News & Views Wednesday, April 24, 2024

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialist

The “Ten to Teach…” series of resources from Heritage Music Press provide carefully crafted lessons from master educators including Artie Almeida, Donna Dirksing, Kate Kuper, and Mari Schay. Each volume includes lesson suggestions, audio recordings, PowerPoint presentations, reproducible music for students, and visual aids that you can print or project to suit your needs!

Ten to Teach MELODY
Each lesson targets a specific aspect of the element of melody, including: steps, skips, repeat; contour; high vs. low sounds; composing with sol and mi; identifying low sol; exploring and writing melodic inversions; and exploring sequences and motifs.

Ten to Teach HARMONY
These lessons provide your students with opportunities to identify and perform harmony in several ways: singing partner songs, playing barred percussion instruments, illustrating harmony with movement, and playing recorder descants, to name a few!

Ten to Teach FORM
This collection of lessons will get your students out of their seats and engage them in music-making activities centered on the element of form and ranging from singing games to composing variations on their recorders and responding to form with parachutes. Concepts include: rondo, theme and variations, call and response, ABA, and D.C. al Coda.

Ten to Teach RHYTHM
These ten lessons comprise a versatile resource that explores rhythm in a variety of creative ways. Concepts include: rhythmic improvisation, quarter notes and rests, paired eighth notes, meter in 3, macrobeat/microbeat, half and dotted half notes, beat vs. rhythm, ostinato, and syncopation.

Find more resources for your music classroom 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.

recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

Beautiful Dreamer arr. Pete McGuinness
This 2015 Grammy-nominated arrangement was recorded by the Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra on Strength In Numbers (Summit Records). The original Stephen Foster waltz is refitted here as a medium-bright tempo samba in 4/4 time. The 1st alto has an optional double on soprano, and solos are included for piano and alto/soprano sax.

Beneath the Mask by Bob Washut
Commissioned by the University of New Mexico Jazz Band I, this chart for proficient groups is an even-eighth jazz waltz that features lead alto and guitar (or piano). The lead trumpet player is showcased with some soaring lyrical lines, and all trumpets double on flugelhorn.

Chachanita by Michael Philip Mossman
Nobody does cha-cha like Michael Mossman. This inventive original features a smooth harmonic structure and a nice blend of inventive melodies with carefully crafted accompaniment figures. The solo section is open for any player, and this is followed by a driving double time groove. Appealing and dynamic all rolled into one chart!

Inner Urge arr. Mark Taylor
Composed by jazz legend Joe Henderson, this uptempo swingin’ burner from Mark Taylor features a mesmerizing groove and masterful scoring. Opening with a trio of tenor, guitar and vibes, layers of sound are gradually added to create a powerhouse effect. Includes solo space for tenor and feature spots for the brass section and saxes.

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.

From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, and inspired by the beloved films, the dazzling new Broadway musical “Anastasia” transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

“Anastasia” features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, and a lush, new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Six songs from the original movie have been kept (including “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December”) and sixteen new songs added to the production. This vocal selections collection includes fourteen songs for voice with piano accompaniment.

Contact us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, http://www.stantons.com for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

recommended Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

The Violinist’s Guide to Scottish Fiddling by Melinda Crawford Perttu
Especially designed for violinists who have never fiddled in the Scottish style or for anyone who would simply like to brush up on their “Scottishness,” this guide discusses ornamentations and their applications, bowing styles, rhythmic issues and stylistic interpretations. It covers five basic types of tunes: airs, marches, jigs, reels and strathspeys, as well as Scottish fiddle history and regional styles. Each technique is clearly defined and supported with an abundance of tunes and assessments for maximum learning. Accompanying video clips demonstrated by former U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion Melinda Crawford show how to execute all of the different techniques and how to perform more than 44 full-length traditional Scottish fiddle tunes. Even the most classical player will be jamming!

For more information on this book or other fiddling resources, please contact us! And remember – 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.

Elementary General Music Clinic
Wednesday 8/2/2017, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $25.00
Stanton’s Sheet Music is excited to welcome Sharon Burch as our clinician for the 35th edition of our Elementary General Music Clinic. This is one of Stanton’s longest running and most successful clinics, showcasing the best new teacher resources, song collections, games, musicals and more! We are sure that you will find materials that will keep you and your students interested throughout the year. Get your school year started on the right foot!

Registration opens on April 1st! Call us at 1.800.42.MUSIC for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

A relatively new name in the choral world, I’m always excited when I see a new piece from Jacob Narverud come across my desk. I find Jake’s work to be not only creative and interesting for both the ensemble and the audience, but also inherently teachable. The variety of work he produces is also unique in the market – he writes original compositions (like “Sisi Ni Moja”), masterwork editions (like Telemann’s “Ich will den Herrn loben allezeit”), and pop arrangements (like “Dust in the Wind”) with equal facility.

