News & Views Thursday, April 18, 2024

Sarah Quartel is a Canadian composer and educator known for her fresh and exciting approach to choral music. She celebrates the musical potential of all learners by providing singers access to high quality repertoire and engaging music education. Sarah’s choral works are performed by children, youth, and adults throughout the world and her work as an educator connects exciting musical experiences with meaningful classroom learning. Sarah is an educator in Ontario, Canada and continues to work as a guest clinician at various music education and choral events internationally. She currently lives and writes in both Ontario and Hawaii.

The music of Sarah Quartel is available through Stanton’s from Oxford University Press. For more information about Sarah and her music, please visit her website.

Stanton’s Recommends:
Wide Open Spaces by Sarah Quartel, SATB with piano
Commissioned for the 2015 National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, “Wide Open Spaces” reflects on the journeys and adventures to be found in the wide open spaces within ourselves and in the world around us. The uplifting melody is passed from the upper voices to the lower voices before the piece opens out into an expansive texture with rich harmonies. Quartel introduces a playful episode of scat singing before a resolute final chorus brings this evocative piece to a peaceful and serene close.

The Birds’ Lullaby by Sarah Quartel, SSAA a cappella
This a cappella setting of evocative words by E. Pauline Johnson is immediately appealing, with its playful, swinging syncopations and dancing scat accompaniment.

How Can I Keep from Singing? arr. Sarah Quartel, SATB a cappella
This lively reimagining of the traditional hymn is a thrilling a cappella arrangement which pairs the soaring legato melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. Together, these elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound joy contained in the text. Also including moments of tenderness and reflection, the piece comes to a rousing close with an energy that engages singers and audience alike. Also available in a version for SSA unaccompanied.

This new edition of the Gershwin Three Preludes for Piano has been edited by Brendan Fox and Richard Walters. They studied the original edition which was published by New World/Harms Inc in 1927, and consulted manuscript sources at the Library of Congress and recordings of George Gershwin playing the Preludes. George Gershwin’s “Preludes” have been a beloved staple of American piano repertoire since they were first published in 1927. This newly engraved edition includes a preface about the history of the preludes, detailed notes about sources, and fingering.

For more information about this new edition or other Gershwin piano works, call us at 800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website, http://www.stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Stanton’s Super Session
Saturday 8/3/2019, 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 Greg Gilpin, Anna Wentlent, 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.

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist

The Avengers arr. Michael Brown/percussion arr. Will Rapp, for Grade 3-4 Marching Band
From the blockbuster hit movie, here is a solid and energized arrangement of the main theme. Great sounds for inspiring courage on the field of competition!

Music from Black Panther arr. Matt Conaway/percussion arr. Jack Holt, for Grade 3-4 Marching Band
Featuring the powerful and dramatic sounds from the hit movie “Black Panther,” this arrangement is constructed using great pacing from the haunting opening strains to the percussive-driven heroic themes.

Captain America March arr. Paul Murtha, for Grade 3 Marching Band
Veteran film composer Alan Silvestri (“Back to the Future,” “Forrest Gump,” “Polar Express”) brings a brilliant adventure soundtrack to the 2011 blockbuster action film “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Fanfares, bold and contrasting themes, and rhythmic drive make this a distinctive and exciting number for the field. Also available in a Grade 2 arrangement by Michael Brown.

Hooked On a Feeling arr. Matt Conaway/percussion arr. Jack Holt, for Grade 3 Marching Band
As recorded by Blue Swede, this catchy pop tune was a #1 hit back in 1974. Thanks to the blockbuster movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” it’s a hit once again and perfect for the stands or on the field.

Theme from Ant Man arr. Matt Conaway/percussion arr. Jack Holt, for Grade 3 Marching Band
From the hit film “Marvel’s Ant-Man,” here is a striking and pulsating theme scored with alternating measures of 4/4 and 3/4. A nice mix of soaring lines and rhythmic excitement.

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.

Top 25 Worship Songs is a collection of some of the most recent praise and worship songs, including “The Lion and the Lamb,” “Glorious Day,” “Reckless Love,” and “King of My Heart.” All the lyrics are included, and the piano part doubles the melody, so the songs can be played as solos too! Guitar chords are also provided above the staff. This is a great resource for praise bands!

For more information about this collection or other current worship songbooks, 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!

recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

C Jam Blues by Duke Ellington/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
Here is a creative new take on the Duke Ellington favorite set in a New Orleans street beat style. A piano introduction sets up the groove followed by a small group taking the initial statement of the theme. The rest of the ensemble enters with a counterline before the full ensemble launches the solo section, designed to feature any number of soloists. Unique and effective!

