News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

NEW Drumming & Percussion Resources 30 November, 2018

lorenz-525029recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialist

Buckets to Body Percussion by Mark Burrows
Percussion brings a ton of excitement to the music classroom, but there are also obstacles like cost and storage space. This book solves it all, eliminating as many challenges as possible so you and your students can enjoy the endless possibilities of percussion in the classroom. Recommended for Grades 3-6.

Easy Buckets by Mark Shelton
Start bucket drumming today! These easy grooves are a great way to teach bucket basics. They also work as warm-up exercises for bucket ensembles that are already cooking. Inside this book, you’ll find 30 simple grooves and two easy ensembles, along with a concise tutorial. Set up some pails, hand over some sticks, pass out the parts, and let the bucket grooves begin! Recommended for Grades 3-6.

lorenz-525028Percussion Parade by Artie Almeida
Welcome to the wonderful world of non-pitched percussion! These instruments are affordable and accessible, students love them, and they are so good at introducing and reinforcing important concepts like beat competency, timbre, tempo, and dynamics. Artie Almeida applies her signature style to non-pitched percussion, making every lesson in this book both rigorous and joyful. Bring the parade to your classroom, and take advantage of tons of great new teaching ideas along with beautiful visual aids, helpful videos, and step-by-step instructions that make every lesson successful. Recommended for Grades K-6.

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.

Christmas Carols for Ocarina 28 November, 2018

00277990-wlrecommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Christmas Carols for Ocarina contains 30 Christmas songs for 12-hole ocarina, including “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and many more. It’s amazing how the ocarina has been catching on. Stanton’s now has five books for ocarina – one method book for those learning to play, and four solo song books. This Christmas book is the fifth collection to arrive! So pick up this book, get your ocarina, build a fire in the fireplace, then sit back and play away. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

For more information about those other ocarina books, 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.

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 27 November, 2018

alfred-47182-frecommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

A modern holiday classic, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” has been a winter concert staple for years. With choral arrangements for SATB, 3-part mixed, 2-part, and TBB, almost any ensemble can bring the Grinch’s miserly humbug to the stage!

New this year for the accomplished a cappella ensemble:

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch arr. Jamey Ray, SATB a cappella
Check out this electrifying arrangement about everyone’s favorite holiday villain as performed by a cappella group and YouTube sensation Voctave. A bass soloist (or a few guys) takes center stage, singing over a smooth choral background of jazzy chords and riffs. Clever rhythmic touches and fun articulations add plenty of vocal interest in all voice parts. Terrific!

Check out Voctave’s exciting performance below, contact us for more novelty holiday suggestions, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.

Tuned In 26 November, 2018

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

fjh-bb212cs-fTuned In: A Comprehensive Approach to Band Intonation by Brian Balmages & Robert Herrings
Good intonation is one of the most important foundations of music. This book includes a downloadable set of drones in every key for use in combination with the exercises provided. Playing with drones helps musicians better understand pitch tendencies and further develops the ear.

“Tuned In” contains comprehensive studies in every major and minor key featuring:
• Chromatic Intervals
• Interval Tuning
• Chorales that isolate the same pitch in every section
• Drone exercises in major and minor
• Descending triad exercises that explore major, minor and diminished chords

All major and minor scales with suggested drone pitches are included (or use the downloadable option), as well as over 30 chorales with block chord studies.

Several recommended tuning notes for every instrument provide a complete picture of intonation via whole instrument tuning, and whole section and whole band tuning chorales allow you to get a quick snapshot of your band’s intonation and instantly hear any sections that are out of tune!

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio. His iPod ranges from jazz to classic and alternative rock, symphonies, and classic songs from Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His interests include comic books, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, football and hockey (especially the Steelers and Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.

