Music in the Air: Folksongs & Spirituals for Choir Friday, May 07, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
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.
Bye and Bye arr. Rollo Dilworth, SATB with piano
Another rock-solid addition to the spiritual oeuvre of Rollo Dilworth, “Bye and Bye” is a resolute and medium-difficulty level selection for developing high school choirs.
Follow the Drinking Gourd arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Victor Johnson’s driving setting of the traditional African-American spiritual conveys a sense of urgency that builds from beginning to end, including a dramatic optional descant in the final chorus. A hardy piano accompaniment propels the arrangement and supports the syncopated singers, who are fully harmonized in all voicings.
Hold On arr. Dan Davison, SATB with piano and optional percussion
With tremendous rhythmic variety, vitality, and even counterpoint, Davison creates a frenetic energy in this beloved spiritual that comes out of the slave culture of the American south. Ranges are perfect for emerging mixed choirs in the middle and developing high school levels. Add the optional brake drum for greater effect.
Shady Grove arr. Tom Shelton, SATB with piano and optional violin, double bass, guitar & banjo
Tom Shelton’s arrangement of this beloved bluegrass song will offer a rich experience for singers and audiences. May be performed with piano only or with the additional traditional bluegrass instrumentation. Tremendously fun!
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!
Joshua arr. Stacey V. Gibbs, SATB divisi a cappella
Stacey is known for his dynamic and expressive arrangements of spirituals, and his setting of “Joshua” proves why. He preserves the traditional spiritual while bringing in fresh and creative changes that lift it to new heights. As you would hope, the walls of Jericho do come down, and the ending shines in spirit and victory.
Follow the Drinking Gourd arr. David Hill, TTB with piano
“Follow the Drinking Gourd” is the perfect spiritual for the burgeoning tenor-bass choir as it provides opportunities to explore colors in the sound while singing in a minor key. With a mysterious piano accompaniment, the repetitions of the word “follow” portrays the haunting call of those who have gone before. Not to be over-looked!
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, 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!