News & Views Monday, March 18, 2024

Favorite Jazz Selections 30 July, 2018

recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

sierra-smp269-fVine Street Rumble by Benny Carter, Grade 5
As originally recorded by Count Basie on the Roulette LP (Vogue CD) “Kansas City Suite – the Music of Benny Carter,” this is a medium-up Shuffle feel, with solos for tenor saxophone and piano. The sax section plays the tune in unison while the brass interject those terrific rhythmic figures that Carter wrote so well. Soft, tight ensemble passage swing like crazy and raise the roof when played yet again up an octave and very powerfully. What a joy this one is! Classic Basie!

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy by Josef Zawinul/arr. Phil Wilson, Grade 4.5
As recorded by Buddy Rich on the album of the same name, this ‘fat-back’ rock classic begins with a repeated vamp featuring solo guitar and/or piano before a horn trio — alto, tenor, trumpet – paves the way for the full ensemble entrance. This is high-intensity writing for all, and solo space is reserved for tenor and guitar. A sudden switch to swing in the final bars provides a perfect ending. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.

kendor-64006-fBig Dipper by Thad Jones, Grade 6
This new advanced level edition is taken directly from the original ink parts that were on the stands at the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) debut performance in February 1966 and continues to be played by the group Monday nights at the Village Vanguard in New York City. Originally commissioned by Count Basie for an entire album of Thad Jones’ music, however Basie never made the record, instead suggesting that Thad start his own band. This extended 16-bar blues still maintain that swinging Basie mindset in a straight-ahead blues style. Its basic foundations are a relaxed but powerful rhythm section with a driving ride cymbal beat and crisp hi-hat, underpinning saxes and brass that are tight, and always on the back of the beat.

leon-07010238-fMoanin’ by Charles Mingus/arr. Sy Johnson, Grade 5
This up-tempo swinger has become the signature tune for the Mingus Big Band. It opens with a free-wheeling baritone sax solo and features raucous ensemble passages and group improvisations. You won’t find this chart on any easy-listening radio stations!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco arr. Quincy Jones, Grade 4
Quincy Jones wrote some incredible arrangements on very popular tunes for the Count Basie Orchestra. As recorded on “60’s – This Time By Basie,” Quincy’s arrangement of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” features great interplay between the ensemble (melody) and the piano (solo fills, all written out). There is short solo space for tenor saxophone, and ranges are very moderate. This chart is playable by most any band. A classic!

Moten Swing arr. Ernie Wilkins, Grade 4.5
There have been a lot of published charts on this tune, but this is the original version as played by and recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra. This chart should be in every jazz band library! Wonderful roaring ensemble passages and soft, soft sections which will make your band sparkle. A guaranteed winner.

About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

The Beatles for Baritone Ukulele 27 July, 2018

00236166-wlrecommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

The Beatles for Baritone Ukulele includes 20 classic Beatles songs including “Let It Be,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “Ticket to Ride.” The songs are written with the words in standard notation with chords.  Sometimes, a bari uke part is written in tablature. At the back of this collection, there is a notation legend for the bari uke parts. Check it out, strum or pluck along, and sing your favorite Beatles tunes. While away the summer day and entertain your friends on a lazy afternoon!

For more information about this collection or other baritone ukulele collections, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit the newly redesigned 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.

NEXT WEEK: School Choral Week 2018! 25 July, 2018

Featuring talented clinicians from major publishers, Stanton’s summer choral clinics are a fantastic way to jump-start your school year! We always look forward to visiting with our regular customers, matching up faces with names of new attendees, and meeting teachers new to Stanton’s from across the country.

NEW THIS YEAR: Stanton’s Elementary General Music Clinic and The Joy of Singing for Elementary Choir are now combined into ONE GREAT DAY OF MUSIC! We’ll explore classroom resources, musicals, games, and more from a variety of publishers, and you’ll also preview the best new music and resources for beginning choirs from Hal Leonard!

