Chantons Noel! Holiday Titles for High School Choir Wednesday, October 12, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Chantons Noël arr. Mark Patterson, SATB with piano and optional djembe & finger cymbals
A thrilling piece for holiday concerts! Layered choral entrances in a fanfare-like introduction set up the entrance to the traditional French carol “Noël Nouvelet.” Conservative ranges for each part are supported well by the driving piano accompaniment along with the optional drum and finger cymbals. Perform in French, with a pronunciation guide and translation provided, or use the singable English text for accessibility. Impressive!
Carry the Light by Andy Beck, SATB with piano and optional violin
Imagine the opening solo in darkness. Light increases as the choir begins, growing to full brilliance when three luminous lines intertwine. A “lux aeterna” refrain is sung in resonant harmony, with touches of shimmering dissonance on cadences. One final tone cluster ignites shivers at the end. This inspiring text provides a personal credo to live as an example for others, with light. Download the optional violin obbligato for free.
The Stormy Winter by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano
The poem by Louisa May Alcott describes the chilling scene of winter with a brisk and exciting piano accompaniment inspiring the rhythmic vocal lines. A terrific opportunity for dynamic singing, text study and enunciation work as a concert, contest or festival selection.
A-Caroling We Go! (Medley) arr. Greg Gilpin, SATB with piano
Greg Gilpin skillfully blends five favorite carols in this festive work you won’t want to miss! The choir begins and ends the piece with an original theme, followed by a masterful melding of “Deck the Hall,” “Jingle Bells,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Good King Wenceslas,” and “Here We Come A-Caroling.” This is one choral collage that is destined to become a favorite of your choirs for many seasons to come!
Cold December (El desembre congelat) arr. Audrey Snyder, SATB a cappella with optional piano
The first verse of this traditional Spanish carol is sung in Spanish. The second verse is in English. Both verses are accompanied by piano. Verse three is rubato, a cappella and once again in Spanish. The last verse is energetic and ends up tempo leaving everyone understanding that, although the time of year may be cold, there is much to love during “Cold December.”
Children, Go Where I Send Thee arr. Kevin Phillip Johnson, SATB with piano and percussion, optional rapper & bass guitar
An exciting, accessible new arrangement of this wonderful African American spiritual, rich in texture and vibrancy, written by Kevin Phillip Johnson as part of his Soulful Singing Series. With or without the rap section, it is sure to invigorate any holiday concert!
Gatatumba arr. Ruth Morris Gray, SATB a cappella with percussion
A basic synopsis of the Spanish: let’s celebrate the holiday by playing tambourines and rattles. This lively a cappella arrangement of the traditional Andalusian villancico offers downloadable percussion parts, as inspired by the text. Ruth Morris Gray’s real-world teaching experience and seasoned writing skills are evident throughout, ensuring a smooth rehearsal process during the busiest time of year. A fun way to bring variety to holiday programs!
Sleep Well by Greg Gilpin, SATB with piano
A tranquil original work imagining the Holy Child asleep in the manger has exquisite use of dynamic contrast interpreting the simple lyric. Close harmonic work with lush use of dissonance for SATB voices is accompanied by an independent yet supportive piano accompaniment.
Winter Treasures arr. Douglas E. Wagner, SAB with piano
In a renaissance style and using the Early American tune “Star in the East,” this setting is an easy-to-sing selection in a unique style. Douglas Wagner’s original text makes this a delightful offering for concerts in the winter season.
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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!