Lift Every Voice and Sing: Gospel for Choir Wednesday, March 16, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Lift Every Voice and Sing arr. Roland Carter, SATB divisi with piano
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem in the U.S., is arranged here by Roland Carter. Accessible vocal writing with a celebratory accompaniment makes this a great selection for honor choirs and festivals.
The Storm Is Passing Over arr. Barbara W. Baker, 3-part treble with piano
Even choirs with limited experience singing gospel music will be able to perform the syncopated and heavily accented vocal parts with ease. The final repeated chorus features stunning dynamic contrasts, hand claps and a dramatic ritard before the final ending. A very strong choice!
If I Can Help Somebody arr. André J. Thomas, SATB with piano
Commissioned by St. Olaf University and music programs to honor and celebrate 30 years of service-minded leadership by Anton Armstrong. Long time friend and colleague André Thomas was the perfect choice to arrange this powerful and inspirational song. These lyrics have certainly been a guiding principal in Anton’s career and they will inspire you and your singers as well.
O, I Got a Light arr. Brandon Waddles, SSA with piano
Brandon Waddles’ incredibly unique compositional voice comes through in this awesome arrangement of “O, I Got a Light.” The musical and textual sophistication of this work makes it suitable for both younger and more experienced treble singers.
Rise, Shine! arr. Marques L.A. Garrett, SATB divisi a cappella
A rousing rendition of the well-known spiritual. The piece begins slowly and crescendos into a jubilant exhortation to let your light shine.
I’ll Fly Away arr. Brandon A. Boyd, SATB divisi with piano and optional bass & percussion
An up-tempo and challenging setting of this gospel favorite. A wonderful festival piece with a fun piano accompaniment.
I Will Sing by Michael Engelhardt, TTBB with piano and optional rhythm
“What will I do with the portion given to me? I will sing.” This fantastic work by Michael Engelhardt will be a great addition to honor choirs, festivals, and more. Gospel style, but with an ecumenical text that challenges each of us to make the most of the lives we’ve been given.
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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!