Measure Me, Sky: Poetic Texts for Choir Monday, April 18, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Measure Me, Sky! by Jonathan Reid, SATB with piano
SATB voices and piano combine in floating melodic lines and resonant harmonies, lending an ethereal quality to this delightful piece in the new Beckenhorst Press Concert Series for school, community, and college choirs, edited by Dan Forrest. The universe, our relationship to it, and our communication with it come to life, rising and falling as we anticipate the measurement of our joy by the weight of a word or a thought. Effective for youth or adult choirs, this setting frees the imagination to soar for singers and listeners alike.
The Birds’ Lullaby by Sarah Quartel, SATB a cappella
This a cappella setting of evocative words by E. Pauline Johnson is immediately appealing, with its playful, swinging syncopations and dancing scat accompaniment.
Flight by Craig Carnelia/arr. Ryan Murphy, SSA with piano and optional string quartet
“Flight” has long been an incredible and well-loved work by songwriter Craig Carnelia. This dynamic treble arrangement is a great choice for honor choirs, festivals, conferences, and concert performances.
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Douglas E. Wagner, TB with piano
“Here he lies where he longed to be; home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hill.” Timeless words from Robert Louis Stevenson are set with expressive vocal lines and a richly woven piano accompaniment. Though scored for only two vocal parts, it produces a mature and full choral sound.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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!