New Beginnings – Graduation Options for Choir Monday, April 03, 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!
In 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.
Because 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.
For 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.
