News & Views Friday, April 26, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE FROM STANTON’S SHEET MUSIC: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS MUSIC CLASS

Essential Elements: Music Class Interactive (EEMC) is a powerful, cloud-based (streaming) system for teaching K-5 general music. The initial release features 300+ songs with recordings, listening maps, interactive games and activities, recorder and ukulele units, plus ongoing updates that continually add new songs and resources.

The user-friendly technology equips teachers with customizable lesson plans, rigorous pedagogies, engaging music in many styles and eras, along with instant communication and class management tools.

EE Music Class includes all of these great features:
• 400+ Songs with new releases and updates weekly
• Hal Leonard Exclusive Content
• Interactive Resources including Recorder, Ukulele, Learning Activities, Listening Maps, and more.
• Shareable Playlists and Class Collections
• A Growing Collection of Lessons and Song Activities
• Noteflight Premium Subscription
• Access to Premium Content and Features at no extra charge.
• Constantly Evolving Platform!

Subscribe now at the limited time price of $195 for a one-year subscription until 8/31/2020 ($279 per year effective 9/1/2020). Contact us for more information, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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

Festive Hymn Settings for Piano & Organ arr. Joel Raney
Here are 15 duets for piano and organ for a variety of occasions throughout the church year. There are selections for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and general occasions. These settings are derived from Joel’s popular series of Worship Openers. While the Worship Openers are extended works that include optional handbells, choir, and sometimes brass, these arrangements have been condensed and modified in order to make them more accessible for busy church musicians who are looking for exciting preludes, offertories, and special music. Titles include: “All Hail the Power,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” “The Gift of Love,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” “Joy to the World,” “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Lift High the Cross,” “Lord of the Dance,” “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “O Worship the King,” and “To God Be the Glory.”

Glory and Honor, Praise and Adoration! arr. Lloyd Larson, Intermediate
From contemplative to celebratory, Lloyd Larson’s colorful settings make the most of the expressive sounds of the organ and piano in this worshipful collection. With hymn arrangements suitable for Christmas, Easter, and everything in between, you and your duet partner will welcome this inspiring addition to the repertoire. Two copies are required for performance. Titles include: “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Crown Him Lord of All,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” and “It Is Well with My Soul.”

A Handel Celebration arr. Gilbert M. Martin, Level 3
“Go to him to learn how to achieve great effects, by such simple means,” said Beethoven of Handel. Yet for all their simplicity, the works that showcase Handel’ s brilliance – his oratorios and operas – are rich with dramatic strength and lyrical beauty. This collection is a modest attempt to utilize the power of the piano and organ to explore the great sense of melody on display in those works. In the hands of a lesser composer, the character of Handel s music could be lost, but Gilbert M. Martin makes these masterworks shine. Titles include: “Air (from Rinaldo),” “Coro (from Water Music),” “Festive March (from Rinaldo),” “Largo (from Xerxes),” “March (from The Occasional Oratorio),” “Prayer (from Judas Maccabaeus),” “Where’er You Walk (from Semele),” and “With Trumpets and Horns (from Water Music).”

Majestic Praise arr. Mary McDonald & Larry Shackley, Moderately Difficult
Mary McDonald and Larry Shackley have blended their talents again in this delightful collection of praise and worship favorites for organ and piano. As in the first two volumes in this series–“Glorious Praise” (70/1681L) and “Powerful Praise” (70/1732L)–they mix “classic” songs with more recent compositions, once again showing that traditional instruments can have an active voice in blended and contemporary worship. Titles include: “Give Thanks,” “God and God Alone,” “I Will Rise,” “Majesty,” “Mighty to Save,” and “Stronger.”

The Solid Rock arr. Lyndell Leatherman, Intermediate/Advanced
Lyndell Leatherman arranged four hymns in expressive organ and piano duet settings that are deeply connected to the verses of each hymn text. The composer provides many useful options and suggestions, including varied possibilities to shorten the settings for use in service as well as possibilities for projecting the words during each piece. These settings provide an ideal opportunity for prayerful contemplation in worship. Titles include: “The God of Abraham Praise,” “The Ninety and Nine,” “The Solid Rock (Eternal Father, Strong to Save),” and “When Love Is Found (The Gift of Love).”