And, 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.

Mark your calendar for these dates:

Elementary General Music Clinic
(featuring The Joy of Singing for Elementary Choir)
Thursday August 2, 2018 (9:00-4:00)
Clinician: Cristi Cary Miller, John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
THE JOY OF SINGING for Middle & High School Choir
Friday August 3, 2018 (9:00-4:00) Clinicians: John Jacobson, Roger Emerson & Cristi Cary Miller
Stanton’s Super Session
Saturday August 4, 2018 (9:00-4:00)
Clinicians: Andy Beck, Greg Gilpin & Jen Sper

Pre-registration will close on Friday 7/27, but space will be available at the door. For more detailed information regarding any of these clinics, contact the choral department at 1-800-426-8742, extension 1. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Join Us with RANDALL FABER 23 July, 2018

Randall Faber 2018 Photo-1The Power of Technique and Artistry
Friday 8/10/2018 9:30-12:00
Stanton’s Sheet Music, James E. Strouse Workshop Hall, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Registration: FREE

Join Steinway artist, composer and author Dr. Randall Faber for this motivating and educational complimentary workshop. Discover Technique Secrets in harmony with repertoire. Benefit from the rich tapestry of Sight, Sound, Story to inspire confidence and expressive performance at every level.

Special discounts and refreshments will be available. Register for this exciting free session online or by phone at 1.800.426.8742, ext. 3. Come join us for an inspirational morning with one of the nation’s leading performers and teachers of piano!

Dr. Randall Faber has appeared as guest artist at universities throughout North America and Asia, including the Beijing Central Conservatory, the Shanghai Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Canada. He has been Convention Artist for the Music Teachers National Association Conference and master teacher for the World Conference on Piano Pedagogy, National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the Australian Piano Pedagogy Conference and the National Piano Teachers Institute. Faber has given recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia. He has appeared on international television and on public radio in live recital broadcast. Here in the U.S. at the invitation of Steinway, Dr. Faber performed a tribute recital on Horowitz’s own legendary piano, receiving a distinguished service award as a Steinway Artist. Dr. Faber holds three degrees from the University of Michigan and a PH.D. in Education and Human Development from Vanderbilt University. His research on motivation and talent development has been featured in journals and media in South Korea, China, Australia, and at the 9th International Conference on Motivation in Lisbon, Portugal.

Stanton’s E-Tools: Listening Library 20 July, 2018

The amazing staff at Stanton’s knows how valuable your time is. That’s why we try to provide you with as many tools as we can to make choosing music easier, faster and more enjoyable. In this series, we will be profiling our E-tools. Whether you are a local customer here in Columbus, OH or one of our many friends around the world, we hope you will find a way to use our E-tools!

CaptureWhat is the Listening Library?
When you are searching for new music that fits your group, sometimes looking at or even playing through a score is not enough. Music is meant to be heard, not just seen. That is why we have a forever growing number of recordings available in the Stanton’s Listening Library.

The Library files are in an easy-to-use MP3 format and are created from promotional recordings produced by the publishers. Whenever possible, Stanton’s uses the full-length recording, but due to the fact that some tracks were only made available as publisher promotional copies some of the tracks may be excerpted. We are constantly adding to our library, so check back often for updates!

How do I know if Stanton’s has a recording of the piece I’m looking for?
When browsing or searching our main website, you will see a volume icon next to any item that has a recording available. Clicking on that icon will take you to a recording of that piece. Having trouble hearing? Check to make sure that your speakers are turned up and not set to mute, or that your headphones are plugged in.stanton's bar code scanner

Can I access the Listening Library from my smart phone or tablet?
Absolutely! The Stanton’s mobile website is compatible with all tablets and smart phones. Just touch that “Volume” icon to get started. If you download the Stanton’s Barcode Scanner App, you can even use the tablet or phone’s camera to scan the barcode on a piece of music, and you will be immediately directed to that item’s recording. It makes shopping for music (or browsing your own music library) a breeze!

