Creative Programming: For Virtual Choirs Friday, September 04, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
As we navigate a unique choral landscape this year, many teachers and ensembles are opting to create so-called “virtual choirs” as a performance option – certainly not the same as singing together in person, but definitely a creative and interesting challenge to take on! Here are choral titles we recommend especially for virtual ensembles; these pieces lend themselves nicely to recording separately and mixing audio and video together, and will be inspiring and meaningful to your singers from afar.
I Will Sing by Michael Engelhardt, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
“What will I do with the portion given to me? I will sing.” This fantastic work by Michael Engelhardt will be a great addition to honor choirs, festivals, and more. Gospel style, but with an ecumenical text that challenges each of us to make the most of the lives we’ve been given.
This Is Who We Are by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano & djembe
“When we reach out to shine and share our light, we show the world that, together, we can do beautiful things. This is who we are!” This positive text would make a great theme song for choirs of all ages. The powerful setting features soloists, compelling harmonies that build in drama, and a djembe part to give it the modern world music feel. Effective and important!
When You Believe (from The Prince of Egypt) arr. John Leavitt, SATB with piano & optional strings and percussion
Stephen Schwartz’s “When You Believe” won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1999, and John Leavitt gives his signature, dignified touch to his arrangement, adding strings and percussion to moving effect. The Hebrew prayer in the middle section of the piece is a great opportunity for cultural exploration.
Medallion A Cappella: Christmas Volume 1 arr. Jay Rouse, SATB divisi a cappella
This small collection of a cappella carols is a fantastic resource for choirs looking for unaccompanied options and small groups looking for Christmas repertoire. Featuring four carols of contrasting styles, these arrangements are beautifully executed. Part-dominant learning tracks are available in CD format or as digital downloads for rehearsal and learning purposes. Titles include: “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
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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!