News & Views Sunday, December 08, 2024

In Dulci Jubilo: More Holiday Titles for Choir Friday, October 25, 2024

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

In Dulci Jubilo arr. Mark Burrows, SATB with piano and optional trumpet
Uniquely combining German and Latin in this joyful holiday text, Burrows arrangement for SATB choir, Piano and Opt Trumpet is sure to set your holiday concert on fire! With canonic duets and joyful interplay between SA and TB, it is accessible and appropriate for both school and church alike.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Matthew Culloton, SATB divisi a cappella
This rhythmic and energetic setting of the Advent classic expresses longing and the promise of Christmas. The music captures the excitement of the text. Your choir will enjoy singing this unusual and effective treatment of the plainsong melody.

The Angel’s Message (Angelus ad Virginem) arr. Philip Lawson, SSATB a cappella
This 13th century melody is arranged for high school choirs looking to expand into polyphony for the Christmas season. Smooth melodic lines give way to smart challenges in range, while the B section dabbles in counterpoint – a perfect opportunity for study of Medieval forms.

God Rest Ye arr. Eddie Cavazos, Josh Cavazos, Alice Gomez & Trevor Phillips, SATB with piano, cowbell & congas
The traditional English carol “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” is set here in an upbeat mixed-meter with percussion in a Central American Latin feel. With new lyrics and melodic lines added to the original carol, this is a joyful addition to any Christmas program.

Noël Nouvelet arr. Ruth Dwyer, SATB a cappella with optional percussion
The joyful traditional French carol, translated long ago into English as “Sing We Now of Christmas,” is set a cappella with simple optional percussion. The limited French along with English text makes it a quick learn, and the percussive “rum pum pum” is shared by all the voices, building to a buoyant “Noel” at the finale. An excellent and mature work for the holidays.

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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.

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