Pop Music for Spring 2015 for Men’s & Women’s Choirs Thursday, January 29, 2015
by Jen Sper & Rachel Steele, School Choral Specialists
If you’re planning a concert of popular music with your choir this spring, we’ve got some great recommendations for you! Lighter repertoire is a fun option for end-of-year concerts, but don’t forget to find some good musical challenges for your students as well – you want to showcase all the progress they’ve made throughout the school year!
Shake It Off arr.
Roger Emerson
Players gonna play, haters gonna hate, but I’m just gonna shake it off! Taylor Swift’s irresistible #1 hit from 2014 is pure pop delight!
With a Song in My Heart arr. Kirby Shaw
One of the greatest songs of all time, Rodgers & Hart’s classic romantic ballad will produce warm smiles all around as you luxuriate in the lush harmonies of this superb a cappella arrangement.
Gone, Gone, Gone arr
. Andy Beck
American Idol winner Phillip Phillips topped the charts with this single from his debut album. Great voice-leading and appropriate ranges make it a perfect choice for developing men’s groups. And the sweet, heart-felt lyrics of this folk-pop love song will reveal the softer side of your guys!
Seize the Day arr. Kirby Shaw
Now in an exciting a cappella setting! This showstopper from the award-winning composer Alan Menken was featured in the Disney film and Broadway musical “Newsies.” Featuring a powerful “brotherhood” text, it begins with a compelling chorale-like opening and then explodes into rhythm that encourages us all to “seize the day!”
For more suggestions, click here to view our complete School Choral promotion for Spring 2015, or contact us!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys eating good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
Rachel Steele has been at Stanton’s since 2013. She previously taught middle school and high school band and choir for 13 years, and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University. Currently a member of the Heisey Wind Ensemble and a musician at Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pickerington OH), Rachel also enjoys reading, sewing, baking and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
