Choral Medleys for Spring 2020 Monday, March 09, 2020
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!