A native of Meriden, Kansas, Narverud studied voice performance at Emporia State University and is currently a doctoral student at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he holds a master’s degree in conducting. With a background in musical theater, instrumental, and choral music, Jake is a sought-after composer and an active guest conductor. As a vocalist, Narverud has performed with the Kansas City Chorale and the Kansas City Symphony as a back-up singer for Ben Folds. He has also been a choir director at both secondary and collegiate levels.

The music of Jake Narverud is available through Stanton’s from a variety of publishers, including Santa Barbara, G. Schirmer, Shawnee Press, and Carl Fischer. For more information about Jake and his music, please visit his website.

Stanton’s Recommends: Sisi Ni Moja, Jambo, I Am, Dixit Dominus, The Weaver, Dust in the Wind, Learning to Love Again

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.

recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

Broadway Musical Magic arr. Mac Huff
We love this newest Broadway medley from Mac Huff because of its quick, no-nonsense transitions, quality part-writing, and full piano accompaniment (which works well on its own if you don’t have a combo for your performance). The medley is divided into three installments as seen below, which allows you flexibility in terms of your programming options.

Section 1: A Musical, Into the Woods, Seize the Day, Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious
Section 2: The Song of Purple Summer, Electricity, Seasons of Love
Section 3: Let’s Hang On, Mamma Mia, So Much Better, Steal Your Rock ‘n’ Roll

Additionally, this medley is the third of its kind by Mac Huff (following “100 Years of Broadway” and “Opening Night”), and the three can be performed consecutively to create a, 84-piece, 90-minute “Broadway in Concert” performance option.

Something Rotten:
Welcome to the Renaissance arr. Mac Huff and A Musical arr. Andy Beck
Something Rotten has a sweet spot in my heart because it was the very first musical I saw in New York City! Because both of these pieces from the show are full chorus numbers, they translate very well from the Broadway stage to the school choral setting.

“Welcome to the Renaissance” goes back and forth between swing and fast rock styles and boasts a wide range of funny historical references, which your audience will love (not to mention that they provide cross-curricular information). Because there are so many cheeky moments, there are a number of opportunities to talk about communication through consonants, facial expression, etc, and the harmonies here are rich and satisfying.

“A Musical” has that classic Broadway feel (yep, there’s an opportunity for a kick-line), which makes the lyrics, which cleverly poke fun at musical theatre, even more humorous. The entire piece is filled with text painting, offering a variety of avenues to talk about the relationship between music and text.

Hamilton:
My Shot arr. Roger Emerson and Hamilton (Choral Medley) arr. Lisa DeSpain
Over two years after its January 2015 premier, Hamilton is still one of the most sought-after tickets on Broadway. It combines hip hop, rap, and theatre elements to tell the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, and because of the variety of styles used, it has an appeal to a wide range of audiences. While I was skeptical of the music from this show (which I love) being turned into a choral arrangement, I think both Emerson and DeSpain did a great job of keeping the integrity of the original pieces when creating these arrangements. If your kids are excited about Hamilton, these are both great options for you!

“My Shot” offers a great way to feature students that have the skill to rap, and while the solos are definitely the feature of this piece, the choral parts are solfege-accessible and there are valuable opportunities for rhythm reading here.

“Hamilton (Choral Medley)” utilizes the following six pieces from the show: Alexander Hamilton, My Shot, The Schuyler Sisters, The Room Where It Happens, Helpless, and The Battle of Yorktown. The transitions between each are quick and clean, and because each piece is so different, there are lots of opportunities to talk about the contrast of styles and why Lin-Manuel Miranda chose the styles that he did for each piece.

Waitress:
Waitress (Choral Highlights) arr. Greg Gilpin
Waitress, with music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, is based on Adrienne Shelly’s film of the same title. It boasts a creative team comprised entirely of women, and has been nominated for the 2017 Tony Award for Best Musical.

“Waitress (Choral Highlights)” uses strong three-part treble writing, accessible ranges, tasteful use of solos, and quality transitions, making it an excellent Broadway option for your women’s chorus. The closing number in particular captures the uplifting tone of the show, and Bareilles’ style is captured beautifully.

Looking ahead?

