I’ll Stand: Spirituals & Folksongs for Choir Friday, February 16, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
I’ll Stand by Raymond Wise, SATB divisi a cappella
This original work, written in the lively style of a concert spiritual, offers a challenge and rich rewards for the advanced SATB divisi chorus. The fast-paced, rhythmic call and response energizes choirs and inspires audiences. Encouraging listeners to take a stand for what is right, this piece is ideal for church and for social justice and equality events.
Down in the River to Pray arr. Jace Wittig, SATB a cappella with body percussion
The video of the Colorado All-State Treble Choir singing this piece from the balconies in a hotel lobby has gone viral for good reason! This a cappella arrangement of the folk hymn made popular in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” utilizes effective body percussion, compelling harmonies and an authentic vocal style to create an unforgettable choral piece.
Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie arr. Robert Jones, TTB a cappella with string bass
This down-to-earth setting has already blanketed every other voicing – now comes the TTB version. Professor Sharon Gratto has built a career around providing historical context to multicultural and folk music. A simple three-part choir accompanied by a stand-up bass gives an authentic American homespun quality to the work. Truly fun to sing, this arrangement sounds just right – just the way this song should always be sung.
All Night, All Day (with My Lord, What a Morning) arr. Russell Robinson, 3-part mixed with piano
This delightful partnering of two familiar African-American Spirituals in a rhythmic, jazzy style is both easy to teach and fun for your young singers. Both songs are introduced in unison in this arrangement that builds in intensity and ends with a strong, bright finish.
Shady Grove arr. Cristi Cary Miller, 3-part mixed with piano and optional fiddle
Teaching opportunities abound in this irresistible setting of a traditional American folk tune. The modal melody is in pentatonic, easy ostinato-like countermelodies make the part-singing a snap, and there is even a fun body percussion section. Perform it with live fiddle or with the digital audio for a sensational concert showcase!
Shenandoah arr. Roger Emerson, SAB with piano
Using rich, lush contemporary harmonies often found in pop and jazz settings and featuring voices that are often relegated to harmony this new setting of the familiar chanty is a joy to sing.
And We Shall Sail (with The Water Is Wide) arr. Glenda E. Franklin, 2-part with piano and optional flute
An original melody paired with the Scottish folk song “The Water Is Wide” creates a gently flowing choral for 2-part voices with optional flute. The original words speak of sailing to places unknown, sails filled with a gentle breeze and a winding river filled with adventures yet unknown. A fresh take on a well-loved melody creating a beautiful ballad for young voices to learn and experience.
Freedom’s Plow arr. Joseph Joubert, SATB with piano
Poet Langston Hughes writes “A long time ago, an enslaved people heading toward freedom made up a song: Keep Your Hand on the Plow! Hold On! The plow plowed a new furrow across the field of history. Into that furrow, the freedom seed was dropped. From that seed a tree grew, is growing, will ever grow. That tree is for you, and me and everybody.” This is for an advanced choir with an accomplished accompanist.
Hold On arr. Dan Davison, TB with piano and optional percussion
With tremendous rhythmic variety, vitality, and even counterpoint, Davison creates a frenetic energy in this beloved spiritual that comes out of the slave culture of the American south. Ranges are perfect for emerging tenor-bass choirs in the middle and developing high school levels. Add the optional brake drum for greater effect.
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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.