News & Views Friday, April 19, 2024

In 1953, the renowned playwright Lillian Hellman proposed to Leonard Bernstein that they adapt Voltaire’s Candide for the musical theater. Voltaire’s 1758 novella satirized the fashionable philosophies of his day and, especially, the Catholic Church whose Inquisition routinely tortured and killed “heretics” in a ghastly event known as an “Auto da Fé” (“act of faith”). Hellman observed a sinister parallel between the Inquisition’s church-sponsored purges and the “Washington Witch Trials,” fueled by anti-Communist hysteria and waged by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Charged with rage and indignation, she began her adaptation of Voltaire’s with lyricist John LaTouche and Bernstein, who wrote numerous musical sketches.

Although unsuccessful at its premiere in 1956, Candide has now overcome the unenthusiastic reaction of early audiences and critics and achieved enormous popularity. It is very popular among major music schools as a student show because of the quality of its music and the opportunities it offers to student singers.

Newly available is a lovely Candide: Choral Suite, which includes “The Best of All Possible Worlds,” “Oh, Happy We,” “It Must Be So,” “This World (Candide’s Lament),” and “Make Our Garden Grow.”

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

recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Bluegrass Songs for Easy Guitar
This collection includes 25 bluegrass songs with chords and tab. The chords are easy, so you can quickly learn your favorites. The songs are in standard notation and tablature, so you can learn the songs you’ve never encountered before. This is a fun collection for playing by yourself, or with friends! Songs include: “Alabama Jubilee,” “Arkansas Traveler,” “Bill Cheatham,” “Blackberry Blossom,” “The Fox,” “Great Speckled Bird,” “I Am a Pilgrim,” “New River Train,” “Red Rocking Chair,” “Red Wing,” “Sally Goodin,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “Turkey in the Straw,” and more!

For more information about this collection or other bluegrass collections, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at  keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at stantons.com.  Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

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

Build skills and confidence in your changing voices with these new octavos – keep those boys singing!

Life Is a Highway arr. Cristi Cary Miller, TB with piano
Here’s a Tom Cochrane hit from 1991 which gained renewed popularity in the Disney Pixar film “Cars.” This upbeat driving rock song reminds us all to do the best we can at all times. This wonderful new arrangement with positive lyrics can become a theme song for your young musicians and a reminder to the audience to do their best to make this world a better place.

Take Me Home, Country Roads arr. Roger Emerson, TB with piano
John Denver’s enduring and classic ode to West Virginia. This signature song and official state anthem continues to be one of Denver’s best-selling recordings nearly 50 years on. Deftly set by Roger Emerson to develop and emphasize young men’s harmonization and melodic independence skills.

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel? arr. Greg Gilpin, TB with piano
This energetic spiritual is now available in a NEW TB voicing, perfect for developing men’s choirs. Driving piano accompaniment helps create a rousing performance with many dynamic and rhythmic twists and turns setting this spiritual on fire!

In the Still of the Night arr. Roger Emerson, TB with piano
Here is a classic 1950s “Doo Wop” song masterfully arranged for middle level singers. Young men will embrace this classic style and your audience will smile as your young singers bring this classic style to life. Stylistic notes are offered by the arranger encouraging the singers to have fun while growing as musicians.

Eldorado by Glenda E. Franklin, TB with piano
Take your men on an adventure to the lost city of gold in an energetic concert/festival original that follows the story of a gallant knight who is unyielding in his search for the legendary treasured city. With words penned by Edgar Allan Poe, young and developing male choirs will excel and feel success as they enjoy this rousing quest.

Way Hey – Let’s Go! by Jake Averitt, Unison/2-part unchanged tenor voices with piano
Written with unchanged/developing male voices in mind, “Way Hey – Let’s Go” features a limited vocal range of a sixth and predictable form, and is very appealing to emerging tenor-bass singers. Most of the piece uses a single melody that can be used to develop strong unison singing, making it a programming must!

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 Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

Happy Songs for Ukulele
Ukulele is perfect for playing happy songs, what with its bright sound. This collection of 20 happy songs is perfect for strumming and singing, and many of the titles included are available via Stanton’s Digital Delivery, so you can print and play right away! Songs include: “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive,” “(It’s a) Beautiful Morning,” “Best Day of My Life,” “Blue Skies,” “Bubbly,” “Dancin’ in the Moonlight,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” “Good Day Sunshine,” “Good Vibrations,” “Happiness,” “Happy,” “Happy Days are Here Again,” “Happy Together,” “I Can See Clearly Now,” “Island in the Sun,” “My Favorite Things,” “Sing,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Walking on Sunshine,” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.

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

Devotion arr. Jay Rouse, for Intermediate Piano
Popular for his signature contemporary approach to traditional hymn tunes, Jay Rouse brings us another captivating keyboard collection that will engage pianists and congregations across worship styles. Built around the themes of faith, hope, and love, the meditative hymn arrangements in Devotion will inspire worshipers to draw closer to God as they listen and pray. Titles include: “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “Day by Day,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “Give Me Jesus,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” “I Am Thine, O Lord,” “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and “My Jesus, I Love Thee.”