Dear Evan Hansen:
You Will Be Found arr. Mac Huff
Dear Evan Hansen has been nominated for nine 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and tells the story of high school student Evan Hansen, who struggles with social anxiety and wants nothing more than to fit in. “You Will Be Found” would be a great choice as a senior tribute or spring concert feature:

Have you ever felt like nobody was there
Have you felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere
Have you ever felt like you could disappear
Like you could fall and no one would hear
Well, let that lonely feeling wash away
Maybe there’s a reason to believe you’ll be okay
Cause when you don’t feel strong enough to stand
You can reach, reach out your hand

For more information about these or other recommendations, visit us at www.stantons.com, email us at choral@stantons.com, or call 1.800.42.MUSIC ext.1.

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.

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Get your young string players performing with maturity beyond their years!

Saluda River Waltz by Andrew Balent
Waltzes are always gentle crowd pleasers and teaching moments abound in this one as you float gently downstream. Work on subdividing for dotted quarter/eighth rhythms and getting C naturals in tune. As with many waltzes, the violins get most of the melodic action while the other parts drive the important 3/4 waltz lilt.

Adoration by Bud Woodruff
Bud Woodruff has come into his own this year with several wonderful compositions from Grade 1½ to Grade 3. As a retired teacher in Deerpark, Texas, he has taken his years of experience “in the trenches” and offered up pieces that really work for young players. Here he gives an uplifting, aural depiction of the feelings of infatuation with generously shared melodic material and harmonic twists. Lessons in rhythm are included with offbeats and accents and he keeps students on their toes by including the notes Bb, D#, and F. Plus the work has audience appeal aplenty. An all-around winner.

Heartstrings by Larry Clark
Give your unsung second violins the spotlight at the beginning as they introduce the melody. Beautiful harmonies are emotionally enhanced with Bb, Eb, C# and F natural accidentals in the key of G. Heartstrings is dedicated to the memory of a young man who died tragically in a climbing accident as well as any loved ones we have all lost. By bringing to mind the love that we have for our close friends and family members, it will pull on your heartstrings – love with a touch of sadness. Certain harmonic choices and dissonances in the melody to the harmonies were used to bring about this emotional feeling. In the hope of stretching young people’s musicianship you can ask them to put their emotions into the music by stretching the phrasing, pushing lines, and giving things shape; make the music more than what is on the page. Bring it to life and make the audience feel something with their performance. Inspire your students to do so and expand their musical horizons.

A Million Miles Away by Francis J. Caravella
What better than the Lydian mode to depict the vast reaches of outer space? You can not only teach your students about modes, but can also talk about dissonance, bow control, and dynamics. Everyone’s part is necessary and propulsive, so no boredom here! A Million Miles Away is very “grown-up” sounding, but certainly accessible. You might even say it’s out of this world!

Farewell to a Friend by Susan H. Day
You can count on Susan Day to use her expressive and extensive talents to pull emotion out of your players and your listeners while providing a teaching vehicle with which to do it. Composed in memory of a beloved orchestra conductor, she offers legato bowing, arpeggios, expression, syncopation, sweet countermelodies and accompaniments as ways to not only bring tears to the eyes of the audience, but also to teach these concepts to add to your students’ musicality.

Find more programmatic pieces for strings on our website, or contact us for more information. 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.

Stanton’s Sheet Music presents a
WILLIS MUSIC PIANO TEACHER WORKSHOP
featuring Carolyn Miller

Friday August 11, 2017
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Stanton’s Sheet Music
James E. Strouse Workshop Hall
330 S Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
FREE!

Motivating students to practice can be exhausting! The solution is easy: give them exciting, inspiring pieces! Students will come in to every lesson with more enthusiasm than ever. Join our expert clinician Carolyn Miller for an entertaining session packed with captivating music and valuable teaching tips.

Please RSVP for this free session by Thursday August 10 by phone (1.800.426.8742) or email (keyboard@stantons.com). We look forward to seeing you at this valuable session featuring complimentary refreshments and special day-of discounts for attendees!

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

Heartache Tonight arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
The Eagles made this a #1 hit back in 1979, and it still resonates decades later! Arranged here in a medium shuffle groove, this chart really churns from beginning to end.

Never Gonna Give You Up arr. Matt Conaway & Jack Holt, Grade 2-3
Nothing epitomizes the appeal of music from the 80s like this energetic and familiar pop hit by Rick Astley. Often heard in television and film, this is sure to be a favorite.

Rock the Casbah arr. Matt Conaway & Jack Holt, Grade 2-3
Recorded by the iconic 80s pop band The Clash, this familiar hit features a driving pulse and distinctive riffs.

Sweet Caroline arr. Tim Waters, Grade 3
Featured in the hit TV series Glee, this familiar hit from Neil Diamond has certainly stood the test of time. Written in an up-tempo shuffle style and with plenty of full ensemble punches, this will work great in the stands or with drill teams.

