News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Creative Programming: For Middle School Choir 30 April, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

leon-5125331Yundah by Audrey Snyder
Young singers can discover the sights and sounds of the Scottish Hebrides and an ancient chant sung by the people of that remote location. This setting includes original music that frames the chant and creates an atmosphere of imagination and adventure. With Irish flute or any other C instrument.

I Will Sing by Andy Beck
A nature-inspired text reveals beautiful music all around “and 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!

leon-5139711Weevily Wheat arr. Shawn Kirchner
This is an exciting two-part arrangement of a traditional American country dancing song. It is meant to be sung a cappella with optional hand and body percussion parts.

Quem Te Ensinou a Nadar arr. Daisy Fragoso
Infuse your concert program with music of the world with this vibrant setting of a Brazilian playground song. The lyrics in Portuguese are easily learned and playful, translating as “Who taught you how to swim? Was it the little fishes from the sea, sailorman?”

Find more unique options for middle school choirs on our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations. 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.

The Deluxe Tinwhistle Songbook 27 April, 2018

93819recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Compiled by Patrick Conway, The Deluxe Tinwhistle Songbook contains 71 Irish songs and ballads. Standard notation and tab are included for each tune, with ornaments explained and instructions given on how to play them. Merry, fast tunes such as “The Merry Plowboy” are included, as well as pretty ballads such as “Baidin Fheidhilmid” and “The Sally Gardens.” There are also hornpipes, jigs and reels. Chord names are included, so you may persuade a guitar, mandolin or uke playing friend to join you. This collection will keep you happily occupied for some time!

For more information about this or other tin whistle collections, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

World Music for Choir 25 April, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
AhrirangAhrirang arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
An absolutely stunning setting of the beloved Korean folk song which refers to the mountain pass of Ahrirang Hill, often believed to be a symbol of peace, contentment, and personal triumph. Schram’s arrangement is meant to be uplifting and comforting, and the simplicity, repetition, and use of canon allow the beauty of the gorgeous melody to predominate.
Ash Grove
Ash Grove
 arr. Mark Patterson
Patterson offers this endearing setting of the beloved Welsh folk tune featuring a lilting piano accompaniment and the unique aspect of an oboe or clarinet obbligato (both parts are included) to complement this gentle text with the appropriate musical color and warmth. Beautifully conceived and infused with Mark’s typically rich choral textures, this will come to be a consistent concert feature and essential contest repertoire in all voicings.

Capelinha de MelaoCapelinha de Melao arr. Will Lopes
Invigorating vocal percussion and layered harmonies bring life and energy to this Brazilian children’s song that will be an excellent world music addition to concerts in middle school and up. In Portuguese with background information, translation and pronunciation.

Nda WanaNda Wana
 arr. Michael J. Barrett
This piece can be seen as a game. It starts off with a single voice part and as the “game” or song progresses, it becomes more complex. It is accompanied by traditional hand clapping and African drums. The piece has a natural build in dynamic and texture as the music is layered with each new entry. It promises to be an exciting addition to a program.

Shalom AlocheimShalom Aleichem arr. Audrey Snyder
Opening with a sustained and heartfelt solo and violin obbligato, this popular greeting is then presented in Hebrew in a vibrant manner with joyful handclaps and a dance-like rhythm.

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
Tue Tue.jpgTue Tue arr. Ruth Morris Gray
Sung ostinatos join one by one in the opening of this rhythmic arrangement of the authentic Ghanaian folk song. Unison lines, block triads, and a reset of the dynamics in the choral bridge are a blast. Repeated sections make for quick learning and easy memorization.

YundahYundah by Audrey Snyder
Young singers can discover the sights and sounds of the Scottish Hebrides and an ancient chant sung by the people of that remote location. This setting includes original music that frames the chant and creates an atmosphere of imagination and adventure.

FOR TREBLE VOICES
Alle Meine KleiderAlle Meine Kleider arr. Christi Jones
This German folk song is both novel and accessible for the developing treble choir. German or English, any way they sing it, treble ensembles are sure to sound superb! (Don’t forget to take advantage of the recording of the spoken German).

