News & Views Friday, March 29, 2024

Composer Profile: Victor C. Johnson 28 April, 2017

by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

VJHeadshot-1-246x300With a distinctive musical voice and intelligent writing, Victor C. Johnson quickly became a favorite composer for both us and our customers – when I see his name on a piece of music that crosses my desk, I know it will be high quality! Especially in his writing for developing middle school choirs, Victor manages to create music that is both age-appropriate and pedagogically sound, while being incredibly musically compelling to the singers and the audience.

Victor is a native of Dallas, Texas, and teaches at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. He is also director of the Children’s Choir of Texas. Victor attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he majored in music education with a concentration in organ. While attending UTA, he served as student conductor of the university’s choral ensembles and opera workshop accompanist. He was also honored with the awards of “Outstanding Music Freshman” in 1997 and also “Outstanding Musician” in 2001.

As a composer, Victor has won numerous composition contests and has received ASCAP Awards for the past 12 years. His first piece was published in 1994, while he was a sophomore in high school – amazing!

The music of Victor C. Johnson is available through Stanton’s from many different publishers, including Hal Leonard, The Lorenz Corporation, Choristers Guild, and Carl Fischer. For more information about Victor and his music, please visit his website.

Stanton’s Recommends: Keep Your Lamps, Bonse Aba, Things That Never Die, In Winter, Festival Cantate, Sing Alleluia!

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.


Piano Duets for Fun 26 April, 2017

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

There’s nothing better than making music together with friends! Here are a few exciting piano duets for one piano-four hands – get out there and make music!

00290496-leonThe Beatles Piano Duets
Includes: “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Penny Lane,” “Something,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” and “Yesterday”

Heart and Soul and Other Duet Favorites
Includes: “Any Dream Will Do,” “Chopsticks,” “Heart and Soul,” “Music! Music! Music! (Put Another Nickel In),” “On Top of Spaghetti,” “Raiders March,” “The Rainbow Connection,” and “Y.M.C.A.”

Both of these duet collections are at an intermediate difficulty level. Just you and your friend can have fun with these, or play for friends and show off! Enjoy a beautiful ballad such as “Let It Be,” or tap your toes to “Music, Music, Music!”

For more information about these collections or others like them, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.


24th Annual EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE 25 April, 2017

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to announce our 24th annual Excellence in Choral Literature Clinic!

EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE
Saturday 8/26/2017, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music, James E. Strouse Workshop Hall, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
REGISTRATION: $20

This session, led by James Gallagher (Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University), is designed to help you select concert and contest literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and men’s choirs at all levels of difficulty. Your registration fee includes a complimentary packet of over 30 titles. Come join us to discover beautiful music and share ideas with colleagues and friends!

For more information, please contact us by email, or call us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


What Shall I Play AFTER Easter? 24 April, 2017

recommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Keyboard Music Specialists

augs-0800676872-fChurch musicians – Easter and the Lenten season may be over, but there are still plenty of Sundays ahead of you! Let Stanton’s help you find the best options for leading your congregational worship.

The Augsburg Organ Library is a multi-volume collection for the church year. Each volume is for a specific season or occasion – Advent, Christmas, Easter, Funeral, etc. Many different arrangers are represented in these volumes. After the Easter season, Ordinary time sets in, and the Summer book of the Augsburg Organ Library is a perfect source for this time period. In the Summer volume, 33 pieces arrranged by Adolphus Hailstork, Dale Wood, John Rutter, David Cherwein and more, are included – plenty to chose from!

For more information, call us at 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Hal Leonard Guitar Method Complete 21 April, 2017

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

00699040-leonThe Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and reflects some of the best teaching ideas from around the world.

Newly available is a super-convenient Complete Edition, featuring the new and improved method books 1, 2 and 3 spiral-bound together. The material covers how to read music: chords, rhythms, strums, and chord symbols; playing above the first position; tablature; playing in different styles; barre chords; improvisation; and even includes many songs to play so you can practice the techniques you’ve worked on!

This edition also includes online access to 164 full-band tracks for demonstration or play-along. The audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded anywhere you are. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

You or your student will use this book for years as a reference – it has that much useful information! Visit us online to learn more! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.


Veljo Tormis – Men’s Songs 19 April, 2017

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

leon-00156200-fThe collection Men’s Songs (Meestelaulud) contains perhaps some of the most exciting works for men’s chorus that exist in our repertoire today. Iconic Estonian composer Veljo Tormis (1930-2017) celebrates the tradition of “runosongs,” music that has been passed down through generations. These dynamic works use a minimalistic compositional style reminiscent of Estonian folksongs. Simple in construction and unbelievably dynamic and often humorous in sound.

