Creative Programming: Holidays Around the World Monday, October 26, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
A Festive Pat-a-Pan arr. Tom Fettke & Thomas Grassi, SATB a cappella with body percussion
A Christmas time stunner that truly stands out! This a cappella arrangement is brilliantly crafted with a constantly evolving undercurrent of motives that imitate the sounds of flutes and drums (“tu-re-lu, pat-a-pan, fa la la”). The addition of body percussion gives a remarkably anthemic feel for today’s choirs.
Riu, Riu, Chiu arr. Mark Burrows, SATB a cappella with tambourine and hand drum
Tambourine and hand drum enhance the dance-like character of this Spanish villancico that dates back to the Renaissance era. This arrangement makes brilliant use of varied a cappella textures, from soloists over solid block chords to vigorous rhythmic interplay between voice parts. A true standout Christmas selection for discerning choirs.
El Burrito Sabanero arr. Cristi Cary Miller, 3-part mixed with piano and optional woodblock & drum
A very popular Christmas song from Venezuela, this song (loosely translated to “The Little Donkey from Bethlehem”) has been played and recorded in numerous languages and cultures from around the globe! Optional wood block and drum parts are included in the octavo!
I Saw Three Ships arr. Paul David Thomas, 3-part mixed with piano and optional flute & percussion
Jolly and jaunty, rhythmic and fun, this energetic setting of the traditional English carol is sure to be a holiday favorite for mixed choirs. Accessible ranges and a supportive accompaniment make this a great choice for developing choirs. Add the optional frame drum and flute parts for a more stylistic interpretation.
A La Puerta del Cielo arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SSA with piano
This tender Spanish lullaby, also known as “Duermete Nino,” has been given an expressive setting for treble choirs. Appropriate for concerts at any time of year, this work exudes an elegant simplicity while a gently flowing accompaniment enhances the serene mood of the piece. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Pat-a-Pan arr. Greg Gilpin, SSA a cappella with flute and hand drum
Accompanied by a light rhythmic drum and melodic flute the otherwise unaccompanied voices playfully sing the happy text. This traditional Burgundian carol is a favorite for Christmas and holidays and will certainly shine in performances.
Niño Lindo arr. Alejandro Rivas, 3-part treble with piano
“Niño Lindo,” or “Child So Lovely,” is a traditional Christmas lullaby from Venezuela. It is beautifully arranged in 5/8 meter with easy, soaring melody and evocative harmonies. A lovely Christmas selection using Spanish text.
El Noi de la Mare (The Son of Mary) arr. Reginal Wright, TTB with piano
This traditional Catalan Christmas song is a great introduction to strophic form. A detailed IPA pronunciation guide is provided along with excellent teaching strategies which we have come to expect from the Jonathan Palant choral series.
Riu, Riu, Chiu (with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen) arr. David Waggoner, TTB with piano
Rhythmic with lots of vocal color this new arrangement of the sixteenth century Spanish carol is a delight for mixed as well as men’s voices. A steady eighth note pattern in the energetic accompaniment creates a steady beat as the piece moves seamlessly from the “Riu, Riu, Chiu” to “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” making use of both Spanish and English languages adding a delightful familiarity for the audience.
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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!