For questions about how to use our Listening Library, please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-42-MUSIC or visit us online or in person!

Click here for more in the Stanton’s E-Tools series!

Six Resources to Protect Your Hearing in Rehearsal 18 July, 2018

Wearing ear plugs is something few performing musicians do. We worry about communication and our effectiveness in playing, so we tend to forgo the plugs – but AFTER experiencing hearing loss is not the time to start worrying about protection. Here are some educational resources to help you protect one of your most valuable musical assets – your hearing!

Excellence in Choral Literature 2018 17 July, 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!

New Rock & Pop Arrangements for Band 16 July, 2018

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

FOR ELEMENTARY BAND
alfred-46616-fFeel It Still arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 1.5
From their album Woodstock, indie band Portugal. The Man has crossed over into the pop charts with this infectious and energetic tune that sat at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs charts for 13 weeks. Your students will love playing this driving and fun arrangement. This selection makes a perfect concert closer!

Short Cuts for Beginning Band Vol. 5 arr. Michael Story, Grade 1
A sure fit for your beginners using just the basics, this suite features Bruno Mars’ “Treasure,” “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III, Camila Cabello’s “Havana,” and closes with “And All That Jazz” from Chicago. Each theme is focused toward a specific instructional objective and is extremely performable. The tunes can be programmed all at once or throughout your school year.

FOR JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
leon-04005416-fSee You Again arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
Featured in the hit movie “Furious 7” and recorded by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, this rock ballad has a memorable melody and nice rhythmic feel. Here is a very effective setting for young band by Johnnie Vinson.

Enter Sandman arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
From heavy metal masters Metallica, this 1991 hit has become a rock standard. Paul’s powerful arrangement for band effectively captures the hard-driving feel of the original.

Ready for It arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2
Taylor Swift is rockin’ the pop charts again with this monster hit from her CD reputation. Here is an effective version for band featuring the gritty opening and catchy melodies.

alfred-46628-fThat’s What I Like arr. Michael Story, Grade 2
Bruno Mars never disappoints with his upbeat, happy tunes, each with a charismatic ear-wig that keeps them coming back for more. This straightforward arrangement meets that standard and is a bold addition to any middle or junior high program. It would be a welcome addition to a high school concert as well. Everyone will enjoy this chart topper on your next performance.

Thinking Out Loud arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2
Recorded by pop sensation Ed Sheeran, this great-sounding arrangement for young players features a moderate rock tempo and the melody skillfully passed around to various sections of the band.

Thunder arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
As suggested by the title, this powerful rock hit from Imagine Dragons has a thundering pulse and strong melodic lines throughout. Nicely adapted here for band by Paul Murtha.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND
alfred-46637-fBruno Mars On Tour arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 3.5
Three of Bruno Mars’s biggest hits are combined in this catchy arrangement including the funky “24K Magic,” the hip-hop style of “That’s What I Like,” and the disco style “Treasure.” With these diverse styles, an opportunity for an introductory solo, and a varied representation of this charismatic mega-artist’s work, it will certainly be a huge hit with your students and audience alike.

Despacito arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Becoming the first YouTube video to hit 4 billion views, Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” also reached the top of the pop charts in over 40 countries. Featuring a blend of Latin pop and urban rhythms, this infectious hit works great in this adaptation for concert band.

Sweet Child O’ Mine arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
This classic rocker from 1987 was featured on the Guns N’ Roses debut album, and became their first #1 chart hit. Still popular 30 years later, this is sure to be a blast from the past for audience members and a fun piece for the band as well.

About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. Besides music, he geeks out on amusement parks, hockey (are 4 hockey podcasts too many?), and all things Pittsburgh. He spends his free time being dad to 2 young children and playing saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.

