Go the Distance: Middle School Choir for End of Year Concerts Wednesday, March 22, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Go the Distance (from Hercules) arr. Roger Emerson, 3-part mixed with piano
This exciting song from the Walt Disney animated feature, “Hercules,” has been skillfully arranged by Roger Emerson for upper elementary, middle school, and beginning high school ensembles. With a timeless message of perseverance, the song is certain to be a favorite of singers and audiences alike.
I’m Homeward Bound by Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano and optional flute
There’s a place for this lyrical folk-inspired original on every program. It’s a gentle ballad with traditional treble harmony, readable rhythms, and a tuneful melody sung in the most comfortable range. The optional flute part (available as a download) is as legato and flowing as the tender voices and arpeggiated piano. “Winding road, western wind, golden moon, silver stars . . . take me home.”
The Little Creek by Matt Carlson, SAB with piano
“Every door you enter, you find a piece of something inside you never knew.” Character-building texts of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-worth are set beautifully to music that is accessible to choirs of any level. It features unison melodies that are excellent opportunities to build your choir’s legato tone along with part-writing that is quick to learn and satisfying to sing.
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.”
Pictures in the Sky by Bruce W. Tippette, 2-part with piano
An imaginative text, penned by Althea Randolph, sets the tone for this whimsical piece for developing choirs. The piano accompaniment supplements that child-like feel and the accessible melodies paint the ethereal text in a way that certainly suits the feeling of watching the “picture-clouds” float by. Your choir will soar when they sing this exquisite piece!
I Feel Like I’m Flying by Sherry Blevins, 2-part with piano
This piece is scored for treble chorus and was developed collaboratively between the composer and students from the West Vancouver Intermediate Treble Honor Choir (British Columbia). With a memorable rhythmic motive and driving tempo, the piece would be a perfect concert closer or encore.
Sing arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
This blazing, energetic hit from the vocal group Pentatonix is carefully crafted to be easily accessible for younger singers. Perform it at the tempo you wish, or take it up to full speed with the exciting audio accompaniment!
Kusimama (10th Anniversary Edition) by Jim Papoulis, 2-part treble with piano & percussion
“Kusimama” is written in the world music style that is accessible for all choirs. The text which is in both Swahili and English, is about standing tall on the earth, not with anger or aggression, but with hope, strength, acceptance, and a positive spirit. The voices along with hand claps, stomps, Djembe, shaker, and piano all combine for an exciting world music presentation.
Popcorn by Andy Beck, 2-part with piano
Don’t miss this irresistible novelty number that celebrates the delicious buttery snack! It’s a light and fluffy feature salted with a sense of humor and drizzled in a slick samba groove. Your singers will beg for more of this tasty treat that explodes with kernels of creativity – especially in the illustrative vocal stack, which sounds like popping corn and turns up the heat on a sizzling Latin-feel that really, well . . . pops. A bowlful of fun, cheesy in the best way! Check out our free ChoreoTrax video for choral movement ideas.
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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!