Boosey & Hawkes Opera Anthology 23 November, 2018

recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal and Handbell Music Specialist

The Boosey & Hawkes Opera Anthology series is a landmark publication which collects arias and role excerpts from operas by John Adams, Benjamin Britten, Carlisle Floyd, Richard Strauss, and many other composers published by Boosey & Hawkes. Each volume includes extensive plot notes and translations. Many of the selections have never been published outside the complete vocal score of an opera, making this series a uniquely valuable source. Some of this literature is well-known around the world, but among the contents are many wonderful and intriguing pieces which are less often encountered. Besides opera auditions, a majority of the arias are rich material for recitals or concerts.

leon-529680SOPRANO/COLORATURA: John Adams: DOCTOR ATOMIC: Am I in your light? • NIXON IN CHINA: I don’t daydream • I am the wife of Mao Tsetung • Dominick Argento: THE BOOR: The Widow’s Aria • CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING: Though absent from these ears and eyes • MISS HAVISHAM’S FIRE: I see in you a looking glass • POSTCARD FROM MOROCCO: Lady with a Hand Mirror Aria • THE VOYAGE OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: Virginia’s Aria • Jack Beeson: CAPTAIN JINKS OF THE HORSE MARINES: Aurelia’s Aria • Leonard Bernstein: CANDIDE: Glitter and Be Gay • A QUIET PLACE: Dede’s Aria • Benjamin Britten: ALBERT HERRING: I’m full of happiness • Miss Wordsworth’s Aria • GLORIANA: The Dressing-Table Song • The Queen’s Dilemma • A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Injurious Hermia • Come, now a roundel • Be kind and courteous • PETER GRIMES: Let her among you without fault • Embroidery Aria • THE TURN OF THE SCREW: How beautiful it is • Lost in my labryrinth • Aaron Copland: THE TENDER LAND: Laurie’s Song • Carlisle Floyd: COLD SASSY TREE: Rented rooms • OF MICE AND MEN: Curly’s Wife’s Aria • SUSANNAH: Ain’t it a pretty night • The trees on the mountains • WUTHERING HEIGHTS: I’ve dreamt in my life • John Gay, realized by Benjamin Britten: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA: I’m like a skiff on the ocean tossed • When young at the bar…Ungrateful Macheath! • Henry Purcell, realized and edited by Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst: DIDO AND AENEAS: Oft she visits this lov’d mountain • Thanks to these lonesome vales • Sergei Rachmaninoff: FRANCESCA DA RIMINI: Francesca’s Aria • Ned Rorem: OUR TOWN: Emily’s Aria • Richard Strauss: ARABELLA: Das war sehr gut, Mandryka • Die Wiener Herrn verstehn sich • ARIADNE AUF NAXOS: Es gibt ein Reich • Grossmätige Prinzessin • CAPRICCIO: Kein Andres, das mir so im Herzen loht (Letzte Szene/Final Scene) • DER ROSENKAVALIER: Da geht er hin (Monolog der Marschallin/Marschallin’s Monologue) • Igor Stravinsky: THE RAKE’S PROGRESS: No word from Tom…I go to him • LE ROSSIGNOL: Chanson du Rossignol

leon-529681MEZZO-SOPRANO: John Adams: THE DEATH OF KLINGHOFFER: I must have been hysterical • DOCTOR ATOMIC: Am I in your light? • Past fierce and tossing skies • EL NIÑO: La anunciación • Dominick Argento: THE ASPERN PAPERS: On the stroke of midnight! • CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING: Bellino’s Aria • Madame d’Urfé’s Aria • THE DREAM OF VALENTINO: Nazimova’s Aria • Was it truly destiny • MISS HAVISHAM’S FIRE: Estella’s Aria • A POSTCARD FROM MOROCCO: A Foreign Singer’s Aria • Leonard Bernstein: MASS: Thank You • TROUBLE IN TAHITI: There is a garden • What a movie! • Benjamin Britten: ALBERT HERRING: Doctor Jessop’s midwife • What would Missus Herring say? • A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Lysander, Help me Lysander • THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA: Give him this orchid • Is it all? • She sleeps as a rose upon the night • Aaron Copland: THE TENDER LAND: Ma’s Song • Carlisle Floyd: WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Take off that frown • John Gay, realized by Benjamin Britten: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA: Thus when a good housewife sees a rat…How cruel are the traytors • Henry Purcell, realized by Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst: DIDO AND AENEAS: Ah, Belinda, I am prest with torment • When I am laid in earth • Ned Rorem: MISS JULIE: Wind around me like Satan’s snake • Richard Strauss: ARIADNE AUF NAXOS: Sein wir wieder gut • DER ROSENKAVALIER: Wie Du warst! • Igor Stravinsky: MAVRA: The Mother’s Aria • OEDIPUS REX: Nonn’ erusbeskite, reges • THE RAKE’S PROGRESS: As I was saying…Scorned! Abused! • Sold! Annoyed!

