New Warm-Up & Sight Reading Resources for Choir Friday, August 28, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Harmonic Warm-Ups by Tijs Krammer
Does this sound familiar? “I’m bored with the warm-ups. We always sing the same exercises.” Yes, many singers regard warm-ups as a monotonous requirement, a trivial exercise, or an unnecessary delay before the actual rehearsal starts. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Reinvent your routine with this innovative approach that leads the way to more meaningful and diversified warm-ups. This book is filled with uncomplicated melodies that are quickly learned, and then turned into multiple-part exercises by singing in canon or stacked parallels. An exemplary practice that invites developed groups to focus on higher listening and ensemble skills. Online access to MP3 demos of every exercise is included.
The Perfect Blend, 2nd Edition by Tim Seelig
Tim Seelig’s bestselling vocal warm-up book, “The Perfect Blend,” is now in its 2nd Edition. It has wowed music educators and choral directors alike with its entertaining, yet practical, approach. The 2nd Edition adds 40 more exercises and two new chapters: “Choral Warm-Down” and “Perfection vs. Connection.” Shawnee Press also presents a new DVD companion to this phenomenal book that includes two hours of seriously fun instruction. From the basic building block of breath to the final bow in the concert, over 50 warm-ups are visually brought to life through choral demonstrations. “The Perfect Blend” is a must-have for serious directors!
Pop Rounds for Choir by Roger Emerson
Rounds are a great way to get your choir singing quickly and with independence. Here, there are eight pop songs that your students probably already know, and each has been arranged into a round with teaching tips, objectives and suggestions for use. Purchase individual student editions or a classroom kit with eight student editions and access to the online audio links. The audio is accessed using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down the audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right. Easy to use, and effective! Songs included: “All of Me,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Cups,” “Dynamite,” “Hallelujah,” “Havana,” “Secrets,” and “We Will Rock You.”
Sound Patterns by Emily Crocker
Imagine – learning to sight read while having fun! Singers will grasp concepts quickly while singing “real music” from day one. This step-by-step method includes fun songs with lyrics, dynamics, and accompaniment, along with preparatory exercises that are interesting, authentic, and flexible. This resource may be used with beginners of any age. The sequential approach focuses on the keys of C, F, and G major, basic rhythms, and simple intervals in the tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords.
Wander the USA with Warm-Ups by Lynn M. Brinckmeyer
Keeping singers in our ensembles excited and energized during the warm-up process is a consistent hurdle for educators across the nation. By using songs that are indigenous to different parts of our country teachers in choral classrooms can help students prepare their minds bodies and voices while sharing a bit of our culture and history from different areas of the United States.
All the songs can be used with both inexperienced beginners and advanced singers. The lesson suggestions introduced with each song are intended to be a springboard for teachers to modify and adapt to their own students’ needs and skill levels. Each melody includes strategies that are accessible for those who are just learning how to use their voices and for those more sophisticated singers who enjoy a good challenge.
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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!