Rise Up: For Middle School End of Year Concerts Monday, March 21, 2022
End your school year with a powerful concert closer!
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Rise Up arr. Audrey Snyder, SSA with piano
Here’s the piece to let your soloist shine! This inspirational, expressive, and stirring pop ballad features solo singing on each of the verses and easy to learn parts for the chorus. The piece is an excellent choice for inexperienced singers.
Lean on Me arr. Jack Zaino, 3-part mixed with piano
“Lean on Me,” the instantly recognizable standard by Bill Withers, has been called an anthem of togetherness and resilience. Tastefully set in a gospel style, this arrangement will inspire singers and audiences alike to be a friend for others to lean on.
Fill the World with Music by David Waggoner, 3-part mixed/SAB with piano
After a year with limited music making, there could be nothing better. Imagine throwing open the shutters to sing with your neighbors as this beautiful piece unfolds. It’s consistently lyrical and legato, with peaks and valleys built into the dynamics to heighten emotions and capture joy. We love this expressive piano part, especially the delicate music box-inspired introduction. Don’t miss the dramatic modulation before the pinnacle refrain crescendos to a big finish.
Be a Light arr. Tim Hayden, SAB with piano
“In a world full of hate, be a light.” These words strike a meaningful chord about our power to affect change in the world. And the memorable music of this 2020 track creates a moving ballad for our times. Recorded by Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban, this anthem of hope holds a significant message. Highly effective in virtual or live performance!
Dynamite arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
Written and popularized by BTS, this up tempo pop hit celebrates the exuberance of life and promotes positive self-image. Tons of fun, this arrangement is specially crafted to be easy to learn and perform.
A New Horizon by Greg Gilpin, 3-part mixed with piano
Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It’s a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. “Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, ’cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day.”
Thoughts of Home by Victor C. Johnson, SAB with piano
“Home, a place where memories are made. Home, where I don’t have to be afraid. Home, where laughter never ends, I feel the love of family and friends, my hiding place, my safe space, is my home.” For wherever your singers feel at home, this piece with touching lyrics generated from the thoughts of young people is set in a harmonically rich musical work that will be welcome in any concert.
What Love Can Do by Mark Burrows, SAB with piano
“We will reach out, sing out, make a change. We will show the world what love can do!” These empowering lyrics were inspired by thoughts and feelings from amazing young people at a virtual conference held in 2020. Spread the important message with this stirring anthem of hope by stellar composer and youth mentor, Mark Burrows. Starts with a tiny mezzo-soprano seed and blossoms into a full bloom fortissimo. Along the way, intuitive pop rhythms, satisfying harmonies, an especially memorable bridge, a moment of a cappella, and even handclaps help to secure that full finale effect.
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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!