Stage & Screen for Choir Monday, December 21, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
for Mixed Choir
Found/Tonight arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional strings
Dear Evan Hansen. Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda. Ben Platt. Pasek and Paul. What more can be said? This incredible mash-up combines hits from two smash Broadway musicals, written by contemporary powerhouse composers of stage and screen. You’ve sung “You Will Be Found,” and you know “The Story of Tonight”; now perform them together in an emotional arrangement that shares a message of hope and encouragement.
Get Ready (from Ain’t Too Proud) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
Significant for being the last Motown song written by Smokey Robinson for The Temptations, “Get Ready” is featured in the Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud,” which chronicles the life of the award-winning group. Featuring the unmistakable Motown sound, this is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
All Is Found (from Frozen 2) arr. Mark Brymer, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Before Elsa’s powers were finally explained in Disney’s “Frozen 2,” Elsa and her little sister Anna used to listen to their mother sing this tender and beautiful folk lullaby as they were falling asleep. The tale told of a magical river in a far-off land, which would provide all of life’s answers should the water eventually be found. An appealing flute part joins this effortless choral arrangement, with harmony accentuating the text by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Into the Unknown (from Frozen 2) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
The award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez crafted this introspective showpiece for Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Disney’s smash hit animated sequel, “Frozen 2.” Elsa wanders the halls of her castle in Arendelle, thoughtfully considering following a mysterious voice (AURORA) that has been calling out to her. Powerful, cerebral vocal lines ascend and weave in this strong and skillful arrangement, with an ending climax for the ages!
Too Darn Hot (from Kiss Me, Kate) arr. Mark Hayes, SATB with piano and optional combo
Originally written for “Kiss Me, Kate,” this Cole Porter tune has become a treasured part of the Great American Songbook. A sultry bass line and finger snaps command attention right from the first sizzling measure. Clean jazz writing makes the harmonies jump right off the page.
for Treble Choir
Back to Before (from Ragtime) arr. Lisa DeSpain, SSA with piano
An epic ballad from Broadway’s “Ragtime,” a true masterwork of 20th-century musical theater. Exploring themes of identity, personal and societal change, and inner resilience, Lisa DeSpain’s arrangement makes adept use of women’s voices from start to finish, creating an unforgettable emotional and musical journey for both singer and listener.
Once Upon a Time (from All American) arr. John Leavitt, SSA with piano
A fantastic feature for treble choirs, this dreamy ballad will be remembered long after your performance. Fluid legato lines stretch over a sweeping and dramatic piano accompaniment, while nuances of tempo and dynamics drive the emotional core of the song home. A hidden gem from the Broadway repertoire.
You Can’t Stop the Girl arr. Alan Billingsley, SSA with piano and optional rhythm
Appearing on Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” soundtrack, this Bebe Rexha track of inspiration is urgent plea for speaking up amongst injustice. Women are wise and courageous, and are assured of taking the world by storm!
Born to Be Brave arr. Mac Huff, 2-part with piano and optional rhythm
Although the name of the television show is a mouthful (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), this song from the show contains a message that is simple and succinct. Empowering text provides a blueprint for your singers to lead listeners away from ignorance and fear.
for Tenor/Bass Choir
I Got Rhythm arr. Mark Hayes, TTBB with piano and optional rhythm
No one but Mark Hayes could take this Gershwin masterpiece and make it into an absolutely rip-roaring, no-holds-barred choral work. You want rhythm? You’ll get it, in more ways than you can count in this outstanding arrangement of one of America’s great songs. A classic, by any standard.
Johanna (from Sweeney Todd) arr. Mac Huff, TTBB with piano
From the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd,” this beautiful tenor “aria” is sung by Anthony in Act I as he dreams of this beautiful and enchanting character Johanna. In Act II Anthony searches through the streets for Johanna trying to rescue her from Sweeney. Todd joins in the song as he dreams of her beauty and the asylum he has her stashed. This is a show stopper for men’s choirs.
Lost in the Woods (from Frozen 2) arr. Mark Brymer, TBB with piano and optional rhythm
In a wonderfully realized gender-reversal thread in the plot of Disney’s “Frozen 2,” comes this passionate ’80s rock ballad from mountain man Kristoff, accompanied by none other than singing apparitions of his reindeer and lifelong best friend, Sven. Staged on the screen to mimic the landmark music video for Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” this will elicit much more than a wry chuckle from your audience!
Proud of Your Boy (from Aladdin) arr. Jonathan Palant, TBB with piano
From the Broadway production of “Aladdin” here is a song about self worth and the desire to do the right thing. Wonderful lyrics for young men to sing. With a beautiful and singable melody by Alan Menken this is an arrangement that will move your young men’s choir forward and to the next level of proficiency with excellent teaching strategies included in the page 2 notes.
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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!