leon-529682TENOR: John Adams: A FLOWERING TREE: Her arms have the beauty • NIXON IN CHINA: Platonic men • Dominick Argento: CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING: Gondolier’s Song • THE DREAM OF VALENTINO: Now I know • Valentino’s Aria • POSTCARD FROM MOROCCO: Once when I was a young man • Leonard Bernstein: CANDIDE: Bon Voyage • Benjamin Britten: ALBERT HERRING: The Mayor’s Aria • Albert the Good! • O go, Go! Go away! • BILLY BUDD: I accept their verdict • Gloriana: First Lute Song • Second Lute Song • A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Asleep my Love? • Peter Grimes: They listen to money • Now the Great Bear and Pleiades • In dreams I’ve built myself • THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA: Rome is now ruled • Tarquinius does not dare • THE TURN OF THE SCREW: It is a curious story • Miles! • Aaron Copland: THE TENDER LAND: Martin’s Song • Carlisle Floyd: COLD SASSY TREE: So there you were • Sometimes th’ pain of missin’ him • OF MICE AND MEN: Lennie’s Aria (Oh, I feel cold inside) • WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Then marry me, Cathy • John Gay, realized by Benjamin Britten: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA: O cruel, cruel case! • Sergei Prokofiev: L’AMOUR DES TROIS ORANGES: Il est drôle, le Prince! • Sergei Rachmaninoff: ALEKO: Young Gypsy’s Romance • Ned Rorem: OUR TOWN: The Stage Manager’s Aria (We’re all coming up here) • Richard Strauss: ARABELLA: Ich hab’s geschworen • ARIADNE AUX NAXOS: Im Gegenteil • CAPRICCIO: Das Sonett (Kein Andres, das mir so im Herzen loht) • DER ROSENKAVALIER: Di rigori armato il seno • Igor Stravinsky: MAVRA: Hussar’s Aria • THE RAKE’S PROGRESS: Here I stand • Love, too frequently betrayed • Vary the song • Sellem’s Auction Scene • I have waited • Mark-Anthony Turnage: ANNA NICOLE: Valium, prozac

leon-529683BARITONE/BASS: John Adams: DOCTOR ATOMIC: Batter my heart • Teller’s Aria • A FLOWERING TREE: Storyteller’s Aria • NIXON IN CHINA: News has a kind of mystery • Mister Premier • Dominick Argento: THE ASPERN PAPERS: What a yielding nature she has • CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING: You have already heard one sermon tonight • MISS HAVISHAM’S FIRE: If in the years to come • THE SHOEMAKERS’ HOLIDAY: Simon’s Aria • A WATER BIRD TALK: The Lecturer (Theme) • Leonard Bernstein: MASS: A Simple Song • TROUBLE IN TAHITI: There’s a Law • Benjamin Britten: ALBERT HERRING: The Vicar’s Aria (Virtue, says Holy Writ) • Tickling a trout • Churchyard’s agog with a crowd of folk • BILLY BUDD: Billy Budd, king of the birds! • Billy’s Farewell (Look! Through the port comes the moonshine astray!) • Claggart’s Aria • GLORIANA: Cecil’s Report Cecil’s Song of Government • Raleigh’s Song • A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Bottom’s Dream • O Helen, goddess • THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA: Lucretia! I’m sick of that name! Tarquinius’s Aria (Within this frail crucible of light) • Carlisle Floyd: COLD SASSY TREE: I’ve known I loved you • OF MICE AND MEN: George’s Aria (You bet it’s gonna be diff’rent) • SUSANNAH: Hear me, O Lord • I’m a lonely man, Susannah • WILLIE STARK: We all come out of the earth • John Gay, realized by Benjamin Britten: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA: Thus Gamesters united in friendship • Sergei Rachmaninoff: ALEKO: Aleko’s Cavatina • FRANCESCA DA RIMINI: Lanceotto’s Aria • Ned Rorem: OUR TOWN: When I got married • Richard Strauss: ARABELLA: Nimmst einen Fiaker • Sie gibt mir keinen Blick • ARIADNE AUF NAXOS: Lieben, Hassen, Hoffen, Zagen • Igor Stravinsky: THE RAKE’S PROGRESS: Come, master • I burn! I freeze!

