Resources for Pop, Show & A Cappella Choirs Friday, February 18, 2022
Must reads and best-sellers for Music Educators
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella compiled and edited by Deke Sharon, J.D. Frizzell & Marc Silverberg
“Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella” is the essential book for a cappella repertoire and rehearsal techniques, compiled and edited by educators and leaders committed to demystifying the genre and providing teachers with access to the best repertoire and pedagogy possible.
Built on the model of the best-selling “Teaching Music Through Performance” series, this volume includes chapters on the most important issues in teaching and learning contemporary a cappella, and analysis and insights for 82 works across genres: Barbershop, Contemporary A cappella, Doo-wop, Folk/Classical, Vocal Jazz. The list of composers and arrangers is diverse; the repertoire includes both arrangements and original compositions. Each selection is representative of a major a cappella trend or historical event, such as repertoire from The Sing-Off, Pitch Perfect, The Real Group, Sweet Adelines, or Pentatonix. Of course, every selection – regardless of musical style – is performed a cappella.
The authors also develop a five-point difficulty scale for evaluating literature, and each guide contains detailed information about the arrangement or composition, including where the arrangement was first performed, the history of the original song, and the styles it represents.
In creating the Teacher Resource Guides, the authors enlist the help of a cappella educators, arrangers, engineers, performers, and well-established experts. Each Guide also includes a new section called “Educational Extensions,” which provides suggestions on how to utilize the repertoire for extended classroom lessons, both as part of the rehearsal and part of a general music classroom.
Chapter topics include “A Cappella: An Overview” by Marc Silverberg; “Emotional Expression in Group Singing” by Deke Sharon and J.D. Frizzell; “Teaching Singers to Sing in All Styles: The Spectrum Method” by Erin Hackel, and “Lessons You Can Learn from Competing,” by Ben Spalding.
There is simply no better way to find and prepare the best contemporary a cappella literature available for achieving excellence in music education at all levels. “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella” is a groundbreaking volume destined to make a significant contribution.
The Art of Competitive Show Choir (The Why, What, and How of Making Better Musicians and Humans) by Jen Randall
Thinking about starting a competitive show choir? Hoping to infuse new energy into your current program with fresh ideas? Wondering what all the hype is about? Look no further! “The Art of Competitive Show Choir” is the essential how-to guide for building and sustaining a thriving show choir program, perfect for new and seasoned professionals alike. With her hallmark wit and nearly two decades of experience, author Jen Randall offers a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and tools that address every crucial aspect of the show choir world.
This resource tackles the topic from three equally important perspectives. In Part I, Randall addresses the critical question of why students and teachers participate in show choir and why schools and students benefit from such a program.
Part II delves into the all-important what of show choir, including what it takes to get started, what a successful program looks like, and what value there is in being part of a tight-knit ensemble. She also discusses the key role competition plays in pushing groups to strive for excellence as well as the valuable lessons it provides all participants.
Part III is a practical how-to guide with information on everything from how to audition students, schedule rehearsals, and successfully fundraise to selecting music, arrangers, instrumentalists, choreographers, costumes, and even appropriate competitive experiences for your group.
Randall rounds out this resource with an explanation of the typical yearly calendar for show choir directors, a glossary of key show choir terms, and a convenient list of dozens of online resources.
“The Art of Competitive Show Choir” is the first ever resource to cover the subject with such detail and authority – all while keeping the growth and development of the students at its core. A must-read for anyone in charge of a competitive group!
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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!