You Are a Yes! Especially for Middle School Choir Monday, August 29, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
You Are a Yes! by Mark Burrows, 3-part mixed/SAB with piano
This uplifting choral is bursting with positive energy and inspiring lyrics that encourage the singer, as well as the listener, to believe in themselves and find the courage to live their life to the fullest! “You are a yes! You are an inspiration, a story to be told. You are a yes! You are a celebration, a wonder to behold.”
Ten Thousand Miles by Ruth Morris Gray, SAB with piano and optional body percussion
How fun! A unique setting of words adapted from a familiar English folk song. Handclaps, leg taps, and brushing palms decorate each voice part from the first statement of their independent line to the final layered recap. A departure from the traditional tune and tempo, Ruth’s jaunty melody and andante interpretation creates a feeling of motion in triple meter, representing a return to home.
Risseldy, Rosseldy arr. Blake Richter, SA with piano
“Risseldy, Rosseldy” is an energetic folksong composed of absolute nonsense! Great for teaching concepts like articulation, expression, and dynamics, and tons of fun!
Bringers of Noise by Kyle Pederson, SAB with piano and taiko drum
This is different! Using a fictional language combined with a powerful English text, this exceptional piece effectively combines narration, rhythmic chanting and whispers, singing, vocal percussion, stomps with drum, and a driving piano accompaniment to create an atmosphere of drama and mystique. Not to be missed!
Pirates of the Cherry Tree by Penny Rodriguez, 2-part with piano
It’s a creative day of play as kids imagine themselves pirates on a grand outdoor adventure. Contemporary poet Nanci Milam pens a colorful course and a compelling cast of characters, with a detailed account of their quest. Composer Penny Rodriguez adds a jaunty compound meter, cheerful minor key, and a few sudden dynamic changes to enhance the drama and capture the spirit. A perfect pairing of music and lyrics, a treasure for younger singers!
Poor Wayfaring Stranger arr. Christi Jones, SAB with piano (optional a cappella)
With ostinato-like phrases throughout, Jones’ rhythmic and interesting arrangement of this beloved African-American spiritual will suit the needs of developing mixed choirs. Whether performed with piano accompaniment or a cappella, it’s wonderful voice leading and harmonic structure make it a sure-to-please “win” for any concert.
Find all of our Five Star Features for Fall 2022 on our website, and 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!