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.

Holiday Classics for Ukulele 21 November, 2018

00277956-wlrecommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

A Sentimental Christmas contains 27 secular Christmas favorites arranged for ukulele. Melody, lyrics, and chord diagrams for standard G-C-E-A tuning are all included. Songs include: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “White Christmas,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and many more. Play for yourself, or share your songs with friends at a Christmas party!

For more information about this collection or other ukulele collections, 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.

Christmas Tunes for Jazz Ensemble 20 November, 2018

alfred-47029-frecommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

Mary, Did You Know? arr. Rich Sigler, Grade 2.5
A beautiful holiday rock ballad played at around 98 BPM. The opening melody on this tender ballad is written featuring your 1st tenor sax player. Lead trumpet range is to written F on the top line. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, and vibraphone. Sweet chart!

Christmas Is Coming by Vince Guaraldi/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 2
Originally heard in the landmark 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the music composed and recorded by Vince Guaraldi has taken on a life of its own. “Christmas Is Coming” is a lighthearted, yet driving composition in the recognizable “Guaraldi” style. Great choice for the holiday season!

leon-527176Silver Bells arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 3-4
This holiday classic has been recorded by countless jazz artists through the years. Arranged here in a medium tempo swing style, Rick’s chart will sound great with limited rehearsal time.

It Swings Upon a Midnight Clear by Larry Neeck, Grade 2.5
This breezy, swinging arrangement of the classic carol “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” will be a hit at your holiday concert! The melodies are nicely stated over colorful unison lines and some punchy brass support. The change-of-pace middle section is established by the insistent tom-tom rhythm (a la Krupa!), while the band builds up the riffs to a powerful climax. The modest solo changes (suggested solos are included) will encourage your students to give it a try. This appealing holiday chart is perfect for that jazz moment in your holiday concert!

Deck the Halls with All Sorts of Funky by Erik Sherburne, Grade 2.5
What do James Brown in a Santa Suit, this chart, and an Ugly Sweater party all have in common? They make Christmastime funky! “Deck the Halls With All Sorts of Funky” is nothing but holiday fun. Written so it works with reduced instrumentation, it also features each section of the group spreading holiday cheer that is fun for the band and for the audience! A guaranteed holiday favorite!

barn-527986Saint Nick Takes It to the House arr. Paul Clark, Grade 1.5
Your young jazzers will love this funky version of “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” from the Barnhouse “Jazz Starters!” series! Written solos are included, but since the solo section only uses two chords, this would be a great way to get some improvisation going on. Pass out the Santa hats and “take it to the house” at your next holiday performances!

Silent Night arr. Paul Clark, Grade 1.5
A beautiful arrangement of one of the most recognizable holiday tunes. The written solo is shown in all parts, allowing one or several players to be featured. Very easy to prepare, and playable for your youngest jazz band. With the included parts for all wind instruments, this arrangement could also be effectively used by your young concert band. Simple, yet elegant – the perfect holiday selection for your beginning jazz concert!

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.

