Creative Programming: For Festival Choirs Thursday, February 01, 2018
recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR HIGH SCHOOL
Kuimba Nafsi Yangu by Jacob Narverud
“Kuimba Nafsi Yangu” is a celebratory song derived from the following common Swahili phrases of joy, “Sing my soul, sing my heart. Sing for peace, sing for joy. There is so much love here, yes!” Intended as a concert opener or closer, this spirited piece is pure energy from start to finish as the piano and djembes drive the momentum forward while the choir sings in call and response.
Let All the World in Every Corner Sing by Ryan Murphy
A dynamic and bombastic setting of this well-loved text. The piano accompaniment is exciting and supportive, and the vocal writing is straightforward, making this a great selection for honor choirs and festivals. Orchestral accompaniment and a version for brass, organ, and percussion also available.
Nine Hundred Miles arr. René Clausen
This lovely folk melody is beautifully set by René Clausen. Utilizing the haunting quality of the clarinet to embellish the melancholy text, this simple folk song becomes the centerpiece of any choral concert. The clarinet part is included in the back of the octavo.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Never Give Up! by Rollo Dilworth
“
Never Give Up!” is a positive anthem written for SATB and Piano. “This piece is a perfect example of the impact and power of music in the lives of our youth today. Their words in tandem with Dr. Dilworth’s music make this a perfect piece (a positive anthem of sorts) for today’s middle and high school students.”
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Just One Heart by Jim Papoulis
Drawing from a simple idea, that reaching even just one heart can be a very powerful gesture, here is the positive message in music that we have come to expect in the music of Jim Papoulis. World rhythms, optional percussion and positive lyrics make this a great selection for young people.
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.