Ten songs are included in this collection – but, if you’re not quite ready to tackle all ten, three are also available as separate single octavos (Dancing Song [Tantsulaul], Serf’s Song [Teomehe-laul], and Song of the Turkish War [Türgi sõja laul]).

Find more creative programming options for men on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.


Join Us with MARY MCDONALD This Summer! 18 April, 2017

Stanton’s is pleased to welcome back Mary McDonald as our clinician for the August Church Choral Music reading session, and we invite you to join us at Overbrook Presbyterian Church (4131 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214) on Saturday August 12, 2017.

Mary McDonald is well-known in sacred music. With a career that spans over thirty-five years, her songs appear in the catalogs of every major publisher of church music. More than eight hundred anthems, seasonal musicals and keyboard collections testify to her significant contribution to sacred literature.

homepageimageIn 2000, Mary became the first ever woman President of the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference. In addition she has served as accompanist for the Tennessee Men’s Chorale since 1985. Her greatest desire is “to give God glory for the songs He has allowed me to compose. He alone, is the true Creator behind my pen.”

In 2011, after serving as sacred music editor for The Lorenz Corporation in Dayton, Ohio for more than twenty years, Mary answered a new call. Now she takes her tremendous passion and love for music making directly to churches as an independent artist. She is in constant demand in churches across the nation for composer weekends and conferences.

Your registration for the clinic includes a packet of over 35 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. We look forward to seeing you on August 12th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.

Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday 8/12/2017, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Overbrook Presbyterian Church
4131 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214
Cost: $25.00 (There is no pre-registration; you may register the day of the clinic beginning at 8:30)
email our choral department for more details

Sacred Piano Reading Session
also featuring Mary McDonald
Saturday 8/12/2017, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music
330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Cost: Free!
email our keyboard department for more details

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Little Big Band 17 April, 2017

recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

c7118-jazzbandThese charts are arranged in the “Little Big Band” series – especially for smaller programs with relatively advanced players. Each is scored for 6 horns (3 saxes, 2 trumpets and trombone), and include optional parts to add alto, tenor, and trombone.

Birdland arr. Rick Stitzel
Josef Zawinul and Weather Report turned the jazz world on its ear with this iconic fusion composition from the 1977 album Heavy Weather. Arranged here for 6 horns and rhythm section, this straight 8th note version retains all the drive and uplifting energy of the original.

Caravan arr. Michael Philip Mossman
This Ellington favorite adapts beautifully to the small band format in the skilled hands of Michael Mossman. The classic tune (samba with swing on the bridge) is still there, but with a contemporary twist!

leon-507369Billie’s Bounce arr. Mike Tomaro
Here is a fresh take on the bebop blues classic by Charlie Parker. The chart starts out in a funk style and then alternates with swing sections. Soloists have a chance to improvise in both styles.

Corn Bread arr. Mark Taylor
Similar to Lee Morgan’s famous “Sidewinder,” this tune is written in a moderate soul jazz vein. Mark’s funky arrangement for 6 horns and rhythm section is sprinkled with stop time breaks and catchy riffs. A fun tune for soloing!

Find more great options like these on our website! Contact us for more information, and remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and serves on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.


Interact with Music Assessment 14 April, 2017

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist

The “Interact with Music Assessment” series by Manju Durairaj is a series of active music making assessments for the interactive whiteboard in three levels: Level 1 (PreK-1), Level 2 (Grades 1-3), and Level 3 (Grades 3-5). Each level is an extensive stand-alone collection of 30 sequential assessments for rhythm, pitch/melody, expressive elements (dynamics, tempo, legato, staccato, etc.), timbre, texture, form, and/or harmony. Each interactive assessment will involve students through movement, instrument playing, listening, creating, composing, and reading/writing their compositions using graphic or traditional notations. These activities will also promote 21st-century skills of critical reasoning, creativity, communication and collaboration. There are helpful “teacher talk” pull-out instructions, often with suggestions on how to use the same interactive page for a variety of activities. These comprehensive assessments provide a curricular framework for essential sequential instruction that also aims to make the fullest use of Interactive Whiteboards, IWB applications, tablets and apps. Watch your students become physically, cognitively and actively immersed in music making!

