“On the Shoulders of Giants” Monday, December 18, 2017
recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists
Ready to start planning for your elementary spring musical? Here are some exciting new options for all grade levels!
On the Shoulders of Giants by John Jacobson & Mac Huff
Suggested for Grades 4-8
Performance time: about 35 minutes
In the words of Sir Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Join us as we pay tribute to leaders and heroes who have come before us and paved our way so we can live as we do today. Ben Franklin – author, inventor, scientist, diplomat – there’s nothing he can’t do! At the ‘great invention convention,’ learn about the contributions of Alexander Graham Bell, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and George Washington Carver. Others were statesmen, literary giants, artists, teachers, soldiers, doctors, and those who worked for civil and human rights – Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mandela and more – in their march for freedom. See how one child can change the world. It’s time to stand tall! Be a giant; be a dreamer!
Rock Around the 50s by John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
Suggested for Grades 4-8
Performance time: about 25 minutes
Hello Baaaaaaaby! Get ready to rock around the clock with songs and interesting fun facts from the era of sock hops, Elvis and doo-wop. These easily-produced Express Musicals are perfect for a short program in the spring or fall, community outreach events, or as part of a larger program. Short narrations for up to 23 speakers set up the songs.
Two for the Show by Sally K. Albrecht
Suggested for Grades K-4
Performance time: about 30 minutes (both combined)
These charming mini-musicals make a perfect pair for primary-aged students! Both of the traditional folk tales are told with brief unison songs and short scenes (featuring a small cast of characters plus up to 25 narrators). Minimal rehearsal time, few props, creative costume pieces, and a simple set make for no fuss in-class or on-the-stage productions. Whether you present them separately or as a set, your youngest performers will shine as adorable farm animals, fluffy forest creatures, or the territorial “mean and nasty” troll.
Find more creative choices for your young students on our website, or contact us for more ideas! 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.
