Funiculi Funicula and More for Middle School Tenor/Bass Choirs Friday, March 03, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Funiculi Funicula arr. Vicki Tucker Courtney, TB with piano
You know this tune is pure FUN from the start first, it’s in the name, and, second, everyone will recognize this classic Italian melody that’s been covered by countless performers, including the Grateful Dead and Alvin and the Chipmunks. This clever arrangement is perfect for tenor-bass ensembles of all sizes and is sure to be the hit of any concert!
Baraka Na Wewe by Victor C. Johnson, TB a cappella with djembe
This joyous and rhythmic a cappella celebration of hope, joy and peace is perfect for developing mixed or treble choirs. Your students will appreciate the high performance value, and you’ll love the easy harmonic layering patterns and independent vocal lines that make learning a snap. Add the lively djembe part for an authentic East African flavor. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Cantate Canon by Donald Moore, TBB with piano and optional flute or C instrument
Here’s a delightful little canon that’s fun to learn and fun to sing! The contrasting center section sets off the canonic ends, while the optional flute adds to the light-hearted feel. Your students will be swept up in the forward motion as the lines and text unfold. Highly recommended!
Cedar Swamp arr. Emily Crocker, TB with piano and optional fiddle
Younger Tenor-Bass choirs will rock out to this bright folk-flavored knee-slapper that celebrates favorite country pastimes of camping, fishing, and delicious food! They will love the body percussion feature and the optional fiddle obbligato adds to the “way down low in Cedar Swamp” atmosphere.
Clear the Track arr. Andy Brooke, C(C)B with piano
Brooke’s arrangement of this traditional sea shanty is invigorating and atmospheric. Changing voices will enjoy the theme of trains and ships in the text, as well as the boisterous call-and-response texture, which is well-supported by the piano.
Ubi Caritas by Jonathan Reid, TTB a cappella (optional piano)
“Where charity and love are… God is there…” Reid’s vocal lines weave exquisitely in this beautiful TTB Latin setting. Well-crafted in form, opportunities for learning musical skills abound in this song with options to perform a cappella or with piano.
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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!