Shut De Do - WomenShut De Do arr. Greg Gilpin
Randy Stonehill’s familiar and well-known song sounds and feels as if it has always been a part of the folk song or spiritual genre. This a cappella setting uses optional percussion and is designed for easy learning to create an atmosphere of musical accomplishment, especially for smaller and younger choruses. Repetition is a key component but the addition of solo opportunities, key changes and a creative B section lifts this to a level that will appeal to choirs of all sizes and experience. A wonderful programming choice that will become a favorite year after year.

Weevily WheatWeevily Wheat arr. Shawn Kirchner
This is an exciting two-part arrangement of a traditional American country dancing song. It is meant to be sung a cappella with optional hand and body percussion parts. This is a hoot to sing and a hoot for the listeners.

FOR MEN’S VOICES
BabethandazaBabathandaza arr. Victor C. Johnson
Exuding sizzling, rhythmic energy, this traditional South African folk song arrangement is a multicultural programming winner! The only accompanying instruments are Shakers, Djembe, and Hand Drum which add authentic texture and flavor. It is easily learned in any voicing due to the independence of parts and repetitive style.

Mairi's WeddingMairi’s Wedding arr. Drew Collins
This delightful reel, traditionally sung and played at Scottish weddings, is toe-tappin’ fun! From the opening unison statement until the final chord, men’s ensembles can explore drama and healthy singing.

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 across the country, and she spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.

25th Annual EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE 23 April, 2018

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to announce our 25th annual Excellence in Choral Literature Clinic!

EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE
Saturday 8/25/2018, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music, James E. Strouse Workshop Hall, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
REGISTRATION: $20

This session, led by James Gallagher (Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University), is designed to help you select concert and contest literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and men’s choirs at all levels of difficulty. Your registration fee includes a complimentary packet of over 30 titles.

In honor of this session’s 25th anniversary, we will also be presenting selected quality titles from previous years highlighting the great depth of valuable literature found on the Excellence Clinic lists.

Come join us to discover beautiful music and share ideas with colleagues and friends!

Registration is NOW OPEN! For more information, please contact us by email, or call us at 1.800.426.8742. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Ukulele For All 20 April, 2018

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

kg1t.jpgUkulele For All is an exciting new ukulele method from Kjos Music Company. The Teacher Edition is filled with effective solutions for establishing the ultimate ukulele learning environment. This richly informative volume gives educators everything they need to teach ukulele successfully. The Teachers Edition also offers comprehensive guidance on achieving curricular alignment with the National Core Arts Standards.

Student books employ unique classroom-tested pedagogy to progress from one chord to five. Engaging interactive Practice Studio video and audio make it easy for students to experience hands-on instrumental performance. Informative text, photos and graphics accelerate learning, and notation of all melody lines in both tablature and standard notation means students can sing or play the tunes right from the start. Historic and multicultural repertoire and correlated facts enhance a standards-based curriculum. This is a great course to learn to play a fun instrument, and a fun course to teach!

For more information, call us at 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

The Developing Classical Singer 18 April, 2018

recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal Music Specialist

leon-520364The Developing Classical Singer was compiled from the rich choices in the Boosey & Hawkes catalogue, with songs in English by British and American composers. The selection of songs is for the teenage voice, or an early level collegiate singer, or an adult amateur taking voice lessons.

The songs were chosen with some specific issues in mind: vocal ranges that are not extreme, and musical challenges that are manageable for a singer at this level. Beyond art song, also included are folksong arrangements, such as those by Aaron Copland and Benjamin Britten, which are fully composed in the spirit of an art song, designed for a classical voice.

There are different compilations for each voice type: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor and Baritone. Some cornerstone songs are in all volumes, because of their beauty and appropriateness for any voice. These include Britten’s “O Waly, Waly;” Ireland’s “Spring Sorrow;” Britten’s realization of Purcell’s “I attempt from love’s sickness to fly;” Quilter’s “Weep you no more;” and Vaughan Williams’ “Bright is the ring of words.” Original keys of the songs were considered, but since nearly every composer of art song is not opposed to transposition, original keys were not a confining factor in which volume a song lands.