Creative Programming: For Contemporary A Cappella 19 November, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

As contemporary a cappella ensembles (a la Pentatonix) continue to thrive in schools across the country, we present the titles below as concert literature options that utilize similar choral skills to those developed through pop style contemporary a cappella literature – tone quality and vocal stylings, choral accompaniment to featured melody, achieving style through vocal rhythmic motives, et cetera. Use your contemporary a cappella program to help grow and support your concert choir program!

leon-523389Down by the Riverside arr. Ryan O’Connell, SATB a cappella
O’Connell’s upbeat and dynamic a cappella setting of this popular spiritual is not to be missed! Rhythmically charged vocals from start to finish make you feel like you’re in your own Dixieland vocal band. The well-arranged vocals imitate trumpets and banjos surrounded by snaps and claps and a whole lot of vocal fun!

cfn-cm9552-fShenandoah arr. Michael John Trotta, SATB a cappella
Michael Trotta’s arrangement of the beloved American folk song “Shenandoah” is built on a rhythmic vocal ostinato which provides the backdrop for the soaring vocal line, casting this familiar tune in an exciting new light. This arrangement is a perfect addition to concert repertoire during concert and festival performances throughout the year.

Be Thou My Vision arr. Connor Smith, SATB divisi a cappella
A stunning a cappella treatment of the enduring Irish hymn. Shimmering “loos” in clustered harmony yield to a simple statement of the beloved melody, which soon blossoms into decadent choral colors. Expressive tempi and dynamics, coupled with ample divisi, offer both exquisite sounds and artistic challenge.

leon-516938When All the World’s Asleep by John Milne, SATB a cappella
A warm Christmas poem by Sigerson Clifford called the Kerry Christmas Carol is the text that John Milne has set to music. John keeps a hymn-like carol quality throughout, with sumptuous suspensions and satisfying resolutions. The choral writing is so lovely this carol calls to you like great choral music does and begs you to sing it. The text refers to an old Irish custom in which each household would leave a lighted candle in their window on Christmas night in the belief that Joseph, Mary and Jesus still wandered the roads of the world, looking for a place to rest from the persecution of Herod.

chorgd-cge284-fWhat Child? by Ruth Morris Gray, SATB a cappella with djembe & body percussion
Creative programming at its best is reflected in this unique, contemporary a cappella original employing the traditional “What Child Is This?” lyrics. In the opening and closing sections, vocal ostinato patterns support the melody and provide the frame for the middle section which features a lovely setting of the traditional carol tune. The addition of djembe and body percussion will add character and texture to the rhythmic feel of this joyous seasonal offering.

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.

Beyond the Chorale: New Warm Ups for Concert Band 16 November, 2018

calan-24400-frecommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

Beyond the Chorale by David R. Gillingham & Dennis W. Fisher
The age-old dilemma of finding appropriate warm-up pieces/studies for the symphonic band is now made much easier. No longer will bands need to play through a multitude of short, homorhythmic, single-textured four-part settings of chorales. “Beyond the Chorale” is a collection of 10 short, miniature concert pieces with a variety of styles, textures, timbral combinations, tonalities, rhythms, harmonies, and melodic material that transcend the traditional “warm-up” by offering many other pedagogical challenges that are guaranteed to raise the musicality of any band.

This is the missing “bridge” between the daily regimented warm-up and the music that makes up our curriculum.

These creative works and corresponding pedagogical content provide real-time application of principles that can be carried forward into rehearsal and performance, no matter the grade level.

“Beyond the Chorale” is a collection of pieces so musically compelling that they easily serve multiple simultaneous functions, including warm-up, technique building, intonation enhancement, sight-reading, and much more. Enjoy…and profit.

barn-rws-1826-00-fDeveloping Band Warm-Up by Robert W. Smith
The search is over for the ideal daily warm-up routine for your developing band. Master composer and music educator Robert W. Smith has constructed a complete warm-up for your growing musicians. Tone quality, intonation, articulation, flexibility, dexterity, and expression, are all addressed and exercised in this efficient warm-up that fits on a single page your student’s folder.

Steps to Success by Kim Benson & James Swearingen
Are you searching for a quick, yet highly efficient warm-up routine for your younger players? Then search no more. In less than five minutes, lip slurs, mini-scales, intervals, rhythm patterns and chorales can all be addressed. Using these exercises will instill a lifelong understanding of why warming up is important. In addition, students will instantly become more focused as you transition into your valuable rehearsal/teaching time. Kim Benson and James Swearingen, two well-respected music educators, have teamed up to make your instruction more effective, your musicians stronger and your program highly successful. A must-have for today’s approach to teaching instrumental music! Also available in a second volume, More Steps to Success.

leon-527409Tuning Chorales for Band Volume 1 by Richard L. Saucedo
Drawing on his many years of experience building nationally acclaimed band programs and also his work as a successful guest conductor and clinician, Richard Saucedo has created a much-needed set of key-based chorales. These chorales incorporate the concept of drones (included on every part), and in addition to helping your ensemble focus on tuning these are great for developing tone, balance and phrasing. Volume 1 includes three chorales: Bb major, D minor, Eb major.