Sweet Caroline arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2
Originally recorded in 1969, this iconic Neil Diamond hit has stood the test of time and remains as popular today as ever. Be sure to get the crowd involved with the vocal refrain “bump, bump, bah…”

Build Me Up Buttercup arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This arrangement of the classic hit from “The Foundations” is sure to be a sing along favorite for any crowd!

You Don’t Own Me arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This tune has stood the test of time! First a hit in the ’60s, this tune has been covered by numerous artists and was most recently featured on many commercials and top movies. You’ll love this powerful and bluesy arrangement of “You Don’t Own Me.”

Find more exciting charts for the upcoming marching season on our website, or contact us for more recommendations! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and joined the Stanton’s team in 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies.  Besides music, he geeks out on comic books, amusement parks, hockey (especially the Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.

John Jacobson’s MUSIC EXPRESS is the classroom magazine for young musicians in grades K-6. We’re excited to announce that annual subscriptions are now available through Stanton’s Sheet Music!

Music Express is a complete K-6 music curriculum that brings joy and fun to the music classroom, but also makes your job easier. Music Express Magazine provides music teachers with all the tools they need to revolutionize their classrooms. With a subscription to Music Express, educators take their music lessons to a new level with a wealth of theory-based resources in every issue.

In each issue (6 per year), you can expect:
– Exciting, relevant songs from modern music that your students will love
– Theory-based lessons that are correlated with National Standards
– Interactive Digital Lessons that feature our iSong technology, Listening Maps, and more
– High quality recordings and vibrant choreography videos
– Cross curricular lessons
– Original music from leading composers in the music industry
– Dedicated support staff, available 7 days a week at musicexpress.com
– AND MORE…all delivered to your school 6 times a year!

All subscribers receive extensive digital content, and can also receive printed student editions on request. Contact Stanton’s now to subscribe!

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!

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Attention Orchestra Teachers – new or seasoned veterans – a must for your Summer Reading!

HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
Christopher Selby, edited by Scott Rush
G9363 – $29.95
A resource rich with practical strategies and fresh ideas about teaching orchestra students of all ages.

* Creating a culture of success with rehearsal strategies, classroom policies and the structuring of class time
* Students becoming orchestra leaders and taking greater pride and ownership of their ensemble
* Tips for building your program, long range planning, assessment of improvement
* Communicating with parents and administration to better support the orchestra
* Performing with refined intonation, rhythmic precision and a beautiful tone
* Sight reading better, rehearsing more efficiently in class and practicing better at home
* Teaching of left hand position, vibrato and shifting; right hand set up and trouble shooting
* And much more!

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.

recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist

More Hymns for Three to Six Ringers arr. Sandra Eithun
Flawlessly crafted for small ensembles, this brilliant collection contains pieces that are suited for use throughout the year and have handbell assignments for three, four, five, or six ringers. The optional keyboard accompaniment can be used to provide texture and support to each arrangement.

The Best of Agape for 3-5 Octaves
This 60-page collection includes ten of our best-selling arrangements of recent years, all for 3-5 octaves, Level 2+. These tried and proven winners come from a variety of composers and arrangers and represent a wide range of styles and are useful throughout the church year. 10 great pieces for the cost of 3 makes this a real budget stretcher!

Essential Classics for 2 Octaves Volume 1
This 60-page collection includes thirteen of our best-selling arrangements of recent years, all for 2 octave choirs. Levels range from 1+ to 2+. These tried and proven winners come from a variety of composers and arrangers and represent a wide range of styles and are useful throughout the church year. Single copies of these 13 titles exceed the cost of this one book which you can then reproduce for all your ringers!

God Reigns, Let Earth Be Glad
Playable by either handbells or handchimes, this delightful reproducible collection includes accessible hymn arrangements by five outstanding composers. Published in compatible editions for 2 or 3 octaves and for 3, 4 or 5 octaves, the two editions are compatible for festivals and other massed ringing events. The collection will be excellent for developing choirs as well as more experienced groups who need music they can learn quickly.

Our Welsh Heritage
Share in the great wealth of Welsh hymn tunes! This indispensable volume offers reproducible arrangements of beloved Welsh tunes set by some of today’s most outstanding handbell composers. These tunes are associated with a variety of texts from throughout the church year, making this collection one that you will return to again and again.

Reproducible Rings IV arr. Lloyd Larson
Arranged with the volunteer handbell ringer in mind, these nine hymn settings are quickly learned and ready to perform with limited preparation time. Engaging settings of familiar carols and hymn tunes guarantee broad appeal to both ringers and listeners. Another cost saving “Reproducible” collection from Agape, buy one book and copy all the music for use by your choir.

Find more quality options for your handbell ensembles on our website, or contact us for more recommendations. And remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.