Keep the Beat: Stage & Screen for Choir Friday, January 20, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Keep the Beat (from Vivo) arr. Andy Beck, SATB with piano
Here’s an optimistic Lin-Manuel Miranda original jam-packed with his energetic signature style. Syncopated rhythms and rap-like riffs come to life with a singable melody, bright choral harmonies, and a lively counterline descant. Don’t miss the flexible body percussion interludes that bring the beat-keeping theme to life. Featured in the animated movie musical “Vivo,” this is an uplifting pep talk about the power of perseverance, perfect for our time. What should we do when things don’t go as planned? “Play on and keep the beat!”
The Call (from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) arr. Dianne Gryba, SATB with piano
This hit from the Narnia movie by Regina Spektor, young people resonate with this music and the message. This arrangement emerges from the subconscious, builds to a climax, and then recedes back into a quiet place of assurance.
Colombia, Mi Encanto (from Encanto) arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
A love letter to all things Colombian: celebrations, dancing, beauty in nature and, of course, food! Featured in the trailer for Disney’s “Encanto,” this vibrantly joyous number also plays during a magical party in the film when a new miracle is bestowed upon the Madrigal family. Enchanting!
Louder Than Words (from tick, tick…BOOM!) arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
The powerful and inspirational Broadway musical “tick, tick…BOOM!” was given new life and became a sensation for the second time as it was presented on Netflix. The movie was reviewed as “a treasure” and this arrangement captures the magic of the story about the creative process.
I Put a Spell on You (from Hocus Pocus) arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional combo
This bewitching bit of ’90s nostalgia will charm your audience in October or on any pops program. Originally written by “Screamin'” Jay Hawkins in 1956, this song is included on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. And who can forget Bette Midler’s show-stopping rendition in the cult classic film “Hocus Pocus”? Conjure up some costumes and choreography to brew a spellbinding performance.
Part of Your World (from The Little Mermaid) arr. Mark Brymer, SSA with piano and optional rhythm
The adaptations of 1989’s Disney Renaissance classic “The Little Mermaid” continue, with Halle Bailey set to wear the latest flippers in a 2023 live-action remake of the beloved original. Alan Menken’s brilliant song for Ariel is fluidly arranged for a return trip to choral programs!
A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman) arr. Mark Brymer, SATB with piano and optional rhythm (or a cappella)
“The Greatest Showman” has no shortage of hit songs with staying power. This brand-new a cappella setting of “A Million Dreams” captures the youthful longing and starry-eyed optimism of the text through well-balanced harmonies and turns-of-phrase.
Send in the Clowns (from A Little Night Music) arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
Considered the late Stephen Sondheim’s signature song, we present this new rendition of “Send in the Clowns” – a fitting tribute in the form of a thoughtful, heartfelt a cappella arrangement by Kirby Shaw.
People (from Funny Girl) arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano
“Funny Girl” is back on Broadway in 2022! It is exciting to know that this iconic music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill will be heard by a new generation. Perhaps the most well known song from the show is “People” and this new arrangement is a thrill, capturing the emotion of this great song as well as the style.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen/arr. Roger Emerson, SSA with piano
Now available for SSA! “I’ve heard there was a secret chord that David played, and it pleased the Lord…” This well-crafted arrangement emphasizes the plaintive, haunting melody written by Leonard Cohen almost 30 years ago, used for the soundtrack of the hit movie “Shrek.”
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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!