Level 1 (PreK-1) was released last year, and new for 2016-2017 is Level 2:

leon-492441Interact with Music Assessment: Level 2 (Grades 1-3) by Manju Durairaj
Level II presents over 40 interactive formative and summative assessments with customizable rubrics. In addition to the interactive material, there are quizzes and worksheets that may be printed or sent to tablets for completion, and manipulatives that may be printed out and laminated. These assessments follow a sequential progression for teaching musical concepts:
• Rhythm: Meter (steady beat, duple and triple meter, time signature) and Duration (quarter note and rest, and eighth notes)
• Pitch: Solfege (moveable do, major and minor pentatonic) and Intervals (lines/spaces, skips, steps, repeats)
• Expressive Elements: Dynamics (pp, mp, p, mf, f, ff, sfz, crescendo, decrescendo) and Tempo (largo, andante, moderato, allegro, presto, ritardando, accelerando, legato and staccato)
• Harmony: unison, melodic ostinato-tonic and dominant, rounds-rhythm and melody, descant, partner song
• Form: Elemental, Binary, Ternary, Rondo

Stay tuned for Level 3 (Grades 3-5) in the future, and find more interactive resources for your music classroom on our website. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.


Uplifting Programmatic Pieces for Strings – Grade 0.5-1.5 12 April, 2017

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Inspire your beginners and their audience with these winners!

cfn-pas15-fOath of Honor by Larry Clark
Perfect as a concert opener for first timers, Oath of Honor is a super easy yet majestic piece that should bring about the feeling of pride with its ceremonial and celebratory nature. It is written for the youngest of students in mind with minimal notes, block scoring and simple repeated eighth-note rhythms. The modern harmonies put it a cut above other pieces at this level and will “stretch the ears” of your students in a very good way. There is also a great teaching opportunity with an empty beat “1” so don’t miss this one!

Presto by Robert Sheldon
Grab your beginners when they are freshly excited and get them to show their spirit and enthusiasm with this joyful and fast-paced gem. With a simple 5-note theme ,it has repeated eighth notes in constant rhythm patterns with the focus generously shared among everyone. The students will have a blast and so will their audience.

fjh-st6393-fJubilee Fanfare by Soon Hee Newbold
Experience the sounds and celebrations of an ancient festival in this fantastic concert opener. Inspired by Celtic dances and the drones of an ancient stringed instrument called the hurdy-gurdy, this energetic work, with generously shared melody, will be a huge hit with your students and audience. Plus you can use it to teach marcato bowing, the mixolydian mode, snap pizzicato plus Bb and F natural.

Marble Falls Rondo by Bud Woodruff
Honoring Arkansas’ contribution to the marble for the Washington Monument, this flowing programmatic work gives every section melodic material and activity. There is a quirky middle section for violas and cellos that will bring smiles. Teaching elements include setting the bow, feeling 4/4 in a slow cut time and C natural accidentals.

alfred-44837-fA Spark of Courage by Doug Spata
What a great way to open or close a young orchestra’s concert. A modern & joyful gem using only the notes of the D major scale, it will not only exude a sense of honor and duty, it will also help teach staccato bowing, counting rhythmic rests, and keeping a steady 8th note pulse. Plus there is plenty of activity for everyone that is passed back and forth so no one will say “I’m bored!”

Our Heroes by Susan H. Day
A moving tribute to all the people in our lives we admire as role models, here is a soul-stirring selection that will make everyone proud. Excellent for smaller or younger groups since second violin doubles viola and bass doubles cello. Teaching elements include using long, full bows, the D.S. al Coda concept, and low second finger in the first violins.

You can find more options for young string players on our website, or contact us for even more repertoire ideas. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Dan C. has worked at Stanton’s since 1979, primarily with orchestra music and print promotions. A “working” musician, he’s a classical cellist, a rock & jazz bassist and a folk & country guitarist/singer. His free time is spent with family or reading, gardening, cycling and working puzzles. His series of musical puzzles (RP3 Rebus Puzzle Picture People) can be found on the Stanton’s Facebook page each Sunday. He also has a reputation as a pretty good joke teller. Seriously.


SUPER SESSION This Summer! 11 April, 2017

ss logoStanton’s Super Session
Saturday 8/5/2017, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road 43119
REGISTRATION: $55.00 (includes lunch)

Do you need to put a little “spark” in your choral program? Is there just too much new music out there for you to review? Join us for a fun, enriching day of music education with Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin, and Stanton’s own Jen Sper featuring music from Alfred Publications, Shawnee Press, Choristers Guild, Heritage Music Press, and other choral publishers. Nowhere else will you find such a variety of new choral selections and teaching resources to inspire and motivate you and your students as you begin the school year.