Chelsea Bridge arr. Walter Van de Leur, Grade 5
This is an edited transcription of the authentic composition and arrangement by Billy Strayhorn himself. Recorded by Duke Ellington, the suggested tempo is a medium swing around 96 BPM. Features include a tenor 2 melody bridge solo, a sax section soli and a trombone 3 melody solo. Tenor 1 has a clarinet double and the lead trumpet range is to written high C above the staff.

Better Get It In Your Soul by Charles Mingus/arr. Ralph Ford, Grade 2
This gospel infused chart is a fantastic introduction to the music of jazz genius, Charles Mingus. Solid ensemble writing will inspire confidence in your players and the written solos can be a starting point to some basic jazz improvisation. The Mingus band is all about spontaneity so don’t be hesitant about possibly adding some group improvisation on some of the choruses.

Again and Again by Benny Carter, Grade 5
Even after Benny Carter wasn’t writing for Count Basie, many of the Basie-band charts after the 1950’s retain that Benny Carter sound. This demonstrates the influence Carter had over the subsequent Basie arrangers (Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, Billy Byers and Neal Hefti). The writing is straightforward with simple harmonies, swinging rhythms and very clear counterpoint. “Again and Again” has much of the style of an alto feature that Quincy Jones might have written for Marshall Royal. Although Carter gives the pianist two little solo spots, the focus is on the lead alto. The backgrounds are spare and dry so it is incumbent upon the soloist to supply the warmth and personality to tell this gentle story. Vibrato, scoops, bends, turns, and other devices can be used to bring this simple line to life.

Recorda Me by Joe Henderson/arr. Eric Richards, Grade 5
A show-stopping Latin tune! This is Latin jazz at its best with excitement from the very first note! It has it all with sax solis, a melody line featuring tenor sax and trumpet and plenty of solo space. The lead trumpet range is to a written high D and a there are a few drum solos. This is a fantastic Eric Richards arrangement of a great tune by tenor sax legend, Joe Henderson.

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.

Stanton’s is thrilled to announce The Joy of Singing 2019, 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 8/2/2019, 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, Mac Huff, and Emily Crocker. 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!

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Don’t lose the money left in your budget at the end of the year! Make the most of it with one of these valuable reproducible collections:

A Cappella Volume 3 for SSA choirs
Volume III in the popular “A Cappella!” series features nine concert and festival selections for young and developing SSA choirs from creative writers Amy F. Bernon, Victor C. Johnson and Ruth Elaine Schram. The Complete Edition is reproducible and also includes a Rehearsal Resource Page for each piece, a unique and valuable teaching/rehearsal tool which features Solfege; Vocabulary; and Preparation and Extension activities, carefully crafted for each selection by Victor C. Johnson. The Choral Edition, ideal for use as a judge’s copy or for your singers, is not reproducible and the Rehearsal Resource Pages are not included. Songs include: A Couple of Old Men, Elijah Rock, The Full Heart, Kol Dodi, Lift Your Voice in Joyful Song, Miserere Nobis, Over the Sea to Skye, Said the Rain, and Sanctus. This collection is an exceptional value and a great resource for your music library. Also available: Volume 1 for 2-part choirs and Volume 2 for TB choirs.

Let the Men Sing A Cappella for TB choirs
“Let the Men Sing! A Cappella” is the newest collection of REPRODUCIBLE unaccompanied choral works for TB voices. This budget-stretching collection features classic works, Latin settings, spirituals, multicultural, folk, holiday and Christmas selections. In addition, there is digital access to 3 audio rehearsal mixes for each piece including part-dominant and full TB performance, along with singer PDFs for projection and reproducible options. Male singers of all ages will enjoy learning and performing this excellent choral literature and the educator will find it an outstanding tool in developing male choirs and interest in choral singing. Songs include: Come Ye Sons of Art, In Flanders Fields, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, Bethlehem Lullaby, Inimici Autem, Star of Wonder, Wayfaring Stranger, Ding-a Ding-a Ding, Ning Wendete, So Take This Song of Joy. Suggested for ages 13 and up.

Partner Songs for the Developing Choir for 2-part choirs
The developing choir is a unique ensemble and ranges in size from many to just a few, in age from younger to older and from the experienced to brand new singers. Both males and females are a part of these groups with ever-changing vocal challenges. Educators who teach this wide group of musicians know there is a need for many tools of repertoire that build bridges to the art of choral singing. “Partner Songs for the Developing Choir” is designed to help teach harmonic singing through sophisticated melodies and distinguished texts, appealing to singers from upper elementary through middle school and early high school, and can even continue for the less-experienced or smaller adult choir. Some of the choral works are very basic in form and melodic writing, while others might include a bridge or “B” section or more intricate melodies, expanding the harmonic learning. This REPRODUCIBLE collection with helpful rehearsal suggestions and online access to Full Performance and Accompaniment Only audio recordings and Singer PDF parts can be used all year long with spirituals, Latin settings, multicultural, patriotic, Christmas and holiday selections. Songs include: Akatonbo, Bethlehem Lullaby, Et in Terra Pax, Jingle All the Way, Joshua Fit the Battle, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, Musica Dei, Skatin’ and Sleighin’, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, You’re a Grand Old Flag. Suggested for Grades 3-9.