O God, Our Help in Ages Past arr. Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard, Advanced
After decades of requests for another duet book, Mark Hayes and Marvin Gaspard teamed up again to create this volume of festive hymn arrangements for piano and organ. Their collaborative writing style draws on their creative similarities and differences to produce some of the finest music available within this unique genre. The ten hymns in the book span the entire church year, with both general and seasonal selections, and each piece includes program notes. This “must have” collection will provide tremendous service and concert duo literature for years to come. Titles include: “Amazing Grace,” “Brethren We Have Met to Worship,” “Coventry Carol,” “For All the Saints,” “How Firm a Foundation,” “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” “Lift High the Cross,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “O God Our Help in Ages Past.”

Symphony of Praise arr. Mary McDonald & Lloyd Larson, Moderately Advanced
Two of the most recognized names in church music have teamed up to create this inimitable collection of hymn arrangements. In “Symphony of Praise,” Lloyd Larson and Mary McDonald harness the unique power and colors of the organ, and match them with the dynamic nuance and percussive presence of the piano. These magnificent pieces will delight congregations throughout the year! Titles include: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” “Christmas Gloria,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Hymns of Grateful Praise,” “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” and “Tidings of Joy.”

Worship His Majesty arr. Ron & Linda Sprunger, Intermediate/Advanced
Lift the hearts of your congregation with these beautiful duets, including traditional hymn tunes and contemporary worship songs. Ron and Linda Sprunger share an unbreakable faith in our Lord that quickly spreads to those who hear and play their music. For personal worship, lyrics have been provided to allow you to mix your voices with the awe-inspiring combination of organ and piano timbres. Titles include: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today/Majesty,” “God’s Amazing Grace,” “I Love the Church,” and “In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock.”

Contact us for more recommendations, and 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.

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

As school districts around the country begin communicating the attendance, course structures, and health and safety protocols for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, Stanton’s Sheet Music is working to provide you with music and ideas that will ensure music teaching and learning in band, provide the possibility of performance, and contain the built-in flexibility you need for the varied and out-of-the-ordinary ensemble experiences that are likely to follow. First in this series of suggestions for flexible ensembles:

The Flex-Band series from Hal Leonard
The Flex-Band series is the ultimate in flexible instrumentation programming with over 100 titles for grades 2-3. Features of this series include:
– Perfect for incomplete or unbalanced instrumentation
– Scored with just five parts
– Playable with combinations of woodwinds, brass, or strings
– Includes traditional percussion parts
– Series titles include standard concert works, marches, pop, and holiday arrangements

Best-selling titles in the Flex-Band series include:
Armed Forces on Parade arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
Aztec Fire by Jay Bocook, Grade 2-3
Bohemian Rhapsody arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Disney Film Favorites arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
Great Movie Adventures arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
The Incredibles arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2.5
Korean Folk Rhapsody by James Curnow, Grade 2.5
Liberty Bell March arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 2.5
Pirates of the Caribbean arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
White Christmas arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2-3

Find the complete Flex-Band series on our website, and stay tuned for more flexible repertoire recommendations. 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.

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

Peaceful Meditations arr. Albin Whitworth, for Piano & Organ Duet
From tender to quietly triumphant, this collection brings fresh settings of favorite hymns that are easily prepared and performed. Titles include: “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” “I Am Thine, O Lord,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian,” “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” and “Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart.”

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.

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Bang the Drum All Day arr. Doug Adams, Grade 2
Todd Rundgren’s timeless rocker makes a great comeback in this driving arrangement by Doug Adams. The chart features lots of block scoring for that “in your face” sound. It’s a natural for stands performance!

I Wanna Dance with Somebody arr. Matt Conaway, Grade 3-4
Released in 1987, this catchy tune quickly became one of Whitney Houston’s signature hits. This high-energy chart is perfect for dance features, or just bringing excitement to the stands.

Faith arr. Dave Henning, Easy
George Michael hit the charts with this tune in the 80’s but it’s still a crowd favorite. With a New Orleans style groove, this chart is a nice treatment of the tune everyone will know.

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go arr. Dallas Burke, Easy
This 80’s hit from George Michael and Wham makes a great Marching Band tune that’s fun for the field or the stands. The band even get’s a chance to sing the chorus and get the crowd involved.

I’m Still Standing arr. Matt Conaway, Grade 3-4
One of the classic hits from rock icon Elton John, this was recorded in 1983 and remains as popular today as ever. Matt’s marching band version features a driving shuffle groove and the familiar uplifting chorus.

