Kid’s Korner: Fall & Christmas 2019 Friday, October 11, 2019
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
Christmas Day in the Morning arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano & optional flute
Flute and piano accompany this joyful arrangement incorporating “I Saw Three Ships” and “The Snow Lay on the Ground” in excellent fashion. One would never guess these two songs were ever sung without each other! Lovely for all holiday and Christmas programs.
Ev’rybody Praise Him! by Jeff Reeves, Unison/2-part with piano
Familiar passages from Psalms 66 and 150 come to life in this jubilant anthem inviting “everything that has breath” to praise the Lord! Ideal for the start of a new choir year, the ABA form makes the piece easy to learn with the repetition of its gently syncopated melody and memorable text. An opening narration, along with opportunities for rhythmic speech and closing handclaps, infuse the piece with a unique charm that’s especially appealing for older elementary choirs or youth choirs.
Glory, Glory arr. Keith Christopher, Unison/2-part with piano
Styled in a gospel shuffle, this very fun arrangement of a traditional spiritual is full of energy and excitement. Staccato notes, vocal scoops, and an optional second part are just some of the features that will delight singers and listeners alike.
I Want to Be Like Jesus by Cindy Berry, Unison/2-part treble with piano & optional flute
The simple, childlike text of this thoughtful anthem expresses a genuine desire to live like Jesus – to be kind, faithful, and forgiving. A splendid choice for use during Lent, Holy Week, or any general time of year, the piece incorporates the short hymn refrain, “Oh, How I Love Jesus” into the song’s beautifully crafted melody, written especially with elementary choirs in mind.
In the Bleak Midwinter arr. Audrey Snyder, Unison/2-part treble with piano & optional C treble instrument
This arrangement of the beloved 19th century Christmas carol reflects the beauty and sensitivity of its timeless text and simple, pastoral melody. The piece is easily sung by unison or two part choirs and also includes an optional C treble instrument that brings support and harmonic interest to the expressive vocal parts. Ideal for holiday concert settings or Christmas worship services.
It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord by Lynn Shaw Bailey, Unison/2-part with piano & optional shaker and claves
This joyful thanksgiving anthem sets the familiar Psalm text, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord,” to a driving, syncopated refrain that recurs throughout the piece. A lively piano accompaniment and optional parts for shaker and claves adds to the euphoric expression of gratitude and praise to God.
The Mighty Power of God arr. Glenn Eernisse, Unison/2-part with piano & optional handbells or handchimes
Isaac Watts wrote this text in the first known hymnal for children. The text and the traditional English melody FOREST GREEN are interwoven with the theme of Mozart’s Alleluia in this general unison (optional two-part) anthem. Optional handbells or hand chimes (included) enter on the final stanza along with an optional second vocal part.
O Come, Little Children arr. Ken Berg, 2-part with piano & optional maraca
A syncopated setting with a sweet, sprightly piano accompaniment, this piece is a fine teaching tool for unison singing, vowel formation, and handling skips and leaps. There are a very few places where two parts are written, but they are easy. Useful and charming for any treble group at Christmas time.
Royal David’s City by Joseph M. Martin, Unison/2-part with piano
Cecil Alexander’s text, “Once In Royal David’s City,” serves as the foundation for this festive, upbeat Christmas anthem that choirs of all ages will love to sing. Additional new text, a delightful new tune, and changing meters give this cherished carol text a bright, invigorating make over perfect for any Christmas worship service or celebration.
Waiting for the Light (with O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) by Ruth Elaine Schram, Unison with piano
This anthem for unison treble voices exquisitely portrays the longing and darkness felt by those awaiting the promised Messiah. A stanza of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is seamlessly woven into the anthem. A perfect selection for early Advent.
Find more for young choirs on our website, or contact us for personalized suggestions. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.