News & Views Sunday, November 24, 2024

Where the Light Begins: Creative Programming for Treble Choir Friday, December 18, 2020

recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists

Where the Light Begins by Susan LaBarr, SSA with piano
This is an accessible and fresh work for treble choirs on the themes of peace and hope. Approachable vocal lines and a supportive accompaniment make this appropriate for young treble choirs, while the rich and universal text will also work for high school, college, and community groups.

Catalina La O by Johnny Ortiz/arr. Suzzette Ortiz, 3-part treble with piano and optional claves
Get ready to salsa dance! This original song by prolific Puerto Rican composer Johnny Ortiz was made famous by the singer Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez. It is wonderfully set for 3-Part Treble voices, using optional claves and fun vocal percussion. A great way to incorporate Spanish text in your concert!

Gelobet sei Gott by Tim Sarsany, SSAA a cappella
This energetic and spirited piece alternates between call-and-response sections and homophonic ones, exhibiting an ABA form overall. It is a great opener to any concert. Composed for the Columbus International Children’s Choir and premiered at the 2018 World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa.

Sanctus by Jacob Clemons non Pappa/arr. Jim Leininger, SSA a cappella with handbells
This arrangement of a simple Flemish Renaissance canon by Clemens non Papa for SSA voices and five handbells – which could be played by the singers – is typical of canons in that it sounds more complex than it actually is. A great choice for children’s ensembles!

Tenho Todos os Sonhos (I Have All the Dreams) by Daisy Fragoso, 2-part treble with piano and optional percussion
Using both English and Portuguese text, this original piece for 2-Part Treble choirs is set in a wonderful Brazilian samba style. Its message of hopes and dreams being fulfilled can resonate with any singer. A fun multicultural piece for any treble choir. Optional percussion parts are included.

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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!

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