News & Views Friday, April 26, 2024

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists

Rise Up, My Soul! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
This spirited and joyful anthem will set the tone for any worship service. Its message of triumph and joy will resonate with singer and listener alike. With a percussive and rhythmic accompaniment, this anthem is useful all year long. Easy to sing, yet exciting and fresh.

Gospel of Grace arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
In a relaxed gospel groove, Mary McDonald infuses her creativity and originality into traditional texts and melodies. Drawing from “Amazing Grace,” an original chorus elaborates on sentiments from the universally loved hymn. A rhythm section can be incorporated to enhance the gospel style.

O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God by Chaz Bowers, SATB a cappella
This lovely a cappella setting will be a welcome addition to your choir’s Holy Spirit and Pentecost repertoire and is also well suited to celebrations of confirmation or Communion. The piece gradually builds in intensity as it invokes the Breath of God to transform our lives. Rich four-part writing that is very accessible. Highly recommended!

There Is a Savior arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
The text to this classic contemporary song speaks of hope for tomorrow and the promise of mercy and forgiveness from the Savior. The inclusion of the old, gospel hymn refrain “My Savior’s Love” brings the message home expressing how marvelous and wonderful the Savior’s love truly is.

The First Song of Isaiah by Jack Noble White/arr. Lee Dengler, SAB with piano and optional congregation and handbells
Since it was first published in 1976, this anthem has been sung by millions of people worldwide. In addition to its simply profound message coupled with warm and inviting melody and harmonies, this anthem offers great flexibility in how it can be sung and accompanied: with or without a children’s choir, optional guitar, drums and handbells…or simply with organ and/or piano. Now available in a new SAB voicing.

Shall We Gather at the River arr. Anna Laura Page, SATB with piano and optional flute
This four-verse setting of the familiar text and tune is intimate and sensitive. Unison men’s voices are featured in a couple places, but the choral parts are not difficult. Piano and flute help the music flow forward. The third verse is set in triple meter to original music, a nice change before the final verse returns to the HANSON PLACE tune. Reproducible Flute part included.

We’ll Join the Everlasting Song! arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
The composer uses the traditional, classic hymn texts, ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME and CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS in combination and set to the tunes of KINGSFOLD and LEONI to form a robust hymn of praise and celebration, suitable for Easter and any other service of worship and celebration.

God of the Sparrow by Craig Courtney, SATB with piano and flute or violin
A tender prayer to the God of all comfort that He who sees and cares for each sparrow will lovingly care for us, His own children. Lyrics by Jonathan Cook. The flute or violin part is included in the octavo.

Visit our website to browse more of our Five Star Features, and remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. began working in Stanton’s Choral Department in 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. Judy is also recently retired – congratulations Judy!

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.

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

If We Stand As One by Jim Papoulis, SATB with piano & percussion
Tyler Clementi put a face on the consequences of cruelty. Through the Tyler Clementi Foundation, tens of thousands of youth and adults have been inspired to speak out and stand up in the face of bullying, harassment and humiliation across the globe (www.tylerclementi.org). And a multitude of important and inspirational songs have been written to support this important cause. This song was commissioned by the Tyler Clementi Foundation and the Leman Manhattan Preparatory School and is an important contribution to this oeuvre.

Whatever Is True by Michael John Trotta, 3-part mixed with piano
Conceived as a work for emerging choirs looking for a positive message and opportunities to develop musical skills within appropriate ranges. “Whatever is True” has close harmonies, optional a cappella sections, rhythmic vigor and offers many options for the growing choral ensemble. This work is a favorite with choirs and audiences a like.

Safe Place by James Kevin Gray, SAB with piano
Stand against bullying. The composer offers a YouTube video showing this piece performed with dancers and offers background information speaking to and offering help in the midst of bullying. This is a beautiful song and a beautiful resource for this important topic.

I Am Anne by Mac Huff & John Jacobson, 2-part with piano
In the words of Anne Frank, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” These sage words from a young Anne are the foundation for this original song. One child can change the world. No matter how big, and no matter how small. These powerful lyrics, gently set, provide a message that all young children need to hear.

Who Am I? by Madeline Stone, 2-part with piano
The PS22 public school chorus in Staten Island, NY has over 65 million views of their songs on Facebook. In 2018, they sang this song live at a meeting of the United Nations and showed the world why so many people are inspired by their music. Here is your chance to share this inspiring music in your own community.

Out of the Dark by Jim Papoulis, SA with piano & percussion
Middle school can be a difficult time in the life of a student. Often they feel inadequate and they carry self-doubt. Composer Jim Papoulis explored this topic with the middle school students in a song writing workshop and the students discovered that they are not alone with their feelings of self-doubt and that even adults struggle with these feelings. These students also discovered that they have the ability to be strong and find inspiration from within. The music reflects these moments of discovery with rhythmic forces. There is a vulnerable honesty in this music, an honesty that young people will resonate with.