99 Red Balloons arr. Matt Conaway, Grade 3-4
Few songs epitomize the music of the ‘80s like this smash hit recorded by Nena which gained worldwide popularity in 1983-84. Featuring the half-time funk riff followed by the intense fast rock tempo, this is guaranteed to get the stands jumping.

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.

Looking to improve your music reading and sight singing skills on your own? These valuable resources are perfect for individual musicians to work through independently, so you can return to your ensemble with greatly improved musicianship skills!

18 Lessons to Sight-Reading Success by Stan McGill & H. Morris Stevens, Jr.
This handy one volume Book/CD is designed to prepare the entry level singer to sharpen their sight-reading skills by providing them with materials for individual study. The CD comes with MP3 files, for student-friendly practice on the computer or mobile device.

The Novello Guide to Sight-Singing by Ralph Allwood & Timothy Teague
This is the indispensable guide to learning how to sight-read choral music. Using special interactive technology, renowned choral educators Ralph Allwood and Timothy Teague take the user from the very basics of sight-reading to a level at which they can sing confidently in a choir. This guide provides clear explanations, exercises, tips and tricks on: basic music theory; scales and stepwise motion; larger intervals and awkward leaps; fast and effective reading of choral scores; examples from popular choral repertoire; general good practice for choral singing. Whether you are 7 or 70, a beginner or an experienced singer, this book will improve your ability to read music and help you to enjoy singing to the full.

This book is supported by SoundWise. It includes a range of interactive digital features: SoundCheck (powered by Match My Sound) – This unique assessment and feedback software lets you use your phone, tablet or computer to help you practice. SoundCheck listens to you sing, then gives you instant feedback on how to improve!; eBook – A digital edition of your book to read on any device; Video – Tips and demonstrations from the authors.

90 Days to Sight Reading Success by Stan McGill & H. Morris Stevens, Jr.
This sight reading workbook targets the secondary choir student preparing for vocal sight reading auditions, and can be used with a variety of sight reading methods (moveable do solfege, fixed do solfege, numbers, etc.). With daily usage, this workbook will build the singer’s confidence and sharpen sight reading skills as they prepare for sight reading auditions. The eight-measure exercises are a combination of original compositions and prior sight reading audition examples. The key signatures were selected to fit the comfortable vocal range of each voice part. The helpful hints are compilations of nearly fifty years of successful secondary choral teaching. The book is designed to give the student three exercises a day, five days a week for eighteen weeks. This is the equivalent of a school semester. Each week’s exercises progress in difficulty. Continue building skills with Another 90 Days to Sight Reading Success, which also includes guided practice for each week and expanded and improved audio tracks.

Find more sight singing and musicianship resources on our website, or contact us for more recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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

Solos for the Sanctuary, Hymns 2 arr. Glenda Austin, for Intermediate Piano
10 more gorgeous hymn arrangements from Glenda Austin! From the arranger: “Many of these arrangement began years ago as a young teen, playing a little spinet piano at our church, the Friendship Baptist Church – the name says it all! All the hymns included in this book have been ‘tested’ as preludes, offertories, postludes, or special solos. Please use them as you feel led. Seldom do I play anything the same way twice, so feel free to make these arrangements your own and to stylize them to your liking!”

Titles include: “Blessed Assurance,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Jesus Paid It All,” “Just As I Am,” “Nothing But the Blood,” “Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him!,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Trust and Obey,” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Softly and Tenderly.”

Don’t miss Volume 1 of this series as well, or contact our Sheet Music Specialists for more recommendations. 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.

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Megalovania (from Undertale) arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
A little bit cheesy and a little bit “old school,” but still one of the great video game themes of all time! Watch the crowd rock out to this one.

Dragonborn (Skyrim Theme) arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
Some of the most exciting and powerful music today comes from video game soundtracks, and Jeremy Soule’s “Skyrim Theme” is one of the best. This impressive arrangement will have your band sounding bigger than life!

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.

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Algo-Rhythms by Timothy Loest, Grade 0.5
Explore the cybernetic world of computer algorithms using just six notes. Energetic ostinatos, pulsating patterns and flowing phrases will surely hook your students and audience. Prepare for a safe, fast, and reliable experience. No app required!

Angry Beavers by Brian Beck, Grade 3
Prepare yourself because things are about to get weird! Multiple changes of time signatures, funky rhythms, and unexpected jazz harmonies are all set to an ultra-cool, fast-rock backbeat. This will definitely make an impression on any concert.

