Creative Programming: Class Voice in the Choral Ensemble Wednesday, July 29, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
In many middle school and high school situations, the choral director is the only voice teacher most students will have – what a responsibility! And, what a worthwhile pursuit! Proper vocal technique opens up your choir to a much greater variety of literature, more expressive, sensitive singing, and a more satisfying experience for everyone in the room. Here are suggestions from the solo literature as adapted for tenor/bass ensembles:
Arm, Arm Ye Brave by G.F. Handel/arr. John Leavitt, T(T)B with piano
Here is the 10th movement from the Handel Oratorio Judas Maccabaeus. Sung by a bass soloist in the major work, this arrangement is skillfully set to fit the voices of young men.
Caro Mio Ben by Giuseppe Giordani/arr. Gary Lewis, TB with piano
One of the most standard pieces in solo repertoire is brought to the TB choral world in this new adaptation of an old favorite set for men’s voices. A pronunciation guide is included with this octavo.
Vado Ben Spesso Cangiando Loco by Giovanni Bononcini/arr. Brandon Williams, TB with piano
Here is a classic tenor aria arranged for TB. This is a wonderful opportunity for young men to experience the Baroque style with all of its rhythmic give and take and its passionate musical style.
The Vagabond by Ralph Vaughan Williams/arr. Gary Lewis, TBB with piano
While this piece is a standard in the men’s (baritone) solo repertoire, this setting has been turned into a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the gravitas of this piece as a full men’s ensemble. With all the same wonderful intent of R.L. Stevenson and R. Vaughan Williams, Gary Lewis has created this wonderful moment for any men’s ensemble that has ever wished that their favorite solo could be shared by the full group!
Vaghissima Sembianza by Stefano Donaudy/arr. Samuel Baker, TTB with piano
This arrangement of the classic tenor solo is full of wonder and whimsy. The melody is shared among all vocal parts and flexible tempi and beautiful style are required for an informed performance.
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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!