“Now Is the Time” – Graduation for Choir Friday, April 05, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Now Is the Time by Jim Papoulis, SATB with piano & optional drumset
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.
On Wings of Song We Send You by Felix Mendelssohn/arr. Geoffrey Edwards, SATB with piano
The sweetly-flowing melody of one of Mendelssohn’s most often performed art songs carries new lyrics that will leave audience members with feelings of peace, comfort, and hope. The music is faithful to the original work with the addition of richly scored choral parts in place of solo voice. A lovely closer for any concert! “On wings of song we send you the best our hearts can give. May health and good fortune attend you as long as you shall live.”
Sing On! by Lane Johnson, SATB with piano
Words of wisdom here suggest we keep the music going and “sing on.” Upbeat with melodies worthy of a hit song, this is a winner.
Two Irish Blessings by Glenda E. Franklin, SATB a cappella
These two a cappella settings of blessings from Ireland will warm your heart. The straightforward chorale-style rendering puts the focus clearly on the text, while allowing for artistic liberty with tempo and dynamics. Sung separately or as a set, what a fitting finale or encore to any performance.
May a Rainbow Run Beside You by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano
With words taken from a variety of traditional Irish blessings set to a warm, lyrical melody, this treble choir selection is sure to uplift and delight. Both voices get a chance to sing melody and harmony. Consider this a “signature song” to include on every performance this year.
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.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!