Be Brave, Be Proud! Especially for Elementary Choir Monday, September 20, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Be Brave, Be Proud by Douglas Beam, 2-part with piano
“Be brave, be proud. Whatever you have to say, you say it loud.” This is a creative, heartwarming piece that uses text written by elementary school students. The words of these students will ring true for students everywhere, being an important message of courage and hope.
Are You Proud of Me? by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano
This sensitive choral ballad is sure to ignite “all the feels,” as your singers ask for validation from the influential adults in their lives. Lyrical lines and uncomplicated voice parts allow even the youngest performers to get right to the heart of the piece – the touching message, especially poignant in the final unaccompanied phrase. Parents and teachers should have tissues on hand!
Rock Island Line arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano
All aboard for a bouncy rendition of the authentic American train song, a song that has been recorded by many folk artists through the generations. The largely pentatonic tune truly chugs along and includes a few blue notes, adding to the fun. Greg’s perky arrangement offers independent voice parts, engaging rhythmic counterpoint, and even a few vocal train whistles – “woo woo!” No matter which voicing suits your group, be sure to consider adding choreography (available free online), and the toe-tapping SoundTrax accompaniment.
Crowin’ on Sourwood Mountain arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano and optional stomps & claps
This traditional Appalachian folk song has its roots as a song of lament about lost love, but over time, the lyrics have become light and flirtatious. The humorous quality rings throughout with a bouncy piano accompaniment and playful vocals. The arrangers have created a perfect teaching piece that is entertaining to learn and perform with the opportunity of stomps and hand claps leading to even more performance ideas for staging and movement.
The Puzzle by Andy Beck, 2-part with piano
This darling little charmer reads like step-by-step instructions for assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Andy’s writing provides the perfect lesson plan to teach part-singing: Part II sings an eight-bar melody, Part I sings their complementary eight bars, the two combine, we add some simple parallel harmony on the refrain, and voilà! Teachers will thoroughly appreciate the easy-to-play piano part and compact vocal ranges (no one sings higher or lower than a D). In a surprise, not-so-hidden message, the lyrics explain that “the pieces are scattered, not broken, and though they have come apart, when they fit back together, we’ll have a wonderful work of art.” It’s a double metaphor about points of view, or voice parts, coming together.
Umbrella by Andy Beck, 2-part with piano
Celebrate that essential rainy day accessory with this humorous ode to the umbrella! You might want to take cover from the steady downpour of clever rhymes designed to tickle the funny bone of performers and listeners alike. Working with younger singers? We’ve got you covered with plenty of unison, echo, contrary motion, and counterline phrases to ensure success. Plus, we’ve just got to mention the hummed “umm’s” that increase in length as the song unfurls. Fun! Consider a gentle sway with colorful umbrellas in hand to add a visual element to the lilting waltz tempo.
I’ll Remember You by John Florio/arr. Andy Beck, 2-part with piano
This sincere goodbye song is especially well conceived for developing 2-part singers. The tuneful, memorable melody is so easy to learn, and harmonies are smartly achieved with independent counterlines or a comfortable distance between notes for those just learning to sing in parts. A delicate piano part provides consistent support throughout. “In the sunshine, in the rain, you were always true.” A perfect choice at the end of a year.
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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!