Creative Programming: Novelty & Tongue Twisters! Friday, June 25, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
While you often find tongue twisters and novelty tunes used in choral warm-ups, it is more unique to find them in concert repertoire. Bring some fun (and learning!) to your next concert with one of these creative titles!
KidSong by Stephen Caldwell, SSA with piano
This delightful medley of beloved children’s songs is set in mixed and asymmetrical meters with a tempo indication that says “as fast as possible!” Mixed and treble choirs will enjoy the challenge of performing these songs with stomps, claps, and memorable melodies in this crisp setting that will bring youthful expression and musical vitality to your concert. Your audience will love it!
Eletelephony by Dave & Jean Perry, 2-part with piano
“Eletelephony” is an excellent vehicle for introducing intervals while singing a fun-filled, novel text. If your choir uses Sol-fa, this song circles around Do and Sol, with excursions to Ti and Re. It also incorporates imitative entries, call and response and simple two-part harmonies to convey the text. The piano accompaniment aids in the interpretation of the text. A fun, quick-to-learn selection that will enhance any concert!
Topsy-Turvy World by Christopher Fox, 2-part with piano
This fanciful children’s poem by William Brighty Rands is simply charming. Well-constructed for 2-part voices, this accomplished setting includes crisp rhythms and complementary counterlines that offer opportunities to work important elements of choral artistry. The whimsical words include blunders like “If the pony rode his master, if the buttercup ate the cow…the world would be upside down!”
It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More arr. Catherine DeLanoy, 2-part with piano
People have been singing this catchy, campy tune since the late 1800’s! With opportunities to teach diction and learn about counter-melodies, how in the heck can you NOT program it for your emerging ensemble? It’s simply too much FUN. Highly recommend!
Hummingbird and Bumblebee by Lynn Shaw Bailey, 2-part with piano
Playful and clever, Lynn Shaw Bailey’s partner song for emerging two-part treble ensembles is both unique and educational all of which are enhanced by the creative and whimsical piano accompaniment which further depicts the nature of the hummingbird and bumblebee. Charming and highly recommended!
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!