Take On Me: NEW for Contemporary A Cappella Wednesday, November 20, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Take On Me arr. Roger Emerson, SATBB a cappella (optional piano)
Pentatonix has given us their take on the ’80s! Norwegian pop group a-ha had a world wide hit with this “synth-pop” song and in this effects are moved to voices in this arrangement.
All Star (As an English Madrigal) arr. Nathan Howe, SATB a cappella
American rock band Smash Mouth released this hit in 1999 from the album Astro Lounge and became one of their most successful songs, making its way into movies most notably in the Shrek franchise. This arrangement is genius and turns the tune into an English madrigal! It’s also a fun way to teach the genre to young singers and a novel way for the experienced singer to have some fun! Your audience will love it!
Heaven Is a Place on Earth arr. Mark Brymer, SATB a cappella (optional piano)
Belinda Carlisle, the lead singer of the Go-Go’s, scored a number one hit with this chorus-belting power ballad in 1987! Mark Brymer’s arrangement ups the ante with extensive use of vocables with a unique bridge section sure to get your audience singing along!
Higher Ground arr. Paul Langford, SATB a cappella
A cappella singing is hot! This Stevie Wonder funk hit from 1973 was written before his accident but Wonder said, “Something must have been telling me that something was going to happen to make me aware of a lot of things and to get myself together.” It’s a great message of second chances delivered in a vessel of vocal excitement!
Make Them Hear You (from Ragtime) arr. Kirby Shaw, TTBB a cappella
Here’s the heart-swelling central anthem from “Ragtime,” beautifully arranged for a cappella voices! A lush “ah” and “oo” introduction yields to the stirring strains of Stephen Flaherty’s stunning Broadway ballad, which gradually builds to a wall of sound as Lynn Ahrens’ lyrics unfold. This arrangement delivers the spirit and truth of an important message – especially relevant today.
Pick Up the Pieces arr. Roger Emerson, SATBB a cappella
The 1970’s group Average White Band was anything but average. They were full of funk and R&B soul. This hit from their second album is stylish and this new arrangement captures that style perfectly. This is a show stopper.
ESPECIALLY FOR BEGINNING GROUPS
Ain’t Got Far to Go arr. Bryan Sharpe, SAB/3-part mixed a cappella
Arranged expressly for developing a cappella pop groups! Best known as the featured singer on Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be,” up-and-coming UK music star Jess Glynne recorded this upbeat tune with an undeniably positive message. Presented here in a perky pop style, this arrangement features a great solo, rhythmic vocables for the group to sing, and fully notated vocal percussion.
Can’t Help Falling in Love arr. Alan Billingsley, SATBB a cappella (optional piano)
Featured in the 1961 Elvis film Blue Hawaii, as well as the recording of the same name, this beautiful love song remains as popular today as ever.
Explore our website for more ideas for a cappella ensembles, 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!