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!

Top Hits of 2019 for Easy Guitar
This collection contains 13 hot singles from 2019 for easy guitar. The chord grids are given at the beginning of each song, and chord names are printed above the staff. Tablature is given for the melody lines. It isn’t hard to get these pop songs ready to play for yourself or for friends!

Songs include: “Bad Guy” (Billie Eilish); “Beer Never Broke My Heart” (Luke Combs); “Gloria” (The Lumineers); “I Don’t Care” (Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber); “If I Can’t Have You” (Shawn Mendes); “Lo/Hi” (The Black Keys); “Look What God Gave Her” (Thomas Rhett); “ME!” (Taylor Swift); “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello); “Someone You Loved” (Lewis Capaldi); “Speechless” (from Aladdin) (Naomi Scott); “Sucker” (Jonas Brothers); and “Whiskey Glasses” (Morgan Wallen).

For more information about this collection or others like it, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists

Feature young soloists in worship with this great collection – perfect for young singers!

Sacred Vocal Solos for Kids Book/CD
Titles include: “Alive, Alive,” “All Night, All Day,” “Amazing Grace,” “Dare to Be a Daniel,” “Down in My Heart,” “Give Me Oil in My Lamp,” “The Gospel Train,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” “I Will Sing of the Mercies,” “I Would Be True,” “I’m Gonna Sing, Sing, Sing,” “I’m in the Lord’s Army,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” “Jesus Bids Us Shine,” “Jesus in the Morning,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” “Just As I Am,” “Little David, Play on Your Harp,” “My God Is So Great, So Strong and So Mighty,” “O, How I Love Jesus,” “Praise Him, All Ye Little Children,” “Rock-A-My Soul,” “Simple Gifts,” “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” “This Is My Father’s World,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Trust and Obey,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “Zacchaeus.”

Contact us for more suggestions for young singers, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Judy H. began working in Stanton’s Choral Department in 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. Judy is also recently retired – congratulations Judy!

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.

recommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Piano Music Specialists

Blues Improv by Edwin McLean & Kevin Olson
There are nine units in this book, starting with the basic blues scale in C, then moving to the keys of D, G, A, and E. Each unit has four parts: a blues scale; an illustrative short original piece; a riff improv where students can combine riffs in any order; and finally, a free improv that allows students to use riffs already learned as well as improvise new ones. This step-by-step approach ensures progress, always building on previously learned skills.

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About the Authors:
Caryn G. has over 21 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments. During her career, she has been a church pianist/accompanist and a piano teacher. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.

Judy S. has 30 years of private piano teaching experience and 40 years as a church pianist. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.

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

Looking for new music for your spring pops program? Perhaps a medley from the Broadway stage, the silver screen, or the concert hall would work for your SATB, TTBB, or SSA choirs? Check out the potpourri of Five Star Features below!

Hamilton Highlights arr. Lisa DeSpain, SATB with piano
Don’t mistake this one for Hamilton: A Choral Medley – this new “highlights” medley is designed for developing groups and those who desire a more concise concert selection. Only five minutes in length but includes seven popular songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking show, which has been called “the most important musical of our time.” Rhythmic notation has been augmented for ease of teaching/reading, keys have been adapted to the best vocal ranges, choral parts reconfigured for intuitive harmonization, and still this fast-paced showpiece delivers all the impact of the original score! Songs include: “My Shot,” “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” “Alexander Hamilton,” “You’ll Be Back,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “Wait for It,” and “The Room Where It Happens.”

I Got Gershwin! arr. Adam Podd & Matt Podd, SATB with piano & optional combo
This seamless 4½-minute tour through seven timeless standards pays tribute to the American songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin. Smart voice leading and classic choral arranging techniques remain faithful to the cherished melodies and jazz-influenced harmonies. Listen closely for additional Gershwin themes tucked into brief interludes between the enchanting songs. Live clarinet, bass, and drums add an elegant touch in concert. Songs include: “I Got Rhythm,” “’S Wonderful,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” “Love Is Here to Stay,” “Embraceable You,” and “Fascinating Rhythm.”

Rocketman (Songs from the Motion Picture) arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano & optional combo
Elton John ruled the pop charts in the 1970s–and moviegoing audiences in 2019 finally got a chance to see why. The rave-reviewed biopic Rocketman chronicled John’s fruitful songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, with the movie letting their seemingly never-ending catalog of classics speak (or sing) for themselves. Songs include: “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be a Long Long Time),” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” “Crocodile Rock” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”

Songs of a Disney Villain arr. Alan Billingsley, SAB with piano & optional combo
Every good story needs a good villain and Disney has created some of the best. Here are five great songs that are sung by the characters we love to hate – Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmations,” Gaston from “Beauty and the Beast,” the Python from “The Jungle Book,” Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” and Scar from “The Lion King.” Songs include: “Cruella de Vil,” “Be Prepared,” “Trust in Me (The Python’s Song),” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Gaston.”

