For Middle School Choir Monday, August 31, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
We are approaching an upcoming school year that will look very different from what we are used to in the past. Whether you are planning for in-person or remote instruction, the inherent value of music classes and ensembles remains the same! These Five Star Features are recommended by our experienced Choral Music Specialists, and can be used in any teaching situation this fall while offering the possibility of performance, either live or virtual.
Secret for the Mad arr. George Chung, SSAB with piano
British singer/songwriter Dodie says “I wrote this for a friend who I heard was going through a rough time. Today, though, I sang it for myself.” This song offers a proactive opportunity for you and your students to discuss ways to deal with worry and anxiety. This is a powerful message set to an equally powerful melody. This is the first in an exciting new series curated by Carrie Tennant.
I Have Loved the Stars Too Fondly by Heather Sorenson, 3-part mixed with piano & optional cello
Inspired by Sarah Williams’ poem “The Old Astronomer,” this best-selling concert work is now available for 3-Part Mixed and tells of the irony of life’s moments of joy sadness longing endurance love and many other lessons rolled into a vessel of musical inspiration. Optional cello included with the choral.
See the Light by Sarah Quartel, SA with piano
“See the Light” sets a text by the composer inspired by the Hawaiian story ‘The Bowl of Light.’ With its uplifting melodies and energetic rhythms, this accessible piece explores the light in each person and creates a sense of community, while the sparkling piano accompaniment supports the voices with its repeating figures.
Twilight by Andy Beck, SAB with piano
The setting sun serves as the inspiration for this introspective and serene choral work. An elegantly simple melody is harmonized beautifully with block chords in chorale style. Expert choral writing makes it smoothly singable, allowing three-part choirs to concentrate on finer points of artistry and expression.
Refuge by Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
American poet Sara Teasdale’s “Refuge” provided the perfect opportunity for arranger Audrey Snyder to explore the value of consonance and dissonance in a choir for young singers. Suspensions and Anticipations are pervasive throughout, with a simply beautiful piano accompaniment!
Dide ta Deo arr. Mark Weston, 3-part mixed with piano & percussion
Add excitement to your concert program with this Mark Weston adaptation of a traditional Nigerian folk song that tells the story of a safe return home. The percussion parts illuminate the driving beat and spirit-filled emotion, and a pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Let Your Life Sing by Laura Farnell, SSA with piano
“Let Your Life Sing” is based on and inspired by Amy Lowell’s poem, “Listening.” The poem conveys the idea that singing frees the beautiful essence of an individual (including all his or her songs, thoughts, and doings) and that each person’s essence is the true music, rather than the song itself. The added chorus text was inspired by a quote from Fredrick Buechner and encourages one to discover both his or her own unique passion, as well as to find how that passion can meet the world’s needs. As you perform this piece, seek not only to share the text’s meaning with your audience, but also to internalize and live out its message.
As always, Stanton’s is here to be your partner in music education through these trying times. Remember, 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!