Almost Like Being in Love: New Jazz & Gospel for Choir Friday, March 08, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Almost Like Being in Love arr. Roger Emerson, 2-part with piano
Filled with jazz stylings from swing to scat, this arrangement of “Almost Like Being in Love” is perfect for developing choirs. Choirs will love the bright, upbeat setting with its smooth conversational style and colorful piano accompaniment!
It’s Only a Paper Moon arr. Mac Huff, 3-part mixed with piano
This jazz and pop standard is masterfully arranged with both unison and easy part-singing opportunities. The accessible voice parts make the piece an ideal choice for middle school choirs or any choir with developing singers.
If Ever I Would Leave You arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
The cherished love song from “Camelot” receives a classic choral treatment in this lush, a cappella setting. Equally suitable for large ensembles or small vocal jazz groups, Kirby Shaw’s impressive arrangement rises to meet Lerner and Loewe at their finest!
Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) arr. Roger Emerson, TB with piano
“Fly Me to the Moon,” written in 1954, has become a part of the Great American Songbook. Not surprisingly, Buzz Aldrin played the song when he stepped onto the moon’s surface in 1969. Many singers have recorded the tune, but Frank Sinatra’s version has become the standard for this immortal song of love and admiration.
Higher Ground arr. Matt & Adam Podd, SSATBB with piano
The Podd Brothers are accomplishing something unique: pop arrangements that completely capture the spirit and emotions of the original song, yet make rhythmic and harmonic choices that reach an entirely new echelon of musical idiosyncrasy! Have you heard Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” with a gospel-style choral intro smoothly dissolving into a back-beat modern-groove choral exercise complete with 2nd and 9th harmonic intervals throughout? You have now!
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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.