Each volume also provides suggested pedagogical reasons for assigning each selection, such as vocal agility, breath support for a long phrase, building an expressive legato phrase, expanding vocal range, dynamic contrasts, sensitively expressing poetry, building musicianship, and personality and storytelling.

Find more vocal music on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
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.

Join Us with LLOYD LARSON This Summer! 17 April, 2018

Stanton’s is pleased to welcome back Lloyd Larson as our clinician for the August Church Choral Music reading session, and we invite you to join us at Overbrook Presbyterian Church (4131 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214) on Saturday August 11, 2018.

Lloyd Larson earned a B.A. from Anderson University of Anderson, Indiana in 1976 and a M.C.M. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky in 1979. He has done additional graduate work at Southern Baptist Seminary, The Ohio State University, and Northern Baptist Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

lloyd larsonSince 1982, Lloyd has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church and school music. His compositions and arrangements include well over 1,500 published works – including choral anthems, numerous extended Christmas, Easter and non‑seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal solo and duet collections, instrumental works for solo and ensembles, orchestrations, and handbell settings. The resulting notoriety has placed him in constant demand as a clinician throughout North America. It is Lloyd’s work in his local church that continues to be the catalyst for much of his writing. He currently directs the adult choir in his home church in addition to being involved in worship planning and leadership.

Your registration for the clinic includes a packet of over 35 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. We look forward to seeing you on August 11th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.

Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday 8/11/2018, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Overbrook Presbyterian Church
4131 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214
Cost: $25.00 (There is no pre-registration; you may register at the door beginning at 8:30)
email our choral department for more details

Sacred Piano Reading Session
also featuring Lloyd Larson
Saturday 8/11/2018, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music
330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Cost: $5.00 (There is no pre-registration; you may register at the door beginning at 1:30)
email our keyboard department for more details

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

New for FULL ORCHESTRA 16 April, 2018

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist

Are you lucky enough to have a Full Orchestra at your school? Don’t miss these outstanding new Full Orchestra titles for the 2017-2018 school year from Grade 2.5 to Grade 4!

alfred-45891-fDance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli/arr. Richard Meyer, Grade 2.5
Your orchestra will love the chance to play these ever-popular tunes from Ponchielli’s opera La Gioconda, as arranged by Richard Meyer. Instantly recognizable to any audience, this arrangement retains the sound of the original and gives students a chance to develop the variety of techniques needed to perform two very different styles of dance music. The key has been changed (from E major to G major) and the time signature simplified (from 4/8 to 4/4), but none of the fun is missing!

Symphony #8, 1st Movement by Franz Schubert/arr. Richard Meyer, Grade 2.5
Treat your students to one of the most-loved symphonic movements ever written by a master of the classical style in this Richard Meyer arrangement of Symphony No.8, Mvt. 1, known as the “Unfinished.” All of Franz Schubert’s unforgettably melodious themes are present, and the composer’s imaginative orchestration has been carefully preserved. A must for any young symphonic orchestra!

master-50200041-fLegacy by Robert Longfield, Grade 3
This outstanding original work in D minor exists for both band and full orchestra. It is rich, full, and vibrant, with exciting parts for all players.

Northumbrian Suite arr. Ian David Coleman, Grade 3.5
Folk songs have a long and mysterious history. Their origins are unknown; they have come down to us mainly through an oral tradition passed from generation to generation. Many of the folk songs we have come to know and love are rooted in the ancient region of northern England and southern Scotland known as Northumbria. The three folk songs in this suite reflect this vibrant, wild and deeply historic region. Includes When the Boat Comes In; Dives and Lazarus and The Keel Row.