Off-Kilter by Timothy Loest, Grade 1.5
Explore the unconventional in this dare-to-be-different original. Catchy grooves, quirky half steps, and playful tri-tones are presented in a safe, yet surrealistic way. Unique, fun, and catchy – this is the perfect change of pace for your next concert!

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.

NOW AVAILABLE! The Joy of Singing Virtual Reading Session
The 34th annual Joy of Singing is going online for Summer 2020! Join Stanton’s Sheet Music and Hal Leonard as we present curated videos of the newest Hal Leonard titles for High School and Middle School choirs, with repertoire and resource suggestions for Concert & Festival, Holiday, Pop & Jazz, and Stage & Screen. Clinicians and composers featured include Roger Emerson, Rollo Dilworth, Mac Huff, Mark Brymer, Emily Crocker, Cristi Cary Miller, Audrey Snyder, Jonathan Palant, Michael John Trotta, Philip Silvey, and many more.

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to present all of our choral reading sessions VIRTUALLY for 2020! From the comfort of your own home, and with the ability to watch, rewatch, and choose the specific choral or resource you want to peruse, we invite you to browse and sing along to our brand new collection for the 2020-2021 school year.

Click here to view the complete 2020 Joy of Singing reading session, including clinician and composer commentary and full-length ScorePlay video.

Valuable breakout sessions are also available from clinicians including Roger Emerson, Emily Crocker, Rollo Dilworth, Sharon Burch, and John Mlynczak – sight-reading, the changing voice, ukulele, online learning technology and copyright, and more! Click here for a complete list of JOS breakout sessions.

Just want to listen to the new titles? Visit Stanton’s Jukebox and click through the Joy of Singing playlist!

Ready to order? Find all the Joy of Singing titles on stantons.com.

Need more repertoire suggestions? Stanton’s experienced Sheet Music Specialists carefully select our Five Star Features every season – find all of our recommendations for Fall 2020 on our website.

No matter what form your classrooms or ensembles may take this year, remember that Stanton’s is your partner in music education when it comes to providing you with the highest quality choral literature to enrich your singers’ lives! For more information, contact us at choral@stantons.com or 1-800-426-8742.

Conducting Music Today by Bruce Hangen
Learn the essential practices of contemporary conducting. This book will teach you to use the motions, cues, patterns and practices used to lead ensembles, whether for orchestra, band, musical theater, opera, film orchestra, or other type of ensemble. You will learn techniques for keeping time, signaling musicians, and crafting your unique interpretation of the score, as well as how to command the stage presence necessary to lead a large ensemble – whether for concert performances or synching live performers to other media, such as film, recordings, musical theater and dance.

Video demonstrations and annotated scores of orchestral excerpts from Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and others illustrate and let you practice various conducting challenges, such as cadenzas, rubato and quickly changing time signatures. Also included are interviews with some of the most accomplished conductors of your time, such as John Williams, Lalo Schifrin, JoAnn Falletta, John Morris Russell and others, providing perspective from the concert hall podium to the Broadway pit to the Hollywood sound stage.

Find more conducting resources on our website, or contact one of our Sheet Music Specialists for personalized recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

All About Ukulele by Chad Johnson, for Beginning Ukulele
Have you struggled through tedious lessons and boring instruction books in your desire to learn to play the ukulele? If you wish there was a fun and engaging way to motivate you in your uke playing quest, then this is it: All About Ukulele is for you. Whether it’s learning to read music, playing in a band, finding the right instrument, or all of the above, this enjoyable guide will help you to finally start playing your favorite songs in many different styles. Plus, learn interesting tidbits on ukulele gear, care and maintenance, other fretted instruments, and other fun stuff about the uke. This fun-filled, easy-to-use guide includes:
• an introduction to bass
• step-by-step music reading instruction
• background on various styles of music, including dozens of favorite songs
• performance tips & tricks
• famous uke players & essential listening

Excerpts from over 40 songs are included: All Along the Watchtower • China Grove • Dream On • 5 Years Time • Free Fallin’ • In My Life • Karma Police • Let It Be • More Than Words • Ode to Joy • Over the Rainbow • Pinball Wizard • Riptide • You Really Got Me • and many more. The audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Find more uke resources on our website, or contact one of our Sheet Music Specialists for personalized recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!