Creative Programming: For Peace in Our World Tuesday, September 08, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Our world is divided, but we are still together through music. We recommend these creative choral titles on the theme of peace.
Oseh Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace) by Debbie Friedman/arr. Andrew Parr, 2-part treble with piano & optional clarinet
The message and melody of this beautiful traditional Jewish prayer for peace never gets old. With ample unison and a simple section of harmony in a round, this arrangement is quickly learned and extremely accessible to any choir. The addition of the clarinet obbligato brings an added layer in this style. In Hebrew throughout, with a tempo that increases in excitement toward a brilliant finish.
Sim Shalom by Jennaya Robison, SATB with piano & optional string quartet (or opt a cappella)
Although the work is newly composed, the music seems reminiscent of what you might hear in a Hebrew morning service, and the melody is one that you will carry with you throughout the entire day. The work is suitable for both concerts and worship services and can be performed in a variety of ways: unaccompanied (beginning at measure 8), with piano, or with string quartet.
Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace) by Ruth Morris Gray, 3-part mixed with piano & optional violin
Hebrew text is often a challenge for any young choir unfamiliar with the language, but Ruth Morris Gray’s “Sim Shalom” is an excellent place to start. Somber yet hopeful, with an included pronunciation guide, this prayer for peace is a must.
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!