NEW for Elementary School Choir Wednesday, March 23, 2016
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Specialist
This spring, feature your elementary choir with some of these fun octavos, perfect for young singers in grades 3-6!
Bound for Glory arr. Alex Gartner
Step one: sing a familiar spiritual; step two: combine with a catchy partner melody; step three: introduce “When the Saints Go Marching In;” and then . . . put ’em all together for an ingenious triple partner song! All aboard!
Clever Chameleon by Andy Beck
How fun to sing about one of nature’s most curious creatures! A whimsical text, bluesy overtones, quirky chromatics, and optional hand percussion paint a clear picture of the skillful lizard and his changing colors. As to be expected from Andy, the two-part writing is spot on.
Colonel Bogey’s Grand Old Flag! arr. Greg Gilpin
Patriotic and fun! Greg Gilpin’s creative partner song combines singers and kazoos on two well-known, flag-waving favorites. A rousing crowd-pleaser!
Dide ta Deo arr. Mark Weston
Add excitement to your concert program with this Mark Weston adaptation of a traditional Nigerian folk song that tells the story of a safe return home. The percussion parts illuminate the driving beat and spirit-filled emotion, and a pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Hummingbird and Butterfly by Amy F. Bernon
The title characters meet at a flowerpot one summer night and a great friendship is born. Shy Hummingbird and social Butterfly come together in a fluttering duet that will delight young singers. Lyrical and full of movement, this delightful original is just right for spring concerts and end-of-year performances.
Night and Day by Peter Robb
Two contrasting moods are explored in this short setting that gives young singers a chance to develop a full, free and flexible sound. Includes two movements: Moon, Are You Out There? and Fine Day.
Octavia by Mark Burrows
From the creative wellspring of Mark Burrows comes this adorable song about Octavia the Octopus, who wants nothing more than to sing! Complete with solo opportunities, a catchy tune, and comfortable vocal ranges, this crowd pleaser is the perfect match for any developing choir.
Sing Alleluia! by Victor C. Johnson
This bright and festive work opens with an upbeat and rhythmic A section, full of fun syncopations and interesting meter changes, transitioning into a lyrical and flowing B section and finally returning to a variation of the opening material. Ideal for concert, festival or contest use!
Who Has Seen the Wind? by Edwin T. Childs
We see and feel the effects of the wind – cold, warm, a slight breeze or a fierce blow – but can we really see it? Christina Rossetti’s intriguing poem about the mysteriousness of the wind provides the text for this engaging, gentle concert offering for young and developing choirs. The flute provides interesting color and a distinctive third part when both vocal parts unite in an effective partner song format. A Learning Resource Page is included.
You’ve Got a Friend arr. Mac Huff
Carole King’s classic hit from 1971 and covered by James Taylor offers a universal message of hope and reassurance. Recently included in the Broadway musical Beautiful, this is a wonderful feel-good song for choirs of all types and many concert occasions!
About the Author:
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 good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