Suite from Hamilton arr. Jerry Brubaker, Grade 3.5
Hamilton is a musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, with music, lyrics, and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda and others. In 2016, it was nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards®, winning 11 (including Best Musical), and was also the recipient of the 2016 GRAMMY AWARD® for Best Musical Theater Album and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Jerry Brubaker has chosen six of the most musical selections from the show to use in this arrangement, including “You’ll Be Back,” “Helpless,” “My Shot,” “Dear Theodosia,” “It’s Quiet Uptown,” and “One Last Time.” Experience the beauty and excitement of this amazing musical!

master-a8633-fThe Summer Knows by Michael LeGrand/arr. Mike Lewis, Grade 4
Lush, vibrant, and beautiful, this arrangement of the theme from the film Summer of ’42 will be the perfect addition to your program.

Find more for full orchestra on our website, or contact us at 1.800.426.8742 for personalized recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Dan C. has worked at Stanton’s since 1979, primarily with orchestra music and print promotions. A “working” musician, he’s a classical cellist, a rock & jazz bassist and a folk & country guitarist/singer. His free time is spent with family or reading, gardening, cycling and working puzzles. His series of musical puzzles (RP3 Rebus Puzzle Picture People) can be found on the Stanton’s Facebook page each Sunday. He also has a reputation as a pretty good joke teller. Seriously.

Andrew Lloyd Webber for Classical Guitar 13 April, 2018

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

00238997-wlAndrew Lloyd Webber for Classical Guitar contains 22 hit songs from nine Broadway shows. The arrangements are nicely done for classical guitar, and are on an intermediate difficulty level.

Tablature is included, written on the line below the standard notation. Any of the pieces would be suitable for a recital or for background music at a dinner event. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to The Phantom of the Opera (1986), there are familiar songs from familiar musicals, sure to please the guitarist who plays either for personal enjoyment or for an audience of any size!

For more information about this collection, or other classical guitar music, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

Stranger Than Fiction: TRUE Stanton’s Stories 11 April, 2018

Music-Headerrespectfully compiled by Dan C., Stanton’s Resident Jokester

As a retail sheet music store open to the public with a popular website, Stanton’s is often the source for some humorous, true music stories. So, we would like to poke some good-natured fun at ourselves, our customers (teachers, students, and parents) and the publishers with whom we do business – in other words, our fallible, fellow musicians.

Interview-questions-square-image-1024x768Parents and school secretaries who are non-musicians often try their best with titles that they have been requested to order, but they sometimes fall short.
– “I need a book for my daughter. I think it’s called 100% Sonnets…” (It turned out to be Strictly Classics.)
– A secretary, trying to read a band director’s handwriting requested the Jillian Bird State (William Byrd Suite) when she typed a purchase order.
– We’ve had requests for Sound Interventions as well as Sound Invocations (Sound Innovations); Bach Partishas for unaccompanied violin (Bach Partitas); Rubank Intermittent Method and the Intermediate Rubonic Book (Rubank Intermediate Method)

Other twisted pronunciations of titles include: Rice or Care (Ricercare), Ah-Zer-Ree Skies (Azure Skies), Canzona Amma-Bile (Canzona Amabile), Watch it off (Wachet Auf), Well Tempered Clavical (Well Tempered Clavier), The Virtue of a Pianist (The Virtuoso Pianist), Bach Interventions and even Baja Invasions (Bach Inventions), 24 Italian Part Songs (24 Italian Songs and Arias), The Anthropology of Country Music (The Anthology of Country Music), Bach and Beforehand (Bach and Before), Mitteral Book 1 (Muller-Rusch Book 1), For Elaine (Fur Elise), and the inevitable Taco Bell Canon and believe it or not, Conkle Shell Canon (Pachelbel Canon). And we hope the band director who asked for Quick Toxic Episode (Quixotic Episode) wasn’t looking for some fast acting poison!

professor-questions-100-leftForeign titles and publishers’ names can be tricky sometimes, but when a doctoral vocal performance candidate asked for Dye-for-Ell (Die Forelle by Schubert) we had to shake our heads in dismay. A customer with a deep Southern drawl requested a choir piece he was sure was published by Swanee (Shawnee) Press. Then there was the student who wanted a solo, but it had to be the Fuzzy Mohawk edition – turns out it was Boosey & Hawkes. We still call them Fuzzy Mohawk here at the store just because it’s fun!

