Lovely Day: New Pops for High School Choir Friday, September 10, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Dynamite arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
The explosive quality of K-Pop global superstars BTS garner their songs airtime in commercials, movies, television and streaming platforms around the world. Take home Roger Emerson’s accessible choral arrangement today and keep the retro-Disco sound of this #1 hit alive!
Fix You arr. George Chung, SATB with piano
Here is a wonderful choral arrangement of the popular Coldplay song about the loss of a loved one and the challenges we all face in our daily lives. This flexible arrangement can be performed successfully with or without the small group part, with an SATB choir and a solo quartet, or with an SATB choir and a trio of treble voices. Make it your own.
I’ll Stand by You arr. Mark Brymer, SATB (opt a cappella) with piano and optional rhythm
Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders composed this ballad of faithfulness and love in the mid-’90s and it has since become a cultural touchstone of the era, covered by countless artists. Mark Brymer takes the source material and loyally elevates the message to the 2020s.
It’s All Right arr. Robert T. Gibson, SATB with piano
Jon Batiste’s cover for Pixar’s “Soul” brings this feel-good Curtis Mayfield song to a whole new generation. Built on a soulful groove, jazzy twists, and an upbeat vibe, it’s everywhere! First made famous by The Impressions, a 60s group of which Mayfield was a member, this happy hit has stood the test of time, recorded by many diverse artists over the years. The arranger adds his own authentic touch with some gospel inflections and interjections. “It’s all right, have a good time, ’cause it’s all right!”
Lovely Day arr. Robert T. Gibson, SATB divisi with piano and optional electric bass & drumset
GRAMMY Award winner Bill Withers recorded this optimistic song in 1977, which has become a beloved and respected favorite. Robert T. Gibson’s groovin’ arrangement stays true to the R&B style of the original while employing some gospel techniques designed to show off your SATB singers. Optional electric bass and drumset parts fill out the sound, or perform with the super-charged SoundTrax accompaniment.
We Are Warriors arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Avril Lavigne paid tribute to the frontline workers of the 2020 global pandemic by championing the strength and resolve of the warriors who are there to protect us. Very close to the original, this arrangement will inspire your singers.
Holding Out for a Hero arr. Paul Langford, SSA with piano and optional combo
Women’s choirs and show choirs will LOVE this intense and powerful arrangement of Bonnie Tyler’s huge hit from 1983 that is still popular today. Full of strong harmonic writing that begs for choreography! Fantastic dance track too!
Find more Five Star Features for 2021 on our website, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
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!