Easy to Play Worship Songs 13 July, 2018

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

00267812-wlThe Big Note Worship Book contains 20 songs for beginning pianists including “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone),” “10,000 Reasons,” “Lord I Need You,” “Good Good Father” and more. These are great pieces to play on a recital, sing along with, play in Sunday School, or just play for your own enjoyment. The songs are drawn from the contemporary Christian songs being sung currently in worship. Have your young students try this out!

For more about this collection or others for beginning sacred piano music, call us at 1-800-42-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.

Warm Ups for Changing Voices 12 July, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

leon-00215525-fWarm-Ups for Changing Voices by Dan Andersen
As any middle school choir director knows, change is the name of the game! A changing voice is just one of countless physiological and emotional changes that middle school students experience. Knowing the general limits of male and female changing voices, as well as the specific capabilities of your students, are two keys to building healthy-and happy!-middle school singers. This book is an accessible, must-read resource for any middle-school choir director looking to foster stronger, more capable musicians, and offers 25 warm-up exercises along with customized grade-specific tips for using them along with free access to accompanying audio recordings.

About the Author:
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.

NEXT MONTH: Sacred Choral Reading Session 11 July, 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!

Keep Calm and Play On 09 July, 2018

14041916When you’re feeling the pressure, why not take time out to play some of the finest contemporary music? Keep Calm and Play On is a lovely piano collection that brings together 22 calming pieces, including themes from films such as “The Artist,” “Amelie,” “The King’s Speech,” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” as well as compositions from Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, Yiruma, and Zbigniew Preisner. So why not sit down and play some of your favorites? They’ll calm you down and give you fresh energy to face whatever the day brings!

For more information about this collection or other music you are interested in, 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!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi 06 July, 2018

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

Whatever your ensemble’s ability level or instrumentation, Stanton’s can help you find the best “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” music for your concert band!

leon-523655The Rebellion Is Reborn arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 4
From Episode VIII of the Star Wars saga, here is a masterful setting for mature bands. Based on the “concert” edition created by Mr. Williams himself, “The Rebellion is Reborn” brings the excitement and drama of “The Last Jedi” to the symphonic stage.

Soundtrack Highlights from Star Wars: The Last Jedi arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
From the blockbuster movie “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams continues to display his mastery of music for film. This dynamic medley includes poignant new themes along with familiar older melodies as some of our favorite characters return for this episode. Includes “The Rebellion Is Reborn” and “Finale.”

leon-04005457-fSelections from Star Wars: The Last Jedi arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Scored with flexible instrumentation options, here is a beautifully adapted medley of the primary themes from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” You’ll hear dramatic new material along with well-known melodies of your favorite characters. Includes “The Rebellion Is Reborn” and “Finale.”

Music from Star Wars: The Last Jedi arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
Featuring a blend of exciting new themes along with familiar favorites from earlier Star Wars movies, here is a great-sounding medley for young players. Includes “Main Title and Escape,” “The Rebellion Is Reborn,” and “Finale.”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 1.5
Skillfully arranged for second-year players, here is a concise medley of the dramatic music from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Includes “The Rebellion Is Reborn” and “Finale.”

About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. Besides music, he geeks out on amusement parks, hockey (are 4 hockey podcasts too many?), and all things Pittsburgh. He spends his free time being dad to 2 young children and playing saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.

FastTrack Music Instruction 05 July, 2018

leon-00264731-fIf you and your friends want to start a garage band, the FastTrack series is for you! FastTrack method books give you a fast way to learn how to play that new instrument (or the one that’s been sitting in the closet for a few years). They’re designed for the player who wants to learn on their own terms with the help of some user-friendly instruction, professional audio and video examples, and cool music to play along the way.

The Starter Pack for each instrument (Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, and Drums) includes the method book as well as audio and video access online. Each person can work by themselves, then meet up to put the songs together. After the Starter Pack, you can explore the songbooks for even more great songs. It’s time to reignite those rock star dreams!

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

Get Ready for STANTON’S SUPER SESSION! 02 July, 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!