Permission to Dance and More: A Cappella for Middle School Friday, February 10, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Permission to Dance arr. Bryan Sharpe, 3-part mixed a cappella
Trying to get that contemporary a cappella sound with a developing ensemble? Here’s an accessible arrangement with just three voice parts, a soloist (or small group), and some poppy vocal percussion. Smaller and younger groups will LOVE this smart setting of the good-time dance hit by BTS. Conservative vocal ranges, detailed articulation and phrasing, plus clearly notated beatboxing, do most of the work for you, so you can get straight to the fun – no permission required!
I Want It That Way arr. Nathan Howe, SAB a cappella with classroom percussion
In 2012, Jimmy Fallon started a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show” in which The Roots use classroom instruments to play pop songs with celebrity guests. These skilled musicians pull off engaging performances using instruments many people don’t take seriously beyond the elementary music room! Nathan Howe has continued his musical genius in a cappella writing with this pop tune sung a cappella with classroom percussion. It’s amazing and fun and suitable for all ages with the variety of voicings available. The choral also includes notes on different ways to teach, learn and perform the piece and all the percussion parts are included as a free download.
Vox by Greg Gilpin, SSA a cappella (optional piano)
Enjoy the bright energy of felt in one. This rhythmic Greg Gilpin original may be accompanied by shaker alone or the optional keyboard part. Modern day vocables have no literal meaning, but virtually bubble with joy – there’s a smile built in. A complete form with contrasting sections, varied choral articulations, ostinatos, pedal tones, drones, the works. It’s an action-packed musical journey, a colorful collage for the ears.
God Bless America arr. Mark Hayes, SSAB a cappella
Mark Hayes is one of our finest arrangers and now he has used his expertise in vocal arranging on this Irving Berlin treasure from the American Song Book. A cappella voices richly present the well-known lyric, capturing its emotional patriotism. Beautiful and dynamic musical interpretation weaves throughout the piece, building to a glorious final “home sweet home.” A fantastic selection for concert, encore performances, and even performances on “game day” and choir tours.
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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!