News & Views Friday, March 29, 2024

If We Stand As One: Social Justice for Middle School Wednesday, March 18, 2020

if we stand as one jim papoulisrecommended 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 michael john trottaWhatever 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 mac huff john jacobsonI 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 jim papoulisOut 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.

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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!

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