News & Views Wednesday, July 03, 2024

Selections from BARBIE for Marching Band 2024 28 June, 2024

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Barbie Girl arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Originally recorded in 1997 by the group Aqua, this quirky hit is popular again thanks to the blockbuster movie “Barbie.” This solid chart requires limited rehearsal time and will sound great with bands of any size.

Choose Your Fighter arr. Doug Adams, Grade 2
With its catchy melody and driving percussion, singer Ava Max’s hit song from the “Barbie” soundtrack is a natural for marching band. The powerful scoring by arranger Doug Adams will make any band sound twice it size!

Dance the Night arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 3
Dua Lipa is one of today’s hottest stars. Here is her hit tune from “Barbie” in a terrific arrangement by Victor Lopez. This one has a great “hook,” and will be a party tune favorite with your marching or pep band.

Dance the Night arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
From the blockbuster movie “Barbie,” this driving hit recorded by pop star Dua Lipa is a great tune for the stands, or an entertaining dance feature.

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About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!

HerStory: The Piano Collection 26 June, 2024

HerStory: The Piano Collection compiled by Karen Marshall
“HerStory: The Piano Collection” presents invaluable repertoire by remarkable female composers across the ages. This important collection is progressively graded, suitable for intermediate to advanced level players (approximately Grade 4 to Grade 8) and also features a piano duet and an ensemble piece for piano, clarinet, viola, and cello.

Written and compiled by award-winning author and piano pedagogue Karen Marshall, each piece is accompanied by a fascinating snapshot of the 29 composers, providing invaluable insights into how they lived and composed, alongside quotes from them or about them. In addition there are suggestions of other pieces to try, personal observations from Karen Marshall and pedagogical activities and ideas.

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In Search of Inspiration 24 June, 2024

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

In Search of Inspiration: Interviews with Notable Choral Conductors compiled by Gregory Gentry
Choral conductors shoulder a great responsibility as custodians of their craft. And there is perhaps no better source of inspiration and guidance for today’s conductors than the experiences and insights of choral giants who have blazed the trail we now tread.

“In Search of Inspiration” is a collection of in-depth interviews with fifteen highly respected choral conductors from around the world. Each answers a series of fundamental questions about how they shaped their achievements: How do they balance their time making music and fulfilling teaching schedules and concert schedules? How do they motivate students, manage outside professional commitments in the educational setting, and satisfy administrators?

Each conductor generously shares their wisdom and expertise, discussing memorable educational moments on the podium and in the classroom, recounting stirring experiences in the concert hall, and sharing stories about their work with historic figures in music. They also offer insights on programming repertoire and explain how they have successfully navigated a career in music.

These interviews document the through lines within the choral art – elements of performance and mentorship stemming from such luminaries as Julius Herford and Robert Shaw that connect so many of the great conductors.

A fascinating and relevant read for any choral educator, “In Search of Inspiration” explores the choral art through extraordinary 20th- and 21st-century voices whose artistry and influence will be felt for generations to come.

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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.

Sea Symphony NEW EDITION 21 June, 2024

A Sea Symphony by Ralph Vaughan Williams
The vocal score of “A Sea Symphony” was first issued in 1918, and the orchestral score was published six years later. Reflecting the experience of performances following the 1910 Leeds Festival premiere, together they included Vaughan Williams’s revisions up to that time, and have remained the staple texts for performances and recordings of the work for over a century. However, with the preparation of a new edition of the full score to incorporate the evidence of the composer’s further thoughts over four decades, and to correct errors and inconsistencies that came to light after a thorough checking of the source materials, the need to create a fresh redaction of the vocal score proved a welcome opportunity.

The result, presented in a modern, accessible engraving style, is fully compatible with its predecessor, retaining rehearsal marks but also adding bar numbers to assist choirs using a mixture of both scores. Where appropriate, the layout of the piano part has been altered for greater consistency and ease of playing, and discrepancies of punctuation, word division and capitalization in the underlay, overlooked in the original setting, have been corrected according to contemporary best practice. The occasional archaic language of some footnotes has been revised. Walt Whitman’s text is reproduced diplomatically, as set by the composer. A complete account of the editorial procedure will be found in the preface and critical commentary of the new edition of the full score, published in 2023 along with newly originated performing material.