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio. His iPod ranges from jazz to classic and alternative rock, symphonies, and classic songs from Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His interests include comic books, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, football and hockey (especially the Steelers and Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.

Meet the Stanton’s Team – Kris L. 15 November, 2018

IMG_9342.jpgWe’ve written before on the Stanton’s blog about our knowledgeable staff. Now, we’d like to give you a chance to get to know our staff on a more personal level. We hope you will get to know the “real” us, and learn how we might better be of service to you!

Kris has over 10 years of experience helping directors and instrumentalists find the music they need.

“Winter Songs” by Ola Gjeilo 14 November, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

“Winter Songs” is Ola Gjeilo’s latest album on the Decca Classics label. These winter and Christmas-inspired works include music for choir, piano, and strings with performances by the Choir of Royal Holloway, 12 Ensemble, and Ola Gjeilo.

Included on this beautiful album are: “The Rose,” “Ecce Novum,” “The First Nowell,” “Days of Beauty,” “Home,” “Across The Vast, Eternal Sky,” “Ave Generosa,” “First Snow,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Away in a Manger,” “Dawn,” “Coventry Carol,” “Silent Night,” “Wintertide,” and “The Rose II.”

Listen to samples from the album below, find more by Ola Gjeilo on our website, or contact us for more information!

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.

Christmas Classics for Acoustic Guitar 12 November, 2018

00278165-wlrecommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Christmas Classics for Acoustic Guitar contains 30 secular Christmas favorites including “Frosty the Snow Man,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “My Favorite Things,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Guitar chord grids are included, plus suggestions for picking or strumming patterns to accompany yourself or a group. The melodies are written out in standard notation, and all the words to the songs are included. If you are looking for a collection of Christmas songs to entertain yourself or to share with your friends, this would be the one to have!

For more information about this collection, or other guitar collections for Christmas, 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.

Teaching with Respect 09 November, 2018

leon-517686recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Teaching with Respect by Stephen Sieck
This is a book for choral directors who find themselves in conversations they might not feel ready to have.

“Teaching with Respect” prompts us to ask deeper questions about the language we use, about systems of power, about our heritage and inheritance. When we examine our teaching, we may find that, while we do not intentionally act with racism, sexism, or bigotry, we may be complicit in adopting systems and language that marginalize and discriminate. But since we want to be the kind of directors that foster artistic communities built on respect, we must be willing to ask such questions. And the burden cannot be on our singers who are being marginalized to teach us a more respectful path; it is on us to learn how it is that we are marginalizing.

In this book we look closely at our teaching strategies. How does our repertoire and instruction intersect with our singers’ identities, specifically their learning abilities, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, and race? How do we engage with our audience? The book suggests an ethical approach to teaching choral music that is centered on respecting the singers in front of us. Readers will discover ways to maintain and elevate their artistic standards of excellence while also expanding their mindset.

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.

Come, Ye Thankful People Come! 07 November, 2018

70_2033Lrecommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Keyboard Music Specialists

In Come, Ye Thankful People, Come!: Music of Thanksgiving, Michael Helman has arranged six Thanksgiving hymns for organ. Two of his own original compositions are also included, a classic style trumpet tune and a lyric aria. The Aria has a simple, pretty melody against full chords and a busy pedal part. The Trumpet Tune has a merry, rhythmic melody, backed by chords and a pedal part that enhances the melody. Traditional Thanksgiving hymn tunes included are “Prelude on THAXTED” and “Trio on ASH GROVE.” These pieces may also be used at other times of the church year.

For more information about this collection or other sacred organ 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!

