For (Virtual) Contest and Festival Wednesday, January 06, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Festivals, contests, and adjudicated events will undoubtedly look different this spring – whether you are planning for in-person, recorded, or virtual events, we recommend these quality titles to continue building musical skills in your ensembles and to showcase them at their best!
for Mixed Choirs
O Praise the Lord (Psalm 117) by Daniel Knaggs, SATB divisi a cappella
The artistry and sophisticated technique of composer Daniel Knaggs is showcased here in “O Praise the Lord.” Ascending vocal lines imitate praises being lifted while rhythm abounds. For more advanced choirs.
Music in the Air arr. Ryan Murphy, SATB with piano
Ryan Murphy’s arrangement of “Music in the Air” brings the song to an exciting new life. This setting includes a driving piano accompaniment and singable vocal parts, making this an achievable work for your choir with great impact.
Dobrú Noc (Good Night) arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano and optional violin
Victor C. Johnson beautifully set this tender lullaby for any size ensemble accompanied by piano and optional violin. Hauntingly beautiful, each stanza is superbly crafted, including an a cappella verse in English. A pronunciation guide is included to aid in creating a truly memorable performance.
Sim Shalom by Jennaya Robison, SATB with piano and optional string quartet (or opt a cappella)
Although the work is newly composed, the music seems reminiscent of what you might hear in a Hebrew morning service, and the melody is one that you will carry with you throughout the entire day. The work is suitable for both concerts and worship services and can be performed in a variety of ways: unaccompanied (beginning at measure 8), with piano, or with string quartet.
for Treble Choirs
Ave Regina Caelorum by Isabella Leonarda/arr. Meredith Bowen, SSA with piano and cello
Isabella Leonarda was the most prolific nun composer of the 17th century Italy, publishing 20 volumes during her lifetime including the first know sonatas written by a woman. This edition seeks to restore the music from the original published copy for an authentic performance. The optional cello/continuo part is a lovely addition.
Elijah Rock arr. Victor C. Johnson, SSA a cappella
Possessing crisp a cappella harmonies and cool syncopation in the vocal parts, this work is a solid choice for developing choirs in both concert and festival settings. An original bridge augments the popular traditional spiritual melody, and the echoing harmony parts in the chorus add to the rhythmic texture. A fresh arrangement of a choral classic!
Dixit Dominus (from Dixit Dominus RV 595) by Antonio Vivaldi/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, SSA with piano
Joy instantly abounds as the well-edited keyboard introduction sets the tone for this impressive, yet approachable Baroque selection – the first movement of Vivaldi’s masterwork of the same name. Choral phrasing is obvious, as we alternate between brief marcato statements and longer lines that deliver satisfying suspensions. As always, Dr. Liebergen includes an informative editor’s note and a complete IPA pronunciation guide for the Latin text (eight words in total).
Cool Moon by Richard A. Williamson, SSA with optional piano
With limited horizontal movement in the vocal parts and an optional piano part, Richard Williamson’s “Cool Moon” offers an easy and effective introduction to contemporary a cappella singing. Soothing harmonies enhance this beautiful pairing of words and music.
for Tenor/Bass Choirs
Cry Out and Shout by Knut Nystedt/arr. Tim Sarsany, TTBB a cappella
Now available in SSAA and TTBB voicings. Alfred Music commends Dr. Timothy Sarsany for his scholarly adaptations of this long-standing favorite of honor choirs and festival groups. New voicings are carefully crafted to reflect the original. A joyful, tried-and-true a cappella fanfare, not to be missed!
Viva! (from Il re pastore) by W.A. Mozart/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, TTB with piano
A triumphant Mozart masterwork for today’s choirs! This joyful opera finale opens and closes with a boisterous choral fanfare, sandwiches a brief expressive vocal duet in the middle, features robust Italian lyrics (optional English text and IPA pronunciation guide included), and incorporates a thrilling dig-in piano accompaniment – all in just two minutes. Not necessarily familiar, but undeniably fantastic!
Little Wheel A-Turnin’ arr. Greg Gilpin, TTB with piano
This popular choral arrangement is now available in many voicings to fit a variety of choirs! A repeated vocal pattern creates the feel of a spinning wheel with the iconic spiritual melody riding above crafted with energy and drive. Discover again this great arrangement for everyone to sing!
Agnus Dei by Victor C. Johnson, TB with descant and piano
Memorable melodies and luscious harmonies complemented by a rich accompaniment grace this gentle, flowing original, incorporating the traditional Latin text. An excellent choice for small or large choirs!
Contact us for more recommendations, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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!