News & Views Friday, March 29, 2024

Kid’s Korner: Fall & Christmas 2017 Friday, October 13, 2017

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists

Involve your youngest singers in worship this fall and Christmas with one of these great anthems for children’s choirs!

FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
celgra-622011305-fA Blessing of Grace arr. Joseph M. Martin
This general anthem can also serve as a wonderful blessing or benediction for any service or program. The imagery encourages spiritual growth in our service as we are connected to the Savior. Easy writing is complemented by a well-crafted optional second part which provides rich harmonies.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Lynn Shaw Bailey & Becki Slagle Mayo
This creative hymn arrangement combines the familiar 3/4 meter of the original with a rhythmic 5/4 meter second verse. A newly written refrain incorporates the optional second part for a nice harmony opportunity. Percussion parts add to the festive quality of the piece.

Come with a Grateful Heart by Lynn Shaw Bailey & Becki Slagle Mayo
New from Lynn Shaw Bailey and Becki Slagle Mayo is a fun, easy-to-learn anthem that will be a hit with your young choristers! Featured in the Choristers Guild “Rote to Note” series, this piece has a memorable refrain and two short stanzas highlighting John 3:16.

Grow Me, Lord by Ruth Elaine Schram
This gentle song of commitment expresses the desire for the Lord to grow and mold us into Christ’s image. Hymnlike in its writing, the optional second part soars in a descant style creating beautiful musical moments. Consider using the flute for a special effect.

leon-512443I’m Gonna Sing arr. Audrey Snyder
Handclaps, spoken refrains, and a dynamic piano accompaniment make this jubilant arrangement of the familiar spiritual a perfect selection for older elementary choirs or choirs of any age. The final verse includes an optional descant that heightens the sense of joy and exuberance found in this rapturous piece.

Thanksgiving to Our God arr. Stan Pethel
Now available for unison or 2-part treble choirs, this gently contemporary anthem truly sounds rich and full. The incorporation of classic words with new lyrics creates a wonderful counterpoint of something old with something new.

This Is the Day by Ken Berg
This cleverly written song gives text options for both general use and Easter. Incorporating the familiar hymn Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him, the song moves along at a joyful pace with syncopated rhythms and a fun melody. It finishes with the combining of optional second and third parts. The percussion adds another layer of creative flavor.

FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
leon-512441All On a Christmas Morning by Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid
This charming anthem invites one and all to join the angel chorus and celebrate the birth of Jesus. A lilting piano accompaniment brings a festive flair to the piece as the choir recounts the joy and wonder of the first Christmas morning. An optional flute part adds to the spirit of merriment and jubilee.

How Great Our Joy arr. Terry D. Taylor
This jazzy Christmas piece is based on a traditional German carol. The optional second part creates tight harmonies while the optional clarinet part adds additional color. Perfect for older children or combined-age choirs.

Somebody’s Talkin’ ‘Bout Jesus arr. Terry D. Taylor
A partner song arrangement of two spirituals, from one of our favorites: Terry D. Taylor. Rhythmic and catchy, your choristers will love the drama of sudden dynamic changes. The text of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” receives a fresh new melodic treatment as the partner tune, making this piece very easy to learn.

For more suggestions for your children’s choir, please contact us. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.

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.


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