Pop & Jazz for Choir Monday, September 21, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Come Fly with Me arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
Written for Frank Sinatra in 1958, this classic by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen is as fresh today as it was when it was first released. This easy swing style makes everyone feel better while at the same time giving a little geography lesson. Stylish and jazzy.
Crocodile Rock arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano
This instantly recognizable Elton John 1973 #1 is, simply stated, a gas to sing! Your audience won’t be able to help themselves as they sing along the “la, la, la’s” that adorn the bridge of this salute to the rock of yesteryear!
The Sound of Silence arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano & optional rhythm (opt a cappella)
The excitement for a brand new Pentatonix arrangement of a beloved pop or rock tune has become something of an achievement in an of itself. This time, Simon & Garfunkel’s chart topper from ’65 gets a fully vocal musical tribute.
The Bones arr. Mark Brymer, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
Country super star Maren Morris teamed up with Hozier to more clearly portray the romantic relationship between two lovers. The title, “The Bones” is a metaphor for the emotional foundation of their relationship. The choral writing is solid and stylish and your students will love capturing the spirit of the lyrics in their performances.
I Am Light arr. Mark Hayes & Kimberly Lilley, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
India Arie’s touching song sings like a mantra with its deep message of looking beyond everything in your past and see yourself for who you are. A lifting arrangement for mixed and treble voices.
FOR TREBLE CHOIR
Happy Face Medley (Put On a Happy Face & You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile) arr. Mark Hayes, 2-part with piano & optional combo
You won’t be able to stop grinning with this duo of “Put on a Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from Annie. Both songs were written by Tony and Emmy award-winning composer Charles Strouse. Add some choreography and the optional SoundTrax or SoundPax, and your audience will be all smiles!
Holding Out for a Hero arr. Paul Langford, SSA with piano & optional rhythm
Women’s choirs and show choirs will LOVE this intense and powerful arrangement of Bonnie Tyler’s huge hit from 1983 that is still popular today. Full of strong harmonic writing that begs for choreography! Fantastic dance track too!
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
Blue Suede Shoes arr. Kirby Shaw, 3-part mixed with piano & optional combo
The Exploration Jazz Series is designed for jazz choirs just getting started. While the harmonies may be a bit simpler than more advanced charts, the style is planted firmly in the historically authentic manner that Kirby brings to all of his arrangements.
Build Me Up, Buttercup arr. Roger Emerson, 3-part mixed with piano
All together now: “Whyyy do you build me up…”! The Foundations’ signature ’60s tune is finally present in the Discovery Series for Mixed and Treble choirs, giving your youngsters the chance to groove in the style of the Motown sound!
I Make My Own Sunshine arr. Jack Zaino, 3-part mixed with piano
From Alyssa Bonagura’s 2012 album “Love Hard” comes this song celebrating perseverance and optimism. Upbeat and cheerful, American Sign Language (ASL) may be added to the presentation, if desired.
Rainbow arr. Cristi Cary Miller, 2-part with piano
What an outstanding and inspirational message to send to young, impressionable singers today: When all seems cloudy and gray, you must remember that “there’s always been a Rainbow hanging over your head.” Kacey Musgraves’ iconic song will stick with you long after the performance.
Stand by Me arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
Ben E. King’s timeless 1961 masterpiece is given all the care and attention a classic like this deserves when entering the Discovery Series. Taking the time to provide a blueprint for singing syncopated, melodic phrases with ease, Audrey Snyder lets this verifiable standard soar!
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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!