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.

Chart Hits of 2018-2019

These two valuable collections of pop music have the same tables of contents – 18 of the top hits for the last several months! One collection is for Piano/Vocal/Guitar, the other is for Easy Piano. Both also include the lyrics to these hit songs, which include “Breathin’,” “Happier,” “High Hopes,” “Love Someone,” “Shallow,” “Sunflower,” “Thank U Next,” “You Say,” and more! Choose one of these collections and play for yourself or for your friends!

For more information about these collections or other popular song collections, 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!

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

FOR SIXTH GRADE (2-part)
De Prosa com o Passarim (Grandma’s Chat) by Daisy Fragoso, 2-part treble with piano & flute and optional pandeiro
Here is a whimsical song of a grandmother who can talk to the birds. Using a popular Brazilian rhythm called “chorinho” and singing in Portuguese – along with some nonsense words between the grandmother and the birds – here is a wonderful multicultural song with lots of opportunity to teach rhythm, syncopation, language and geography.

FOR SEVENTH GRADE (3-part mixed/SSA)
Ad Astra (To the Stars…) by Jacob Narverud, 3-part mixed with piano
With a pulsating and highly rhythmic piano accompaniment, “Ad Astra” simply radiates energy. Filled with hope and empowerment the text reads, “To the stars though difficulties, look upward, move forward leave all cares behind.” “Ad Astra” is an impressive, yet accessible piece for developing or advanced choirs alike.

Cool Moon by Richard A. Williamson, 3-part mixed with optional piano
With limited horizontal movement in the vocal parts and an optional piano part, “Cool Moon” offers an easy and effective introduction into contemporary a cappella singing. Soothing harmonies enhance this beautiful pairing of words and music.

Little David, Play On Your Harp arr. Andy Beck, 3-part mixed with piano and optional autoharp
A clever arrangement of the traditional spiritual that includes a surprise nod to Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” plus an optional part for autoharp! The pentatonic chorus is great for teaching or reinforcing solfège, while the harmonies are appropriately independent for developing singers. A few new words tell us more about the heroic boy, David. A terrific teaching piece that kids will enjoy!

Nightfall by Roger Emerson, 3-part mixed with piano and optional tick-tock block
Lyrics take center stage in this beautiful new work. Word painting, an independent piano accompaniment and the steady beat of the “tick-tock” create a mood that suggests a more mature and experienced choir. Your young singers will love the chance to show and share these beautiful lyrics set to this haunting tune.

Plaudite (Plaudite Omnis Terra) by Victor C. Johnson, 3-part mixed with piano
A dancing opening motive in Latin, harmonized in sturdy open fifths and punctuated by handclaps, yields to a slower, contrasting English language section. A gradual crescendo and brief accelerando builds the energy back up to a triumphant return of the opening material. Strong dynamic contrasts and ample rhythmic interest offer a thoroughly satisfying musical experience.

Tumekuja Kuimba (We Have Come to Sing!) by Lynn Zettlemoyer, 3-part mixed a cappella
This vibrant and percussive original a cappella work uses both Swahili and English text creating a dynamic multicultural opening or processional. The theme of “come together to sing” allows for a wealth of programming options and the piece is filled with musical learning using language, rhythm, independent singing and harmonic expression as well as the use of percussion.

FOR EIGHTH GRADE (SAB/SATB)
Exultate Justi by Dan Davison, SA(T)B with piano
Inspired by the classical style of music writing, Dan Davison has done a masterful job with this SA(T)B original work. With the tenor part doubling the soprano part or matching the bass part in unison, young singers will find this piece to be very accessible. Exciting and joyful to sing, this piece will enhance the programming for any concert or festival.

If You Want to Go by Philip E. Silvey, SAB with piano
The profound text based on an African saying tells us “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Stylish and upbeat, this will be fun to sing and a pleasure to hear.

Old Joe Clark arr. Greg Gilpin, SAB with piano
This extraordinary arrangement of the traditional American folk song belongs in every choral library! An urgent “round and around” vocal motive serves as a rhythmic engine throughout the entire piece as the modal melody gets playfully tossed from voice to voice in a variety of styles, but always with class, creativity, and good humor.

Ubi Caritas by Bryan Sharpe, SAB with piano
This touching setting of a well-loved verse features many opportunities for beautiful, musical moments with your younger or smaller ensembles. Expertly and thoughtfully scored for developing choirs, the melody mirrors the yearning and emotions of the lyrics and is mostly unison with some gentle independent voice parts at times. Gorgeous!

