Reimagined Classics for Choir Friday, October 06, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Songbird arr. Paul Langford, SATB with piano
Singer/songwriter Eva Cassidy left us too soon. The title song of her posthumous album has become iconic at weddings and celebrations of life. Paul Langford has arranged this beautiful Christine McVie song in a way that will become equally iconic and popular.
The Times They Are A-Changin’ arr. Adam Podd, SSAA with piano
Now available for treble voices. This re-imagined interpretation of the classic Bob Dylan song is perfect for any concert with a social justice theme. The re-harmonization and contrasting musical style will bring a new attention and poignancy to these well-known words. This is a new musical home for this in concert halls where it has not been found before.
In the Valley by Matt Podd, SSA with piano
Quoting the famous lyrics by Joseph Brackett, this new setting of what we know as “Simple Gifts” was for the Oklahoma All-State Children’s Choir in 2023. Utilizing a 10/8 meter this wonderful new setting will move your treble choir to new understandings of meter and allow for a deep dive into these important lyrics.
How Sweet the Sound by Christi Jones, SATB a cappella with percussion
Jones’ upbeat, rhythmically charged original setting of the beloved hymn tune “Amazing Grace” is fabulous! With optional percussion, it is well-suited for any SATB ensemble, sure to be a favorite at any concert or festival performance, and it’s just fun to sing!
Moon River arr. Paul Langford, SATB divisi a cappella
If you aren’t aware already, Briton Jacob Collier has firmly established himself as the preeminent composer, therorist, improviser, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist of the modern era. Collier’s Grammy-winning arrangement of “Moon River” is a thrilling exercise in form and style. A cappella arranger extraordinaire Paul Langford has taken Jacob’s iconic arrangement and has meticulously set it to eight-to-twelve vocal parts on the page. While this would be one of the most difficult arrangements for your choir to tackle, it would also turn out to be one of the most rewarding!
Over the Rainbow arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB divisi with piano and optional violin
Here is a spectacular concert arrangement of this classic Harold Arlen Song from “The Wizard of Oz.” With a grand piano opening which captures the orchestration from the full score followed by the tender vocal introduction with optional violin accompaniment, this is perfect for an advanced concert choir.
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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.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.