Creative Programming: Folk Songs & Spirituals for Choir Monday, September 16, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
In programming your school concerts this year, consider gathering inspiration from this combination of folk songs and spirituals! Whether your concert needs include great festival pieces, concert closers, novelties, artistically crafted accompaniments, or joyful celebrations, these new selections could add just the right creative touch to your concert season!
Deep River arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Johnson’s artistically crafted piano accompaniment creates a gentle, wave-like motion throughout to support the warm, lush choral textures and harmonies in this superb arrangement of the beloved spiritual. This elegant, emotional and yet accessible setting is destined to become a staple in choral repertoire for both school and church choirs.
No Ways Tired arr. Rollo Dilworth, SATB with piano
Now available for SATB choirs. This spiritual encourages us to persevere even in times of challenge and adversity. Set in a gospel style with call and response, and repeated refrains, this work builds to a climactic “special chorus” bringing a spirit of empowerment and joyful celebration to your concert.
Shenandoah arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano & oboe
A plaintive oboe solo floats above an expressive piano accompaniment in this inspired arrangement of the much-loved American folk song. Featuring unique harmonic twists and turns, and a gradual broadening of the original melody that mimics the movement of the river itself. A refreshing reimagining of a treasured classic.
Down in the River to Pray arr. Jace Wittig, SSAA a cappella with body percussion
The Colorado all-state treble choir stood outside their hotel rooms, many stories high, singers at all levels, singing this arrangement into the atrium in the center. The sound was compelling and so it was recorded on someone’s iPhone and posted on YouTube. Then it went viral. The next you know it was programmed for the ACDA National Convention. It is a stunning arrangement that builds just right.
Chicken on a Fencepost arr. Greg Gilpin, 3-part mixed with piano
Chickin’ scratchin’ fun abounds in Gilpin’s arrangement of the 19th century dance reels “Hello Susan Brown” and “Four in the Middle.” Even though this is a novelty piece, it is full of teaching opportunities, rehearsal fun and is sure to be a performing gem.
Bound for Canaan Lan’ arr. Stacey V. Gibbs, SATB a cappella
A superb arrangement of this well-known spiritual by prolific composer Stacey Gibbs is highly engaging. From the joyous opening, the energetic rhythms portray a picture of the hopeful text. A great festival piece, concert closer or encore number for burgeoning mixed ensembles.
O! What a Beautiful City arr. Shawn Kirchner, SSSAAA with piano
Now for treble choir! Inspired by the Joseph Jennings arrangement of this same tune for Chanticleer, Shawn combines the five syllable “Halleluia” with the timeless melody of the old spiritual. A true gospel piano part, for years improvised by the arranger and now written down along with an optional coda for any choir blessed with a great gospel soloist. This is a concert “closer” of the highest order.
Find more great repertoire options on our website, or contact us for more information. 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!