Creative Programming: For Elementary Choir Monday, March 19, 2018
recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists
This spring, feature your elementary choir with some of these fun octavos, perfect for young singers in grades 3-6!
Music for Children Choral Suite I by Carl Orff/arr. Susan Brumfield
Three short selections from the Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children combine to create a delightful choral suite for children’s chorus. Perform with piano or the original Orff accompaniments, it includes: “Girls and Boys Come Out To Play,” “Cradle Song,” and “Dance Lassie Do.” Perfect for bridging between classroom singing and ensemble singing!
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Paul Busselberg
“A Child’s Garden of Verses” is a lovely set of songs with texts by Robert Louis Stevenson, set by Paul Busselberg with 4-hand piano. Vocally accessible for young singers, but sophisticated enough for older choirs, as well.
In The Swing, rising and falling melodic lines and airy accompaniment express the exhilaration found in swinging. Where Go the Boats? uses somber harmonies and a pensive melody to capture the sentiment of time passing. Exuberant and joyful, Singing makes for a rousing finish to a set or concert.
Always Sing Your Song by Victor C. Johnson
The life-giving power of music is beautifully expressed in this original piece for young voices. Commissioned by the Texas Music Educators Association, it is easy to teach and fun to learn. A perfect end-of-year sentiment!
Ezekiel Saw the Wheel arr. Mary Lynn Lightfoot
Looking for a fun, creative programming contrast to add some sparkle and zest to your next concert? This lively, spirited setting of the traditional spiritual is certain to fit the bill. Complete with handclaps and snaps, young and developing choirs are certain to enjoy this playful and engaging arrangement.
Antiphonal Gloria by Cristi Cary Miller
Joyful Latin phrases echo back and forth in this spirited original work for young singers. Well-written melodies combine in logical style building to a buoyant final descant making this an excellent selection for festival concerts.
Find more options for young singers on our website, or contact us for personalized suggestions. 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.