Stopping by Woods: For Middle School Choir Monday, October 18, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Stopping by Woods by Ruth Morris Gray, 3-part mixed with piano
Robert Frost’s famous poem describes the woods as “lovely, dark, and deep,” and the same can be said about this appealing setting for winter concerts. The minor key casts a pensive backdrop for the vivid imagery of the text. The composer shows her teaching prowess by sculpting a line that harmonizes easily when sung in thirds and fits together perfectly when echoed from part to part. Developing choirs will appreciate the balance of emotional depth in the words and approachable challenges in the vocal parts.
Winter’s Path by Amy F. Bernon, 3-part mixed (optional baritone) with piano
The natural beauty and loveliness of the winter season is reflected in this stunning piece that has the delicate texture of softly falling snow. Memorable vocal lines and a wonderful section of contrapuntal harmony in the middle section combine to make this really special. Some cued notes for an optional baritone part provide the option for a fuller sound if desired.
Joy in the Morning arr. Emily Crocker, SAB divisi with piano and optional piccolo
With lyrics excerpted and adapted from the classic Scottish novel “Wind in the Willows,” here is a wonderful winter concert piece that is upbeat and energetic.
Under Winter Moon by Andy Beck, 2-part with piano and optional cello
Accompanied by a delicate piano (symbolizing falling snow) and an optional cello (the lustrous moon), expressively rich choral parts capture the beauty of a winter night. It quiets the mind and touches the soul.
Duérmete (The Angels’ Lullaby) arr. Victor C. Johnson, 3-part mixed with piano and optional flute
With its sweet melodies, sensitive accompaniment, and optional flute obbligato, this setting of a traditional Spanish lullaby is sure to charm your audiences. In addition to the original Spanish, two sets of English lyrics – one for general use and the other for Christmas – offer flexible performance options. A pronunciation guide for the Spanish text is also included.
I Saw Three Ships arr. Paul David Thomas, 3-part mixed with piano and optional flute & percussion
Jolly and jaunty, rhythmic and fun, this energetic setting of the traditional English carol is sure to be a holiday favorite for mixed choirs. Accessible ranges and a supportive accompaniment make this a great choice for developing choirs. Add the optional frame drum and flute parts for a more stylistic interpretation.
S’vivon arr. Andrew Parr, 3-part mixed with piano and optional clarinet
An optional clarinet adds a festive flourish to this traditional Hebrew folk song arranged expressly for 3-part mixed singers. This specifically targeted voicing pays close attention to the most appropriate range and tessitura for developing voices, especially the guys. Four short lines comprise an entirely Hebrew text that celebrates the miracle of Hanukkah and the spinning dreidel (a pronunciation guide is included). “S’vivon sov, sov, sov” means “Dreidel turn, turn, turn.” Excitement abounds throughout, especially when a surprise slower section accelerates back to the first lively tempo, and then even faster for the final phrase.
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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!