Dance for Love: Creative Programming for High School SAB Choirs Monday, April 29, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Dance for Love by Z. Randall Stroope, SAB with piano
Now available for SAB choirs! Here we are implored to “dance for beauty, dance for laughter, dance for love” in Stroope’s delightful, heartfelt composition. The evocative piano accompaniment adds to, and supports, the voices. Many teaching moments, and a wonderful opportunity to explore lyrical singing, phrasing, and simple mixed-meter in this accessible and memorable work.
Laudate Dominum by Dan Davison, SAB with optional Tenor (or 2-part any combination) with piano
Written for the needs of middle school choirs, this two-part neoclassic piece incorporates useful teaching techniques. Sopranos and tenors double in octaves as do the altos and basses, making this piece possible for groups with limited basses and tenors.
Carrickfergus arr. Russell Robinson, SAB with piano and optional flute
A song of great longing and pathos, this hauntingly beautiful Irish folk song is now available for SAB voices. With solo opportunities throughout, the gorgeous melody is further enhanced by the optional flute, an instrument found in much Irish music. Don’t miss this one – it’s gorgeous.
Praise Ye the Lord by Dan Davison, SATB with piano
An exciting work for originally written for tenor-bass choir and now offered here for mixed voices. A great concert opener. In 7/8 time, this work will give a nice but achievable challenge to your group. A good selection for honor choirs and festivals.
Ave Maria attributed to Jacob Arcadelt/arr. Ed Hughes, SAB a cappella
First published in 1842, this admired composition has been carefully arranged for SAB a cappella voices. Based on a 16th century French chanson, it contains the depth of many ages. Still appropriate for the worship service, it is also a valued concert piece, useful for small choirs both young and seasoned.
This Quiet Night (In Stiller Nacht) by Johannes Brahms/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, SAB with piano and optional horn
The exquisite music of Johannes Brahms has been adapted by Douglas E. Wagner to include an English text, piano accompaniment, and optional F Horn. The original German text is also included in the music as a performance option. A wonderful opportunity to introduce your choir to the music of Brahms, either with the more accessible English lyric, or the more challenging original German.
Il est bel et bon by Pierre Passereau/arr. Russell Robinson, SAB a cappella (optional piano)
This Renaissance “fun” piece by Pierre Passereau has always been a choral and audience highlight. Russell Robinson has now made it accessible for SAB voices. The French text is easy, and singers and audiences will “get” the fun meaning of this piece. It has an optional piano accompaniment in the style of a lute to keep with the style and assist and complement the voices.
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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.