Visit our previous post for information on how to choose the Stanton’s session that is best for you. 

Registration is now open! Call us at 1.800.42.MUSIC for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Schirmer Performance Editions 10 April, 2017

leon-480729From the Hal Leonard Piano Library, Schirmer Performance Editions are designed for piano students and their teachers as well as for professional pianists. These editions offer new research, insightful interpretive suggestions, pertinent fingering, and historical and stylistic commentary. Each volume includes an excellent performance based on the recorded edition via Audio Access for download or streaming. Prepared by experienced artists and master teachers, these publications provide an accurate, well-informed score resource for pianists.

Available in a wide variety of editions, organized by musical time period, by composer, and by difficulty level, here are just a few examples of these valuable collections:
– The Baroque Era, Intermediate Level
– The Classical Era, Early Intermediate Level
– The Romantic Era, Intermediate Level
– The 20th Century, Upper Elementary Level
– Beethoven Piano Sonatas Volume 1
– Mozart: 15 Intermediate Piano Pieces
– Satie: Gymnopedies & Gnossiennes
– Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist Complete

Compiled and edited by Richard Walters, these books are full of delightful pieces of varying styles that are sure to widen a student’s experience. Check them out today at stantons.com, or contact us for more collections from this valuable series. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


MOANA 07 April, 2017

leon-00204662-fFor centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana convinces the mighty demigod Maui to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Find music from “Moana” by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘I at Stanton’s Sheet Music!

Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook
Easy Piano Folio
Ukulele Folio
“Moana: Choral Highlights” Medley for SATB, SAB, and 2-part
“How Far I’ll Go” for SATB, SAB, and 2-part
“We Know the Way” for SATB, SAB, and 2-part
“You’re Welcome” for SATB, SAB, and 2-part
Instrumental Play-Along for Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello

Contact us for more information, and remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


Meet the Stanton’s Team – Megan W. 05 April, 2017

We’ve written before on the Stanton’s blog about our knowledgeable staff. Now, we’d like to give you a chance to get to know our staff on a more personal level. Over the next several months, we will be having members of the Stanton’s team take our “30 Questions in 60 Seconds” questionnaire. We hope you will get to know the “real” us, and learn how we might better be of service to you!

meganblogpicMegan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.

What department do you work in at Stanton’s? – Choral Department

What do you consider your specialties here? – Customer Service

How long have you been working at Stanton’s? – since August 2016

What is your favorite task at Stanton’s? – I love getting to know my customers. Always feel free to tell me about your day and your ensemble! I love to know how your music is making a difference in the world.

What is your hometown? – Pittsburgh

Where did you go to college? – Westminster College

What is your major instrument? – Violin

Where or with whom do you currently perform/teach? – Solo fiddle in my basement

What do you like to do in your spare time? – In my free time I Scottish Fiddle, practice karate and yoga, and I am working on a young adult fiction novel. I would like to take up wood working and gardening in the near future.

What days are you available at Stanton’s? – Monday-Friday

What is the last song/piece you listened to? – Welcome to the Black Parade – My Chemical Romance

What is the last song/piece you played/sang? – Spootiskerry – Scottish Reel

If you had a chance to perform with three musicians, living or dead, who would it be? – Gerard Way (MCR), Patrick Stump (FOB), and Joshua Bell

What is your most memorable musical moment? – During an orchestra rehearsal, the conductor was singing to the cellos to play a #G and I blew my nose in tune.

If you could be instantly proficient on an additional instrument, what would you choose? – Piano. I attempted lessons as a child and was not mature enough to realize how beneficial that knowledge would have been. I was too excited to play the violin.

What is the most unusual performance you have ever been a part of? – I took a Tragedy class in college and my group wrote and performed an Epic Rap Battle of Tragedy (A play on Epic Rap Battles of History on YouTube by Nicepeter). Our battle was Medea VS Captain Ahab.

What musical sound or noise do you love? – I like the sound of the ocean, rain, or a waterfall. In an orchestra, I like a powerful French horn or low brass entrance.