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New PATRIOTIC Selections for Marching Band 2024 20 June, 2024

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Armed Forces Marching On arr. Will Boartfield, Easy
This patriotic parade style medley includes a tribute to the different branches of the United States Armed Forces along with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” This is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

You’re a Grand Old Flag arr. Tim Waters, Medium Easy
This patriotic staple from George M. Cohan is the perfect vehicle for bands traveling the parade route!

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About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!

Join Us with JIM GALLAGHER for Excellence in Choral Literature 2024 19 June, 2024

EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE
Saturday August 24, 2024
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Presented by Jim Gallagher
$25.00

Stanton’s is pleased to announce our 31st annual Excellence in Choral Literature reading session. This session is designed to help you select concert and festival literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and tenor/bass ensembles as well as classic literature from the choral canon.

Led by Jim Gallagher, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, the Excellence Clinic is a valuable Stanton’s tradition for school, college, and community choir directors.

Registration is now open! Visit stantons.com/clinics to register, and contact us for more information.

Practical Collections for Any Organist’s Library 17 June, 2024

recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist

The Ultimate Organ Book for Weddings, Funerals, and the Church Year arr. Hal Hopson
This collection is a comprehensive compilation of organ music including a total of 151 titles. It is perhaps the most exhaustive volume of its type to have ever been published. The compiler has given careful attention to the needs of the church organist for interesting and practical organ literature of varying levels of difficulty for weddings, funerals, ordinary times in the church year, and for special seasons and days.

God of Grace (A Compilation of Favorites for Organ) arr. Paul Manz
Paul Manz’s hymn improvisations have long been essential repertoire for church organists. This collection of previously published works combines favorite improvisations on hymns that have wide ecumenical appeal. The collection contains complete indexes of all Manz publications and recordings. This will be used week after week by organists in all denominations. It is also appropriate for students.

Hymn Tunes A to Z arr. Douglas E. Wagner
In the spirit of our great tradition of hymns as vehicles for praise, prayer, and introspection, Douglas E. Wagner has assembled an eclectic mix of creative hymn-tune settings by twenty-one writers, with at least one tune corresponding to every letter of the alphabet! This wire-bound, budget-stretching worship resource provides countless choices for service use and contains a detailed table of contents and a handy tune index.

50 Hymn Trios for Organ arr. Wolfgang Rübsam
These short trios were designed to be performed as hymn introductions, short preludes or brief hymn meditations. They are highly accessible (almost sight-readable) and extremely flexible, and will prove a welcome addition to the library of organists with limited practice time. This amazing collection is presented in church year order and contains trios based on 50 familiar hymn tunes. From Advent through Pentecost, Rübsam’s trios are scored for a two-manual instrument, making them accessible to the majority of organists. In short, this collection of “50 Hymn Trios for Organ” is easily accessible, extremely versatile, and will be a welcome addition to any organist’s library!

The Creative Use of Organ in Worship by Hal Hopson
An extensive resource of 250+ hymn reharmonizations, plus 21 ways to improvise hymntunes for use as service music, along with a complete listing of modulations and 5 harmonizations for The Doxology.

Sunday Morning Organist, Volume 5: The Best of the St. Cecilia Series
The original Saint Cecilia Series was aptly named for the patron saint of musicians who has often been represented in art as playing the organ. This special edition of the Sunday Morning Organist includes many of the most famous pieces from the original H.W. Gray Series compiled into one convenient resource for professional organists. Many musical genres are represented including traditional hymn tunes, gospel songs, American folk melodies, classical favorites, as well as Christmas and wedding selections. “Best of the Saint Cecilia Series” provides a valuable collection of performance pieces for the church organist.

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About the Author:
Christopher B. grew up in eastern Kentucky in a musically diverse family, and began playing organ at the age of 12. He majored in vocal performance with minors in keyboards and conducting at Marshall University and later received a Master of Theological Studies in congregational ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Christopher has served as a church music director and organist for more than 20 years, presently serving as Director of Music and Worship Arts/Organist at Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, OH.

Rehearsing the Vocal Jazz Ensemble 14 June, 2024

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

Rehearsing the Vocal Jazz Ensemble by Daniel Gregerman
From philosophy, auditions, and lesson planning to improvisation and literature selection, this diverse group of nationally recognized educators at all levels discuss these topics and more. Each director practically walks you through a rehearsal! Whether you are a seasoned vocal jazz director or someone looking to get started, the authors’ concepts on running an outstanding vocal jazz program has something for everyone.

