Gerakina and More: World Music for Young Choir Friday, April 12, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Gerakina arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano and optional percussion
“Gerakina” (yeh-rah-kee-nah) is one of the most popular folk songs in Greece and the inspiration for an annual festival of the same name. Developing singers will enjoy the dance-like lilt and the fun “drun-a-drun” lyric, representing the sound of the title character’s jingling bracelets. Greg Gilpin’s percussion suggestions both anchor and enhance the bright 7/8 meter, and an included pronunciation guide aids with the Greek text.
The Ash Grove, My Home arr. Becki Slagle Mayo, 2-part treble with piano and optional flute or C instrument
One of the most enduring melodies in the folk song genre, the beautiful lines of this Welsh folksong are coupled with a lyrical piano and optional flute accompaniment in this setting for two-part treble ensembles. An excellent work for developing tone and legato singing.
Momiji (Autumn Leaves) by Teiichi Okano/arr. Michael Ryan, 2-part with piano and optional hand drum & glockenspiel or handbells
This lovely traditional Japanese song has been given a sensitive treatment by Michael Ryan. This setting provides a marvelous multicultural and creative programming gem for developing choirs. A pronunciation guide and translation are provided for the Japanese lyrics and the second verse may be sung in English. The addition of Hand Drum and Glockenspiel will provide a unique color and texture and will enhance any performance.
Sutoku In by Ruth Morris Gray, 2-part with piano
The text of this multicultural feature is a waka (an ancient Japanese poetic form) written by 12th-century ruler Emperor Sutoku. Ruth Morris Gray has created original music that highlights the poem’s depth and explores its theme of separation. Crafted with two minor-key melodies (one sung in Japanese, the other in English) that beautifully intertwine at the pinnacle moment. A pronunciation guide is included in the publication.
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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.