Ivory Inspirations arr. Jay Rouse, for Intermediate Piano
As a gifted composer, arranger, and pianist, Jay Rouse’s music has won its way into the hearts of performers and listeners alike for its fresh and genuine approach. These solid and creative hymn settings will appeal to pianists and worshipers of all ages. Titles include: “O Worship the King,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “There Is a Fountain with Were You There?,” “Sweet By-and-By,” “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty,” “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” “In the Garden,” “Abide with Me,” and “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.”

A Still and Silent Night arr. Jay Rouse, for Intermediate Piano
During your busy holiday season, take a few moments at the piano for peace and reflection with “A Still and Silent Night.” Jay Rouse crafted this collection of his favorite Christmas melodies with exceptional mastery and flair. The titles included vary in difficulty from moderately easy to moderately advanced, resulting in a delightfully versatile resource. Titles include: “Carol of Joy with Carol of the Bells and Joy to the World,” “Still, Still, Still with Away in a Manger,” “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly,” “Silent Night! Holy Night!,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Coventry Carol,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Away in a Manger with Prelude in C Major,” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”

Find more from Jay Rouse on our website, or visit our YouTube channel below to view our Sacred Piano Reading Session with Jay in August 2019. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.

Gospel Songs of Hank Williams for Piano/Vocal/Guitar
Hank Williams wrote “I Saw the Light,” a perennial gospel favorite. Did you know that he wrote 19 more gospel songs? “When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels,” “Jesus is Calling,” and “Wealth Won’t Save Your Soul” are just three examples from among those 19. If you enjoy playing or singing gospel songs, this collection, written for piano and/or guitar, is worth exploring!

For more information about this collection or other gospel songbooks, call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or visit our website at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Codebreakers by Bryce Newton, Grade 2
Bryce Newton has composed this work for the developing band to commemorate the World War II code-breaking efforts by the NCR Company in Dayton, Ohio. This stirring composition evokes a sense of mystery and excitement from start to finish. Written well within the technical abilities of the developing band, this powerful composition will capture the imagination of your students while also providing quality teaching material. An excellent choice for your concert or festival performance.

Dragonflight at Dawn by F. Scott Kroll, Grade 2
Just before the sun breaks through the morning clouds, the Dragon Riders prepare their mighty beasts for flight. In this exciting piece for developing band, take your musicians and audience to the skies as the dragons soar through the clouds reigning over the world below. Your students will love this imaginative work by F. Scott Kroll!

Twilight Tango by David Bobrowitz, Grade 2
This fun selection authentically captures the dance style known as the tango, which developed during the 1880’s in Argentina and Uruguay. It evolved into an exciting partner dance which became popular round the world. In this mysterious-sounding, minor key Latin number, melodies and counter melodies twist and turn around each other, evoking images of sultry dancers in a dimply-lit night club. The Twilight Tango is in three part A B A form. Each section of this Bobrowitz creation has a catchy melody that is pure fun to either sing or dance to. There is plenty of melodic material for all to play, be aware that your audience may be moved to start dancing in the aisles!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio. His iPod ranges from jazz to classic and alternative rock, symphonies, and classic songs from Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His interests include comic books, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, football and hockey (especially the Steelers and Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.

If every post you’ve read recently has recommended that you create a virtual ensemble during this distance learning time but hasn’t told you how, then you may waist deep in a project bigger than you anticipated – or you may just have no idea what to expect!

It’s tempting to want to achieve something like Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir, but our students aren’t professional musicians and we aren’t professional video editors.

A virtual ensemble is a BIG technological undertaking, so here are some tips to get started!

Equipment:
For the Teacher
– Video editing software
– Recording device (phone, tablet, laptop, external microphone, etc)
For the Student
– Device to listen to provided track with headphones/earbuds
– Device to record their part
– Instrument and music stand (here are some creative ideas if students need to improvise a stand at home!)

Distributing Music:
– Send parts to your students digitally! No printing, no scanning. Watch this video about copyright laws for tips, and only send music that you have legally purchased to your students.
– See what’s available via Stanton’s Digital Delivery.
– Bill your digital order to your school account (and make sure you don’t lose your allotted school funding before the end of the year!). Contact the Stanton’s Sheet Music Specialists (Choral, Instrumental, and Keyboard/Pop/Guitar) and let them know your school name, purchase order information, and which titles you need to receive in your inbox.

Instruction List:
– You’ll have to tell your students how to get started. There are a lot of details to think about, especially if you plan on posting your performance somewhere for parents to watch later, like YouTube.
– Dress code – no commercial logos. School spirit wear or school colors are a great choice!
– Environment – a quiet area with a closed door; turn off fans, TVs, or other excess noise.
– Camera – phones usually have better mic and camera features than laptops. Film with the phone in portrait position to show less background and a full shot of the student. Take a picture at the camera angle first to make sure the student, instrument, and posture can be properly seen.
– Video Submission – here’s a list of online sharing tools from NAfME. Google Drive is easy to use; here are tips for how to share a folder and how to upload a folder.