Includes chapters by: Andrew Dahan, Roger Emerson, Daniel Gregerman, Greg Jasperse, Connaitre Miller, Kate Reid, John Stafford II, Janice Vlachos, Gaw Vang Williams, and Natalie Wilson.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.

SIMPLE POP SONGS – The Easiest Piano Songs! 12 June, 2024

Simple Pop Songs: The Easiest Easy Piano Songs
This big collection lets even beginners play 50 hit songs from today’s top artists including BTS, Billie Eilish, Glass Animals, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, Olivia Rodrigo, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and more. Each song is presented in the easiest of arrangements for piano and include lyrics, perfect for sight-reading practice.

Songs include: All Too Well • Bad Liar • Better Days • Better Now • Blinding Lights • Break My Heart • Close to Me • Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) • Dance Monkey • Drivers License • Easy on Me • Everything I Wanted • Heat Waves • Holy • If I Didn’t Love You • Kings & Queens • Lose You to Love Me • Love Again • Old Town Road (Remix) • Permission to Dance • Shivers • Someone You Loved • Walk Me Home • Willow • Without Me • Without You • You Say • and more.

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Classic PATRIOTIC Selections for Organ 10 June, 2024

recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist

National Hymn (God of Our Fathers) arr. Mark Thewes
From the opening trumpet fanfare to the powerful, dramatic ending, organists a nd congregations will thrill at this exceptional setting of the familiar hymn tune, National Hymn. The piece calls for a big trumpet stop, but this can be echoed on a different manual if the stop is unavailable. A sure winner – don’t miss this exciting arrangement.

Meditation and Variations on America arr. Jan Linker
A meditation and a theme and variations on “America.”

The Star-Spangled Banner (Concert Variations) arr. E. Power Biggs
Here’s a creative and exciting presentation of “The Star Spangled Banner” like none other for organ. The moving and delightful concert variations style will keep the audience engaged and eager to hear more. Edited by the legendary E. Power Biggs.

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory arr. Jan Linker
Four patriotic hymns arranged for organ. The collection contains: “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” “Faith of Our Fathers,” “God of Our Fathers,” and “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.”

A Patriotic Suite arr. Charles Callahan
Effective on small and large instruments. Includes: “Processional on Eternal Father, Strong to Save” (MELITA), “Improvisation on O Beautiful, for Spacious Skies” (AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL), and “Theme, Variations, and Finale on The Star-Spangled Banner” (AMERICA).

Sousa Marches for Organ arr. Martin Setchell
The “March King” John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) wrote over 100 marches for his world-famous band. Eight of these famous marches are included in this collection. Titles include: “El Capitan,” “King Cotton,” “Semper fidelis,” “The Gladiator,” “The Liberty Bell,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “The Thunderer,” and “The Washington Post.”

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About the Author:
Christopher B. grew up in eastern Kentucky in a musically diverse family, and began playing organ at the age of 12. He majored in vocal performance with minors in keyboards and conducting at Marshall University and later received a Master of Theological Studies in congregational ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Christopher has served as a church music director and organist for more than 20 years, presently serving as Director of Music and Worship Arts/Organist at Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, OH.

Keith Snell Piano Course for the Adult Beginner 07 June, 2024

Keith Snell Piano Course for the Adult Beginner by Keith Snell
A new piano course by Keith Snell designed especially for adults! This new course is designed with adult capabilities in mind. It will navigate students through the process of becoming musically literate and technically proficient, with the ultimate goal of achieving the competence to play whatever music they like.

The course is comprised of two books, divided into 10 units in each book. Each unit consists of three sections:

  • Lessons for introducing concepts
  • Theory to reinforce concepts, and gain a deeper understanding of music;
  • Technic for developing the coordination and fluency needed to play well.

Through a variety of musical styles, students will learn about scales, chords, and key signatures, and how these elements are used as the building blocks of music. Combined with a solid foundation in reading notes and rhythms, the skills acquired from this course are fully transferable to many types of music and music making, and will ensure a lifetime of enjoyment at the piano.

For added enjoyment and instruction each book includes FREE access to online resources such as audio accompaniments, YouTube demonstration videos, answer keys, and more!

