News & Views Friday, March 29, 2024

In the Stillness of Winter Monday, November 04, 2019

recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists

Programming for December concerts can be challenging, depending on your school community – can you program “Christmas” music (baby Jesus, manger, Bethlehem, etc.)? Can you program “holiday” music (Frosty, Rudolph, Jingle Bells)? Or are you limited to general concert literature, with maybe a “winter” theme (i.e. snowflakes, etc)? Maybe you’re avoiding the “holiday” issue altogether and scheduling your concert in January or February!

No matter what your programming situation, don’t look at it as a limitation! Lots of great choral literature is available for wintertime performances – here are a few new options for this season:

in the stillness of winter victor c. johnsonFOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
In the Stillness of Winter by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
“And as the snow falls from above, we fill our hearts with joy and love and tidings of peace to one and all.” A picturesque choral for winter, rich with nostalgia and glowing vocals. A beautiful selection for Christmas or holidays as well as winter-themed concerts.

Midwinter Song by Susan LaBarr, SATB with piano
With lyrics by Daniel Elder and music by Susan LaBarr, Midwinter Song is a new Christmas carol that calls us to love, faith, and hope. With a beautiful and supportive piano accompaniment and accessible vocal lines, this work will appeal to a wide variety of levels.

To Shorten Winter’s Sadness by Thomas Weelkes/arr. John Leavitt, SSATB a cappella
The Hal Leonard “Choral Treasury” series has become the benchmark for clean, functional, well edited scores. This madrigal by the early English composer Thomas Weelkes is all of that and more. And the text lends itself to a winter program as well as any time during the year.

winter reflections bruce tippetteWinter Reflections by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano
This gentle original captures the mystical allure of a winter snowfall, reflecting on its crystalline beauty. It seamlessly moves between major and minor, with an option for a Soloist to be briefly featured toward the end of the piece. The cascading lines of the accompaniment add to the imagery expressed in the text of this gorgeous seasonal work.

FOR TREBLE CHOIR
Let Us Walk in the White Snow by Victor C. Johnson, SSA with piano
“Let us walk in the white snow in a soundless space; with footsteps quiet and slow, at a tranquil pace, under veils of white lace.” Elinor Wylie’s picturesque poetic snow-scape enjoys a lovely musical setting, artfully conceived with gentle melodic development, calming harmonies, and rich choral textures. The well-crafted writing will bring out the very best from your upper voices.

silent snowfall laura farnellFOR TENOR/BASS CHOIR
Silent Snowfall by Laura Farnell, T(T)B with piano
Farnell captures the exquisite beauty, wonder and starkness of the falling snow through both picture painting and melodic treatment in this wonderfully poignant and accessible piece for tenor-bass choirs. The optional notes throughout provide opportunities to “fill out” chords at the discretion of the director. A holiday programming must!

Need more ideas? Contact us to brainstorm, or come in to see us! 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!

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