Positive Opportunities for Your Beginning String Orchestra 06 November, 2018

recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Specialist

Once your first and second year students have worked hard and learned the lessons in their beginning method books, give them a chance to play some “real” music that is not part of the book. You can incorporate their class material and maybe some new technical concepts with these wonderful pieces and stretch their musicality as well. Plus your students will have some excellent new music for their next concert!

cfn-pas22-fContemplation by Larry Clark, Grade 0.5
The composer’s aim: “I want the students to be able to stretch their musicianship beyond their experience on their instrument to play in a contemplative manner. It is something that cannot be stressed enough, even in students who have just begun to play.” Beginners should be able to reach this selection technically, but will have to stretch musically. The notes and rhythms are limited, so students can strive for beauty of tone, good phrasing and emotional involvement. It will make them better musicians, and give them a wonderful piece to play for their families and other audience members.

alfred-46715-fSpring at Last by Doug Spata, Grade 1.5
You know that feeling when you step out into the late April/early May sunshine and you can just tell that the chill of winter is finally over? The grass is brilliant green, the earth smells rich and fertile, the birds are singing and the bugs are buzzing, and you know it’s “Spring at Last!” The inimitable Doug Spata has captured that moment musically in this fun, fresh offering, and it almost literally “springs” off the page. At a Grade 1.5, it is very playable, plus it has great teaching opportunities. The interesting, angular melodies with arpeggiated skips will require string crossing (some with slurs), plus you can work on staccato bowing, repeats with first and second endings and counting rhythms in cut time. Two orchestra sections are often scored in unison to support the melody, sometimes pairing second violins with cellos or violas with basses and various other combinations. This spritely selection is sure to have players and audience smiling by the end.

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.

Creative Programming: For Social Justice 05 November, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

As a result of today’s politically charged and divided climate, we have received a number of phone calls and emails asking about pieces composed on the idea of “social justice” in some form, and we’ve seen composers writing to this theme more frequently in recent months (as artists do in times of turmoil). Below, we’ve compiled some of these pieces that could provide another impactful selection to your concert repertoire.

Until All of Us Are Free by Mark Burrows, SATB divisi a cappella
Inspired writing and captivating choral textures carry the urgency and simplistic truth of a quote by Emma Lazarus. A rhythmically charged setting for medium or large sized ensembles with some divisi in all parts. “Until all of us are free, we are none of us free.”

leon-526952Now Is the Time by Jim Papoulis, SATB with piano & drum set
Written in a Foundation for Small Voices song-writing workshop hosted by the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, the students message is loud and clear – “Whatever your journey, whatever your beliefs, whatever your dreams or battle or triumph, the time is not tomorrow, or sometime in the future…now is the time.” The music is gentle with a soft rock beat with the final chorus a cappella.

True Colors arr. Jesse Hampsch, 3-part treble a cappella with djembe
“Don’t be afraid to let your true colors show!” A message that all of us need to hear. This iconic song by pop/rock legend Cyndi Lauper is timeless. This new arrangement relies on the strong heritage of the original while bringing new sensitivities that reflect the times we live in.

lorenz-sbmp1516-fIdentities by Paul Rardin, SATB with piano
The highly imaginative text defines our identities as many things, some quite whimsical. It concludes with the idea that “we are anything that is possible.” This is guaranteed to both add interest to a program, and to give the performers something to think about.

Sisi Ni Moja (We Are One) by Jacob Narverud, TBB with piano and djembe
Ever clever, composer Narverud came up with a highly rhythmic celebratory composition. The title translates “We are one,” the theme being that all human beings have much in common. The energetic djembe sets the tone, the piano adds its own rhythmic design, and the singers dramatically deliver the message.

Glory (from Selma) arr. Eugene Rogers, TTBB divisi with rhythm section
Winner of a 2015 Oscar Award, this inspirational song speaks of hope and looks to the future for healing in the midst of great division. Eugene’s “gospel-like” setting offers comfort to the community and motivates individuals to keep working for a better tomorrow. Through the voice of a powerful soloist, male chorus and spoken word artists, the message of unity and hope is left ringing in our ears.