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SAVE THE DATE: Church Music Sessions with Lloyd Larson in August 05 June, 2024

SACRED CHORAL READING SESSION
Saturday August 10, 2024
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State Street, Westerville OH 43081
Presented by Lloyd Larson
$25.00

Stanton’s is pleased to welcome back Lloyd Larson as our clinician for the August Sacred Choral Music reading session. Mr. Larson earned a B.A. from Anderson University of Anderson, Indiana in 1976 and a M.C.M. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky in 1979. He has done additional graduate work at Southern Baptist Seminary, The Ohio State University, and Northern Baptist Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

Since 1982, Lloyd has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church and school music. His compositions and arrangements include well over 1,500 published works—including choral anthems, numerous extended Christmas, Easter and non‑seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal solo and duet collections, instrumental works for solo and ensembles, orchestrations, and handbell settings. The resulting notoriety has placed him in constant demand as a clinician throughout North America. It is Lloyd’s work in his local church that continues to be the catalyst for much of his writing where he is actively involved in various roles of music leadership.

Your registration for the clinic includes a packet of over 30 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. Please note that there is no pre-registration for this session – all registration will take place on-site beginning at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you on August 10th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.

Contact the Choral Department for more information on the Sacred Choral reading session.

SACRED PIANO READING SESSION
Saturday August 10, 2024
2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215
Presented by Lloyd Larson
$5.00

Join us at Stanton’s Sheet Music for an afternoon of listening to new selections of sacred piano music that will be enjoyable to play in church or at home. Our clinician this year is Lloyd Larson.

Contact the Keyboard Department for more information on the Sacred Piano reading session.

80s Pop Hits for MARCHING BAND 2024 04 June, 2024

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Don’t You (Forget About Me) arr. Ishbah Cox, Grade 3
Some songs from the 80s never seem to grow old and this smash hit recorded by Simple Minds is certainly one of these. With its memorable melody and powerful drive, you won’t soon forget about this one!

Eye of the Tiger arr. Scott Boerma & Chuck Ricotta, Grade 3
Recorded by Survivor in 1982 for the movie “Rocky III,” this rock anthem has come to epitomize the emotion and drama of competition. Scott Boerma’s arrangement takes this hit to new levels of excitement for any sports arena!

Human Nature arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This hit from Michael Jackson makes a powerful funky masterpiece that will make the press box tremble!

In the Air Tonight arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
Featuring the most famous drum break in modern rock, “In the Air Tonight” has become one of Phil Collins’ signature hits. Often heard in movies and TV, it was recently used as the theme for “Monday Night Football.”

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About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!

Pop, Stage & Screen Releases for COMMUNITY BAND 03 June, 2024

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

David Bowie: The Hits arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 3
Bowie. Some artists only need to be known and recalled by one name. This fantastic medley contains three of his biggest hits. The jazzy and funky “Let’s Dance,” the ethereal “Space Oddity,” and the ever-grooving hit, with rock group Queen, “Under Pressure.”

Stardust arr. Paul Clark, Grade 3
Written in 1927, “Stardust” has been recorded over 1,500 times and is now considered to be part of the Great American Songbook. This stellar Paul Clark arrangement includes the 16 bar introduction, followed by solo trumpet on the first verse. Full ensemble plays the 2nd verse, with a solo trumpet ending that’s as pretty as stardust. A classic arrangement of a great American standard. Perfect for adult community bands as well!

Thriller arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3.5
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” remains one of the most popular hits of all time, and this iconic band arrangement by Erik Morales captures the smash hit in all its glory. In addition to drum set, optional electric bass and synth keyboard bring the music to life.

Good Omens (Theme) arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
The quirky British television series “Good Omens” (starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen) features a suitably distinctive and appealing main theme by scoring master David Arnold. Part sinister, and part fun, you don’t have to be a fan of the series to enjoy this clever arrangement.

Music from Annie arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 3.5
Bring the music from one of the greatest musicals of all time, “Annie,” to your concert hall. This exciting arrangement by Michael Kamuf includes three of the show’s most iconic songs, “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow,” and makes the perfect closing selection for your next concert!

Theme from New York, New York arr. Erik Morales, Grade 2.5
Treat your audience to one of the most iconic songs of all time while introducing jazz and swing concepts at a very approachable level. Erik Morales has done a fantastic job with this arrangement of “New York, New York,” which requires no extra instrumentation to be as cool as the original. Perfect to showcase music from the Broadway show.

Raiders March by John Williams/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 4
One of the most iconic movie themes ever written, here is John Williams’ classic scored for mature ensembles. This dynamic arrangement also includes a brief lyric moment from “Marion’s Theme.”

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!