How Can I Keep from Singing? Folksongs & Spirituals for High School Choir Wednesday, February 23, 2022
8 new arrangements from Folksongs and Spirituals to express drama, emotion, and harmony
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Ezekiel Saw the Wheel arr. Rollo Dilworth, SSATB with piano
In this oft-performed spiritual, the Bible tells that a vision of two wheels intersecting was shown to Ezekiel, signifying the “spirit of living creatures.” Rollo Dilworth’s arrangement of this song doubles down on the wheel imagery, with cyclical melodic passages throughout and a piano part to match.
Hard Times Come Again No More by Stephen Foster/arr. Shawn Kirchner, SATB with piano and violin
A banjo-like piano accompaniment and expressive fiddle stylings lend folk authenticity to this plaintive and moving choral setting of Stephen Foster’s classic song “Hard Times Come Again No More.” the text is set in simplicity and in fullness, by turns, as the expression of the words demand, with individual vocal parts always retaining a naturalness of line that create a rich, harmonic composite when combined with the other parts.
Hold On arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Also known as “Keep Your Hand on the Plow,” here’s a traditional spiritual that is appropriate for concert or contest, stage or sanctuary. Singers will easily grasp the bluesy harmonies that often flip between major and minor, and lock into the steady swing tempo. Consistent rhythmic anticipations create singable syncopation and add energy. A supportive piano accompaniment lays beautifully in the hands as well as providing a reliable groove. You simply cannot go wrong with a setting like this as prepared by top-tier choral conductor and arranger, Victor C. Johnson.
How Can I Keep from Singing arr. Matt & Adam Podd, SATB with piano and optional violin, cello, rhythm & percussion (or full orchestra)
This thrilling new arrangement by twin brothers Matt and Adam Podd was an internet sensation shortly after we were all quarantined due to the Corona Virus. Drawing on friendships in the New York City Broadway, church and opera worlds, more than 120 world class singers and players came together to create the virtual choir and orchestra. In the final chorus, the arrangers very cleverly turn the iconic phrase “How can I keep from singing?” into “Keep Singing”. A message we all need to hear and remember during these times of isolation and at all times.
I Got a Hog and a Pig arr. John Wykoff/ed. Alan Stevens, TTBB a cappella
A lively song that is quintessentially American. Excellent vocal writing makes the arrangement both rowdy and well-constructed. Accessible to many choirs and a blast to learn and sing!
Look Up, Look Down arr. John Wykoff/ed. Alan Stevens, TTBB a cappella
A sorrowful American song that explores the themes of loneliness and loss. Simple and extremely effective composing that allows singers to express the text with tremendous drama.
Wayfaring Stranger arr. Greg Gilpin, TB a cappella (optional piano)
TB voices will love experiencing this a cappella setting of the popular folk hymn. The 2-part writing for young male singers is superbly arranged to reflect all the mystery of the woeful text. The optional piano accompaniment supports the vocals making this the perfect bridge to a cappella singing with smaller groups or beginning singers.
Amazing Grace arr. Robert T. Gibson, SATB with piano, violin & cello
A beautiful setting now available for mixed chorus of the beloved hymn. A simple yet driving piano accompaniment paired with lovely lines in the strings add an ethereal foundation to the well-crafted vocal lines. Singable, yet very moving.
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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!