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.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” 02 November, 2018

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Bring some fun to your holiday concerts with these great pop arrangements for choir – your audience will love it!

leon-525312FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
All I Want for Christmas Is You arr. Roger Emerson, SATBB a cappella
Here is one of the most popular contemporary Christmas carols by Mariah Carey set in a very hip, a cappella style. Percussion parts and a supprtive piano part are included as options for those who want to sing this song but are not quite ready for the a cappella challenge. For those who are, this will bring down the house in your pop winter concert.

Fa La La La La! (Deck the Hall) arr. Alan Billingsley, SATB with piano (optional combo)
A Christmas classic updated with a fresh Latin groove! Syncopated rhythms energize the vocal lines, which remain true to the carol’s original harmonization. A new “Fa la la” refrain and bridge build excitement leading to the third verse, and a key change near the end results in a big finish.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) arr. Lisa DeSpain, SATB with piano (optional rhythm)
Rolling Stone magazine ranked this holiday rock song as #1 of “The Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs,” noting that “nothing can match Darlene Love’s emotion and sheer vocal power.” This arrangement equals the original recorded version and will be a powerhouse addition to your holiday concert. Instrumental parts available for a festive performance.

lorenz-524047The Toyland Express by Michael Ryan, SATB with piano
Come along, and I will show you the way. Save your worries for another day. Hop on aboard for a grand holiday. Be my guest on the Toyland Express”. This relaxed, swingin original has a satisfying, laid-back groove that adds a dash of cool jazz to your December concert set. Perform with piano or add the accompaniment track for a splash of style.

Mistletoe and Holly arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano (optional combo)
A holiday pops tune straight out of the Rat Pack era, co-written by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself! This nostalgic mid-tempo swing arrangement starts with voices swapping the melody, then blossoms into sweet choral sonorities. “Oh, by gosh, by golly!”

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
We’re Gonna Decorate the Christmas Tree by Greg Gilpin, 3-part mixed/SAB with piano
Beginning with a simple statement of “O Christmas Tree”, this playful arrangement suddenly breaks out in a happy swing style with an original tune and clever text: “We re gonna decorate the Christmas tree, dress it all in colors bright. Making sure it s covered in ornaments and hit it with a string of lights”. Comfortable ranges, simple voice leading, and a whole lot of fun put this right in the groove for your younger choirs. Add the cool Yule synth track for extra glitter and glow!

alfred-46954-fRockin’ Holidays (Medley) arr. Alan Billingsley, SAB with piano (optional combo)
This trio of Johnny Marks Christmastime favorites is the ultimate holiday medley. Alan Billingsley’s rockin’ arrangement captures the characteristic sounds of the ’50s and ’60s. A fast-paced (less than 3-minute) crowd pleaser!

Sing Out, It’s Christmas! by Douglas E. Wagner, 2-part with piano
This exciting, Broadway show-style opener will immediately grab your audience’s attention and get them into the spirit of the season. Add in easy vocal parts and an upbeat, very Christmassy accompaniment track, and you have the makings of instant success for your December concerts. Loads of fun to prepare and perform. “Light the lights, trim the tree, gather friends and family. Sing out, it’s Christmastime again!

Jazzy Jingle Bell Waltz by Becki Slagle Mayo & Lynn Shaw Bailey, SSA with piano & sleigh bells
Pierpont’s “Jingle Bells” takes a jazzy turn with the addition of original music and lyrics creating a waltz that rings and swings in the holiday season! The piano is a jazz-waltz rhythm setting the mood for festive, three-part or two-part treble vocals. Add the optional sleigh bells for the perfect holiday concert selection.

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.

A Song of Thanksgiving 01 November, 2018

70_1763Lrecommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Keyboard Music Specialists

A Song of Thanksgiving is a suite of classic Thanksgiving hymns for piano arranged by Douglas Wagner. This handy volume provides you with music for an entire service: a joyful prelude on “Now Thank We All Our God,” a flowing offertory on “Let All Things Now Living,” and a stirring, fanfare-like postlude on “Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing!” Doug’s mastery of the keyboard shines on every page, and, although he intended this book for Thanksgiving, you’ll find use for these stunning arrangements on many other occasions as well.

For more about this collection or other seasonal collections, 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!