Composer’s names often trip people up as well. We’ve had requests for The Swan by Saint Dawns (Saint-Saens) and pieces written by Charles Sorry (Sayre) and John Cavacas (Cacavas) and Jay Boocock (Bocook). Then there was a piano teacher who asked a friend to pick up some music for her. The list included To a Wild Rose by Grieg (actually it’s MacDowell) and Pictures at an Exhibition by Bartok (actually it’s Moussorgsky). Violin teachers will tell students to get “the Wohlfahrt book” (there are 24 of them) or “the Sevcik book” (there are 60 of them) with no other information – they’ve used the book for so many years, they have forgotten the actual title! Publishers get into the act as well. We had to smile when a publisher’s invoice truncated a title to read “Lip Flexibilities for All Bras” (Brass). Then there was a young publisher representative on the phone who couldn’t find a listing for Sue Satto, not realizing it was Tielman Susato; but hey, he was new at the company and a jazz drummer, so he could be forgiven.

We’ve had requests for Toots (Etudes), Reebs (Reeds – including flute reebs) and Wands… “Do you have wands? You know, director’s wands?” Aah…batons!

In the “I should have been a dentist since I’ve pulled so many teeth” Department:
An actual phone conversation…
“Do you have the book, Lessons for Beginning Violin? I see it on your website.”
Type-type-type “I can’t find that title on our system. Do you still have it up on your screen?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s the catalog number?”
“14031441”
Type-type-type…
Real title: Step One: Teach Yourself Violin
Nowhere on the book does it say Lessons for Beginning Violin.
Sigh!

An actual in-store conversation…
“Do you have Suzuki string books?”
“Yes – do you need violin, viola, cello, or bass?”
“Uh, Volume 6”
“Okay – for violin, viola, cello, or bass?”
“Uh – piano accompaniment.”
“All right – for violin, viola, cello or bass?!?”
(Is there an echo in here?)

These scenarios could almost be frightening if you didn’t keep your sense of humor. The subject line from an email maybe sums it up the best. The writer was needing information on Stanton’s Church Choral Reading Clinic and the subject line read “Scared Music Reading Session.”

About the Author:
Dan C. has worked at Stanton’s since 1979, primarily with orchestra music and print promotions. A “working” musician, he’s a classical cellist, a rock & jazz bassist and a folk & country guitarist/singer. His free time is spent with family or reading, gardening, cycling and working puzzles. His series of musical puzzles (RP3 Rebus Puzzle Picture People) can be found on the Stanton’s Facebook page each Sunday. He also has a reputation as a pretty good joke teller. Seriously.

SUPER SESSION This Summer! 10 April, 2018

ss logoStanton’s Super Session
Saturday 8/4/2018, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 South Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
REGISTRATION: $60.00 (includes lunch)

Do you need to put a little “spark” in your choral program? Is there just too much new music out there for you to review? Join us for a fun, enriching day of music education with Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin, and Stanton’s own Jen Sper featuring music from Alfred Publications, Shawnee Press, Choristers Guild, Heritage Music Press, and other choral publishers. Nowhere else will you find such a variety of new choral selections and teaching resources to inspire and motivate you and your students as you begin the school year.

NEW THIS YEAR: We’re excited to host ALL of our valuable School Choral Week sessions this year at our store in downtown Columbus Ohio! There’s no better destination for music, and you’ll love being able to explore all the resources that Stanton’s has to offer.

Visit our previous post for information on how to choose the Stanton’s session that is best for you. 

Registration is NOW OPEN! Call us at 1.800.42.MUSIC for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

First 50 Folk Songs You Should Play on the Guitar 09 April, 2018

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

00235868-wlThe collection First 50 Folk Songs You Should Play on the Guitar is a great blend of styles for a beginning guitar player. There are sacred songs such as “Amazing Grace,” “Down By the Riverside,” and “This Little Light of Mine”; there are Western songs including “Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Some Appalachian songs are represented, like “The Crawdad Song,” “Worried Man Blues,” and “Cindy.” There is even a nod given to the Child Ballads with “Matty Groves” and “Barbara Allen.”