Who Will Be a Witness? arr. Dan Davison, SATB with piano
Dan Davison infuses this beloved spiritual with a brisk tempo, fun accents and syncopations. Accompanied by a pulsating ostinato-like bass line, Davison’s signature rhythmic accompaniment adds even more interest and variety to this accessible SATB arrangement. “Who Will Be a Witness” is sure to wow audiences and energize choirs!

FOR TENOR/BASS ENSEMBLES
Nine Hundred Miles arr. Greg Gilpin, TB with piano
The crisp, rhythmic energy and dynamic modal groove of this American folk song arrangement is absolutely contagious. The creative use of independent vocal ostinato patterns underneath the melody lines continually sparks interest and propels the feel of the train rolling down the tracks. Performance options are included to employ a soloist at the beginning, and for singers to clap a light eighth note pattern in certain sections to mimic the click-clacking sound of the train. (For a special programming option, we recommend pairing this title with Travel by Lon Beery for a train- or travel-themed program)

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.

Elementary General Music Clinic (featuring The Joy of Singing for Elementary Choir)
Thursday 8/1/2019, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
REGISTRATION: $60.00 (includes lunch)

Stanton’s Sheet Music is excited to welcome Cristi Cary Miller as our clinician for the 37th edition of our Elementary General Music Clinic. This is one of Stanton’s longest running and most successful clinics, showcasing the best new teacher resources, song collections, games, musicals and more! We are sure that you will find materials that will keep you and your students interested throughout the year. Get your school year started on the right foot!

ADDED BONUS: 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 with Cristi, John Jacobson, and Emily Crocker!

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.

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

recommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Piano Music Specialists

PIANO SOLO
All Nature Sings by Larry Shackley, for Level 2+ Piano Solo
Larry Shackley offers “All Nature Sings” as a complement to the many Lent and Easter volumes already available, with arrangements of hymns especially suitable for spring and summer. Noble tunes such as “This Is My Father’s World” and “For the Beauty of the Earth” rub shoulders with a whimsical version of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and a jazz-flavored look at the favorite spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” These accessible and resonant arrangements are a must to round out your music collection for March through June!

In God We Trust by Lloyd Larson, for Intermediate Piano Solo
Lloyd Larson’s signature arrangements will resonate with anyone preparing for national holidays or patriotic programs. The comprehensive offerings in this collection provide numerous options for everything from worship services to community concerts, including a four-hand arrangement of Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Sixty-Second Service Solutions by Larry Shackley, for Intermediate Piano Solo
Larry Shackley crafted this collection of 15 of America’s most popular hymns, all one-minute in length for flexible use in your worship services. Preludes, music for meditation, and vibrant postludes are all presented in creative, easy-to-learn arrangements.

PIANO DUET
Everlasting Arms by Marianne Kim, for 4-hand Piano
Regarded as an incredibly creative and versatile writer, Marianne Kim demonstrates the same ingenuity in this four-hand piano collection that has made her piano and organ solo books so popular. This mix of upbeat and meditative hymns is infused with jazz rhythms and harmonies, giving a distinct flavor to enduring favorites.

ORGAN
Sunday Jubilation by Jason D. Payne, for Moderately Advanced Organ (3-staff)
Jason Payne’s beloved Jubilation series of hymn settings continues with this volume of general hymns useful for the entire church year. From the endearing children’s hymn “Jesus Loves Me” to the bold and powerful “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” Payne has once again written organ settings that are natural to play and enrich the worship experience of congregations everywhere.

Two Minutes or Less Vol. 2 by Douglas E. Wagner, for Moderately Easy Organ (2-staff)
In response to continued requests for additional limited-duration hymn-based worship, Doug Wagner created this second volume of works for offertory and postlude. Keeping the format of the first volume (70/1860L), this book contains titles ranging from introspective to bright, each easily readable at two minutes or less in duration.

About the Authors:
Caryn G. has over 21 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments. During her career, she has been a church pianist/accompanist and a piano teacher. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.

Judy S. has 30 years of private piano teaching experience and 40 years as a church pianist. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World for Solo Piano
Ten of the titles included in John Powell’s soundtrack for “The Hidden World” are contained in this collection along with several full-color scenes from the movie. The third and final installment of the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, “The Hidden World” is the third highest grossing film of 2019 so far.

This collection from the movie soundtrack is written for intermediate to advanced piano solo. Songs include: Exodus! • Furies in Love • The Hidden World • Legend Has It/Cliffside Playtime • New ‘New Tail’ • Once There Were Dragons • Third Date • Together from Afar • Toothless: Smitten • With Love Comes a Great Waterfall. Enjoy the story all over again as you play the piano solos!

For more information about this collection or other collections of music from movie soundtracks, 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!