O Say Can You See Friday, August 23, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
One of the best ways to raise awareness and support for your choral program is to get your ensemble out in front of your community at every opportunity! Singing the National Anthem at ball games and other events is a great way to accomplish this goal. Sign up soloists to perform, or use one of these quality choral arrangements – whether you’re looking for a very traditional arrangement or something more “out there,” we’ve got an option for you!
TRADITIONAL A CAPPELLA
arr. Russell Robinson for SATB a cappella
This full-sounding, no-frills a cappella setting of our national anthem will come in handy on many occasions for years to come. A very practical, straightforward arrangement that will be easy to prepare and inspiring to perform! This is a must in every choral library!
arr. Reuben Burrows for SATB a cappella (limited divisi)
Employing contemporary harmonies while maintaining the majesty and strong traditional sounds of our National Anthem, Reuben Burrows’ stirring a cappella arrangement promises to inspire singers, crowds and audience alike, including a dramatic conclusion sure to bring down the house! The limited divisi ensures accessibility to all types of mixed choirs.
WITH PIANO
arr. Roger Emerson for 3-part mixed with piano
In honor of the 200th anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner, this arrangement for younger singers is a straightforward and useful setting, but with some fresh harmonies to add interest for today’s choirs and audiences.
WITH BAND/ORCHESTRA
arr. Mark Hayes for SATB with full orchestra (or piano)
An exhilarating tour-de-force setting of our National Anthem. The sizable full orchestration, impressive piano accompaniment, and resounding choral parts emanate unwavering patriotism. Mark’s arrangement works equally well in the concert hall, sanctuary, gym, or stadium.
arr. Luigi Zaninelli for SATB with organ and/or concert band and/or orchestra
Luigi Zaninelli’s unique arrangement of the The Star-Spangled Banner may be performed by choir and organ or with concert band or orchestra for an especially powerful rendition of this patriotic favorite.
FOR TREBLE AND TENOR/BASS ENSEMBLES
arr. Henry Leck & Martin Ellis for SSAA a cappella with solo
The Grammy -winning singer Kelly Clarkson scored big with an elegant, pitch-perfect and rousing rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLVI with choral back-up provided by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, conducted by Henry Leck. Here is the arrangement in two keys, the original in G, as sung by Kelly and a B-flat edition, for use with soprano or tenor soloist, or a group of singers.
arr. Evan Ramos for T(T)B a cappella
Look no further for a fabulous arrangement of the Star Spangle Banner for your developing tenor-bass ensemble. With appropriate, conservative ranges and an optional T2 part, choirs of all sizes can succeed in performing this standard piece in the American repertory.
CREATIVE HARMONIZATIONS
arr. Eric Whitacre for SATB divisi a cappella
Eric Whitacre has created a remarkable setting of the Star-Spangled Banner, filled with colorful effects and vivid dissonance. Challenging and impressive!
arr. Jacob Narverud for SATB divisi a cappella
Elegant and creative, but not overdone, this setting of the Star Spangled Banner is concert worthy for choirs capable of singing divisi.
arr. Jamey Ray for SATB divisi a cappella
Make a powerful impression with this contemporary a cappella setting of America’s national anthem. A standout arrangement with glorious divisi that becomes even more expansive toward the end. It will be remembered about long after the concert or game is over.
Find more anthem arrangements and other patriotic options on our website, or contact us for more ideas! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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!