What musical sound or noise do you hate? – Beginner clarinet lessons

If you had your choice watching a great concert tonight or performing in a great concert tonight, which would you choose and why? – I would choose to perform in a great concert because I don’t like passing up opportunities to have fun.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? – Grant writing

What profession would you not like to do? – Teaching

On a scale of 1-10, how funny do you think you are? – 6. Jokes and comedy routines don’t come naturally to me, but I love retelling the funny and random experiences I get myself into.

Who was your first crush (if not a celebrity, some explanation)? – Some kid named Josh in second grade. He had a shiny earring.

Is there anything you wish would come back into fashion? – I’ve never been someone who pays attention to fashion.

Do you love or hate roller coasters? – I find having motion sickness to be unpleasant.

If you were a super hero, what powers would you have? – Telekinesis

How many pairs of shoes do you own? – 10

Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? – Work at the perfect job.

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? – Vegan pierogies. Potatoes are my weakness.


THE JOY OF SINGING 2017 04 April, 2017

Stanton’s is thrilled to announce The Joy of Singing 2017 – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

THE JOY OF SINGING: Young & Developing Choir
Thursday 8/3/2017, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $55 (includes lunch)
New music appropriate for the beginning choral singing level (unison/2-part/3-part mixed). Includes choreography and two spotlight sessions on specific areas.

THE JOY OF SINGING: Middle & High School Choir
Friday 8/4/2017, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $55 (includes lunch)
New music appropriate for the middle/high school choral singing level (2-part, 3-part mixed, SAB, and SATB). Includes choreography and two spotlight sessions on specific areas.

Our clinicians this year will be John Jacobson, Cristi Cary Miller, Rollo Dilworth, and Mac Huff. Each director will receive a packet of complimentary booklets containing complete editions of arrangements suitable for both school and community choirs. You’ll have ample time to browse Stanton’s on-site store and chat with the clinicians throughout the day.

Visit our previous post for information on how to choose the Stanton’s session that is best for you.

Registration is now open! Contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!


New Beginnings – Graduation Options for Choir 03 April, 2017

by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

Send your graduating seniors off with music with one of these new choral titles, perfect for spring concerts, graduation, or baccalaureate ceremonies!

leon-504746In Meeting We Are Blessed by Troy Robertson
With an original text inspired by John Donne, this piece illustrates the power of peace and all the blessings it brings. Written for the meeting of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and Festival Singers of Florida, it was premiered in Nairobi with the composer singing in the choir.

New Beginnings by Jim Papoulis
Beginning with a free and gentle style then moving into a more up tempo and rhythmic B section, this piece speaks of a bittersweet time when we close one chapter in our lives and move on to another new beginning. Written for a group of teens who wanted to celebrate their wonderful and inspirational choral director and also celebrating what was coming next in their lives.

alfred-503656Because All Men Are Brothers by J.S. Bach/arr. Robert DeCormier
Originally released in the 1940s, this strong message of justice and unity continues to speak to the hearts and minds of those who hear it. Recorded by a variety of artists including The Weavers, and Peter, Paul, and Mary, this arrangement includes an additional verse written by Pete Seeger.

Remember by Victor C. Johnson
Victor Johnson presents wonderful moments for expressive singing and artistic phrasing in “Remember”. Cascading sixteenth note motifs in the piano part and a rich harmonic palette unite the musical fabric and amplify the image-laden text. “Then in a rising melody, the songs of earth called out to me … and music flowed from my heart again.”

Blessing by Gerald Custer
Gorgeous harmonic development and recurring “Dona nobis pacem” passages provide a satisfying foundation to the texture in this lovely choral benediction by Gerald Custer. The tightly woven fabric of Latin and original English text along with optional a cappella sections will surely captivate your choir.

leon-504040For Good arr. Kirby Shaw
Now available in an expressive unaccompanied setting, this ballad from the musical Wicked takes on deep and emotional meaning with solo vocal lines and the full range of the choir. A powerful reminder of the importance of the friends in our lives.

In the Name of Music by Victor C. Johnson
Commissioned by the 2016 TMEA Region IV Middle School/Junior High All-Region Combined Concert Choir, the music-themed text motivates and inspires one to sing of the beauty found all around us in the name of music. The piano accompaniment flourishes, supporting the dynamic contrast found throughout the piece. Rich harmonies paint the natural melody, creating a stirring work for concert or contest.

Find more graduation options on our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations for your ensemble. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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 good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.

Alissa Ruth began working at Stanton’s in the summer of 2016. She is a former middle and high school choir director and holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from Capital University. She is an active choral singer in the Columbus area, and spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.