Coco (Choral Highlights) arr. Mac Huff, 2-part with piano
This charming medley features bilingual texts, great energy, and moments of tenderness that will captivate audiences of all ages. Songs include: “The World Es Mi Familia,” “Un Poco Loco,” “Remember Me,” and “Proud Corazon.”

Crazy Little Thing Called ROCK arr. Tom Anderson, SAB with piano & optional rhythm
Written by Freddie Mercury, the infectious “rock-shuffle” style of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is mashed up with the Billy Joel classic “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me” and combined we have a great time. There is room to feature a talented soloist and the choral writing is strong.

My Fair Ladies arr. Andy Beck, SSA with piano
Two of the most delightful songs from Lerner and Loewe’s much-revered musical “My Fair Lady” are combined into this 2½-minute medley designed for women’s ensembles of any age. A grandiose introduction gives way to the breathless energy of Eliza and Henry’s first dance in “I Could Have Danced All Night,” followed by a playful setting of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.” The melodies and harmonies are distributed beautifully across all three voices, encouraging all of your ladies to channel their inner Julie Andrews.

Singin’ the 70s! arr. Paul Langford, SSA with piano & optional rhythm
Capturing the sound of the 1970s, this medley will be a sure-fire hit for your next concert or show. Covering styles from disco to light gospel, your singers will groove to these beats and love experiencing these iconic tunes. Available for mixed, women’s and men’s voices with a super hot track! Songs include: “Best of My Love,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

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!

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

Plan for upcoming concerts with these new options, perfect for springtime performances!

An April Morning by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano
Bruce W. Tippette takes the words of Sara Teasdale’s poem “Morning” and beautifully sets them for SATB voices with an expressive, yet supportive piano accompaniment. The use of overlapping vocal lines, coupled with tonal clusters, give each part importance while creating harmonic delight. This is a great piece for intermediate high school and even some advanced middle schools.

The Breeze and the Birdsong by Amy F. Bernon, 2-part with piano
This song is dedicated to a dear friend who is about to start a new chapter of life. It’s full of descriptions of nature and fresh adventures: “May the bright, sparkling day stay beside you now as you’re on your way.” Bernon’s delightful original also makes for a memorable and meaningful graduation selection for young singers who are moving up to middle or high school and experiencing important transitions of their own. A Learning Resource Page is included.

Winter’s Defeat by Gwyn Williams/arr. Charles McCartha, SAB with piano and optional flute & hand drum
The optional lilting flute and rhythmic hand drum parts lend a festive air to this song that celebrates the end of winter. Robust choral singing throughout beckons a change of season, and a soaring descant at the end signals the triumphant return of spring. A fully developed piece for winter and spring programs.

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!

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

Incorporate movement and dance into your music classroom with these valuable new resources!

Meaningful Movement by Marla Butke & David Frego
This thoughtful and thorough text is intended to help music teachers find meaningful ways to include Dalcroze-based movement in lessons that meet national education standards and have assessment opportunities. Chapters 2–5 contain sequential activities that teach various music concepts. Concentration, rhythmic integrity, artistic movement, and social integration are key components. The 206 lessons are divided into four phases – introductory, beginning, intermediate and advanced. Directions are easy to follow. Includes sample lesson plans, assessment rubrics, and an access code for a video-link to view 31 lessons presented by children and adults.

See It, Hear It, Do It! by Kate Kuper
Add these practical movement activities to your lesson rotation and help your students develop important skills in dance. They will learn about the connections between music and movement, and the best part is that you can teach these lessons even if you are not a dance instructor. With something for every elementary age group, you are sure to find a movement solution in this creative collection of lessons.

Little Stompers by John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
Learning music concepts through movement is fun! This “Little Stompers” collection includes: movement songs for grades K-2, year-round ideas for teaching music concepts through movement, music class openers, songs to activate creative minds, activities to exercise healthy bodies, movements to promote physical coordination. The printed song collection features step-by-step lesson plans with engaging ideas for presentation, plus reproducible lyric and singer pages. Each book comes with a unique code for online access to audio recordings and choreography videos.

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!

The Singer’s Jazz Anthology is an exciting new series providing aspiring jazz vocalists and pianists with staples of the jazz repertoire. New in the series is Pop Standards, available for both high and low voice. The singer’s portion matches the original sheet music, and the pianist has fresh, unique accompaniments in authentic jazz style. The accompaniments can be played as written, or the pianist can use the chord labels to improvise the accompaniment. Audio Access is also provided so the singer has a recording to use in either practice or performance.

Titles include: “Alfie,” “Blackbird,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Fire and Rain,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “Three Times a Lady,” “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Yesterday,” and more.

Whether you like to sing by yourself or for others, you will find that this collection will be fun to sing from! For more information about this collection, you can call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit us online at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!