Creative Programming: Classics from the Choral Canon Monday, June 21, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
As a new teacher in the first few years of your career, one of the challenges facing you is building knowledge of repertoire for your ensembles. While you enter the classroom as an experienced musician yourself, the pieces you sang in your own high school and college choirs may not be the right fit for the choir actually in front of you. Exploring some treasures from the past is a worthwhile pursuit! Here are some of our favorites:
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal arr. Alice Parker, SATB a cappella
Now all choirs can enjoy this famous hymntune arranged by Alice Parker, originally written for The Robert Shaw Chorale. The strong walking pulse and juxtaposed motives have made it exceptionally popular for over 50 years.
Danny Boy arr. Joseph Flummerfelt, SATB a cappella
Written specifically to showcase the beauty of good choral sound through the simplicity of the music and text, this a cappella setting by Joseph Flummerfelt of this well-loved folk song from the British Isles is a great way to create “goosebumps” in both your singers and their audiences!
Pueri Hebraeorum by Randall Thompson, SSAA double choir a cappella
Useful in a wide variety of circumstances including as a Palm Sunday introit or procession. It is also a great teaching piece for a school group or choir festival.
Rockin’ Jerusalem by André J. Thomas, SATB a cappella
This exciting setting by André Thomas of “Rockin’ Jerusalem” begins sotto voce with the men and continually grows to the end. A very popular work for district, regional and All-State choruses.
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!