A World of Music: for Beginning Choirs Friday, April 22, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
A World of Music by Dave & Jean Perry, 2-part with piano
With lyrics celebrating the gift of song, this piece is a perfect selection to remind ourselves of the importance of making music together. With easy-to-learn melodies and carefully crafted harmonies, this is perfect for young choirs that are new to choral singing or gathering once again after time spent apart!
Akatonbo (Red Dragonfly) arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano
The simple text of this famous Japanese children’s song is paired with a beautiful English translation depicting a red dragonfly seen at sunset. The original melody melds with the original partner-song creating gentle vocal lines above a simple and supportive piano accompaniment. 2-part writing that is simply exquisite and the choral includes rehearsal suggestions for added teaching and learning.
The Boatie Rows arr. Mandy Miller, Unison with piano
This simple strophic, Scottish folk song is arranged for young singers. Stylish musically and using authentic Scottish dialect with a very simple pronunciation guide this is a wonderful arrangement for your beginning singers.
I Will Dream of You, Doraji arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano and optional flute
This gentle, flowing piece combines thematic elements of two popular Korean folk songs, “Doraji” and “Arirang.” The selection is performed in English and Korean, with the Korean written phonetically in the choral parts. The elegant piano part and optional included flute part contribute to the beautiful and pensive effect.
Kookaburra arr. Audrey Snyder, 2-part with piano
The Kookaburra is a terrestrial tree kingfisher bird native to Australia. The distinctive and humorous call of the bird sounds like it is laughing, thus becoming the central subject to Marion Sinclair’s 1932 nursery rhyme chronicling the life and times of the titular bird.
When the Boat Comes In arr. Cristi Cary Miller, 2-part with piano and flute
This accessible Northumbrian folk tune includes a flute part, which is essential for creating the mood in this breezy and charming arrangement by Cristi Cary Miller.
Natsu No Yo Wa (In the Summer Night) by Ruth Morris Gray, 2-part with piano and flute
Hauntingly beautiful, this selection for voices, piano, and flute has a lovely pentatonic melody that is elegantly crafted. With simple, easy ranges for young singers, this piece is thoughtful and respectful.
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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!