Contemporary A Cappella for Choir Monday, November 30, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from The Lion King) arr. Mark Brymer, SATB a cappella, optional piano and rhythm
This iconic love song by Elton John from “The Lion King” was given a fresh look by the sensational pop group Pentatonix. Here, their arrangement is captured giving your vocal jazz/a cappella choir the chance to really shine.
Circle of Life (with Nants’ Ingonyama) arr. Roger Emerson, SATBB a cappella
The image of newborn lion cub Simba being presented for the first time to the animal kingdom in Disney’s “The Lion King” has become an iconic moment in film, preserved in both the animated 1994 classic, and the 2019 live action remake. Elton John’s ever-advancing chord progressions translate well to the extensive a cappella catalog of Roger Emerson, arranged with all of the choral majesty befitting the source material.
Dance to the Music arr. Paul Langford, SATB a cappella
Few songs have captured the joy of dancing more than this 1968 song by Sly and the Family Stone. The Family Stone harnessed many of the disparate musical trends of the time in this brilliant fusion and this arrangement brings it all together for the adventurous choir. It will be difficult to follow this in a show so make it your closer.
Sir Duke arr. Paul Langford, SATB a cappella
Wow this is a fabulous a cappella vocal arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s 1977 hit from his album “Songs in the Key of Life!” The work captures all the style and rhythmic energy of the original instrumental lines with outstanding vocal writing that will thrill your singers and audience.
This Is Me (from The Greatest Showman) arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have created something that is enduring and applicable to all stages of life with “This Is Me”. This a cappella arrangement of the breakout anthem from “The Greatest Showman” is full of veteran choral intricacies and flourishes!
What About Us arr. Paul Langford, SSATB a cappella
Pink’s 2017 musical plea for social justice is given fully-realized a cappella arrangement courtesy of Paul Langford. Complete with written-out vocal percussion, chances for multiple soloists and a soaring descant, this dense and distinct arrangement elevates the timely message!
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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!