News & Views Saturday, December 21, 2024

I Just Keep Groovin’! Medleys & Novelty Songs for Spring 2024 Wednesday, March 06, 2024

recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists

I Just Keep Groovin’ by Jim Papoulis, 2-part treble with piano
Here is a bluesy and hip setting of the sort of positive and inspirational lyric that we expect from the positive and inspirational composer, Jim Papoulis.

ABBA Gold (Medley) arr. Jack Zaino, SATB with piano
The legendary Swedish pop group created one of the best-selling albums of all time with “ABBA Gold.” Featuring three of its most memorable songs, this fast-paced mini-medley is a blast from the first iconic “Mamma Mia” hook to the final “Dancing Queen” flourish. A variety of voicings bring this fabulous feature to choirs of any age.

Woodchuck by Mark Burrows, 2-part (opt. 3-part) with piano
Mark Burrows’ limitless wit strikes again in this humorous piece posing the age-old question, How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Beyond the comedic appeal, this chipper tune presents learning opportunities for clean diction and rhythmic challenges that provide the opportunity to practice counting rhythms and part independence.

The Noble Duke of York by Mark Burrows, T(T)B with piano
Fun is the key to this arrangement which reimagines the whole scene of the Duke of York tediously marching his ten thousand men up and down the hill. What if those men had other plans? What if they had dreams of their own? What if they didn’t want to march up and down that hill anymore?! Find out the answers to these questions when you learn this great song, ideal for T(T)B ensembles both large and small.

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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.

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