News & Views Monday, October 07, 2024

Sing Unto the Sky: New Titles for High School Choir Friday, August 16, 2024

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

for MIXED CHOIRS
Sing Unto the Sky by Karen Marrolli, SATB a cappella with hand drum
This bold and exciting new piece by composer Karen Marrolli was inspired by the wild beauty of the High Desert of New Mexico. The delicate relationship between resources and inhabitants in this area of the world highlights our responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth. The music begins simply and builds throughout, illustrating both a growing urgency and a growing and varied chorus of voices coming together to give thanks. SATB a cappella, with a hand drum, this hearty new work makes for an excellent concert/festival opener or processional. The composer provides opportunities in the score for optional solos/small groups, hand claps, and stomps.

Ad Astra (To the Stars…) (Extended Version) by Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional brass & percussion
This new extended edition of Narverud’s “Ad Astra” for SATB choir and instrumental ensemble radiates energy, and is impressive while still accessible. Filled with hope and empowerment, the text reads, “To the stars through difficulties, look upward, move forward, leave all cares behind.”

With a Spark by Katerina Gimon, SATB with piano
Exploring themes of self-discovery, growth, and change, this empowering work not only honors those who have helped us grow and discover our “spark, flicker, flame,” it encourages us to fan the flames that will change the world. An inspiring choice for graduation or any concert, this unique work employs a variety of textures and ostinatos to create an exciting and rhythmic concert piece with a youthful energy and flair.

I Am Out with Lanterns by Ayrian Norman, SATB a cappella with djembe
This poignant quote from Emily Dickinson has been set to original music by Ayrian Norman for SATB or SSA voices and djembe. The djembe part is integral to the composition as it underpins the rhythmic groove.

Autumn by Ola Gjeilo, SATB divisi a cappella
“Autumn” is the choral version of Ola Gjeilo’s solo piano track of the same name. Inspired by the tranquility of Norwegian nature, the work is a peaceful meditation on the wonder of the earth’s changing seasons.

There Will Be Stars by Andy Beck, SATB with piano
“At the end of every day, there will be stars.” Stars are the inspiration for this stunning concert work that offers the reassurance only nature can bring. A lilting piano theme weaves its way through cascading vocal lines that seamlessly expand from pristine unisons into sumptuous sonorities. Your altos will especially love their “glimmering, glistening” interjections. Be sure to observe notated dynamics, which lean into several well-approached suspensions and taper to twinkling resolutions.

Segalariak by Josu Elberdin, SATB divisi a cappella
The rhythm and joy of “Segalariak” tells the story of a harvesting competition between Basque farmer friends. The rapid alterations between 6/8 and 3/4 create a rambunctious and very enthusiastic musical challenge!

for TREBLE CHOIRS
Take This Gift by Tracy Wong, SSA with piano and hand drum
This optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. Wong employs a variety of textures to bring the setting to life, including a particular light-hearted vocal play motif (‘la la li la lay’) that is usually heard in ‘Canggung’, a Malay folk song. The text was co-written by the composer and the Singaporean vocal percussionist Cherie Chai, and celebrates the life-long relationships created and nurtured within the choral community and the priceless gift of shared choral experiences.

The Open Hand by Susan LaBarr, SSA with piano
“The Open Hand” is inspired by the words and ideas of Bridget “Biddy” Mason, an enslaved woman in the 1800s who worked and fought her way to freedom and success. For SSA choir and piano, this song offers the opportunity for singers to learn the story of an important person in history, as Biddy’s words still resonate today.

The Echo by Andrea Ramsey, SSA with piano and cello
Commissioned to celebrate the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir 20th Anniversary, this three-part treble piece is set to a lovely text by Sara Teasdale. With moderate ranges, exciting articulations, and many teaching moments, this will be a joyful addition to any treble choir concert or choral festival. A gentle, supportive piano accompaniment and beautiful solo cello add warmth and contrast throughout. “Tho’ I shall walk in valley ways for long, I still shall hear the echo of the song!”

The Reborn Sun by Faith Zimmer, SSA with piano
“The Reborn Sun” is a setting of “Hymne au Soleil” by Casimir Delavigne, although using an English translation rather than the original French. Zimmer’s powerful and celebratory song is meant to bring choirs together to experience the joy of making music with one another.

for TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
Good Timber by Susan LaBarr, TBB with piano
This work for tenor-bass choir with its lovely text by poet Douglas Malloch explores the ways in which our life experiences can strengthen us.

Blow, Winds of Fall by Greg Gilpin, TTB with piano
Vivid imagery depicting the change of seasons is portrayed in this gorgeous piece, painted with beauty and simplicity. From its hushed opening, it builds to full choral sonorities, tapering to an ending of quiet splendor.

This Is Who We Are by Mark Burrows, TTBB with piano and djembe
Written as a commission for the New Mexico Peace Choir, “This Is Who We Are” encourages us to claim our better selves, to rise above struggle and fear, and to embrace the power we all have within us. When we stand up for peace and justice, when we sing out for hope and kindness, when we reach out to shine and share our light, we show the world that, together, we can do beautiful things. This is who we are!

Words on My Heart by Mark Patterson, TTB with piano
Every voice matters… and every voice in your choir matters! Patterson’s compelling text is bound to resonate with both performers and audience members. His harmonic material is ever-evolving, containing shifts in tonality paired with a lilting 6/8 time signature.

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.

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