“A Wonderful Day Like Today”: Pop & Jazz for Choir Wednesday, February 05, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Program upcoming pops concerts with these new options for high school and middle school ensembles!
Reach Out I’ll Be There arr. Alan Billingsley, SATB with piano & optional combo
The Four Tops reached their place in history by defining the quintessential Detroit-based Motown sound of the 1960s. Considered the Tops “signature song”, give your choirs the chance to sing in this crowd-pleasing and groundbreaking musical style.
This Magic Moment arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano & optional combo
First recorded by Ben E. King and the Drifters in 1960, this easy listening love song is here set in a doo wop style that harkens back to the 1950s with finger snaps, a doo wop bass line and a feature for a soloist who can really bring the style. The instrumental accompaniment for 2 trumpets, tenor and baritone saxophones, trombone and rhythm section is just as stylish as the vocals and together a scene with poodle skirts, bobby socks, duck tail hairstyles and all things cool from the period is set.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB with piano & optional combo
Who can forget this #1 hit by the British duo Wham! Kirby’s choral adaptation gets right in the groove of the finger-snapping piece of pop perfection. For even more fun, add the optional SoundPax or SoundTrax CD, 1980s costumes, and some show choir choreography. “Jitterbug!”
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing arr. Roger Emerson, SSA with piano
This Discovery series edition of Stevie Wonder’s 1973 song packs all the joyful Latin energy you would want into an accessible arrangement that is super cool and fun to sing. Great for building skills and style, the voice-leading is well-crafted for your beginning and developing jazz/pop groups.
More Than a Feeling arr. Kirby Shaw, TTB with piano & optional combo
Named one of the top rock songs of all time and part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this classic from the band Boston fits nicely in the voice. This arrangement is full of style and gives your singers the chance to explore pop/rock stylings while maintaining strong vocal technique.
Alright, Okay, You Win arr. Roger Emerson, 2-part mixed with piano
Here is a swinging classic jazz song ideal for young singers. A call and response style so important in jazz and here offers your young singers the opportunity to experience it. Detailed performance notes are offered by the arranger. And, as always, the vocal ranges and musical elements required to successfully perform this have been carefully chosen to ensure success.
A Wonderful Day Like Today arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano & optional kazoos
The musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd” gave us this bright two-beat number. It’s a perfect selection for young singers to perform a positive message, add some choreography and the best part…play some kazoos! A terrific opener for any general concert.
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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!