Kid’s Korner: Fall & Christmas 2018 Wednesday, October 10, 2018
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
Involve your youngest singers in worship this fall and Christmas with one of these great anthems for children’s choirs!
FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
Dem Bones arr. Audrey Snyder
Amusing and fun, this arrangement of the popular African American spiritual incorporates spoken refrains and entertaining percussion instruments that bring to life the story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones. The final refrain includes an optional 2nd voice part that moves the piece to a spirited, joyous conclusion.
Jonah arr. Daniel Mattix
Hear the biblical story of Jonah like never before with this jazzy, energetic rendition from Daniel Mattix! This lively anthem for unison choirs provides the perfect opportunity to explore unison singing in minor keys, and the ending offers a dynamic optional three-part divisi conclusion.
Joshua! arr. Joe Milton & Wally Minko
A soulful, fresh take on the story of Joshua from OpenHeart Musicals composer Kimberly Ingram. “You’ve heard about the battle of Jericho, but just what do we really know?” This fun anthem takes a close look at the main character, Joshua, highlighting his unwavering trust in God. The theatrical B section incorporates rhythmic speech, while an optional three-part split on the final refrain allows more advanced choirs to showcase their versatility.
The Lord Is My Shepherd by Cindy Berry
This graceful setting of Psalm 23 by Cindy Berry is filled with variety and fresh perspective. Gentle syncopation, complementary piano accompaniment, and optional harmony notes at the close, plus careful writing for children’s voices, make this a must-have for your repertoire.
Now Thank We All Our God arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
This hymn arrangement for unison or two-part voices by Ruth Elaine Schram pairs the familiar tune, Nun Danket, with a new counter-melody, providing a great opportunity to introduce part-singing to young choirs. Highlights include a fully-supportive accompaniment and vocals well-crafted for young singers.
With a Joyful Noise by Ruth Elaine Schram
Based upon Psalm 100, this cheerful anthem by Ruth Elaine Schram sings of God’s praise and service. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year, it includes an easily-learned, buoyant melody for unison voices. The incorporation of an optional second part adds harmonic contrast and variety.
FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Carols Sing, Praises Bring by Terry D. Taylor
Terry Taylor has composed a joyful, appealing Christmas anthem for unison or two-part treble voices with supportive accompaniment. The bell-like melody of the primary theme is contrasted beautifully in a legato B section. Joyful!
Christmas Songs of Peace arr. Joseph M. Martin
The wonder and awe of the first Christmas night permeates this medley of three treasured carols perfect for Christmas Eve or any Christmas worship occasion. Fitting for children, youth, and adult choirs, the medley includes “Away In a Manger,” “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly,” and “Silent Night, Holy Night.”
Light of Hope (A Trilogy for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany) by Mark Patterson
The “Light of Hope” trilogy from Mark Patterson is a wonderful way to begin the church year with your children’s choir or small adult choir. This trilogy includes short anthems for the first three seasons of the church year: an Advent piece anticipating the light of Christ, a Christmas piece celebrating the birth of the promised Savior, and an Epiphany round compelling all to share Christ’s light with the world. Each anthem includes parts for 4 or 5 handbells or handchimes. A must-have for your choral library!
Shepherds, Awake! by Mark Patterson
This delightful Christmas anthem weaves together new words with the familiar carol text, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.” Easy syncopation in the voices and piano combines with optional flute and percussion to create a light calypso feel that makes this piece a unique, fun selection for Christmas worship or concert presentations.
For more suggestions for your children’s choir, please contact us. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.
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.