“Oh, We Are Fine Musicians”: Especially for Elementary Choir Monday, June 17, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists
Oh, We Are Fine Musicians (We Practice Every Day) arr. Mark Burrows, 2- or 3-part equal voices with piano
Happiness teems in this imaginative arrangement of the popular German folk song. Set mostly in oom-pah band style, everyone gets a chance to shine on the melody as voices mimic the sounds of trumpet, bass drum, and flute. Playful ideas for movement and visuals are included.
Living What I Believe by Jim Papoulis, 2-part with piano
Written with the Mississippi Boychoir, here is a song with energy and driving rhythms. The phrase “living what I believe” is repeated over and over, almost like a mantra and represents the struggle that young people have as they discover what is important in their lives. The syncopated verse feels like a spoken phrase with pitches. A hip and relevant song your young singers will love.
I’m Bound for Glory! (Swing Low) by Sally K. Albrecht & Jay Althouse, 2-part with piano
A quote from “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” opens this gospel original with soulful style before breaking into a full-blown spiritual celebration! The energized and syncopated chorus is a strong hook designed especially for developing voices.
A Million Dreams (from “The Greatest Showman”) arr. Mac Huff, 2-part with piano & optional rhythm
Dreams are the fuel that motivates our young people. And “a million dreams” moved P.T. Barnum to create an art form never before seen. This is the sort of inspirational song that can move singers and listeners alike to dream, dream big and dream of ways they can bring new and exciting creations to the world.
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!