NEW for Fall Concert: Middle School Choir Wednesday, August 23, 2017
recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists
Are you back to school yet? Let Stanton’s help you get your year started off on the right foot, with some great new repertoire for your ensembles – today, here are our top choices for MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS:
FOR 3-PART MIXED & SAB CHOIRS
All Days Are Nights by Ruth Morris Gray
Shakespeare’s brilliance in crafting clever inventive poetry is demonstrated in his Sonnet 43. The beautiful love poem is a powerhouse of teaching and is set just as brilliantly for choral singing that is full of emotion, dynamic interest and interpretation of text. A stunning work for developing choirs.
I Will Sing by Andy Beck
A nature-inspired text reveals that beautiful music is all around “if you listen closely,” even inside of yourself. Andy’s craftsmanship and artistic fingerprint is evident throughout from the sparkling piano introduction and hushed opening phrase, to the memorable refrain, ascending bridge, and most surprising finish. Not to be missed!
What Do the Stars Do? by Victor C. Johnson
A delicate piano introduction leads the listener to an elegant setting of Christina Rossetti’s inquisitive poem. Well-conceived voice leading makes the fully realized choral harmony beautifully singable, and each voice part gets a turn with the celestial melody. Text painting, lyrical lines, warm suspensions, emotional range it’s all here, ready to amaze audiences and adjudicators.
FOR 2-PART CHOIRS
Cantamos! (We Sing!) by James DesJardins
A lively piece for two-part treble voices, “Cantamos!” celebrates the power of singing while its spicy accompaniment moves every line forward in a lively dance until the very last “Sing!”
Et In Terra Pax by Victor C. Johnson
This heartfelt and poignant setting of the traditional Latin: And on earth, peace, features soaring melodies and rich harmonies, leading to a reflective, quiet ending. It is equally appropriate for school or church use throughout the year, especially for peace-themed events. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Four by Foster (Medley) arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid
This delightful choral montage of Stephen Foster songs is full of humor and fun. A wonderful addition to your programming and introduction to the history and culture of America! Songs include: Oh, Susanna; The Glendy Burk; My Old Kentucky Home; Camptown Races. With violin.
FOR 3-PART TREBLE & SSA CHOIRS
Goin’ Home on a Cloud arr. Cristi Cary Miller
Opening expressively with a solo, this spiritual favorite moves then forward into a brisk tempo that will showcase developing SSA choirs with style! Well-written vocal parts and a supportive accompaniment make this appealing for middle through high school treble choirs.
FOR BOYS CHOIRS
Keep a-Goin’ by Paul David Thomas
Men’s ensembles will enjoy learning this uplifting song which is full of lively rhythms, toe-tapping fun, and accessible ranges. With lyrics that encourage the singer to persevere no matter what challenges lay ahead, this song is about an overall positive outlook on life.
Find more Stanton’s Signature Selections on our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations for YOUR ensemble! And remember – 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.
