from approximately age 12 through 15 and for older singers with less singing experience. The sequential approach focuses on the keys C, G, and F, basic rhythms and simple intervals in the tonic, dominant and subdominant chords.

Alfred’s Sight-Singing Flashcards
Supplement your sight-singing program with Alfred’s Sight-Singing Flashcards. Organized in four color-coded sets, these eye-catching educational manipulatives include solfège syllables, Curwen hands signs, common 4/4 rhythms, intervals (both ascending and descending), plus simple melodic pitch patterns. What an engaging way to introduce, practice, review, and even gamify your sight-singing curriculum. Designed to encourage active learning and student motivation. 40 double-sided cards included—that’s 80 dynamic drills in total!

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 Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist

Day by Day God’s Time Is Best arr. Karen L. Buckwalter, 3-5 octave handbells, Level 3-
This heartfelt setting by Karen Buckwalter, written in memory of a treasured member of the handbell community, is perfect for any service of remembrance or other reflective setting. Combining a cantata tune from Bach with the hymn “Day by Day,” it is a beautiful memorial perfect for intermediate groups.

A Blessing by Michael Helman, 3-5 octave handbells with optional 3-5 octave handchimes, Level 2+
Written in honor of his grandsons, this delicate original from Michael Helman is perfect for the intermediate choir looking to focus on their musicality. Flowing accompaniment lines and a heartfelt melody combine to make this a truly gorgeous experience.

Celebrations: All Occasion Settings for Handbell Ensemble arr. Martha Lynn Thompson, reproducible collection for 3 octave handbells, Level 2
This creative REPRODUCIBLE collection is playable by six or seven ringers. Titles include: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” “Come, Come Ye Saints,” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Warrenton tune),” “Fanfare,” “Gaudeamus Igitur,” “A King in His Glory,” “O God, Beyond All Praising,” “Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him,” “See Amid the Winter Snow,” and “Tuoro-Luoro- Luoro.”

Classic Rings II for Church & School arr. Martha Lynn Thompson, reproducible collection for 3 octave handbells, Level 1/2
This collection of familiar, classics includes mostly works from the baroque period, but some contemporary tunes as well. You’ll find compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Haydn, Verdi, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin, Bizet, and more. As you work your way through the 37 titles the arrangements get progressively more advanced moving from Level 1 to 2. Tips for teaching rhythms are included throughout. This resource is reproducible, making it a great value.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octave handbells, Level 3+
This setting resonates with a festive spirit, infusing the timeless melody with vibrant energy and warmth. A fanfare motif introduces the piece, then moves throughout to decorate the melody. Dynamic contrasts and expressive phrasing create a captivating musical experience that uplifts the spirit.

It Is Well with My Soul arr. Karen Buckwalter, 3-5 octave handbells with optional piano, Level 2+
Enveloping listeners in an atmosphere of peace and serenity, this setting captures the essence of the beloved hymn’s message of faith and resilience. While it can be performed with handbells only, the piano accompaniment fills in harmonies and adds rhythmic interest, deepening the emotional resonance of the piece.

It Is Well with My Soul arr. Linda R. Lamb, 3-5 octave handbells & handchimes, Level 1
Linda’s skill in creating compelling yet accessible settings is on display with this cherished hymn. Available in compatible 3-5 octave and 2-3 octave settings, “It Is Well With My Soul” has many teachable moments and is a great choice for the developing handbell choir.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr. Jantz A. Black, 3-5 octave handbells, Level 2
Simplistic beauty is the best way to describe this lovely arrangement. Accessible at Level 2, ringers and listeners will be enchanted by its charming beauty.

Learn to Ring Volume 2 arr. Martha Lynn Thompson, reproducible collection for 2-3 octave handbells, Level 1+/2-
This collection has 30 pieces arranged separately for 2 octave and 3 octave bell or chime choirs. There are familiar and not-so-familiar pieces which include secular, sacred, patriotic, Christmas, and “classics.” They range in level from Level 1- to 2+. The entire collection is reproducible, making it a bargain for your choirs!

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 2-5 octaves handbells, Level 2
Accessible to most groups, yet energetic and exciting, this setting of Lobe den Herren is written for two to five octave handbells, making it an excellent festival selection or worship selection for groups large or small.

Rejoice the Lord Is King arr. Ron Mallory, 3-5 octaves handbells, Level 3
This sparkling arrangement of Darwell’s 148th features Mallory’s trademark rhythmic accompaniment and uses stopped techniques to add interest and excitement right up to the end!

We Plow the Fields and Scatter arr. Anna Laura Page, 3-5 octaves handbells, Level 3
Using the Finnish hymn “Nyland,” Anna Laura Page creates a lyrical arrangement which will be a welcome contrast to Thanksgiving bombast, as well as being suitable other Sundays of the year.

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About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 20 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church, and sings in the First Church Choir and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.