From Stage & Screen for Choir Friday, January 21, 2022
Sing fan favorite songs from the stage & screen
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Stand Up (from Harriet) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB a cappella with body percussion
From the 2019 film “Harriet,” based on the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, this Roger Emerson a cappella choral arrangement captures what made the original track so memorable: a raw and slow-burning sense of overcoming obstacles.
Found/Tonight arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional string quartet
“Dear Evan Hansen.” “Hamilton.” Lin-Manuel Miranda. Ben Platt. Pasek and Paul. What more can be said? This incredible mash-up combines hits from two smash Broadway musicals, written by contemporary powerhouse composers of stage and screen. You’ve sung “You Will Be Found,” and you know “The Story of Tonight;” now perform them together in an emotional arrangement that shares a message of hope and encouragement.
Get Ready (from Ain’t Too Proud) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
Significant for being the last Motown song written by Smokey Robinson for The Temptations, “Get Ready” is featured in the Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud,” which chronicles the life of the award-winning group. Featuring the unmistakable Motown sound, this is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Helpless (from Hamilton) arr. Lisa DeSpain, SATB with piano
Attention all Hamilfans! This act one favorite recounts the correspondence, courtship, and romance between Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler. The blended pop/R&B style shines brightly in this choral setting that allows entire sections to perform those half-rapped, half-sung phrases that made the musical so famous. A couple of brief solos are easy to assign, with more character than range required. Fun fact: repetitive “I do’s” foreshadow the wedding to come.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
It’s All Right arr. Robert T. Gibson, 2-part/SSA 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!”
Born to Be Brave arr. Mac Huff, 2-part with piano and optional rhythm
Although the name of the television show is a mouthful (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), this song from the show contains a message that is simple and succinct. Empowering text provides a blueprint for your singers to lead listeners away from ignorance and fear.
We’re All In This Together arr. Mac Huff, 2-part with piano
This hit song from “High School Musical” appears five times in the spin-off series, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” It speaks poignantly to creating a culture of unity and common ground. A joyful dance beat and driving rhythms highlight the call for solidarity and celebration.
FOR TREBLE CHOIR
Back to Before (from Ragtime) arr. Lisa DeSpain, SSA with piano
An epic ballad from Broadway’s “Ragtime,” a true masterwork of 20th-century musical theater. Exploring themes of identity, personal and societal change, and inner resilience, Lisa DeSpain’s arrangement makes adept use of women’s voices from start to finish, creating an unforgettable emotional and musical journey for both singer and listener.
When You Believe (from The Prince of Egypt) arr. John Leavitt, SSA with piano and optional strings & percussion
Stephen Schwartz’s “When You Believe” won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1999, and John Leavitt gives his signature, dignified touch to his arrangement, adding strings and percussion to moving effect. The Hebrew prayer in the middle section of the piece is a great opportunity for cultural exploration.
Stand Up (from Harriet) arr. Téa Douglas, SSAA a cappella with body percussion
The Douglas family, inspiring us all to do good and love someone (DGLS), have recorded this extremely powerful arrangement of the 2020 Oscar-winning Best Original Song from “Harriet.” Premiered at the 2021 ACDA Virtual National Conference, this rendition cuts straight through to the heart.
Hamilton Women arr. Lisa DeSpain, SSA with piano
This fast-paced mini-medley (only 4.5 minutes in length) pays homage to the strong female characters in Lin-Maunuel Miranda’s Hamilton! The powerful arrangement includes a few opportunities to showcase outstanding soloists and more than enough SSA writing for all of your singers to shine! Titles include: “Satisfied,” “Burn,” “Helpless,” and “The Schuyler Sisters.”
FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIR
Proud of Your Boy (from Aladdin) arr. Jonathan Palant, TBB with piano
From the Broadway production of “Aladdin” here is a song about self worth and the desire to do the right thing. Wonderful lyrics for young men to sing. With a beautiful and singable melody by Alan Menken this is an arrangement that will move your young men’s choir forward and to the next level of proficiency with excellent teaching strategies included in the page 2 notes.
Hamilton Men arr. Lisa DeSpain, TTB with piano
By turns stirring, sentimental, and hilarious, this dynamic 4-minute medley lets your changed-voice singers explore the many emotional and musical sides of Hamilton: launching a revolutionary movement, navigating political hazards, discovering fatherhood, and figuring out how to say goodbye. A robust feature for guys. Titles include: “The Story of Tonight,” “What’d I Miss,” “Dear Theodosia,” and “One Last Time.”
Johanna (from Sweeney Todd) arr. Mac Huff, TTBB with piano
From the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd,” this beautiful tenor “aria” is sung by Anthony in act 1 as he dreams of this beautiful and enchanting character Johanna. In act two Anthony searches through the streets for Johanna trying to rescue her from Sweeney. Todd joins in the song as he dreams of her beauty and the asylum he has her stashed. This is a show stopper for men’s choirs.
Lost in the Woods (from Frozen 2) arr. Mark Brymer, TBB with piano and optional rhythm
In a wonderfully realized gender-reversal thread in the plot of Disney’s “Frozen 2” comes this passionate ’80s rock ballad from mountain man Kristoff, accompanied by none other than singing apparitions of his reindeer and lifelong best friend, Sven. Staged on the screen to mimic the landmark music video for Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” this will elicit much more than a wry chuckle from your audience!
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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!