Create a Conductor Video:
– Introduce the music and your lesson. Give educational reminders like tempos or rehearsal markings – anything you need to say to create a unified mood.
– When you’re ready to start conducting, instruct all of your students to clap or make another noticeable noise – this will help you to line up the videos in the editing stage.
– For the layout and construction for your video, first watch Eric Whitacre’s instructions he posted for his Virtual Choir for guidance. Split the screen of your video into two halves – on one side, you conduct to encourage musical expression and on the other you play the piano to give the students something to play along to. Insert a link from Stanton’s Jukebox and have them play along to a professional example recording.
– Video editing may be a whole new world for some teachers and others may have already done projects like this in the past. Don’t get frustrated! There are lots of tutorials available on YouTube for whatever skill level you are and whatever program you are using. You will learn so much more as you go along!

When your virtual ensemble is complete, please share it with Stanton’s by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram! We love being your partner in music education, and we’re proud to support you and your students.

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

Graduation marks the end of one chapter for seniors and the start of a new exciting one! As your singers look forward to the journey ahead, saying goodbye to friends is not easy. To capture all of the various moments of the graduation ceremony, consider these new octavos to match what they (and you!) are feeling as they rock that cap and gown!

Dreamer of Dreams by Patti Drennan, SATB with piano and optional flute
“Dare to dream, dare to fly, dare to be the one to reach for the sky. Believe in yourself and your plan; don’t say ‘I can’t,’ but ‘I can,’ and dare to be a dreamer of dreams.” An uplifting, hope-filled message suited for every generation is carried by a gentle, lightly rhythmic melody. Optional divisi notes are indicated throughout. Especially appropriate for a moving-on ceremony.

I Will Sing You the Stars by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano
“You are not alone, love will call you home.” A theme of love and connection lies at the heart of this stunning piece with words written from father to daughter on the occasion of her graduation. The expressive vocal lines and warm choral harmonies perfectly embody the sincerity of the lyrics. An irresistible, expressive gem in any voicing.

An Irish Blessing by Mary Lynn Lightfoot, SATB with piano
Lightfoot’s sensitive, poignant setting of the traditional Irish text is filled with expressivity and emotion. Beautiful melodies abound, leading to a reflective, contemplative ending. It is equally appropriate for school or church use throughout the year, especially as a concert closer or choral benediction.

My Companion by Elaine Hagenberg, SATB divisi a cappella
This is a tender setting of a text by American poet Edith Franklin Wyatt that speaks of companionship and the joys of sharing it as we travel along the road of life. Hagenberg employs her characteristically rich harmonic language to create a piece with great depth and immediacy.

You Are the Music by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Based on selected lines from Amy Lowell’s inspiring poem “Listening,” this artful setting is replete with warm, lyrical melodies, expressive legato vocal lines, rich harmonies and a serenely flowing accompaniment. Johnson has created a stunning concert/festival showcase that will capture the hearts and emotions of both singers and audiences.

I Will Fly by Tom Shelton, 3-part mixed with piano and optional violin
This stirring original exudes an important message filled with confidence, determination, and hope for a bright future, making it an ideal choice for graduation or end of the year performances. The violin part lends warmth and color, and the soaring descant helps propel the momentum to its musical apex before the quiet, contemplative ending.

I carry your heart by Toby Young, SSATBB a cappella
Skillfully set to the tender words of the poet E. E. Cummings, ‘I carry your heart’ is an unaccompanied secular work originally for men’s voices, but rescored by the composer in this version for women and men. The piece was commissioned by the acclaimed close-harmony group, The King’s Men, and was recorded on their album “Love from King’s.”

We Are the Day! by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano and optional percussion
With lyrics inspired by candid conversations with 4th-graders, the inspiring, powerful message of this song is the voices of all children proclaiming “Look out world, here we are! We are the here and now. We are the day!” They are the wonder-bearers of our world and can do amazing things right now if we give them the chance. Percussion parts for shakers, snare drum and conga drums are included in this concert/festival winner for young voices.

Need more graduation inspiration? Browse our website, or contact us to brainstorm! 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!

George Gershwin: Singer’s Jazz Anthology is an exciting new series providing aspiring jazz vocalists and pianists with staples of the jazz repertoire. The singer’s portion, matching the original sheet music, is paired with fresh, unique accompaniments arranged in an authentic jazz style and designed to enable the singer to sound like they’re being backed by an accomplished jazz pianist. The accompaniments can be performed as written but include chord labels for pianists who are comfortable playing their own chord voicings. This book also includes access to recordings of the series arranger, Brent Edstrom, playing the piano accompaniments for use in rehearsal or performance.

This edition features 25 songs by George Gershwin, including: “Fascinating Rhythm,” “How Long Has This Been Going On?,” “I Got Rhythm,” “I Loves You, Porgy,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Love Walked In,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “‘S Wonderful,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Summertime,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” and more.

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 our website at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!