Dance to the Music: A Cappella for High School Monday, December 13, 2021
8 Awesome A Capella Arrangements for High School Choirs
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Dance to the Music arr. Paul Langford, SATB a cappella with vocal percussion
Few songs have captured the joy of dancing more than this 1968 song by Sly and the Family Stone. The Family Stone harnessed many of the disparate musical trends of the time in this brilliant fusion and this arrangement brings it all together for the adventurous choir. It will be difficult to follow this in a show so make it your closer.
Sweet Caroline arr. Alan Billingsley, SATB a cappella
Has there ever been a song better suited for a sing-a-long than Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”? Your audience won’t be able to resist singing out the “so good! so good! so good!” as your choir takes the rest of the vocal (and instrumental) duties in this long overdue a cappella dazzler!
Don’t Start Now arr. Deke Sharon, SATB a cappella
This hit song from Dua Lipa’s award-winning album is all about the funky nu-disco sound. Arranged by the defacto “father of contemporary a cappella,” this is a fun number that mixed or treble a cappella groups will love to perform. Add some vocal percussion to make it really pop!
Hero arr. Aaron Jensen & Bryan Sharpe, SATB a cappella
The beloved cast of “Schitt’s Creek” performed this incredible Mariah Carey hit for YouTube’s 2020 virtual commencement. This much-anticipated publication features rich harmonies by Aaron Jensen (music consultant for the Netflix series) as transcribed by a cappella master-arranger Bryan Sharpe. Perfect for honoring graduates, essential/frontline workers, teachers, or anyone who is an everyday hero.
Sir Duke arr. Paul Langford, SATB a cappella
Wow, this is a fabulous a cappella vocal arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s 1977 hit from his album “Songs in the Key of Life!” The work captures all the style and rhythmic energy of the original instrumental lines with outstanding vocal writing that will thrill your singers and audience.
This Is Me (from The Greatest Showman) arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have created something that is enduring and applicable to all stages of life with “This Is Me.” This a cappella arrangement of the breakout anthem from “The Greatest Showman” is full of veteran choral intricacies and flourishes!
Try Everything arr. Paul Langford, SSAA a cappella
Here is a happy a cappella setting of the upbeat song from the Disney animated film “Zootopia,” reminding us to “Don’t give up! Don’t give in!” A super concert feature, this positive message will give your singers encouragement to work hard and keep trying, no matter what.
What a Wonderful World arr. Andy Beck, SATB a cappella with optional piano, ukulele, or guitar
This inspired setting faithfully retains the Hawaiian character of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s cover. Andy features the sopranos, then altos, on the classic melody, accompanied by rhythmic “aloha’s” from other sections of the choir. This adaptable publication invites you to perform a cappella or with optional piano, ukulele, or guitar. A special arrangement that honors the depth of the original song, the spirit of “Brother Iz,” and the beauty of the earth.
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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 and a former church choir director of 20 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. 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!