Tablature is written out under the standard notation so the player can play the melody, and each song has the guitar chord grids for quick reference.  Most songs are in the keys of C and G, with a few in D or A. This is a perfect collection for sing-alongs, and just fun to play and sing by yourself!

For more information about this collection or others like it, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

Like Dust I Rise 06 April, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper & Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

Maya Angelou is perhaps one of the most well-known and loved American poets and civil rights activists, and her words have now been set to song. Mark Hayes has created Still I Rise (A Choral Song Cycle), and each piece (arranged for SATB, SSAA, and TTBB) can be performed individually or as a 12-minute song cycle.

On the Pulse of MorningOn the Pulse of Morning
“In 1993, Maya Angelou recited “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and the first female poet to deliver an inaugural recitation. Subsequently, Angelou’s audio recording of this poem won a Grammy Award for “Best Spoken Word” in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding “See Me Rise” choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance.

Caged BirdCaged Bird
“Caged Bird” is a folk-like setting of perhaps Maya Angelou’s most recognized poem, which compares a bird’s longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom.

EqualityEquality
“Equality” is written in the contemporary, gospel-style serving as a choral anthem for equal rights which includes a confident solo voice to deliver the determined message. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues into the closing movement of “Like Dust I Rise.” When the piece is performed separately, Hayes has written an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.

Still I RiseStill I Rise
“Still I Rise” is one of Angelou’s most popular poems about triumph over adversity. This vivid setting by Mark Hayes features a bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs to perfectly embody Angelou’s strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time!”

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 United States and spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.

Together We Are! 04 April, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral Music Specialists

Send your graduating seniors off with music with one of these new choral titles, perfect for spring concerts, graduation, or baccalaureate ceremonies!

lorenz-15_3431h-fDeep Peace I Send to You by Douglas E. Wagner
“Deep peace of a soft white dove to you; Deep peace of a quiet rain; Deep peace of the ebbing wave to you. Deep peace I send to you.” This incredibly beautiful and heartrending setting of a precious text by William Sharp makes an especially effective concert closer or encore.

You Will Be Found (from Dear Evan Hansen) arr. Mac Huff
The powerful Act I closer from the Broadway hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen” explores the complexities of social connectivity and our need for respect and love. A perfect choral showcase for pop and concert choirs!

Stand By Me (with Lean On Me) arr. Kirby Shaw
Two top inspirational songs of the 60s and 70s are seamlessly paired in this setting that will lift your singers to new heights. Fantastic closer or graduation selection!

allian-amp1034-fTogether We Are! by Brian Tate
Featuring a fun gospel feel, straightforward harmonic writing, and text about togetherness and community, this accessible, up-tempo piece is the perfect concert closer.

We’ll Meet Again arr. Roger Emerson
This song, one of the most famous of the World War II era, was reprised on the last broadcast of “The Colbert Report” by Stephen Colbert and an assembled crowd of many of his most prominent guests. A great concert closer or graduation selection!

Find more graduation options on our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations for your ensemble. 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.

THE JOY OF SINGING 2018 02 April, 2018

Stanton’s is thrilled to announce The Joy of Singing 2018, featuring the best new music from Hal Leonard! We’re especially excited to host ALL of our valuable School Choral Week sessions this year at our store in downtown Columbus Ohio! There’s no better destination for music, and you’ll love being able to explore all the resources that Stanton’s has to offer.

THE JOY OF SINGING: Middle & High School Choir
Friday 8/3/2018, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 South Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
REGISTRATION: $60 (includes lunch)
New music appropriate for the middle/high school choral singing level (2-part, 3-part mixed, SAB, and SATB). Includes choreography and two spotlight sessions on specific areas.

Our clinicians this year will be John Jacobson, Roger Emerson, and Cristi Cary Miller. Each director will receive a packet of complimentary booklets containing complete editions of arrangements suitable for both school and community choirs. You’ll have ample time to browse Stanton’s store and chat with the clinicians throughout the day.

Visit our previous post for information on how to choose the Stanton’s session that is best for you.

Registration is NOW OPEN – contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!